Camino de Santiago by bike from Leon

Breakfast and start of the stage.

We traverse the Leonese moorland, flat terrain that runs along well-marked tracks and trails. As we approach Astorga, the terrain begins to change. We enter the Maragatería region, passing through beautiful villages and large manor houses, characteristic of this austere region.

We highlight in Hospital de Órbigo, the Bridge of the Honorable Passage, famous for the feat of the knight Don Suero de Quiñones in 1434 and for its festivals with medieval jousting.

At the entrance of Astorga, the Cruceiro of Santo Toribio. In Astorga, we highlight the Cathedral, the Gaudí Archbishop’s Palace, and its Main Square.

Arrival at Rabanal del Wey. End of the stage.

Breakfast and start of the stage.

As soon as we leave Rabanal del Camino, we begin the ascent towards Mount Irago, with Foncebadón at its summit. After passing by the legendary Cruz del Ferro (the highest point of the trail), we descend sharply through Acebo, until reaching Molinaseca, with its magnificent Medieval Bridge, and Ponferrada, the capital of El Bierzo (a transition region between Leon and Galicia). Through vineyards and dirt tracks, we will arrive at Cacabelos, and then Villafranca del Bierzo.

Highlights of this stage include: Foncebadon, which once hosted a Council; the landscape from Mount Irago; Ponferrada with its Templar-origin Castle, exceptionally well-preserved; and in Villafranca del Bierzo, the Romanesque Church of Santiago.

Arrival in Villafranca del Bierzo. End of the stage.

Breakfast and start of the stage.

The stage runs through the vicinity of the old National Road VI and along the valley of the Valcarce River until we head uphill towards the mythical O Cebreiro and the Galician Holy Grail, the entry point of the Camino de Santiago into Galicia, with the Ancares and O Courel mountain ranges as witnesses.

From O Cebreiro, also ascending, we will encounter the Altos del Poio and San Roque, to then continue in a steep descent until Triacastela. The spectacular views will accompany us on this stretch of the stage.

From Triacastela, and by road, we head towards the fabulous Monastery of Samos, whose origins date back to the 6th century.

Arrival in Samos. End of the stage.

Breakfast and start of the stage.

Stage with constant ups and downs, not too long, but of great beauty. We will pass through vast wooded areas and numerous watercourses and trails. Route through numerous villages and small towns.

Later, we arrive at Sarria, the largest town we will encounter until reaching Santiago. At this point, we will coincide with many pilgrims on foot who are walking the Camino de Santiago from Sarria.

Portomarín, at the foot of the Belesar Reservoir, will welcome us halfway.

In Sarria, we highlight the Monastery of La Magdalena, and in Portomarín, the Fortress Church of San Nicolas.

Arrival in Palas de Rei. End of the stage.

Breakfast and start of the stage.

In this final stage of the Camino de Santiago by bike from León, we will continue to encounter terrain with constant ups and downs without significant slopes.

We ride through dirt tracks and paved areas, close to the road and crossing small villages and numerous streams.

From Arzua, we continue with the ups and downs, passing through small towns.

The path continues to flirt with the asphalt of the road and crosses it from side to side. We ascend towards Alto de Santa Irene and descend to head towards Pedrouzo between corredoiras tracks and dense forests.

Once we reach the town of Pedrouzo, and already very close to Santiago de Compostela, we face a light route first and then ascend to Monte do Gozo where, if we look closely, in the distance, we can see the towers of the Cathedral of Santiago. From there, there is only the descent towards the “Holy City” after a long journey.

We enter its old town, which deserves a thorough visit to discover its grandeur and spectacularity that somehow transports us to its medieval era. Its narrow streets will lead us directly to its beautiful Plaza del Obradoiro and its imposing Cathedral, which is also worth admiring and exploring inside and out.

Arrival in Santiago de Compostela. End of the Camino de Santiago by bike from Leon.