Overview
Duration: 18 Nights
Distance: 314 KM
Base Price: From €1,250.00
This self-guided pilgrimage covers the final 300 kilometers of the Camino Francés, beginning in the historic city of León and ending at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. It is an ideal choice for pilgrims seeking a fuller Camino experience while retaining the independence and flexibility of self-guided travel.
Your journey begins with a night in León, home to the stunning Gothic cathedral and rich cultural heritage. Over 17 days of walking, you’ll pass through a variety of landscapes: the fertile plains of León, the medieval town of Astorga, the climb to the mountain hamlet of O Cebreiro, and finally the green hills of Galicia. Each stage provides a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty that has drawn pilgrims for centuries.
Accommodations are pre-booked: you’ll stay in hotels in León and Santiago, with shared dormitories in between. For those who prefer more privacy, optional upgrades to private or single rooms are available. The trip concludes with an extra night in Santiago, giving you time to attend the Pilgrim’s Mass, explore the historic old town, and reflect on your accomplishment.
This package includes everything needed for a smooth Camino: accommodations, a pilgrim credential, and support before your journey begins. You can also customize your trip with optional services such as baggage transport, extra nights in León or Santiago, and a two-night extension to Finisterre, the legendary “end of the earth.”
By walking from León, you will not only qualify for the Compostela certificate, but also experience the Camino as it unfolds across Spain’s diverse regions, deepening your connection to the route and its traditions. This is the Camino at its most authentic—independent, flexible, and transformative.
Map of the route
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in León
Day 1 - Arrive in León
Description
Enjoy a free day to rest, explore León’s old quarter, and visit the Monastery of San Marcos. Sample local wines and soak up the vibrant atmosphere before heading toward the mountains.
distance: 0 km
ascent: 0 m
descent: 0 m
% hard surfaces: 0
difficulty rating: 0
Day 1 - León to Villar de Mazarife
Day 1 - León to Villar de Mazarife
Description
Depart León and cross the fertile plain of Órbigo. The alternative route to Villar de Mazarife offers quiet farm tracks, small villages, and open landscapes ideal for reflection.
distance: 20.7 km
ascent: 194 m
descent: 156 m
% hard surfaces: 71
difficulty rating: 7
Day 2 - Villar de Mazarife to Hospitál de Órbigo
Day 2 - Villar de Mazarife to Hospitál de Órbigo
Description
A short day through flat farmland ends at Hospital de Órbigo, famous for its long medieval bridge and legend of the knight Suero de Quiñones. Relax beside the river or explore the old town.
distance: 14.3 km
ascent: 14 m
descent: 65 m
% hard surfaces: 54
difficulty rating: 5
Day 3 - Hospitál de Órbigo to Astorga
Day 3 - Hospitál de Órbigo to Astorga
Description
Walk rolling countryside past small farming villages before arriving in Astorga, a historic crossroads of the Roman Empire and the Camino. Visit Gaudí’s whimsical Episcopal Palace and the grand cathedral.
distance: 17 km
ascent: 235 m
descent: 180 m
% hard surfaces: 32
difficulty rating: 7
Day 4 - Astorga to Rabanal del Camino
Day 4 - Astorga to Rabanal del Camino
Description
Climb gradually into the Montes de León. The terrain shifts from flat farmland to chestnut and oak forests, and the mountain hamlet of Rabanal welcomes you with cozy stone lodgings and monastery vespers.
distance: 19.8 km
ascent: 337 m
descent: 58 m
% hard surfaces: 36
difficulty rating: 7
Day 5 - Rabanal del Camino to Molinaseca
Day 5 - Rabanal del Camino to Molinaseca
Description
Cross the high pass at Foncebadón and visit the Cruz de Ferro, where pilgrims leave stones symbolizing their burdens. Descend carefully toward Molinaseca, a charming village beside a cool river.
distance: 24.1 km
ascent: 415 m
descent: 989 m
% hard surfaces: 21
difficulty rating: 9
Day 6 - Molinaseca to Cacabelos
Day 6 - Molinaseca to Cacabelos
Description
A gentle day through Ponferrada, home to a vast Templar castle, and on through vineyards of the Bierzo valley. End in Cacabelos, known for fine wines and peaceful river walks.
distance: 22.8 km
ascent: 223 m
descent: 323 m
% hard surfaces: 79
difficulty rating: 7
Day 7- Cacabelos to Asbasmestas
Day 7- Cacabelos to Asbasmestas
Description
Walk quiet lanes through small hamlets and fruit orchards. The landscape grows greener as you approach Asbasmestas, nestled in a tranquil valley at the foot of the Galician mountains.
distance: 22.4 km
ascent: 380 m
descent: 252 m
% hard surfaces: 63
difficulty rating: 7
Day 8 - Ambasmestas to O Cebreiro
Day 8 - Ambasmestas to O Cebreiro
Description
A shorter but steep climb through chestnut groves and winding mountain paths leads to the Celtic-style village of O Cebreiro, perched above the clouds. The stone pallozas and sweeping views are unforgettable.
distance: 12.9 km
ascent: 729 m
descent: 41 m
% hard surfaces: 72
difficulty rating: 8
Day 9 - O Cebreiro to Triacastela
Day 9 - O Cebreiro to Triacastela
Description
Descend from the ridge through misty forests and stone hamlets. Pass the chapel of San Roque and the pilgrim statue before winding down into Triacastela, a peaceful valley town.
distance: 21 km
ascent: 306 m
descent: 940 m
% hard surfaces: 35
difficulty rating: 8
Day 10 - Triacastela to Sarria
Day 10 - Triacastela to Sarria
Description
Follow the scenic San Xil route through oak forests and mountain farms. Enjoy views of Galicia’s rolling hills before arriving in Sarria, gateway to the final 100 kilometers of the Camino.
distance: 16.8 km
ascent: 318 m
descent: 534 m
% hard surfaces: 50
difficulty rating: 6
Day 11 - Sarría to Portomarín
Day 11 - Sarría to Portomarín
Description
A classic Galician stage over gentle hills, through ancient chestnut groves and hamlets. Cross the Miño River into Portomarín, a village rebuilt stone-by-stone above its original site.
distance: 22.9 km
ascent: 554 m
descent: 589 m
% hard surfaces: 53
difficulty rating: 7
Day 12 - Portomarín to Palas de Rei
Day 12 - Portomarín to Palas de Rei
Description
Climb gradually through farmland and eucalyptus woods. The route winds through quiet hamlets before reaching Palas de Rei, a welcoming town of cafés and bakeries.
distance: 25.3 km
ascent: 622 m
descent: 458 m
% hard surfaces: 31
difficulty rating: 7
Day 13 - Palas de Rei to Melide
Day 13 - Palas de Rei to Melide
Description
A shorter day of forest paths and rolling farmland. Melide is famed for its lively market and pulperías — try Galicia’s classic octopus dish, pulpo a la gallega.
distance: 14.9 km
ascent: 286 m
descent: 381 m
% hard surfaces: 37
difficulty rating: 6
Day 14 - Melide to Arzúa
Day 14 - Melide to Arzúa
Description
Walk through cool eucalyptus forests and peaceful Galician countryside. Arzúa, known for its creamy local cheese, offers cozy accommodations and friendly pilgrim energy.
distance: 14.5 km
ascent: 341 m
descent: 411 m
% hard surfaces: 55
difficulty rating: 6
Day 15 - Arzúa to O Pedrouzo
Day 15 - Arzúa to O Pedrouzo
Description
A pleasant stage through forests and farm tracks, with cafés and small villages along the way. O Pedrouzo is the final stop before Santiago, full of anticipation and camaraderie.
distance: 19.7 km
ascent: 433 m
descent: 535 m
% hard surfaces: 26
difficulty rating: 6
Day 16 - O Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela
Day 16 - O Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela
Description
A gradual climb to Monte do Gozo gives your first view of Santiago’s cathedral spires. The descent through the city’s winding streets ends in the magnificent Praza do Obradoiro, where pilgrims embrace and celebrate their journey’s end.
distance: 19.9 km
ascent: 407 m
descent: 433 m
% hard surfaces: 68
difficulty rating: 6
Day 17 - Bonus Day in Santiago de Compostela
Day 17 - Bonus Day in Santiago de Compostela
Description
Attend the Pilgrim’s Mass, explore the cathedral and its museum, and relax in Santiago’s historic quarter. A well-earned rest to savor your accomplishment.
distance: 0 km
ascent: 0 m
descent: 0 m
% hard surfaces: 0
difficulty rating: 0
Day 18 - Depart Santiago
Day 18 - Depart Santiago
Description
Enjoy breakfast and final farewells, or extend your pilgrimage to the Atlantic coast at Finisterre or Muxía.
distance: 0 km
ascent: 0 m
descent: 0 m
% hard surfaces: 0
difficulty rating: 0
What's Included
- All (42) overnight accommodations
- Private rooms at start and finish plus at bonus days
- Dormitory accommodations in intermediate towns
- Extra days - Pamplona, Burgos, León and Santiago
Options Available
- Private rooms throughout
- Baggage transport each day
- Additional extra day in Santiago
- 2-night trip to the Atlantic coast at Finisterre at journey's end
What You Provide
- Transport to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and from Santiago de Compostela
- All meals (we're happy to recommend eateries in several towns)
- Adequate gear for a walk of nearly 800 kilometers
- Adequate fitness to walk from 16-28 kilometers per day on varied terrain
