Camino & Eclipse 2026: From León to Ponferrada (Self Guided)

Begin your Camino under the shadow of the 2026 eclipse and walk through León’s storied lands to Ponferrada.

Begin your Camino under the shadow of the 2026 eclipse and walk through León’s storied lands to Ponferrada.

Starting from

€923

You’ll start in León, one of the greatest cities in Spain and finish in Ponferrada. Built by the Knights Templars in the 12th Century. The Camino de Santiago, or Way of Saint James, starts on the central high plateau and traverses the untouched Leon Mountains. As with all of our tours, you’ll be treated to the very best local gastronomy, and stay in traditional guesthouses and hotels.

You’ll start in León, one of the greatest cities in Spain and finish in Ponferrada. Built by the Knights Templars in the 12th Century. The Camino de Santiago, or Way of Saint James, starts on the central high plateau and traverses the untouched Leon Mountains. As with all of our tours, you’ll be treated to the very best local gastronomy, and stay in traditional guesthouses and hotels.

Stage 6 of 8

103.9km

7 days

Comfort

Popular time

august

Starting from

€923

Starting from

€923

Route Summary

Stage 6 of 8

103.9km

7 days

Comfort

Popular time

august

Best time to go:

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Popular Time
Good Time
Off/Low Season
Not Possible

Overall

Distance:

19.8 min | 26km average | 31.7 max

Ascent:

246.1 min |371.9m average | 604.1 max

Cardio:

3   3.3   4

Follow the Camino Preview Map Trip 1326

View the popular times to visit this route

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Popular Time
Good Time
Off/Low Season
Not Possible

Overall

Distance:

19.8 min | 26km average | 31.7 max

Ascent:

246.1 min |371.9m average | 604.1 max

Cardio:

3   3.3   4

Follow the Camino Preview Map Trip 1326

Upcoming Tours

11 Aug - 17 Aug
Guaranteed departure Available

Highlights

Leon Cathedral

Leon

A major city in the north of Spain and on the Camino, Leon is worth an extra night stop over so you have time to explore this fascinating city. From the many historical sights to visit during the day to the lively nightlife, this city provides experiences for all age and interests. Two major standout attractions are located within the Roman walls of the city; the Cathedral with its magnificent Gothic sculptures and stained glass windows, and the Basilica of San Isidoro that is renowned for its ‘Sistine Chapel-esque’ frescos. Wander the streets to discover many cafes and restaurants with regional specialities accompanied by the local El Bierzo wine.

Episcopal Palace, Gaudi, Astorga.jpg

Astorga

Within the mediaeval walls of Astorga you will find a vibrant and attractive city. From Roman ruins to neo-Gothic Episcopal Palace designed by Gaudi, there is a wealth of different architecture to take in. Be sure to visit the Cathedral with its Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements; learn more about the Camino in the Pilgrim Museum located in the Episcopal Palace; and when the clock strikes on the hour be at Plaza Mayor to witness the chimes on the Bell Tower where two small figures of a man and woman in traditional dress strike the bell. Having worked up an appetite walking around this compact city try some of the local cuisine in the many cafes and restaurants, or for those with a sweet tooth a visit to the Museum of Chocolate!

Solar Eclipse in León

On August 12th, something truly magical will happen in León: the sky will go dark in the middle of the day as a total solar eclipse passes over the city. For a few unforgettable minutes, the moon will completely cover the sun, and day will briefly turn into night. Being on the Camino during such a rare and powerful moment adds a whole new layer of meaning to the experience. Whether you're a passionate stargazer or just lucky enough to be walking through León that day, you’ll witness a spectacle that few get to see in their lifetime. Pilgrims and locals will come together to look up in awe, so be sure to pack your eclipse glasses and get ready for a Camino memory you’ll never forget.

Leon Cathedral

Leon

A major city in the north of Spain and on the Camino, Leon is worth an extra night stop over so you have time to explore this fascinating city. From the many historical sights to visit during the day to the lively nightlife, this city provides experiences for all age and interests. Two major standout attractions are located within the Roman walls of the city; the Cathedral with its magnificent Gothic sculptures and stained glass windows, and the Basilica of San Isidoro that is renowned for its ‘Sistine Chapel-esque’ frescos. Wander the streets to discover many cafes and restaurants with regional specialities accompanied by the local El Bierzo wine.

Episcopal Palace, Gaudi, Astorga.jpg

Astorga

Within the mediaeval walls of Astorga you will find a vibrant and attractive city. From Roman ruins to neo-Gothic Episcopal Palace designed by Gaudi, there is a wealth of different architecture to take in. Be sure to visit the Cathedral with its Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements; learn more about the Camino in the Pilgrim Museum located in the Episcopal Palace; and when the clock strikes on the hour be at Plaza Mayor to witness the chimes on the Bell Tower where two small figures of a man and woman in traditional dress strike the bell. Having worked up an appetite walking around this compact city try some of the local cuisine in the many cafes and restaurants, or for those with a sweet tooth a visit to the Museum of Chocolate!

Solar Eclipse in León

On August 12th, something truly magical will happen in León: the sky will go dark in the middle of the day as a total solar eclipse passes over the city. For a few unforgettable minutes, the moon will completely cover the sun, and day will briefly turn into night. Being on the Camino during such a rare and powerful moment adds a whole new layer of meaning to the experience. Whether you're a passionate stargazer or just lucky enough to be walking through León that day, you’ll witness a spectacle that few get to see in their lifetime. Pilgrims and locals will come together to look up in awe, so be sure to pack your eclipse glasses and get ready for a Camino memory you’ll never forget.

Start Planning Now !

LEON

PONFERRADA

Starting from € 923
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Services

Included in this package

Specially Hand-Picked Accommodation

Bed & Breakfast

Our Holiday or Pilgrim Pack

24/7 On-Call Support

Virtual Face-to-Face Pre-Departure Briefing

Luggage Transfers from Hotel to Hotel

Add-On

Airport Pick-Up

Additional Nights

Not included: Flights/trains, Insurance, Drinks/Lunch

Itinerary

Day

1

km

LEON

Welcome to León! Today you’ll arrive and settle into your accommodation. Depending on what time you get in, you might already have the chance to explore a little. León is a lively and welcoming city, full of charm and history, perfect for a relaxed afternoon stroll or an evening of tapas in the buzzing old town.

Day

2

km

LEON

Today is your day to soak in everything León has to offer. Take your time wandering its beautiful streets, step inside the awe-inspiring Cathedral to see its dazzling stained glass windows, and don’t miss the Basilica of San Isidoro, known for its ancient frescoes often compared to those of the Sistine Chapel. Be sure to sample some local delights too — cecina (cured beef) and a glass of El Bierzo wine are a must! But this isn’t just any day: it’s August 12th, 2026 eclipse day! León happens to be one of the best spots in all of Spain to witness this rare and breathtaking event. Make sure to plan ahead to find a good viewing point and don’t forget your eclipse glasses or whatever you’ve prepared to safely enjoy the show. For a few unforgettable minutes, the world around you will fall into darkness in the middle of the day, a once-in-a-lifetime moment, made even more special by experiencing it right on the Camino.

Day

3

21 km

LEON VILLAR DE MAZARIFE

Leaving Leon, the urban area continues almost as far as the site of Virgen del Camino (about 7km outside Leon), where a local shepherd once sighted the Virgin Mary. The area is now marked by a number of statues depicting the historical scene. From this point, the route becomes more interesting as you follow the historical Camino along the Plateau of Leon.

Day

4

31.7 km

VILLAR DE MAZARIFE ASTORGA

You pass the famous ‘Puente de Orbigo’ and leave behind the Plateau of Leon. The Leon Mountains can be seen up ahead and the end of this stage will bring you to Astorga, the capital of the ancient region of Maragateria. Not to miss in Astorga: the Episcopal Palace, the cathedral, and the city walls.

Day

5

19.8 km

ASTORGA RABANAL DE CAMINO

We are now deep in the Maragateria region as we gradually make our way up to the foothills of the Leon Mountains. This part of the countryside is characterised by broom, oak, and conifer plantations. Your destination is the mountain town of Rabanal Del Camino.

Day

6

31.5 km

RABANAL DE CAMINO PONFERRADA

Today is one of the most rewarding days along the French Way. Enjoy the beautiful broom and heather surroundings as you ascent to Mount Irago. Witness the ‘Iron Cross’ on the mountain pass before making your way downwards to the wealthy area of Bierzo.

If you would like to walk at a more relaxed pace, we can arrange to split this section into two days (24km on the first day, 8km on the second day). Accommodation is in a superb chalet hotel in Molinaseca.

Day

7

km

PONFERRADA

After breakfast we bid you farewell. While you are in Ponferrada, you should visit the town’s 16,000 square metre-Castillo de los Templarios, a castle built by the Knights Templar in the 12 Century. Las Médulas, ancient Roman gold mines listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are also only a few kilometres away from Ponferrada.

Day

1

km

LEON

Welcome to León! Today you’ll arrive and settle into your accommodation. Depending on what time you get in, you might already have the chance to explore a little. León is a lively and welcoming city, full of charm and history, perfect for a relaxed afternoon stroll or an evening of tapas in the buzzing old town.

Day

2

km

LEON

Today is your day to soak in everything León has to offer. Take your time wandering its beautiful streets, step inside the awe-inspiring Cathedral to see its dazzling stained glass windows, and don’t miss the Basilica of San Isidoro, known for its ancient frescoes often compared to those of the Sistine Chapel. Be sure to sample some local delights too — cecina (cured beef) and a glass of El Bierzo wine are a must! But this isn’t just any day: it’s August 12th, 2026 eclipse day! León happens to be one of the best spots in all of Spain to witness this rare and breathtaking event. Make sure to plan ahead to find a good viewing point and don’t forget your eclipse glasses or whatever you’ve prepared to safely enjoy the show. For a few unforgettable minutes, the world around you will fall into darkness in the middle of the day, a once-in-a-lifetime moment, made even more special by experiencing it right on the Camino.

Day

3

21 km

LEON VILLAR DE MAZARIFE

Leaving Leon, the urban area continues almost as far as the site of Virgen del Camino (about 7km outside Leon), where a local shepherd once sighted the Virgin Mary. The area is now marked by a number of statues depicting the historical scene. From this point, the route becomes more interesting as you follow the historical Camino along the Plateau of Leon.

Day

4

31.7 km

VILLAR DE MAZARIFE ASTORGA

You pass the famous ‘Puente de Orbigo’ and leave behind the Plateau of Leon. The Leon Mountains can be seen up ahead and the end of this stage will bring you to Astorga, the capital of the ancient region of Maragateria. Not to miss in Astorga: the Episcopal Palace, the cathedral, and the city walls.

Day

5

19.8 km

ASTORGA RABANAL DE CAMINO

We are now deep in the Maragateria region as we gradually make our way up to the foothills of the Leon Mountains. This part of the countryside is characterised by broom, oak, and conifer plantations. Your destination is the mountain town of Rabanal Del Camino.

Day

6

31.5 km

RABANAL DE CAMINO PONFERRADA

Today is one of the most rewarding days along the French Way. Enjoy the beautiful broom and heather surroundings as you ascent to Mount Irago. Witness the ‘Iron Cross’ on the mountain pass before making your way downwards to the wealthy area of Bierzo.

If you would like to walk at a more relaxed pace, we can arrange to split this section into two days (24km on the first day, 8km on the second day). Accommodation is in a superb chalet hotel in Molinaseca.

Day

7

km

PONFERRADA

After breakfast we bid you farewell. While you are in Ponferrada, you should visit the town’s 16,000 square metre-Castillo de los Templarios, a castle built by the Knights Templar in the 12 Century. Las Médulas, ancient Roman gold mines listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are also only a few kilometres away from Ponferrada.

How to Get There

Getting to Leon, Spain

It is best to fly into Madrid or Santiago de Compostela in order to get to Leon.

Fly into Madrid

Virtually every airline flies into Madrid, including Ryanair, Easyjet, and Iberia/BA from Ireland and the UK, as well as most US airlines. Going from Madrid Airport, you can catch a shuttle bus to the main train station in the city. From there, you can get a direct train onto Leon. This journey will take 2 hours and 30 minutes.

    Fly into Santiago de Compostela

    Ryanair, Aer Lingus and Iberia/BA fly direct to Santiago de Compostela from the UK and Ireland. Ryanair flies from Stansted, Iberia/BA operates from Gatwick and Aer Lingus operates from Dublin. Santiago de Compostela can also be reached by a number of locations around Spain and Portugal, as well as major European cities. Iberia offers the best selection of flights and you can fly to and from Santiago De Compostela returning to Frankfurt, Paris, and Rome, Barcelona, Bilbao, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Madrid, Malaga, Palma, Seville, Tenerife and Valencia.

      Getting home from Ponferrada, Spain

      Fly from Santiago de Compostela

      The bus or train from Ponferrada to Santiago takes between 3 hours and 45 minutes, and 4 hours.

        Fly from Madrid

        To travel from Ponferrada to the centre of Madrid on a train takes around 4 hours, while a direct bus will take about 5 hours. From there, it is simple to find transport to Madrid Airport

          Getting to Leon, Spain

          It is best to fly into Madrid or Santiago de Compostela in order to get to Leon.

          Fly into Madrid

          Virtually every airline flies into Madrid, including Ryanair, Easyjet, and Iberia/BA from Ireland and the UK, as well as most US airlines. Going from Madrid Airport, you can catch a shuttle bus to the main train station in the city. From there, you can get a direct train onto Leon. This journey will take 2 hours and 30 minutes.

            Fly into Santiago de Compostela

            Ryanair, Aer Lingus and Iberia/BA fly direct to Santiago de Compostela from the UK and Ireland. Ryanair flies from Stansted, Iberia/BA operates from Gatwick and Aer Lingus operates from Dublin. Santiago de Compostela can also be reached by a number of locations around Spain and Portugal, as well as major European cities. Iberia offers the best selection of flights and you can fly to and from Santiago De Compostela returning to Frankfurt, Paris, and Rome, Barcelona, Bilbao, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Madrid, Malaga, Palma, Seville, Tenerife and Valencia.

              Getting home from Ponferrada, Spain

              Fly from Santiago de Compostela

              The bus or train from Ponferrada to Santiago takes between 3 hours and 45 minutes, and 4 hours.

                Fly from Madrid

                To travel from Ponferrada to the centre of Madrid on a train takes around 4 hours, while a direct bus will take about 5 hours. From there, it is simple to find transport to Madrid Airport

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