Walking the Camino Frances from Ponferrada to Sarria
Stage 7
91.8km
6 days
Carefully Selected 2 to 3 star accommodations
moderate plus
Starting From
€494
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Popular Time
Good Time
Off Season
Not Possible
This section is one of the hilliest with one of the steepest climbs so bear this in mind when setting out each day and also check the weather.
Starting in the mountain-hugging town of Ponferrada and finishing in Sarria, a bustling market town, this Camino crosses the magnificent O Cebreiro Mountains before winding down to a more gentle terrain.
O’Cebreiro is a megalithic village with round stone houses, with an amazing church, Santa Maria Real, where you can find the most important religious remains of Galicia (the miracle of Santo Milagro with a Chalice and Paten turning into the body and blood of Jesus Christ). The Chalice and Paten are the symbol of Galicia and are on the Galician Flag.
The remains of Don Elias Valina Sampredo, the father of the modern Camino and ‘inventor’ of the yellow arrow, are also in the Church.
FREE This trip createstonne(s) of CO2, we offset it for free
Highlights
Ponferrada
Ponferrada is the last major city before Santiago de Compostela on the Camino Frances. Synonymous with Ponferrada is the imposing Castle that overlooks the city, the castle of the Knights Templar. From 1178 the Knights Templar provided protection to passing pilgrims. A recognised Property of Cultural Interest (BIC) and National Monument since 1924, it is open every day for visits.
O'Cebreiro
As previously stated O’Cebreiro is a megalithic village with round stone houses, with an amazing church, Santa Maria Real, where you can find the most important religious remains of Galicia. The remains of Don Elias Valina Sampredo, the father of the modern Camino and ‘inventor’ of the yellow arrow, are also in the Church.
Samos Monastery
Situated on the alternative route between Triacastela and Sarria, Samos Monastery is well worth a visit and the extra approx 6kms walk!The Monastery of San Julian de Samos is the oldest inhabited monastery in Spain and is a truly magical place to visit. The wall paintings depicting the life of St Benedict will amaze and with regular guided visits you get to see and learn about this important Monastery.
Ponferrada to Sarria
Camino Frances
What are your plans so far?
From €494
Number of people
Preferred Month & Year
Not Sure
2023
2024
2025
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
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Jun
Jul
Aug
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Additional Information / Request
Services
Included in this package
Bed & Breakfast
Specially chosen 2-3* hotels or equivalent
Luggage transfers from hotel to hotel
Our Holiday or Pilgrim Pack
24/7 Customer Service
Add-On
Premium Accommodation
Airport Pick-up
Additional Night
Dinners
Day Tours Available
Not included
Flights/trains
Insurance
Drinks/Lunch
Itinerary
Day 1
PONFERRADA (Arrival)
You will be pre-booked into a traditional hotel in the heart of the town.
Day 2 24.57km
PONFERRADA
to
VILLAFRANCA DEL BIERZO
Today you will cross the region of Bierzo, a sunken plain nestled within a ring of mountains. It is a fertile land, whose agreeable climate allows the cultivation of many types of fruit and vegetables. In Villafranca, don’t miss the garden of the “Iglesia de Santiago”. An option to split into two days, with a stop over in La Portela de Valcarce.
Day 3 28.33km
VILLAFRANCA DEL BIERZO
to
O CEBREIRO
Prepare for a challenging day with an ascent of 1000m. You will pass through the narrow valley of the river Valcace before tackling the ascent of O Cebreiro. Situated between the ranges of “Los Ancares” and “La Sierra do Courel”, this stage involves a steep climb in the course of only a few kilometers.
Day 4 20.85km
O CEBREIRO
to
TRIACASTELA
From O Cebreiro the trail passes through the “Sierra de Ranadoiro” (Ranadoiro Mountains) and, after crossing the Alto do Poio, it descends into the valley to the village of Triacastela.
Day 5 18.01km
TRIACASTELA
to
SARRIA
Of the two Camino options, the “San Xil” Camino offers scenery that will uplift your spirits and encourage you on your way. It has many “Corredoiras” (narrow forest routes) with paved pathways that cut through typical Galician oak woods. If you wish to visit Samos, you will pass through the narrow valley of the river Ouribio, mostly following the road.
Day 6
SARRIA
After breakfast we bid you farewell.
How to Get There
Getting to Ponferrada, Spain
It is best to fly to Madrid or to Santiago de Compostela. More info.
Ryanair and Iberia/BA fly direct to Santiago de Compostela from the UK. Ryanair flies from Stansted, Nottingham East Midlands and Liverpool and Aer Lingus operates from Dublin. Many of the flights that arrive at the airport are from internal Spanish destinations. Iberia offers the best selection of flights and you can fly to and from Santiago De Compostela from: Frankfurt, Paris and Rome and Barcelona, Bilbao, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Madrid, Malaga, Palma, Seville, Tenerife and Valencia.
–Take a shuttle bus to the bus station. Then a direct bus to Ponferrada (3-4hrs).
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