Procession of Los Pasos during Easter Week is a highlight in Leon.
On this section, you’ll walk from Sahagun, a town renowned for its architecture, and finish in Leon, one of the greatest cities in Spain. The Camino de Santiago, or Way of Saint James, crosses the vast Castilian Plateau (at an elevation of 900m) and passes through its wealthy villages before ending in Leon, one of the most important kingdoms of mediaeval Spain before the country’s unification.
Sahagun
Steeped in history this is a great place to stop over on the Camino. Here you follow in the footsteps of famed Spanish king Alfonso VI, who is buried in the Benedictine Convent of Santa Cruz. Sahagun is a town of many churches, such as the Church of San Juan where the tomb of the town’s patron saint, San Facundo, can be found. Another Church worth visiting is the Church of San Lorenzo which is a superb example of the brick Mudejar style of building.
Mansilla de las Mulas
Although a small town Mansilla de las Mulas has been a stop for pilgrims for centuries on the Camino Frances. What we like most about this town is the mediaeval feel preserved to this day and the fact that this is your last stop over before reaching the bustling city of Leon. Take time here to appreciate the quiet and prepare yourself for the liveliness of Leon to come. Leon is known for its year-round festivities: the city hosts a Mediaeval Day Festival in the run up to St James’ Day on, 25 July each year, in late August they have a Tomato Day where prizes can be won for Tomato of the Year, and on the first Sunday in September they celebrate the Virgin Mary with a procession to the Hermitage of the Virgen de Gracia.
Leon
The mediaeval quarter has many gems, such as the neo-Gothic palace built by Gaudi, Casa de Botines; the fountain of San Isidoro; but a true highlight of the quarter is the Cathedral of Leon. Elaborately carved portals, splendid rose windows, and beautiful sculptures (such as that of the Virgen de la Esperanza) are just some of the many impressive features of the Cathedral. Open daily and with a Museum for further wonders, be sure to take time to visit.
SAHAGUN
LEON
Services
Included in this package
Add-On
Not included: Flights/trains, Insurance, Drinks/Lunch
Itinerary
Day
km
SAHAGUN
You will be staying in a traditional hotel in the heart of the town. If you have the time before your Camino begins, see the town’s many churches and wander its ancient streets. It can really help to put the history behind your Camino in context before you start out!
Day
17.6 km
SAHAGUN EL BURGO RANERO
In Sahagun, you will leave Tierra del Campo behind, moving on through the cereal and grain-covered plateaux of Leon. Your destination is El Burgo Ranero, a small town typical of the province of Leon, where you will rest for the night.
Day
18.9 km
EL BURGO RANERO MANSILLA DE LAS MULAS
Going down from the plateau towards the capital of the province, Leon, you pass the pretty village of Reliegos. On the Camino you will have the chance to take the ‘Via Traiana’, another Camino route to Santiago de Compostela that originates in the city of Bordeaux.
Day
18.7 km
MANSILLA DE LAS MULAS LEON
You will continue alongside farming land before seeing the first signs of industrial activity ahead. From Portillo Hill you will be able to make out the beautiful city of Leon. The historic centre of Leon is well preserved and worth visiting. Over the course of time, Leon became the capital of the kingdom in the Middle Ages; a historic enclave on the pilgrim’s road to Santiago de Compostela. Don’t miss The Pulchra Leonina (the ‘Sistine Chapel’ of Spanish architecture) and the old Hospital de San Marcos.
Day
km
LEON
After breakfast we bid you farewell. When in Leon, it is a must-do for you to see the town’s mediaeval quarter. From the impressive cathedral to the palace built by Gaudi, Leon is a marvellous city that many don’t get the chance to explore when visiting other Spanish cities.
Getting to Sahagun, Spain
It is best to fly into Bilbao, Santander or Madrid in order to get to Sahagun.
Fly into Bilbao
Fly into Santander
Fly into Madrid
Getting home from Leon, Spain
Fly from Bilbao
Fly from Santander
Fly from Madrid
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