This section of the middle of the Camino Frances passes through the Castilian meseta and is flanked either end with gentle hills so a very doable section by bike.
Starting from Burgos, mediaeval city and home of a UNESCO World Heritage listed cathedral, this section of the French Way by bike offers some of the best historical and cultural sights of the whole Camino. It passes through Leon and the vast Castilian Plateau before reaching another mediaeval bastion – the buzzing city of Ponferrada. The mostly flat and gentle terrain makes it accessible to any cyclist with an average level of fitness.
Castilian Plateau
Whizz across the mighty Castilian Plateau. Enjoy the speed and wind in your face on this relatively flat section as the blur of green and yellow fields rush by. Take time to escape the sunshine and explore the small towns and villages at a more leisurely pace along the way, like Fromista with its beautiful Church of San Martín.
Leon
Leon is worth an extra night stopover 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 groups and interests. Within the Roman walls of the city, you will find a magnificent Gothic cathedral and the Basilica of San Isidoro with its ‘Sistine Chapel-esque’ frescos. Wander the streets to discover many cafes and restaurants with local food, accompanied by the local El Bierzo wine.
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!
BURGOS
PONFERRADA
Services
Included in this package
Add-On
Not included: Flights/trains, Insurance, Drinks/Lunch
Itinerary
Day
km
BURGOS
The city, which was the capital of the unified kingdom of Castilla-Leon for five centuries, boasts a masterpiece of Spanish Gothic architecture; the Cathedral of Burgos (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Apart from a visit to the historic quarter, you can take a walk along the banks of the Duero and Arlanza rivers or discover the delicious and varied local cuisine in one of the city’s restaurants.
Day
65.9 km
BURGOS FROMISTA
All day long, you will notice the influence of the Camino de Santiago as there is not a single village we cross that does not have obvious references to it. Cycle your way gently through the countryside and enjoy the sunshine and fields of flowers lining your way to Fromista.
Day
58 km
FROMISTA SAHAGUN
During this stage, we have a good understanding of the popular meaning ‘Castilla es ancha’ (Castilla is wide). Crop fields give patches of beautiful colour to the agricultural landscape all year round. The first half of the day is mainly flat and it gets a bit more undulating on the second half to Sahagun.
Day
55.2 km
SAHAGUN LEON
Today we cycle through the colourful Castilian Meseta or plateau. The landscape here seems endless as we pass over the flat terrain of the area, affording great views over the surrounding agricultural area. We finish the day in the vibrant city of Leon, a fantastic city to head out in and enjoy some of the local food and wine.
Day
52.6 km
LEON ASTORGA
This is probably one of the flattest cycling days of the entire Camino Frances, but as we are on a high plateau, it still offers some great views and you will see Astorga down in the valley long before reaching it! In Astorga, take some time to visit the Episcopal palace, the cathedral, and the old city walls.
Day
51.3 km
ASTORGA PONFERRADA
The last day of this section is definitely the most difficult but also the most rewarding one! We can enjoy spectacular views as we climb up to 1,500m above sea level to reach the famous Cruz del Hierro (the Iron Cross). The natural scenery and towns with rich history make this the best way to finish the section, before reaching Ponferrada: a city with a lively, and very pretty, mediaeval centre.
Day
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.
Getting to Burgos, Spain
There are several options to fly to and back from Spain on this section, including Bilbao, Santander, and Madrid. Madrid may be the best option if you prefer flying to and back from the same airport.
Fly into Bilbao
Fly into Santander
Fly into Madrid
Getting home from Ponferrada, Spain
To get home from Ponferrada you can catch a bus to Santiago or a train to Madrid.
Fly from Santiago de Compostela
Fly from Madrid
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| This section of the middle of the Camino Frances passes through the Castilian meseta and is flanked either end with gentle hills so a very doable section by bike. | |
| January | Off season |
| February | Off season |
| March | Off season |
| April | Good time |
| May | Popular time |
| June | Popular time |
| July | Good time |
| August | Good time |
| September | Popular time |
| October | Good time |
| November | Off season |
| December | Off season |