Walking the Camino de Invierno from Ponferrada to Monforte de Lemos
Stage 1
134.4km
7 days
Carefully Selected 3 to 3 star accommodations
easy
Starting From
€699
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Popular Time
Good Time
Off Season
Not Possible
This Camino explores the first section of the Camino de Invierno or Winter Way from Ponferrada to Monforte de Lemos. The route begins in Ponferrada and finishes in Monforte de Lemos, traversing initially through the Birezo region of Leon you quickly cross into Galicia and the province of Ourense. Everyday, during your Camino walk, you're guaranteed a high level of comfort and gastronomy. The Camino de Santiago is clearly marked with the scallop shell, showing you the way. This walk can be physically demanding and requires a reasonable level of fitness. However, it's a highly rewarding route that includes numerous cultural highlights and a tremendous feeling of achievement when you receive your Compostela, your Latin certificate of completion, at the Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage Certificate.
FREE This trip createstonne(s) of CO2, we offset it for free
Highlights
Scenic Landscapes
One of the main attractions of the Camino de Invierno is its diverse and breathtaking landscapes. The path takes pilgrims through dense forests, rolling hills, picturesque valleys, and charming villages, providing a closer connection to nature and rural life.
Quiet
The Camino de Invierno offers a quieter experience. With fewer pilgrims choosing this route, walkers can enjoy a sense of tranquility and seclusion, making it a perfect option for those seeking a more introspective and reflective journey.
Ponferrada to Monforte
Camino de Invierno
What are your plans so far?
From €699
Number of people
Preferred Month & Year
Not Sure
2023
2024
2025
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Not Sure
Let us know the time frame
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 27.73km
PONFERRADA
to
LAS MEDULAS
Leaving Ponferrada you will climb through woodlands of varying fruit trees to be welcomed by a wonderful view back over Ponferrada. Descending through vineyards you will then again ascend to Villavieja and the Castle of Cornatel before the final descent to La Medulas, a world heritage site that was once the Roman's biggest gold mine.
Day 3 27.72km
LAS MEDULAS
to
O BARCO DE VALDEORRAS
A gentle ascent takes you up and out of Las Medulas. Take a moment to stop and appreciate the wonderful views back over Las Medulas. A long descent follows down the valley to the village of Puente de Domingo Flórez. Shortly after here you will cross over into Galicia, arriving at Quereno you can choose which route to take but all will take you to O Barco de Valdeorras.
Day 4 14.63km
O BARCO DE VALDEORRAS
to
A RUA
A short but pleasant walk today will take from O Barco skirting the town of Arcos and following the natural curve of the River Sil you pass by the village of Vilamartin staying beside the river. Passing the Valencia reservoir and a great photo opportunity over the Valdeorras Valley, you will arrive into the town of A Rúa de Valderorras. Be sure to visit here the Church of San Esteban which houses a beautiful carving of St James. Also of interest is the Ponte da Cigarrosa which has Roman origins but the bridge we see today is a reconstruction in the 16th century.
Day 5 27.89km
A RUA
to
QUIROGA
Leaving A Rúa you are sent on your way with beautiful views over the River Sil. Walking by olive groves, walnut and fig trees you then come to a section of Mediterranean bushes of broom and rockrose to descend to the stream of Ferreiros. Crossing the stream you enter Montefurado where ahead you will see the towers of the Church of San Miguel de Montefurado. Ascending through olive groves you can appreciate views of the tunnel built by the Romans for mining gold surrounded today by vineyards. Passing then through the parish of Bendilló, this is where pilgrims use to discard their old rags before reaching Santiago. Descending through a pine forest, thenpassing the remains of fort and orchards of fruit trees, olive groves and vineyards you arrive in Quiroga.
Day 6 36.43km
QUIROGA
to
MONFORTE
Setting out the now familiar River Sil accompanies you before you ascend through a forest then down to the Lor River basin. Although a tough section, the solitude and peacefulness of the forest makes it worthwhile. At the Hermitage of the Remedies panoramic views over the Lor River will provide a picturesque backdrop. Crossing the river you then begin a final ascent to the plateau of the Lemos valley and your final destination for this section Monforte de Lemos.
Day 7
MONFORTE
A charming town with a rich history and notable landmarks. The town's castle, Castillo de los Condes de Lemos, stands proudly on a hill and offers panoramic views of the surroundings.
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).
Share on