Cammino di Santiago, from León to Sarria

Your journey begins in León, a city shaped by Roman walls, medieval pilgrims and Gothic light. Take time to wander before the walk starts: explore the quiet cloisters of San Marcos, watch the stained-glass windows of the cathedral glow as the sun moves, or simply settle into a small bar for your first tapas and a glass of local wine. Tonight, rest well — the Camino awaits.

Leaving León, you follow a gentle route out of the city and into the wide, open plains of Castile. The path alternates between quiet country lanes and sections of the historic Camino Francés, still marked by centuries of footprints.
The landscape stretches far, soft and golden, with small villages offering places to pause for a coffee or a simple pilgrim lunch.
As you approach Villadangos del Páramo, the plains feel peaceful and steady — a perfect introduction to the rhythm of the Camino.

Distance: 22 km

Today the scenery begins to shift. The path leads through farmlands, old Roman routes and small hamlets that seem untouched by time.
Approaching Astorga, the land rises softly and the silhouette of the episcopal palace appears — Gaudí’s unexpected jewel in the heart of León province.
Astorga welcomes you with charming squares, chocolate shops and the warm character of its old quarter. It’s a beautiful and historic stop, perfect for a relaxed evening.

Distance: 27 km

Leaving Astorga, you enter the region of La Maragatería, known for its stone villages and deep rural traditions.
The path climbs gently throughout the day, offering long views across the plains behind you and the first hints of mountains ahead.
The final stretch to Rabanal del Camino feels especially atmospheric: the air grows fresher, the landscape greener, and the village greets pilgrims with a calm, almost monastic quiet.
Here, stone houses and narrow lanes set the tone for the mountain days to come.

Distance: 21 km

One of the most memorable stages of the route. The day begins with a steady climb toward Cruz de Ferro, one of the Camino’s most symbolic places.
From the iron cross, the path descends through heather-covered slopes and remote mountain hamlets, before entering the region of El Bierzo — a land of vineyards, chestnut forests and gentle hills.
Ponferrada awaits at the end of a long but rewarding day: its Templar castle, lively old town and welcoming cafés make it the perfect place to rest.

Today’s walk is softer, weaving through vineyards, orchards and quiet rural villages. The landscape is warmer, greener, and infused with the character of El Bierzo.
Small bridges cross gentle streams, and the trail moves between shaded paths and easy roads.
Villafranca del Bierzo appears like a peaceful retreat: cobbled streets, historic churches, and the famous “Door of Forgiveness,” where medieval pilgrims unable to continue received blessings.
It’s a place made for slow evenings.

Distance: 21 km

A beautiful and demanding day. The route follows the valley before beginning the long ascent to O Cebreiro, the gateway to Galicia.
As you climb, the scenery grows wilder: forests thicken, views open across deep valleys, and the air cools.
Reaching O Cebreiro feels like stepping into another world — a stone village perched on the ridge, known for its ancient pallozas (traditional dwellings) and sweeping mountain views.
A truly unforgettable stop on the Camino.

Distance: 29 km

The day begins along a breathtaking mountain ridge, where Galicia unfolds in misty greens and rolling hills.
The descent leads through small hamlets, chestnut woods and grassy pastures, with quiet corners perfect for resting or taking in the scenery.
Triacastela sits in a sheltered valley, its name recalling the three medieval castles that once guarded this area. It’s a gentle, peaceful end to a scenic day.

Distance: 21 km

A choice of two routes leads out of Triacastela — through the monastery of Samos or along a more rural forested path.
Both offer a calm and reflective walk toward Sarria, passing villages, stone chapels and soft Galician landscapes.
Sarria marks the beginning of the final 100 km for many pilgrims, so the town feels lively, full of stories and anticipation.
For you, it’s the closing chapter of a longer journey — a moment to rest, reflect and celebrate.

Distance: 21 km

Your walking ends here, but the Camino tends to stay with you — in the pace you found, the landscapes you crossed, and the quiet satisfaction of having walked across an entire region of Spain.

This stretch of the Camino Francés is ideal if you’re looking for a full, meaningful Camino experience — long enough to feel the rhythm of the trail, varied in landscapes, and rich in history. Daily distances are moderate to long, making this itinerary best suited for walkers with a good basic level of fitness and a taste for steady, rewarding days.

During the Camino de Santiago León to Sarria you’ll move from plains to mountains to forested valleys, experiencing the Camino in all its diversity: Roman heritage, medieval villages, sweeping views, and small towns that have welcomed pilgrims for centuries. If you enjoy immersive days, changing scenery, and the quiet sense of purpose that comes from moving place to place, this journey will feel just right.

It’s also perfect if you want a Camino that isn’t too crowded: you’ll meet fellow pilgrims, but still find space for your own pace, thoughts, and moments of solitude.

For our trips, we always choose accommodation with private rooms and private bathrooms. In rare cases, shared accommodations or shared bathrooms may be provided, so we recommend carefully checking the inclusions section to understand the type of accommodation included in the trip you are interested in.  

We place great importance on the choice of accommodations and select hotels with care and attention. We understand how essential it is to rest well after a day of walking. We always prefer cozy and characteristic establishments, preferably family-run, that fully embody the spirit of the place and offer hospitality with courtesy and comfort.  

Where, due to the nature of the route, accommodation options are limited, we choose the one that best aligns with our standards.