In northern Spain, after Roncesvalles and Sarria, Ponferrada is one of the most common starting points for those walking the Camino de Santiago.
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The advantages of starting your route from Ponferrada include being able to choose between two paths, the French Way and the Winter Way, and its distance of about 200 km from Santiago, making it the perfect departure point for those who fancy a bicycle pilgrimage.
At Pilgrim, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about this city so you can decide to begin your adventure here and follow the Camino of your choice.
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Index
- Index
- Stages
- Where to sleep
- Where to eat
- The Credential
- Points of interest
Why from Ponferrada
Ponferrada is a medieval city linked to Santiago de Compostela since the earliest days of the Camino. Its 200 km distance makes it an ideal starting point for both walkers and cyclists, as it is the minimum distance required to obtain the Compostela by bike.
This city of over 66,000 inhabitants also benefits from excellent connections via the A-6 motorway between A Coruña and Madrid, as well as its bus and train stations. The nearest airport is León, about two hours away.
Furthermore, depending on the time of year or your preferences, you have two main options: the busy French Way or the alternative Winter Way, which links with the Sanabrés route at Lalín before reaching Santiago.
Below we provide more details on the stages for each route.
French Way
If it’s your first time on the Camino de Santiago, you’re probably considering the French Way: the best-known route with the most hostels and services.
We assure you that on the French Way you will never be alone, as it is the busiest path, especially from Sarria onward in summer. In August it can get very crowded, so you may want to consider an alternative or book your accommodations in advance to guarantee your bed each night.
Walking Stages
On foot, you’ll encounter manageable daily stages suitable for all fitness levels, and you’ll be accompanied by fellow pilgrims throughout.
| STAGE | START | END | DISTANCE | DIFFICULTY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Ponferrada | Villafranca | 24.2 km | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Stage 2 | Villafranca | O Cebreiro | 27.8 km | ★★★☆☆ |
| Stage 3 | O Cebreiro | Triacastela | 20.8 km | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Stage 4 | Triacastela | Sarria | 18.4 km | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Stage 5 | Sarria | Portomarín | 22.2 km | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Stage 6 | Portomarín | Palas de Rei | 24.8 km | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Stage 7 | Palas de Rei | Arzúa | 28.5 km | ★★★☆☆ |
| Stage 8 | Arzúa | Pedrouzo | 19.3 km | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Stage 9 | Pedrouzo | Santiago | 19.4 km | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Bicycle Stages
The French Way is also well-suited for cycling. If you prefer to ride, here are the bike stages from Ponferrada:
| STAGE | START | END | DISTANCE | DIFFICULTY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Ponferrada | O Cebreiro | 55 km | ★★★☆☆ |
| Stage 2 | O Cebreiro | Portomarín | 62 km | ★★★☆☆ |
| Stage 3 | Portomarín | Arzúa | 54 km | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Stage 4 | Arzúa | Santiago | 39 km | ★★☆☆☆ |
Winter Way & Sanabrés
The Winter Way is a perfect alternative if you’ve already done the French Way or want a less crowded route, especially in summer. It is about 55 km longer than the French Way (263 km total), but 10 days are enough to complete it.
Its name comes from pilgrims’ winter detour to avoid heavy snows around O Cebreiro. Today it’s recommended year‑round for its scenic beauty, so if you want something different, this is ideal.
Walking Stages
Ten days suffice to cover the 10 walking stages from Ponferrada all the way to Santiago:
| STAGE | START | END | DISTANCE | DIFFICULTY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Ponferrada | Las Médulas | 27.2 km | ★★★☆☆ |
| Stage 2 | Las Médulas | El Barco de Valdeorras | 26.4 km | ★★★☆☆ |
| Stage 3 | El Barco de Valdeorras | A Rúa de Valdeorras | 14.2 km | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Stage 4 | A Rúa de Valdeorras | Quiroga | 26.3 km | ★★★☆☆ |
| Stage 5 | Quiroga | Monforte de Lemos | 35.4 km | ★★★★☆ |
| Stage 6 | Monforte de Lemos | Chantada | 29.7 km | ★★★☆☆ |
| Stage 7 | Chantada | Rodeiro | 25.8 km | ★★★☆☆ |
| Stage 8 | Rodeiro | A Laxe | 27.2 km | ★★★☆☆ |
| Stage 9 | A Laxe | Outeiro | 34.1 km | ★★★★☆ |
| Stage 10 | Outeiro | Santiago | 16.7 km | ★★☆☆☆ |
Where to sleep in Ponferrada
Ponferrada, due to its importance on the Camino, offers various lodging options from pilgrim hostels to guesthouses and hotels.
If you plan to spend your first night here and start fresh the next morning, Pilgrim recommends the following options based on your preferences:
San Nicolás de Flüe Pilgrim Hostel
- Address: C/ Obispo Camilo Lorenzo, s/n
- Phone: 987 413 381
Albergue Guiana
- Address: Av. El Castillo, 112
- Phone: 987 409 327
These hostels can fill up quickly. To guarantee your spot, contact us and we’ll reserve it for your arrival.
Where to eat in Ponferrada
In Ponferrada, it’s customary to hop between bars near the cathedral and order a small beer—each comes with a tasty tapa. Before heading to Santiago, treat yourself to the best of Bierzo cuisine.
The region is famous for its cured meats—cecina and chorizo—as well as botillo and savory empanadas. Below is a list of recommended eateries in Ponferrada:
El Bodegón
- Travesía Pelayo 2
- Phone: 987 41 10 19
Mencía
- C/ Nicolás de Brujas 14
- Phone: 637 85 11 44
La Casona
- C/ Real 72, Fuentesnuevas
- Phone: 987 45 53 58
Don Jaime
- Plaza República Argentina
- Phone: 987 01 22 74
Where to get your credential in Ponferrada
To obtain your pilgrim credential, visit the San Nicolás de Flüe Pilgrim Hostel at Calle Obispo Camilo Lorenzo 2. It opens at 6 AM and accepts donations.
Points of interest in Ponferrada
Ponferrada, as a medieval and Templar city, has many sights—undoubtedly its Templar Castle. Perched on a hill between the Sil and Boeza rivers, it offers stunning city views.
Templar Castle of Ponferrada
The main attraction of Ponferrada is its Templar castle, located on a fortified 8,000 m² site with panoramic views. It’s open daily in summer from 9 AM to 9 PM. General admission is €6, but entrance is free on Wednesdays.
The castle’s restoration allows visitors to appreciate its majesty, and cultural events are often held in its halls.
Basilica of La Encina
Our Lady of La Encina, known as “La Morenica,” is the patron saint of the Bierzo region. According to legend, her statue arrived from the Holy Land and was found in a holm oak.
Inside, the highlight is the wooden High Altar, which is open to visitors daily after services from 9 AM to 2 PM and 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
Royal Prison (Bierzo Museum)
The former prison on Calle del Reloj now houses the Bierzo Museum. Here you can explore the city’s history from the Paleolithic to modern times, as well as admire the building’s architecture.
From Santiago to the End of the World
Once you reach Santiago and kiss the Apostle’s statue, you might find your journey from Ponferrada too short and not want it to end.
If so, Pilgrim offers a 9‑hour tour to Finisterre, the ancient “end of the world,” plus other sites like the Ézaro Waterfalls—the only European river that plunges directly into the ocean.
More pilgrims are extending their trip to this final point. If you’re interested, remember you can send us your details for a free callback.
Buen camino, pilgrim!
