The first days of this stage will take you through the strange landscape of the Meseta plateau. The appeal of this region lies not in its obvious natural beauty, but rather in the wide and undisturbed views into this barren and seemingly surreal land.
Leaving the solitude of the Meseta, you reach the old royal city of León. An absolute highlight on this stage awaits you here: the famous cathedral of León, built in a French Gothic style. Also make time to visit the Pantheon Real and the royal sepulcher in the church of San Isidoro.
Leaving León, you will walk towards the city of Astorga, founded by the Romans. Its old Roman city walls are well maintained and its cathedral and the bishop’s palace, built by Antoni Gaudí, make this city a great final destination.
104 Kilometres
Day 1: Arrival to Bilbao - Sahagún
Arrival in Spain and transfer to the Camino in Sahagún. Move into your room and prepare for the Way ahead.
Day 2: Sahagún - El Burgo Ranero
Hiking in the high plains of the Meseta towards El Burgo Ranero with the option of taking the more secluded alternative route named Via Trajana, where one can often walk in complete solitude.
17.5 km / 20.1 km - easy
Day 3: El Burgo Ranero - Mansilla de las Mulas
Today’s destination is Mansilla de las Mulas, which earned its name from the famous cattle markets that were held here (Mulas=cattle). Again, you will have the option of taking the alternative route, Via Trajana.
19.3 km / 23.2 km - easy
Day 4: Mansilla de las Mulas - León
Leaving the Meseta, the Camino de Santiago today leads us to the impressive city of León, capital of the province and renowned for its beautiful cathedral.
18 km - easy
Day 5: León - Hospital de Órbigo
The Camino now leads us onto a great plain and to La Milla del Páramo. We will take a quick minibus ride to get to our exclusive lodging in Hospital de Órbigo.
Note: There are two routes leading to León Hospital de Órbigo. The "classic" way leads through Valverde de la Virgen and follows the highway N-120 (33,1 km). We recommend you take the alternative route through Villar de Mazarife. It is 35km long, but you might want to take a taxi to avoid the metropolitan area of León. You will find detailed information in you Pilgrim's Kit.
Day 6: Hospital de Órbigo - Astorga
You will pass Hospital de Órbigo by foot and cross its famous bridge of 20 arches before continueing towards Astorga. The city was founded by the Romans and still hosts remaining Roman architecture.
25.2 km - easy
Day 7: End
Bid the Camino farewell, or continue with our Tour 6 to
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- Selected accommodation with private bathroom*
- Luggage transfer (1 piece, max. 15 kg)
- Information on getting to the Camino
- Credencial (Pilgrim’s Passport)
- Pilgrim’s Kit:
- Informationen on bars and restaurant on the way
- Directions to your accommodations
- City maps of bigger cities
- History of the Camino
- Little language-guide