Camino - Pilgrims and Paradors

Make your way to Villafranca del Bierzo and check into the Parador, your base for 2 nights. The Parador has great views of the northwest of the region of El Bierzo and to the south of the Ancares mountain range. Villafranca is the last important town in Leon towards Santiago and has a rich monumental heritage. Its old centre has been declared Property of Cultural Interest. Enjoy exploring the main square (Plaza Mayor), City Hall, calle del Agua (Water Street) and the arch where it ends, the convent of Agustinas Recoletas, and other palaces, or relaxing at the parador.

This morning at 8.30am you will be transferred to Herrerías to start your Camino. This stretch is known for its physical challenge and spiritual reward, offering one of the most iconic experiences of the Camino. You will walk via La Faba to Laguna de Castilla, where there is a wonderful example of a functional Galician 'palloza'. This traditional structure has stone walls with a conical, slanting roof and is a typical dwelling of this region. Continue ascending through scrub land to reach O Cebreiro (at 1330m), from where a 4pm transfer will take you back to Villafranca. Distance 8km/5mi, ascent approx 550m/1800ft

After breakfast, a transfer (at 8.30am) takes you back to O Cebreiro to continue your walk. Early morning mists give way to ethereal hilltops as you descend through the Sierra de los Ancares, with spectacular views along the way. In Hospital de la Condesa you can visit the Iglesia San Juan with its unusual stone roofed belfry and the cross of Santiago. Pass through the village of Triacastela on your way to Samos for your transfer (at 4pm) to Monforte de Lemos. Distance 30km/18.6mi Optional full day excursion available, extra night Monforte required: Ribeira Sacra experience, includes cellar visit and wine tasting, lunch and boat trip on the river Sil, plus return transfers and accommodation. Must be requested at time of booking - extra costs apply.

At 8.30am transfer back to Samos to commence your walk. Samos has as its centrepiece a large monastery founded in the sixth century, Monastery of St Julian, an active Benedictine monastery, one of the three monasteries that are still inhabited by monks in Galicia. The stage winds along the Sarria river, with moderate but frequent slopes. Pass through meadows, lush forests of chestnut and oak trees and small villages. It is worth mentioning the town of Sarria is a starting point for pilgrims wishing to complete the last 100km of the Camino Francés. From Sarria you will continue to Barbadelo, following a winding path between the river and railway to cross a stream. Climb up through ancient woodlands to meet your 4pm transfer back to Monforte. Distance 17.5km/10.8mi

Transfer to Barbadelo this morning (at 8.30am) to continue your walk. You are now experiencing rural Galicia at its best, following a well-worn path along granite stepping stones and narrow laneways to stay above the flood prone area below. Gently climb to Ferreiros and Vilacha among other villages before descending steeply to the bridge spanning the Miño river and the town of Portomarin. The Belesar reservoir flooded the old village of Portomarín in 1963. Its main historic buildings were rescued stone by stone: the Romanesque church of San Pedro, the church fortress of San Nicolás and some medieval palaces, and relocated to the new town. The usual accommodation here, a pazo, was partially relocated to its current spot at this time due to the flooding. Distance 18km/11.2mi

Today you will find varied terrain on your way to Palas de Rei. Leaving Portomarín, the route crosses the Miño River then ventures into rural landscapes, marked by small villages and cultivated fields. Pass through towns and villages including Ventas de Naron and Ligonde. If you have time, detour at Portos to Vilar de Donas to see the Church of San Salvador, constructed in the middle of the 12 century. After another gentle climb you will descend from O Rosario to Palas de Rei. An afternoon transfer (at 4pm) takes you to Vilamaior and your hotel. Distance 25km/15.5mi

Transfer at 8.30am back to Palas de Rei to commence your walk. It's a long walk with constant ascents and descents. The terrain becomes easier as you pass through the villages of Casanova and Leboreiro and past eucalyptus trees. Crossing over the River Seco on the Magdalena Bridge you will reach Furelos and Melide - the latter a great place to recharge your batteries with a good tapa of its famous ‘pulpo á feira’ (octopus). Continue to your comfortable lodging in Arzua in the province of La Coruña. Distance 29km/18.1mi