Section 9
Ponferrada to Sarria
This next stretch is something special. From Ponferrada to Sarria, it is around 100 km, depending on the route you pick. You’ll wander through the rolling vineyards of Bierzo, pass through the gorgeous town of Villafranca, and then take on the climb up to O Cebreiro — a magical little Celtic village perched right on the mountaintop. There are a few ways to get there, but if you’re up for a real adventure, I recommend the Dragonte route. It’s tough going, but absolutely unforgettable. After that, you wind your way back down through the hills to the peaceful monastery at Samos.
Ponferrada
205. 1 KM to Santiago
Leaving Ponferrada is a bit of a drag, like most cities on the Camino. You walk past the castle and briefly through the old town, then head through suburbs and some noisy industrial areas. After a while, the path gets quieter and more pleasant. Vineyards begin to appear, and you see mountains in the distance. You pass through small, sleepy villages like Compostilla and Fuentes Nuevas. By the time you reach Camponaraya, the Camino feels peaceful again.
Camponaraya
194.8 KM to Santiago
After about 10 km, you arrive in Camponaraya, a quiet village surrounded by vineyards.
Cacabelos
189.4 KM to Santiago
After about 5 km from Camponaraya, you’ll reach Cacabelos, a charming town nestled in the heart of the Bierzo wine region. Known for its rich winemaking heritage, Cacabelos offers ample opportunities for wine tasting and exploring local wineries. Colorful Wines
Take time to wander its streets, where you’ll find a variety of delightful restaurants and tapas bars. Notable options include Refugio de Saul, PulperÃa Compostela, and La Peregrina Tapas-Bar, all offering authentic local cuisine.
The town also features a unique municipal albergue, designed in a horseshoe shape around a church, providing semi-private two-person rooms for pilgrims.
Valtuille de Arriba
185.3 KM to Santiago
About 2 km after Cacabelos, the Camino splits. Take the detour to the right through Valtuille, which is safer and more scenic, winding peacefully through vineyards. In Valtuille de Arriba, there’s a little gem of a donativo albergue called La Biznaga. It’s a small family home with just seven beds, run by Susan and her wife. They are warm, welcoming hosts, and if you’re lucky enough to stay here, you’ll be treated like part of the family.
Villafranca del Bierzo
180.9 KM to Santiago
Leaving Valtuille de Arriba, the Camino stays quiet and rural, with peaceful paths through rolling vineyards and orchards. You’ll walk on dirt tracks and quiet lanes, surrounded by views of the Bierzo valley. The final stretch brings you gently downhill toward Villafranca del Bierzo. As you approach, the rooftops and church towers of the town come into view, nestled beside the river. Villafranca is a beautiful little town with cobbled streets, old churches, and a lovely, relaxed feel.
As you enter Villafranca, the municipal albergue is on the right, and the infamous Albergue Fénix is just after it on the left. It sits beside the Iglesia de Santiago, one of only two churches on the Camino with a Holy Door. In Holy Years, pilgrims too sick to continue could pass through it and still receive the same blessing as at Santiago.
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Pradela
173.6 KM to Santiago
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Trabadelo
171.2 KM to Santiago
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Vega de Valcarce
164.4 KM to Santiago
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Las HerrerÃas
160.9 KM to Santiago
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La Faba
157.4 KM to Santiago
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O Cebreiro
152.8 KM to Santiago
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FonfrÃa
141.2 KM to Santiago
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Tricastela
131.8 KM to Santiago
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Samos
128.8 KM to Santiago
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Sarria
113.6 KM to Santiago
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