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Camino French Way - Section 2, Easy
Cycling from Ponferrada to Santiago - ""
Walking: Full Walk - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - Guided - Country Cottages - Easy (37km) - Easy (70km) - Easy (100km) - Cycling: Full Cycle - 1 - 2 - Easy - Coach: Coach Tour - Walk'N'Coach
This cycling holiday travels along the final section of the Camino Frances (French Way) by bike. The French Way is the best known internationally of the pilgrim routes of the Santiago de Compostela and also the most traditional. The route, which originates from the late 11th century, travels to the tomb of St. James the Great, across the north of the Iberian Peninsula. It will see you pass through the Basque Country, Navarra, La Rioja, Castilla y Leon and Galicia provinces of Spain. Cycling has become a hugely popular way to experience this unforgettable journey to Santiago de Compostela.
The journey begins in the mountainside town of Ponferrada and ends in Santiago de Compostela. After leaving the medieval city of Ponferrada in Castilla y Leon, this section of the Camino de Santiago heads for the beautiful green hills in the centre of Galicia, after crossing the outstanding O’Cebreiro Mountains. This section requires a good level of fitness as parts of it can be quite physically demanding, however it offers fantastic landscapes and cultural sights as well as the reward of finishing the holiday in Santiago de Compostela, where all the Camino Ways finish.
How to get there? Click here
Day by Day & Hotels
Hotels & country cottages have been carefully selected for their location, comfort, character, food, and friendliness of the staff. They are subject to availability and if the hotel described is not available, we will provide you with one of the same standard of comfort & price. Please click on hotel information below.
There are 8 days
Day 1: Ponferrada
At the heart of the energetic city of Ponferrada is the medieval town centre and the Templ ... .. read more >
Meals: N/A Luggage Transfer: No
At the heart of the energetic city of Ponferrada is the medieval town centre and the Templar’s Castle which guards it.
Lodging: Our first choice is in the historic centre of the town. You will enjoy an en suite spacious and soundproofed room only 50 metres from Templarios Castle. There is a private balcony, a seating area and satellite TV. The hotel also has a terrace and a cafeteria*
Town Facilities: ATM, Internet, shops, all facilities.
*Please note: Accommodation is subject to availability.
Day 2: Ponferrada - Villafranca del Bierzo ...
24km, +307 m / -338 m: Your first day on the Camino will see you cycling through the valle ... .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner Luggage Transfer: Yes
24km, +307 m / -338 m: Your first day on the Camino will see you cycling through the valley of Bierzo in the province of Castilla y Leon. For much of the day you will have mountains all around you, before moving into the red earth wine making region that leads to the pretty Villafranca del Bierzo. Due to its short length and relatively easy cycling, the first day is a good warm up for the more difficult terrain tomorrow. The easy day also means that you’ll have an opportunity to explore the many medieval sights and the lively atmosphere of Villafranca del Bierzo.
Lodging: Our first choice for you is a hotel in the historic centre of the town, overlooking the River Valcarce and only 500 metres from the centre of Mediaeval Villafranca del Bierzo. You will enjoy an en suite Country-style heated room with free Wi-Fi in public areas. All rooms feature a satellite TV and some have a balcony.*
Town Facilities: ATM, Internet, shops, all facilities.
*Please note: Accommodation is subject to availability.
Day 3: Villafranca del Bierzo - O’Cebrei ...
32km, +1754 m / -1041 m: Today is a challenging days cycle with climbing totaling 1000m. A ... .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner Luggage Transfer: Yes
32km, +1754 m / -1041 m: Today is a challenging days cycle with climbing totaling 1000m. As the stage is placed in the middle of the “Los Ancares” and “La Sierra do Courel” mountain ranges, there is some steep climbing. The climb to O’Cebreiro is reached after passing along the narrow valley of the Valcace river. The difficulty of the stage is reflected in the relatively short distance, so we suggest you don’t rush and take in the fantastic scenery as you climb higher and higher towards the province of Galicia and the village of O’Cebreiro.
Lodging: Our first choice for you is a stone faced guesthouse with an en suite room*
Town Facilities: ATM, Internet, shops, all facilities.
*Please note: Accommodation is subject to availability.
Day 4: O’Cebreiro - Sarria
46km, +897 m. / -1702 m: This stage of the Camino will see you cycle along some undulating ... .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner Luggage Transfer: Yes
46km, +897 m. / -1702 m: This stage of the Camino will see you cycle along some undulating tracks as you gradually make your way out of the Galician Mountains. Along the road to Sarria you will pass many fantastic sites and beautiful, historical buildings. The town of Sarria itself is known for its rich ecclesiastical heritage.
Lodging: Our first choice for you is a hotel in the heart of Cáceres, 100 metres from the Plaza Mayor and the commercial centre of the city. All of the rooms are en suite and have climate control, telephone, TV and a hair dryer. It also has a swimming pool, free Wi-Fi and a restaurant offering local dishes along with a café offering breakfast and all-day snacks .*
Town Facilities: ATM, Internet, shops, all facilities.
*Please note: Accommodation is subject to availability.
Day 5: Sarria - Portomarin
22km, +476 m / -562 m: Expect a calm walk through pretty villages under shade from oak tre ... .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner Luggage Transfer: Yes
22km, +476 m / -562 m: Expect a calm walk through pretty villages under shade from oak trees, along quiet country roads. A beautiful Romanesque church is worth a visit in the village of Barbedelo (580m). Town Facilities: ATM, Internet, shops, all facilities.
Lodging: Our first choice for you is located in the historic centre of the town. You will enjoy an en suite room in a modern and classy hotel with an outdoor swimming pool and a large garden*
Town Facilities: ATM, Internet, shops, all facilities.
*Please note: Accommodation is subject to availability.
Day 6: Portomarin to Melide
38km 6h15, +806 m / -711 m: Today the Camino will cross the river Minho and rise uphill st ... .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Luggage Transfer: Yes
38km 6h15, +806 m / -711 m: Today the Camino will cross the river Minho and rise uphill steadily. You will pass Gonzar and the Romanesque Church of Santa María, Castromaior before Eirexe where the Romanesque portal of the church, features a sculpture of Daniel and animals as well as Santiago de Peregrino is also worth viewing. The Camino continues downhill, passing the village of Casanova and the delightful village of Leboreiro. At Melide (454m), it is worth stopping in one of the many restaurants to taste some local specialties.
Lodging: Our first choice is located in the centre of the town, just 200m from the pedestrian quarter and main church. All rooms are en suite and the hotel has a cafe/bar, restaurant, central heating, public telephone, television room with satellite TV and WIFI.*
Town Facilities: ATM, Internet, shops, all facilities.
*Please note: Accommodation is subject to availability.
Day 7: Melide - Santiago de Compostela
50km, +1034 m / -1226 m: Today could be considered to be the most exciting day on the whol ... .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner Luggage Transfer: Yes
50km, +1034 m / -1226 m: Today could be considered to be the most exciting day on the whole Camino as you reach Santiago de Compostela! After leaving Melide you will travel along the types of tracks which you have become accustomed to over the last couple of days. As the Camino rises and lowers over the small hills you will come to the nicest part of todays cycle which is El Monte de Gozo (Mount of Joy). Your final destination of Santiago de Compostela is visible in the distance from here!
Lodging: Our first choice for you is located in the historic centre of the town just a few hundred metres from the Cathedral. You will enjoy an en suite room in what was once an 18th Century Monastery. An upgrade to the 5 star Parador is also available.*
Town Facilities: ATM, Internet, shops, all facilities.
*Please note: Accommodation is subject to availability.
Day 8: Santiago de Compostela
After breakfast your journey ends. .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast Luggage Transfer: No
After breakfast your journey ends.
After breakfast you have an airport transfer, or, extra nights are available at the 5 star Parador or at the same hotel as last night.
Prices & Booking
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There is no intermediaries when booking with us, so feel free to contact us for advice, customisation or if you wish to combine several sections together. If you just wish to make a quick payment, submit your credit card and reference on our booking page. |
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Easy Walking |
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Note:
Options: We can upgrade your holiday in 4, 5* and Paradors. We can also offer extra nights and airport transfers. Ask us!
Families: We are now offering 40% off prices for children aged between 3-9 years old, and 20% off prices for children aged between 10-17 years old. Children under 3 come free.
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Price € PPS |
Single Room |
Extra Nights |
Bike |
Airport Transfer |
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High Season |
771 |
933 |
Single: 95 |
€151 |
Ask us For more info, see "how to get there" section, right under trip's introduction. |
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Mid Season |
741 |
878 |
Single: 90 |
€151 | |
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Low Season |
651 |
771 |
Single: 90 |
€151 |
Currency Converter by OANDA |
General details
Difficulty: 1 2 3 4 5 What is this?
Distance: 198Km
Duration: 7 Nights
Activity: 
Easy Cycling
Comfort: In Style
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Available: All year round
Price: From €643
10 reasons to book with us
Smartphones & Tablets
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(1,2) Leisurely (3,4) Stimulating (5) A Challenge
Our holidays are graded by 3 categories of difficulty: Leisurely, Stimulating and A Challenge. This grading system will allow you to select the ideal holiday for yourself or your group. We aim to offer you the best experiences and unforgettable memories on a holiday where your desire for a challenge, comfort and safety are our priority. As the abilities of everybody are different, it’s important that you decide on a holiday which best suits your own needs and capabilities. You should take some time to look over our grading system so you can decide which holiday is best for you!
How do we grade?
When grading our holidays we take 3 main factors into consideration: Distance, Gradient and Trail Type (i.e. mountain track, forest road, surfaced road, etc.)
Our Easy walking and cycling holidays are best for families with young children. With older children, experience and fitness level should be considered when deciding on a holiday.
Leisurely(1,2)
• Time: Under 5 hours per day on average.
• Gradient: Gentle, no steep climbs
• Trail Type: Walking path, easily accessible
• Suitable for: Everybody. Some easy preparation walks should increase your enjoyment.
Stimulating(3,4)
• Time: 5 to 7 hours / less than 20km per day on average
• Gradient: Up to 1000m ascent per day on average, possibility of some steep climbing
• Trail Type: Walking paths, mountain trails, not technically difficult
• Suitable for: Moderate level of fitness required. Some weekend walks of around 3-4 hours should help your preparation.
A Challenge (5)
• Time: Days can be over 7 hours / 20km
• Gradient: Days can be more than 1000m, some steep climbing
• Trail Type: Walking paths, mountain trails, can be technically difficult
• Suitable for: Good level of fitness required. Previous experience would be best. Regular weekend walks of 4-5 hours or more are advisable in the months leading up to your holiday. These should include some mountain walks.
Please find below information on how to get to your destination and back. You can also look at our "Camino flight Finder" page, and our airport guide.
Fly to Santiago de Compostela or Madrid and back home from Santiago de Compostela: More info see: http://www.spanish-airport-guide.com/
1 - Fly to Santiago de Compostela: Ryanair and Iberia/BA fly direct to Santiago de Compostela from the UK. Ryanair fly from Stansted, Nottingham East Midlands and Liverpool and Aer Lingus operates from Dublin.
Many of the flights that arrive at the airport are from internal Spanish destinations. Iberia and Spanair offer the best selection of flights and you can fly to and from Santiago De Compostela from: Frankfurt, Paris and Rome and Barcelona, Bilbao, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Madrid, Malaga, Palma, Seville, Tenerife and Valencia.
2 - Fly to Madrid: Virtually every company flies to Madrid
Spanish national company: www.iberia.com
Spanish low-cost: www.spanair.com
To the start of the cycle in Ponferrada:
1 - From Santiago: Take a shuttle bus to the bus station. Then a direct bus to Ponferrada (3-4hrs). See: http://www.alsa.com Then take a train to Ponferrada. Takes 4hrs, 2 per day. See: http://horarios.renfe.es/hir/ingles.html
2 - From Madrid: Train (5-6hrs) See: http://horarios.renfe.es/hir/ingles.html
Back home from Santiago de Compostela:
Shuttle buses from Santiago city center to the airport (20mins).
Included:
Luggage transferred from hotel to hotel
Rooms en-suite
Half Board during the hike
Holiday Pack: inc. notes & map(s) & pilgrim passport, what to bring, language book
Not Included:
Flights
Insurance (recommended)
Drinks
Dinner first and last nights
Transfer from/to airport
