Last places
Way of Saint James from Sarria in group with guide
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Days
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Hours
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On foot

Winter Way complete in 2 weeks

SERVICES
Configurable
TYPE OF TRIP
Long distances
MODE
On your own
12 STAGES
14 DAYS
262 KM
DIF. ●●●○○
Walk the entire Winter Way, the great undiscovered route of the Way of St. James
Venture out on its quiet and peaceful trails.
Discover the canyons of the Sil and Miño rivers, and the true meaning of heroic viticulture.
The Winter Way is undoubtedly the most solitary and quiet of the routes that make up the Camino de Santiago. Those who walk it often seek not only the pleasure of advancing step by step, but also to recover the practice of marvelling at the places that take on true meaning when they are given the necessary time. And if it is a question of marvelling, there is no doubt that this route is the right one. Walking it we will cross Las Médulas and its ruined mountains, the vineyards of Valdeorras, the Ribeira Sacra with its inexhaustible historical and artistic heritage and the friendly lands of the Deza and Ulla rivers until we reach the gates of Compostela. Can anyone give more?

Services

This programme includes these services.

14-day journey along the Winter Way from Ponferrada to Compostela.
13 nights in private room with bathroom, in accommodation along the route.
Full documentation about the travel.
GPS tracks in your smartphone
Pilgrim's passport
Travel insurance with special coverage for sports activities.
24/7 telephone assistance during your trip.
VAT and other taxes

Not included services

Extras in hotels and restaurants.
Other transfers requested by you, not specified in the contract.
Any other service not specifically defined as included.

Optional Services

A whole range of optional services are at your disposal, so that you can configure your trip to suit your needs.
Private transfers
Cancellation insurance

Luggage transportation on route (up to 15 kg / package).
Transfers to Santiago de Compostela airport.
Cancellation insurance

Free cancellation if you book through our website

Is this trip for me?

Type of trip: Long distances
For those who are not content and want to live every step of a great adventure. Endorphins and great memories.
Type of services: Configurable
You choose your category of accommodation, if you want breakfast or not, if you want us to carry your luggage, etc. You decide and we will make sure everything runs smoothly.
Travel style: On your own
Programmes designed so that you can travel the route on your own, at the pace set by your steps. Full autonomy and the peace of mind of knowing that we are with you if you need us.
Physical demands: Hiking
Routes of small or medium physical demand, of medium distance (20-30 km / day) and surfaces that facilitate walking, and that can be covered autonomously.

Itinerary


Day 1. Welcome to the Winter Way

One of the attractions for starting out on the Winter Way in Ponferrada is, without doubt, this town, which since the origins of the Way has been a stopping place for pilgrims from all over Europe. Its castle, built by the Order of the Templars in the 13th century, is its main point of historical interest. But it is by no means the only one. Next to it is the Basílica de la Encina, a 12th century temple remodelled countless times, with a large Baroque tower reminiscent of those of Santiago de Compostela, and which houses an image of the Virgen de la Encina, patron saint of the region of El Bierzo, whose capital is Ponferrada. It is worth taking a stroll along the Calle del Reloj (Clock Street), which leads from there to the tower of the same name. This tower dates from the 16th century and stands on the only gate of the old medieval wall that remains today. On crossing this gate we are greeted by the town hall square and its pleasant terraces, the perfect place to rest before starting the Winter Way the following day.

Accommodation: Hotel Aroi Bierzo Plaza or similar


Day 2. Stage Ponferrada - Las Médulas

Distance: 27.8 km
Difficulty: ●●●●○○
Accommodation: Las Médulas

The first day of this Camino de Invierno will take us out of Ponferrada and into the Bierzo region, walking through the vineyards of its protected designation of origin, centenary chestnut trees and small villages with the flavour of traditional architecture. The profile here is undulating, with short slopes and some beautiful climbs, such as the one that takes us to Villavieja. The heritage landmarks of the day are, without doubt, the Templar castle of Cornatel, and the mining landscape of Las Médulas, created in the times of Roman domination, when the whole province of Gallaecia was a colony for the extraction of gold and other metals. The town that takes its name from these ruined mountains, Las Médulas, will be our destination for the day and where we will regain strength for the next day.

Accommodation: Agoga Rural Complex or similar


Day 3. Stage Las Médulas - O Barco de Valdeorras

Distance: 27.2 km
Difficulty: ●●●●○○
Accommodation: O Barco de Valdeorras

We resume our Camino de Invierno in the direction of Galicia, in a stage that can be divided into two parts. The first, a quiet and pleasant descent through the valley of Valdebría to the border between León and Galicia, in Puente de Domingo Flórez, and the second, already in Galicia, a fluvial route, hand in hand with the river Sil for the most part, and with the occasional climb. 

The end of the stage will be in O Barco, capital of the Valdeorras region, famous for its wines with designation of origin (white wines made from Godello grapes and red wines made from Garnacha and Mencía grapes). It is worth strolling along the Malecón and its river beach, and visiting the Casa Grande de Viloria. A short distance away is also the monastery of San Miguel de Xagoaza, which has a well-preserved Romanesque apse from the 12th century.

Accommodation: Hotel Malecón or similar


Day 4. Stage O Barco de Valdeorras - A Rúa de Valdeorras

Distance: 12 km
Difficulty: ●○○○○
Accommodation: A Rúa de Valdeorras

The third stage of this Winter Way is considerably shorter than the previous ones and runs entirely through the region of Valdeorras, among vineyards and evidence of slate mining, the true economic engine of the area. The change in length is due to the lack of accommodation between A Rúa de Valdeorras, where we will spend the night, and Quiroga, the end of the next stage. 

In any case, the route of the Winter Way coincides in this area with different sections of the Roman Via XVIII, a Roman road built in the time of Emperor Vespasian (1st century) which linked Bracara Augusta (Braga) with Asturica Augusta (Astorga) and was used to take the gold mined in these lands to Rome. Also of Roman origin is the bridge of A Cigarrosa, which connects the villages of A Rúa and Petín. It is undoubtedly worth a visit after having rested in A Rúa, where we finished our day's stage.

Accommodation: Pension Fabio or similar


Day 5. Stage A Rúa de Valdeorras - Quiroga

Distance: 26.5 km
Difficulty: ●●●●○○
Accommodation: Quiroga

We restart our Winter Way leaving Rúa behind and changing region: from Valdeorras to Quiroga, entering the famous Ribeira Sacra. The route runs at medium altitude, with good views over the Sil river, which is gradually boxing itself in and forming its imposing canyon. The Ribeira Sacra offers the highest concentration of churches and monasteries of Romanesque architecture in Europe, famous wines with protected designation of origin and dramatic landscapes of vineyards that stretch along the steep slopes of the canyon of the rivers Sil and Miño, and we will have the first samples of all this on this day. 

Along the way we will also find Montefurado, where the Sil crosses the mountain through a tunnel excavated in the 2nd century by the Romans to divert its course and collect the gold deposited on its bed. Further on, the chapel of As Farrapas also stands out, next to which we find an old olive-oil mill that is evidence of the olive-growing past that today we are trying to recover, and the defensive complex of Os Novais, formed by a 10th century tower and a 13th century manor house that was the centre of operations of the Order of St. John in this region before becoming the Order of Malta.

The day ends in Quiroga, a town with all the services after a stage where they have been conspicuous by their absence. A perfect place to rest and, if you wish, for a walk to the neighbouring Hospital de Quiroga - one of the most important pilgrims' hospitals on the Winter Way, which has a church of pre-Romanesque origin (although much renovated in successive periods).

Accommodation: Casa do Estanco or similar


Day 6. Stage Quiroga - A Pobra do Brollón

Distance: 22.9 km
Difficulty: ●●●●○○
Accommodation: A Pobra do Brollón

The fifth stage of our Winter Way from Ponferrada deviates from the river Sil and presents us with some significant slopes. It makes up for it with a natural environment of great beauty. Leaving Quiroga and the next village, Nocelo, we begin the ascent to the chapel of Los Remedios (17th century), and immediately a long, steep descent to the river Lor, which we cross over an interesting 14th century bridge that follows the route of an earlier, Roman bridge. 

From here, a new ascent, harder than the previous one, will take us through the highlands of the Ribeira Sacra towards the descent to Pobra de Brollón, where we arrive after crossing the fluvial beach of the river Saa. Here we will stop this stage to recharge our batteries.

Accommodation: As Viñas Guesthouse or similar


Day 7. Stage A Pobra do Brollón - Monforte de Lemos

Distance: 12.5 km
Difficulty: ●○○○○
Accommodation: Monforte de Lemos

The seventh day of our journey along the Winter Way will take us, after a short distance, to Monforte de Lemos, capital of the region of Terra de Lemos and of the entire Ribeira Sacra. The route runs for the first 3 km along a pleasant riverside path, on the banks of the river Saa, very close to the excavations of the 1st and 2nd century San Lourenzo hillfort (200m detour, signposted). It then turns off, taking us towards Monforte, which is practically flat except for a gentle climb around kilometre 5. 

Given the brevity of the stage, we will arrive early in Monforte, whose name undoubtedly comes from the fortified castro of the Celtic tribe of the Lemavos, today crowned by a keep, the palace that belonged to the Counts of Lemos and the monastery of San Vicente do Pino. It is worth visiting this complex, today converted into a Parador de Turismo, and also strolling through the historic centre of the town, perhaps visiting the Centro do Viño da Ribeira Sacra (an interactive museum dedicated to the famous wine of this designation of origin) and the banks of the river Cabe. But, above all, it is important to rest well, because the next day will be demanding.

Accommodation: Hotel Terra Galega Meiga or similar


Day 8. Stage Monforte de Lemos - Chantada

Distance: 30.4 km
Difficulty: ●●●●○
Accommodation: Chantada

Leaving Monforte de Lemos behind, we begin the longest and hardest stage of all those that make up this Winter Way. In the intermediate towns until the end of the stage in Chantada, moreover, there are almost no services, and most of the stage will be on asphalt. And, as if that were not enough, we will face the descent and ascent of the canyon formed by the Miño river in Belesar, the steepest (double) slope of the entire route. All this will be compensated by the Camino with one of the most picturesque stretches of the Camino and with spectacular views over the river Miño and its Ribeira Sacra. For example, at the so-called Mirador do Cabo do Mundo, which is a very short detour from the Way that is definitely worth it, or at the river bends precisely in Belesar, where you can marvel at the terraces of vineyards arranged almost vertically along the walls of the canyon of the Miño river and with the so-called heroic viticulture. We will also have interesting examples of Romanesque architecture: the churches of San Paio de Diomondi, San Pedro de Líncora and San Salvador de Asma. At the end of the day we will meet in Chantada for a well-deserved rest.

Accommodation: Hotel Mogay or similar


Day 9. Stage Chantada - Rodeiro

Distance: 25.4 km
Difficulty: ●●●●○○
Accommodation: Rodeiro

The eighth stage of this Winter Way from Monforte is gentler than the previous one, and shorter, although equally interesting from a scenic point of view. It will also be necessary to reach the summit of this route at O Faro (1153 metres above sea level), but we will do so gradually. There is also a variant from Penasillás, which shortens the journey by 1.2 km and avoids a large part of the ascent by taking advantage of local asphalted tracks, with practically no traffic. However, our recommendation is to follow the historical route, which will allow us to get close to the hermitage of Nosa Señora do Faro and, if the day is clear, to have endless 360º views that reach, on the horizon, to the famous Galician estuaries. 

From the top of O Faro, the rest of the stage will be a gentle descent through small villages with some unique buildings, such as the pazo of Camba, linked to the feudal lords of these lands. We will finally arrive at Rodeiro, the perfect place to rest and try some of the empanadas from the famous Jesús bakery.

Accommodation: Hostel Carpinteiras or similar


Day 10. Stage Rodeiro - Lalín

Distance: 21.9 km
Difficulty level: ●●●○○○○○
Accommodation: Lalín

Another day of our journey along the Camino de Invierno, even more moderate than the previous one. Gentle gradients and the perfect distance for a good stretch through the rural and livestock farming environment that characterises the Deza region. The only difficulty is that, until the end of the stage, there are no services, so it is advisable to be well equipped.

The first kilometres, from Rodeiro to Ponte de Pedroso, are covered by returning again and again to the Arnego river, a tributary of the Ulla which we will cross later on in this journey. From there, there is a journey of about 10 kilometres with almost no intermediate points, alternating wooded areas with cultivated fields, until we reach Lalín, the capital of the region and a town with all services, where this last day of the Winter Way ends. If we do this stage on a cold day, the recommendation is to make sure to enjoy a good stew, which this town is almost a religion.

Accommodation: Hotel Alda Lalín or similar


Day 11. Stage Lalín - A Bandeira

Distance: 22.4 km
Difficulty: ●●●●○○
Accommodation: A Bandeira

We begin the tenth stage of this Winter Way leaving Lalín behind to join, very quickly, another of those quiet and solitary routes that go to Compostela: the so-called "Camino de Invierno" (Winter Way). Camino SanabresA beautiful variant of the Vía de la Plata that arrives here from the city of Ourense.

In this stage, it is time to pace the route and cross the lands of Trasdeza and the river that gives it its name - the Deza - to continue in search of Compostela. We will stop first, however, in a small village built at the foot of the old Camino Real that linked Santiago with Ourense, and through which the wine of the region of O Ribeiro, highly appreciated in the city of the apostle in the Middle Ages, as attested by the Codex Calixtinus, was transited, among other things. This town, A Bandeira, is famous for its annual 'empanada' festival, one of the most popular dishes in Galician gastronomy, which can be ordered all year round in any restaurant or bakery in the town. 

Standard accommodation: Hotel Victorino or similar


Day 12. Stage A Bandeira - Outeiro

Distance: 16.9 km
Difficulty level: ●●●○○○○○
Accommodation: Outeiro de Vedra

The penultimate stage of this Winter Way before reaching Santiago de Compostela. A route without great difficulties and with few kilometres that allows you to enjoy the landscape with the calm that it requires and to stop in Ponte Ulla to taste its wine and its famous augardiente - a liquor made from the skin of the grape (bagasse). And not only that. Under the columns of the immense Gundián bridge, built to carry the railway to Compostela, is said to be the submerged monastery of San Salvador da Cova.

Standard accommodation: Victoria Guesthouse or similar


Day 13. Stage Outeiro - Santiago de Compostela

Distance: 16.5 km
Difficulty: ●○○○○
Accommodation: Santiago de Compostela

Few sensations can compare to entering Compostela after walking for days. Sometimes even for weeks. Walking along this route, which is shared between the Winter Way and the Sanabrés Way, also gives us the advantage of doing so at the foot of Pico Sacro, one of the places most closely linked to the Jacobean tradition. Tradition has it that Queen Lupa lived in its caves and on its slopes, part of the history of the translatio - the bringing of the apostle's remains to Gallaecia and his burial in what is today the third holy city of Christianity along with Rome and Jerusalem. 

The entrance to Santiago is also via streets that are different from the busiest on the French Way. On arriving in the city we will be greeted by the collegiate church of Santa María de Sar, which is worth visiting before covering the last kilometre and the short but steep climb will leave us in the centre of the city. We will then have reached Compostela, entering through the Mazarelos gate.

Standard accommodation: Hospedería San Martín Pinario or similar


Day 14. A day to get to know Compostela

This last day is a well-deserved tribute to your efforts. After resting, you will have the whole day free to explore the Holy City: its Cathedral and the rest of its monuments. If you want, we can also help you with this. Or, if you already know Santiago, you can opt for one of the full day programmes we offer to complete your trip. You still don't know the Costa da Morte, Fisterra and Muxía?


The recipe for great journeys

Natural, historical and ethnographic heritage, spectacular gastronomy, good company, slow pace and time for time. These are the ingredients with which we design trips in Viando. Are you staying at home? 

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Choose dates, type of accommodation, what services you want to hire and method of payment. You are in full control

Frequently asked questions

What to expect from this tour?
The Camino de Invierno is a perfect route for those who are looking for alternative routes to the more popular routes of the Camino de Santiago, to walk quietly. It is undoubtedly the loneliest of the Caminos de Santiago, but even so its signposting is very good and, although it has fewer services than other Caminos, these are sufficient to ensure a fantastic journey.
Despite its name and its origin as a winter route, the Camino de Invierno can be done at any time of the year. Although in winter snow can be found in some areas such as Las Médulas, its lower route eliminates the toughest passages of the French Way in the Ancares area. In any case, this Winter Way becomes more spectacular in autumn, when the mountains of O Courel and the canyons of the Sil and Miño rivers are covered in reddish and brownish colours.
This programme can be done without transfers, starting in Ponferrada and ending in Monforte - both towns are well connected by train and bus. Transfers to nearby airports are available as optional services.
The accommodation provided on this route is varied in category, ranging from small traditional guesthouses to modern hotels with all modern comforts. All offer private rooms with en-suite bathrooms and are well-maintained and clean to ensure a good night's sleep.

By default and compulsory, all our programmes include travel insurance with specific coverage for the Camino de Santiago. You can see the details in the section Insurance of our website. 

All our programmes include a 24-hour telephone support service, should you need help at any time during your experience. This means that you can also contact us outside office hours (when you are on pilgrimage). 

If you want to book this programme, you have the following options available a form where you can indicate the starting date, the type of accommodation and a series of optional services. The price will be updated according to the options you choose, so you have full control. Once you have configured your trip, click on "Book" to make the payment.

Once we receive your request, you will automatically receive a proof of purchase and within 48 working hours we will contact you to confirm the details of your booking and provide you with the documentation. 

In Viando we also work with tailor-made programmes (short stages, intermediate rest days, itineraries different from those proposed, etc.). If you are looking for a Camino that meets your needs/preferences, you can ask us for a quote. here.

Mode

This label indicates the intended mode of travel, based on two typologies:

In groups

These are group trips, where you are part of a small group of people who have chosen the same destination as you. Perfect for meeting like-minded people. Group trips usually have a guide who is in charge of overseeing the dynamics of the group, revealing the secrets of the destination and, in general, making sure that everything runs smoothly.

On your own

In this type of trip you have full control: you choose the dates and the pace. In addition, they are usually trips with configurable accommodation and services. It is the perfect mode for independent and experienced travellers, as well as for private groups of friends or families.

Type of trip

This label indicates the type of trip we propose to you based on the following options:

Getaways

These are trips that concentrate all their essence in two or three days. The aim is to live a series of experiences in a specific geographical area.

Half distance

These trips offer routes that take only a few days to complete and are perfect for most people who want to enjoy an active holiday without being too physically demanding.

Long distances

This type refers to long routes, which offer a great variety of natural and human spaces to visit and which require several days, usually two weeks or more. They are routes and destinations designed to really disconnect and live the experience to the fullest.

Exploration

These are trips off the beaten track and off the beaten track. They often require certain orientation skills or offer specialised guides at the destination.

Accommodation

This label indicates the type of services (mainly accommodation) we offer on each trip, based on three categories: 

Configurable

The trip offers different types of services and categories of services that you can choose from. For example, standard or premium accommodation. 

Standard

The trips in this group do not offer configurable options. The accommodations correspond to the standard category (not luxurious, but clean and in good condition).

Premium

Trips with this label offer non-configurable options. Accommodation and other services correspond to the premium category.