Winter Way | Camino de Invierno

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The Winter Way, the alternative to the French Way

The Winter Way is known by this name because it was the route chosen by pilgrims in medieval times, to avoid the area of O Cebreiro on the French Way. Due to snow, the route could be closed at certain times of the year.

However today, despite what its name may suggest, the Winter Way (or Camino de Invierno) is not the best route for the colder months. This is due to the difficulty of the terrain, and to the fact that it is a fairly remote route in terms of services. Of course, highly recommended for the most experienced pilgrims, who want to enjoy the wildest Galicia, full of history, nature and spectacular landscapes.

Even though the Winter Way is a traditional route of the Camino de Santiago, with centuries of history, it became very popular over the last few years.

Why do we recommend this route? Because of its unforgettable landscapes, the vines, its colorful autumn scene… Those pilgrims who choose the Winter Way, will enjoy the magnificent views of Las Médulas, in León (a UNESCO World Heritage Centre), the vineyards of Ribeira Sacra and its canyons…

And even if the route is called the Winter Way, pilgrims are welcome to walk it all the year round! You can walk the full route from Ponferrada, or just its last 100 km (from Monforte de Lemos) in order to get your Pilgrim Certificate.

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Check in Ponferrada

Ponferrada – Las Médulas (27 km)

Let’s start the walk in Ponferrada, which is also an iconic stop the French Way. The path will take you to Las Médulas, a World Heritage Centre (UNESCO).

Las Médulas – O Barco de Valdeorras (27 km)

You will walk through an ancient Roman route on the way to O Barco de Valdeorras. This region is really well known because of its wine.

O Barco de Valdeorras – A Rua de Valdeorras (14 km)

The walk to A Rúa de Valdeorras is shorter than the previous ones. You will be able to enjoy the landscape, and visit some of the old chapels and bridges along the way.

A Rua de Valdeorras – Quiroga (26 km)

This stretch offers really nice views of the river (Sil) and its canyons. This area, known as Ribeira Sacra, is very popular because of its wine, and is vineyards in balconies.

Quiroga – Monforte de Lemos (33 km)

Be ready for the longest walking day of the route. After walking through small rural areas, you will finally arrive in Monforte de Lemos, the Capital City of Ribeira Sacra region.

Monforte de Lemos - Chantada (30 km)

You will leave behind oak woods, small chapels and rural areas on the way to Chantada. Pilgrims walking this stretch will also enjoy the views of the Miño River and the balconies.

Chantada - Rodeiro (26 km)

Chantada is a really nice town, with a medieval heritage that is worth a visit. The most challenging part of the day? The ascent to Monte Faro.

Rodeiro - Lalín (22 km)

Last walking day of the Winter Way, since the path will join together with the Via de la Plata once in Lalín.

Lalín - Silleda (15 km)

You may see more pilgrims on the way from Lalín to Silleda than the previous days (those pilgrims walking La Via de la Plata). This a shorter walking day, you will enjoy peaceful paths and woods.

Silleda - Ponte Ulla (20 km)

The Camino de Santiago walk will continue through small rural area and quiet paths.

Ponte Ulla - Santiago de Compostela (25 km)

Last walking day of the Camino de Invierno and the Via de la Plata, from Ponte Ulla to Santiago de Compostela. The walk starts with an ascent towards the Pico Sacro, and will continue through small rural areas until you reach the outskirts of Santiago de Compostela. What to do once in Santiago? You can go to the Pilgrim Mass in the Cathedral, visit the Pilgrim’s Office to get your Pilgrim Certificate, and you can even continue the walk towards Finisterre (the End of the World)!

Check out

TE RECOMENDAMOS ESTA RUTA SI...

Are you looking for an alternative route to the French Way? Disconnect in the heart of nature? Explore the Medulas and Ribeira Sacra? Then, the Winter Way from Ponferrada is the perfect option for you.

Cómo llegar

Desde Santiago de Compostela Airport

Car or cab: 207km with an estimated duration of 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Train: Take the bus (LINE 6A) from Santiago de Compostela airport to the station stop. Frequency every 15′, and an approximate duration of 20′. Another option is to take a cab to the station, with an estimated duration of 15′. At the station take a train (RENFE) to Ourense, a 40′ journey. In Ourense transfer to the train to Ponferrada, a 2h and 40 minutes journey. For schedules and more information visit: https://tussa.org/ and www.renfe.com
Bus: Once in Santiago station take a bus (ALSA) to Ponferrada, a 4h and 30 minutes journey. For schedules and more information visit: https://tussa.org/ and www.alsa.es

Desde Madrid Airport

Car or cab: 400km with an estimated duration of 3 hours and 50 minutes.
Bus: From T4 take the bus to South station (15′ trip). There take the bus (ALSA) to Ponferrada, 5h trip. For schedules and more information visit: www.alsa.es
Train: From T4 take the suburban train (LÍNEA C1) towards Chamartín – Clara Campoamor (17′ trip). Once there, take a train (RENFE) to Ponferrada, a 4-hour journey. To check timetables and more information visit: www.renfe.com

Desde Asturias Airport

Car or cab: 225km with an estimated duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Bus: At the airport take the bus (ALSA) to Oviedo, 45 minutes. At the station transfer to the bus to Ponferrada, journey time 3h and 15 minutes. For schedules and more information visit:www.alsa.es

IMPORTANT

Please note that our itineraries are completely flexible. If you have a different idea in mind (want to add or remove nights, services, etc), you can just let us know.

TripAdvisor

mariaelena1964
25/02/23 - TripAdvisor
Un Camino Maravilloso Muy buena experiencia buenísimos alojamiento abundante comida un 10 mucha limpieza teléfono de emergencia operativo se preocupan por el peregrino cumplen con todo la información escrita sin duda los mejores repetiremos
rociofastias9
16/09/22 - TripAdvisor
Repetir es la mejor reseña No hay mejor opinión que repetir la experiencia. Mi primera experiencia con ellos fue en marzo y ahora en septiembre repetí y volveré a hacerlo. Atentos, cumplen todo, modifican lo que les pidas a capricho
Saminunez
04/09/22 - TripAdvisor
Muy recomendable Todo perfectamente organizado. Los alojamientos acordes y muy limpios. La comunicaciòn y gestiòn con Galiwonders estupenda. Recomiendo totalmente
miriamaE4821GN
26/08/22 - TripAdvisor
Muy buena La experiencia está siendo muy buena, en general los alojamientos están muy bien a excepción de alguno que cambiaríamos. Muy recomendable.
estrella19642
11/08/22 - TripAdvisor
Equipo profesional y eficaz Ha sido mi primer camino con mi pareja y no será el último; una experiencia irrepetible. La organización de Galiwonders ha sido perfecta. La elección de los alojamientos muy acertada y ha superado nuestras espectativas. Volveremos el año que viene a hacer otro camino con Galiwonders ¡¡seguro!!
Pablo_Arc
03/08/22 - TripAdvisor
Perfecta para tener un Buen Camino Muy buena experiencia, nos organizaron el camino francés desde Sarria tal y como les pedimos saliendo todo perfecto y según lo esperado.

Destacar que fuimos con un bebé y en todo alojamiento contamos con cuna tal y como habíamos pedido.

Sin duda, para repetir experiencia.
B3784JBnicolas
23/07/22 - TripAdvisor
Profesionales y flexibles Lo que se busca de una agencia de viajes: profesionalidad y flexibilidad. Muchas gracias por todo el trabajo.
miguelvL6639MT
14/06/22 - TripAdvisor
experiencia muy positiva Hice el camino frances desde sarria, todo muy bien organizado, a media pension,
tanto hoteles y pensiones bastante correctas.
algunos de ellos tenian restaurante, y desde luego es una ventaja, ya que al termino de la etapa del dia podias comer alli,
y sino te hacen un vale para comer muy cerca del alojamiento.
desde luego muy recomendable.
789claudion
11/06/22 - TripAdvisor
Espectacular Excelente 100% recomendable realizá la experiencia y solo preocúpate por caminar y disfrutar, el resto se ocupa Galiwonders