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Camino de Invierno | Winter Way

Winter Way | Easy

5/5
Organized pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela
| Autoguided Tour

Tour Description

The Winter Way at your own speed

Traditionally, the Winter Way was the route chosen by medieval pilgrims during the coldest months (as its name suggests). It emerged as an alternative to the French Way, although today it is a route that involves certain difficulties, and is recommended in periods of the year with milder temperatures.

We recommend this route to experienced pilgrims, since the terrain is rough at certain points, the stages are long, and the services along the way are rather scarce. But without effort there is no reward, and the truth is that it is one of the most spectacular options when it comes to landscapes.

In addition, there is the possibility of dividing some of its longest stages into two, in this way it will be possible to enjoy a more bearable path.

If you are not ready to face walking days of more than 30 kilometres, the adapted version of the Winter Way is the perfect choice for you. Walking among vineyards, canyons, and the wildest nature of Galicia region, are more than enough reason to choose this special itinerary.
Experience details

Included Services

Check in

Arrival in Ponferrada, starting point of the Winter Way.

Ponferrada – Las Médulas (27 km)

The Winter Way begins in Ponferrada, which is also an emblematic stop on the French Way. The stage will take us through the region of Las Médulas.

Las Médulas – O Barco de Valdeorras (27 km)

We will cross an old path of Roman origin on our stage to O Barco de Valdeorras. The region is well known for its wines.

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

The stage from O Barco to A Rúa de Valdeorras is shorter than the previous ones. You can enjoy the landscapes and visit some of its chapels along the way.

A Rua de Valdeorras – Quiroga (26 km) 

The stage offers spectacular views of the Sil River and its well-known canyons. This area, known as the Ribeira Sacra, is well known for its wine and terraced vineyards.

Quiroga – Barxa de Lor (14 km)

Originally this stage would be the longest, reaching from Quiroga to Monforte de Lemos (almost 34 km!). But it is possible to divide it into two, spending the night in Barxa de Lor, or in Pobra de Brollón.

Barxa de Lor - Monforte de Lemos (19 km)

With the division of the great stage Quiroga – Monforte de Lemos in two, this walking day is easier. The path passes through the heart of the Ribeira Sacra region.

Monforte de Lemos - Vilariño (14 km)

Let’s divide the second great stage of the Winter Way in two, which originally goes from Monforte de Lemos to Chantada (about 30 km). Pilgrims who complete this stage will enjoy the views of the River Miño and its terraces.

Vilariño - Chantada (15 km)

Peaceful day, still in the land of the Ribeira Sacra, only 15 km.

Chantada - Rodeiro (26 km) 

Chantada is a stop with a great medieval heritage that is worth a visit. The most difficult part of the day? The ascent to Monte Faro.

Rodeiro - Lalín (22 km) 

This is the last stage of the Winter Way itself, since from Lalín the route joins the Vía de la Plata.

Lalín - Silleda (15 km) 

Starting from Lalín, you may see more pilgrims on the route than in the previous days (those who arrive from the Vía de la Plata). The stage from Lalín to Silleda runs through rural areas, quiet roads and small forests.

Silleda - Ponte Ulla (20 km) 

Last stage of the Winter Way and the Vía de la Plata, from Ponte Ulla to Santiago de Compostela. The path begins with a steep climb towards the Pico Sacro, and continues through small rural areas until reaching the outskirts of Santiago de Compostela. What to do once in Santiago? You can attend the Pilgrim’s Mass in the Cathedral, visit the Pilgrim’s Office to request your Compostela, or even continue your adventure to Finisterre, the End of the World.

Ponte Ulla - Santiago de Compostela (25 km) 

Last stage of the Winter Way and the Vía de la Plata, from Ponte Ulla to Santiago de Compostela. The path begins with a steep climb towards the Pico Sacro, and continues through small rural areas until reaching the outskirts of Santiago de Compostela. What to do once in Santiago? You can attend the Pilgrim’s Mass in the Cathedral, visit the Pilgrim’s Office to request your Compostela, or even continue your adventure to Finisterre, the End of the World.

Check out

Check out Santiago de Compostela

Standard category

1* and 2* hotels

These hotels offer private rooms with private bathrooms as well as other additional services that may vary depending on the type of category: restaurant service, television, room service, dry cleaning, ironing service, etc. It is common to stay in this type of hotels in the cities along the Camino.

Hostels and pensions

These accommodations have the necessary services to cover the basic needs of cleanliness and rest at a more moderate price than the hotels . Officially, hostels and guesthouses are 1-star accommodations. However, this rating should not be taken into account when evaluating the level of comfort and quality of their services.

Superior category

3*, 4* and 5* Hotels

Typical in the large cities along the El Camino. They can be family hotels or international hotel chains. They are perhaps the most expensive alternative, although you can find different price levels according to the category and services they offer.

Hoteles Boutique

These are small accommodations characterized by having few rooms and providing personalized attention. They are hotel concepts with a modern style and their own character. They can be between 1* and 5*.

National Paradores of Spain

This is a public hotel chain that manages a network of almost 100 charming hotels distributed throughout the Iberian Peninsula. The establishments are located in buildings of cultural interest and great historical value, and stand out for their scenic, artistic or natural interest (including ancient palaces, monasteries, fortresses, convents, fortresses…).

Rural tourism lodgings

Rural houses, pazos, inns, rectories, castles, monasteries, farmhouses… These are historic buildings of great architectural and patrimonial value. So much so, that this characteristic sometimes gives them the status of “luxury accommodation” despite of the fact that they are often rustic constructions in which natural stone and wood predominate.

Route map

Frequent questions

From 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 45′. 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

From 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

From 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

Our costumers reviews

TOUR SUMMARY

DISTANCE: 250 Km
STAGES: 13 Stages
DURATION: 14 Nights
DIFICULTy: 3/5
START: Ponferrada
PRICE: desde 990€

Why book with Galiwonders?

Taylor-made Camino

We will design an itinerary tailored to your needs, preferences and budget and book all services for you. You enjoy the road.

We are on the Camino

Galicia is our home. We have traveled all the routes of the Camino and we have direct contact with the service providers on the Camino.

We are also travellers

We speak several languages, have lived abroad and have years of experience organizing trips for people from all over the world.

An unforguettable experience

Hundreds of pilgrims repeat year after year the experience of traveling with us. We want you to be one of them. And that is why we will strive to make your trip unique and unforgettable.

If you have any questions or want to plan your Camino de Santiago trip, our team will assist you in a personalized way!

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