Walking the Camino de Invierno from Monforte de Lemos to Santiago de Compostela
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Welcome to the remarkable Last 100km of the Camino de Invierno, leading pilgrims from the picturesque town of Monforte de Lemos, known as the capital of the Ribeira Sacra wine-making region, to the sacred destination of Santiago de Compostela.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Ribeira Sacra region, where natural landscapes harmonise with a rich tapestry of archaeological wonders.
Here, pilgrims can marvel at an extraordinary collection of Romanesque religious buildings, making it the epitome of Europe's Romanesque heritage.
Upon completing the Last 100km of the Camino de Invierno, you will be eligible to receive your Camino Pilgrim Certificate at the prestigious Pilgrim Office in Santiago.
FREE
This trip createstonne(s) of CO2, we offset it for free
Highlights
Peace
For pilgrims seeking a more contemplative journey with fewer crowds, this route provides an ideal setting to find inner peace and tranquility.
Cultural Heritage
Along the Camino de Invierno, walkers will encounter a rich cultural heritage, with historic towns and villages showcasing centuries-old churches, monasteries, and bridges. The route’s historical significance is palpable, and pilgrims have the chance to immerse themselves in the fascinating history and traditions of the Galician and Leonese regions.
Gastronomic Delights
The Camino de Invierno offers a chance to savor the delicious cuisine of the Galician and Leonese regions. Along the way, pilgrims can indulge in traditional dishes such as pulpo a la gallega (Galician octopus), empanadas (savory pastries), caldo gallego (Galician broth), and regional wines. Exploring the local culinary scene is a delightful experience and an integral part of the Camino journey.
Services
- Bed & Breakfast
- Specially Hand-Picked Accommodation
- Our Holiday or Pilgrim Pack
- 24/7 On-Call Support
- Virtual Face-to-Face Pre-Departure Briefing
- Premium Accommodation
- Airport Pick-Up
- Additional Nights
- Dinners
- Luggage Transfers from Hotel to Hotel
- Day Tours to Local Sites of Interest
- Flights/trains
- Insurance
- Drinks/Lunch
Itinerary
Day 1
MONFORTE (Arrival)
You will be pre-booked into a traditional hotel in the heart of the town. Take the time to to stroll through this historic town and see its castle, many churches, mediaeval city walls, and the complex housing Monforte’s Nosa Señora da Antiga's School.
Day 2
31.2km
MONFORTE
to
CHANTADA
Starting from Monforte de Lemos, pilgrims cross the mediaeval bridge and venture towards Campo de San Antonio, passing the historic Clarisas convent and a traditional Galician stone cross. Along the way, encounter charming hamlets and beautiful chapels, traversing forest tracks that lead to the town of Chantada.
Enroute, the picturesque village of Belesar offers stunning vistas of the River Miño, adorned with breathtaking canyons and terraced vineyards. Notably, the village features the renowned ‘Codos de Belesar’, an ancient Roman road.
Day 3
26.04km
CHANTADA
to
RODEIRO
Leaving Chantada, the Camino de Invierno presents one of its most challenging stretches as it ascends towards Monte Faro and its picturesque chapel. The rewarding climb offers panoramic views where, it is said, one can behold all four provinces of Galicia. Along today’s path, you will encounter numerous ‘cruceiros’ (stone crosses) and ‘petos de animas’ (monuments honouring the souls of the departed), traditionally erected at crossroads to safeguard travellers and pay homage to those who have passed.
Day 4
20.54km
RODEIRO
to
LALIN
Embark on the final stretch of the Camino de Invierno before it merges with the Via de la Plata in the charming town of Lalin. Today’s stage offers a tranquil and effortless journey, characterised by gentle terrain across serene forests and picturesque farmland nestled on low hills. It’s important to note that there are no services along the way, so be sure to pack ample snacks and water to sustain you throughout the day.
Day 5
15.95km
LALIN
to
SILLEDA
As the Camino de Invierno merges with the Via de la Plata route, your journey continues from Lalin. Today’s stage is a delightful and relatively short one, a pleasant stroll through rolling hills, serene woodlands, and charming farmlands. Along the way, you will encounter idyllic small hamlets that add a touch of rustic charm to your path. Your destination for the day is Silleda, renowned for its vibrant cattle and country fairs, including the internationally recognised Green Week (Semana Verde).
Day 6
20.14km
SILLEDA
to
PONTE ULLA
This day first starts with an easy stroll towards Bandeira, a town well-known for its empanadas (Galician pasties). As the day goes on, the Camino continues downhill through farmlands and villages. Just before descending to Ponte Ulla, the old castle is worth a visit. In Ponte Ulla, have a closer look at the Iglesia de Santa Maria de Magdalena and its very detailed Romanesque facade.
Day 7
20.87km
PONTE ULLA
to
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
Today is special, not only because it is the last day of this section, but also because it is the finishing line of the whole Camino Mozárabe route! As you leave Ponte Ulla, we first walk up towards Pico Sacro with its Ermita de San Sebastian and wonderful scenic views. The last kilometres to Santiago reflect the rural atmosphere of Galicia and it is sometimes difficult to believe you are so close to such an attractive city. Finally you reach Santiago De Compostela and its world-famous cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day 8
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
After breakfast, we bid you farewell.
If you wish to stay in the area, we recommend that you:
– Take your time and visit the magnificent historic centre of Santiago.
– Continue with us along the wild Camino Fisterra (Finisterre Way), and stay overnight at the hotel in the lighthouse!
– Or take a bus to Fisterra to visit the unspoilt sandy coves and beaches of the west coast. With very few tourists, you are guaranteed a very special experience. Buses depart from Santiago Bus Station at 9am and 10am. Buses return to Santiago at 4:45pm and 7pm. The journey takes 3 hours.
How to Get There
Getting to Monforte de Lemos, Spain
It is best to fly to Madrid or to Santiago de Compostela. More info.
Fly into Madrid
Virtually every company flies to Madrid. See Spanish national company. See Spanish low-cost.
The train takes 5h30.
Fly into Santiago de Compostela
1 – Fly in Madrid
Virtually, every company flies to Madrid.
Spanish national company: Iberia
2 – Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela airport with Aerlingus, Ryanair and Iberia/BA.
If you’re arriving at Santiago de Compostela Airport, you have convenient transportation options to reach Monforte. A shuttle bus service operates from the airport to both the bus station and the train station, with departures every 30 minutes. From there, you can choose between taking a train or a bus to Monforte. The train journey takes approximately 2 hours and involves transferring at Ourense (Empalme) before continuing to Monforte. Trains to Ourense are available hourly, and connections to Monforte are readily accessible. For the train schedule and ticket information, please visit Renfe.
Starting Point
1 – From Madrid, train 5h30, several per day
2 – From Santiago de Compostela. Bus 4h, several per day or Train 6h, several per day
Getting home from Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Fly from Santiago de Compostela
Shuttle buses from Santiago city centre to the airport (20mins).
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