From Ponferrada to Carucedo

The first stage of the Northern Route takes us from Ponferrada to Carucedo where we will enter the immensity of the region of El Bierzo, approaching one of the most representative places of the passage of the Romans through the Iberian Peninsula: Las Médulas. For its part, the small village of Carucedo, in the province of Bierzo, will offer us the possibility of enjoying its beautiful ecological environment thanks to its lake, which arose as a result of the gold mining of Las Médulas.

We leave Ponferrada heading towards Carucedo to immerse ourselves in the surroundings of the famous Médulas. We exit the city crossing the bridge over the Boeza River and begin the ascent up Mount Pajariel. After a few kilometers of walking, we will arrive at the town of Toral de Merayo, where it is worth taking a break to visit the hermitage of Santo Cristo and the church of San Salvador.

Once we resume our march, we will cross the towns of Villalibre de la Jurisdicción, Priaranza del Bierzo, and Santalla del Bierzo. In Villalibre, we can visit the Romanesque hermitage of Vera Cruz, while in Santalla we will have the opportunity to enjoy stunning views of the Bierzo valley from its viewpoint.

The next point of interest on our route is the hermitage of the Virgen del Carmen de Rioferreiros. From here, we continue towards Borrenes to finally reach our destination in Carucedo.

Things to consider

If you feel up to it, it is possible to organize the day to arrive in Carucedo by midday. This way, you can spend the entire afternoon getting to know the natural setting of Las Médulas, located just 5 minutes away by transport from the center of Carucedo.

Places of interest

• Castle of the Templars (Ponferrada)
• Basilica of la Encina (Ponferrada)
• Hermitage of Santo Cristo del Nogaledo (Toral de Merayo)
• Castle of Cornatel (Priaranza del Bierzo)
• Viewpoint of Santalla
• Romanesque church of Carucedo
• Lake of Carucedo
• Las Médulas

Typical dishes

• Botillo del Bierzo
• Roasted pepper croquettes
• Chestnut and cheese crepes
• Maragato stew
• Blood sausage and León sausages
• Game meat
• Roasted Bierzo peppers
• Reineta apple and conference pear