What is the route of the Winter Way like?

The Winter Way offers a route full of breathtaking scenery and moderate challenges . This alternative route crosses a variety of territories, from the reddish formations of Las Médulas in El Bierzo to the terraced vineyards of the Ribeira Sacra, where it skirts the spectacular canyons of the river Sil. Along its 260 km, the route crosses the Sierra de O Courel, with dense forests and mountains reaching an altitude of 1200 metres , providing some challenging gradients but incredible views. As you descend into the Galician valleys, the landscape softens with fields and traditional villages until you reach Santiago de Compostela.

What difficulties does the Winter Way present?

The Winter Way, a less travelled alternative to the French Way, is known for its beautiful scenery, and arises as an alternative to the passage of O Cebreiro. However, it presents some difficulties that pilgrims should be aware of: Mountainous terrain: The Winter Way crosses mountainous areas, such as the mountain ranges of O Courel and El Bierzo, with steep slopes that can be demanding, especially for pilgrims with little experience in mountain routes. The constant ascents and descents require good physical preparation. Changeable weather: Despite its name, this route can be walked all year round, but in winter the weather conditions can be more severe, with cold, snow and ice in the higher areas. During the summer, the heat can be intense in certain areas, especially in the valleys. Limited infrastructure: Unlike more popular routes such as the French Way, the Winter Way has fewer hostels and services along its route. It is essential to plan the stages well and book accommodation in advance, especially at peak times. Less signage: Although it has improved in recent years, the signage on some sections of the Camino de Invierno may not be as clear as on other busier routes. Pilgrims should be attentive to the markings and use maps or support applications.

How long is the Winter Way?

The Winter Way is a route of about 260 km divided, generally, into 11 stages . Therefore, divided in this way, its duration is 11 days to complete the entire Camino on foot. Each stage would be the distance you walk in one day , from the starting point to the end of the walk, where you will spend the night. The stages can vary in distance and difficulty , and it is important to note that they can be adjusted according to your pace and physical condition. Some pilgrims choose to divide certain long or hard stages, or lengthen those that are shorter or easier to walk. It all depends on having a place to sleep.

What kind of weather can be expected on the Winter Way?

The Winter Way , which crosses northwestern Spain, offers a varied climate throughout its stages , with significant differences depending on the season and altitude of the areas it crosses . In general, the climate that can be expected on this route is as follows: Winter: In mountainous areas, such as the sierras of O Courel and El Bierz o, it is common to find low temperatures, snowfall and frost. Rain is also frequent, especially in Galicia, so it is advisable to be well equipped for the cold and damp. Spring and autumn: These are the best times to walk the Winter Way, with moderate temperatures and milder weather. However, in spring, rain can be frequent, especially in Galicia. During autumn, mornings and evenings can be cool, but days are usually pleasant. Summer: Low-lying areas and valleys may experience high temperatures during the summer, especially in the regions of El Bierzo and the stretches near Ourense. However, mountainous areas can offer cooler weather, although it is important to be prepared for the heat in the sunnier and drier stretches. Given the changing climate and diversity of landscapes, it is essential to be prepared for both cold and warm conditions along the Camino de Invierno.

How many km is the Winter Way?

The total km of the Winter Way are about 260 km from Ponferrada , its beginning. Keep in mind that this distance may vary depending on the possible variants or complementary and alternative paths that the pilgrim decides to take during the route.

Winter Way

13 days · 12 nights256 kmsNormal difficulty

The Winter Way, the route that avoids the snows of O Cebreiro by following the Sil valley. 256 kilometres from Ponferrada through Las Médulas, O Barco, Quiroga, Monforte de Lemos and Chantada to join the way to Santiago, among Roman mining landscapes, Ribeira Sacra vineyards and a little-travelled Galicia.

We arrange every detail so you only have to walk: accommodation, your pilgrim's credential, full documentation and travel insurance, from 768 €. On a route this solitary it pays to travel light: you can add the daily luggage transfer.

The trip along the Winter Way through the Ribeira Sacra is organised by Viajes Camino de Santiago®.

Services

Included in all our routes

Accommodation
13 days / 12 nights
13 days / 12 nights accommodation
Complete documentation (Dossier and material for the Camino)
On-the-road emergency telephone assistance
Pilgrim's Credential
Travel insurance

Optional

Supplement for single room
Extra night in Santiago de Compostela
Breakfast
MP (Breakfast and dinner)
Cancellation Insurance

Accommodations

Most popular

Private comfort (Guesthouses, rural houses and small hotels)
The perfect balance between charm and comfort. Guesthouses, B&Bs and country houses await you in the villages along the Camino with private rooms, private bathrooms, TV, and daily cleaning service. Simple and welcoming, they are the ideal place to truly rest and enjoy the peaceful rural essence that only the Camino can offer.

Photos

Map of the Winter Way

Camino De Invierno Desde Ponferrada Png RoWPr

Stages

day 1
Arrival at Ponferrada
day 2
Stage 1. Ponferrada - Carucedo (20 km)

You leave Ponferrada crossing the Boeza and climb Mount Pajariel to enter the prettiest part of El Bierzo. You pass Toral de Merayo, Villalibre — with its Romanesque chapel of La Vera Cruz — and Santalla, whose viewpoint hands you the whole valley. Then the chapel of the Virgen del Carmen and Borrenes leave you in Carucedo, a step away from the reddish landscape of Las Médulas.
day 3
Stage 2. Carucedo - Barco de Valdeorras (28 km)

Today you pass through Las Médulas again, this time on foot, with that reddish landscape left by the Roman gold mines. You follow the Camino Real to Puente Domingo Flórez and then the course of the river Sil, which you cross as you enter Quereño. From there, the nicest route continues beside the river through Pumares, Sobradelo and Entoma to O Barco de Valdeorras, in the heart of wine country.
day 4
Stage 3. Barco de Valdeorras - A Rúa de Valdeorras (14 km)

A very short stage with a wine flavour, among the vineyards of Valdeorras. You pass Arcos and Vilamartín de Valdeorras, where some wineries sit in caves once dug in search of gold. You reach A Rúa, built over what was the oldest settlement in the district, the Forum Cigurorum. Very close to the centre, a walk of little more than a kilometre takes you to the Roman bridge of A Cigarrosa.
day 5
Stage 4. A Rúa de Valdeorras - Quiroga (26.3 km)

You leave A Rúa de Valdeorras across the Roman bridge of A Cigarrosa heading for Petín, among vineyards and the Sil valley. The great moment of the day is Montefurado: in the 2nd century the Romans pierced the mountain to divert the river and mine its gold, and that colossal work gave the place its name. Then O Ermidón and Bendilló leave you in Quiroga, land of oil and wine.
day 6
Stage 5. Quiroga - Monforte de Lemos (35.4 km)

A long stage crossing the heart of the Ribeira Sacra. From Quiroga you pass San Clodio and Carballo de Lor and climb to the O Castro da Lama pass, an old Roman gold working. In A Pobra do Brollón a picnic area by the river awaits you for a breather. Then the Cereixa stone cross with its carving of Saint James the Pilgrim, the Alto da Serra and the final descent to Monforte de Lemos.
day 7
Stage 6. Monforte de Lemos - Chantada (29.7 km)

A stage of great beauty in the heart of the Ribeira Sacra. You leave Monforte de Lemos crossing the Cabe by its medieval bridge and advance among meadows, oak woods and hamlets, with stops such as the church of San Salvador de Moreda and the pazo of O Reguengo. The ending is memorable: the descent of the Cóbados de Belesar, on an old road that zigzags down to the Miño, and the last climb to Chantada.
day 8
Stage 7. Chantada - Rodeiro (25.4 km)

Inland Galicia in its purest form. You leave Chantada by Centulle and Casasoa and link dirt tracks between hamlets — Boán, Lucenza — to Penasillás, a good place for a breather. There comes the main course: the climb along the Camino de la Virgen to the chapel of O Faro, at over 1,000 metres, with views that are worth every step. Then a descent towards the pazo of Camba and Rodeiro.
day 9
Stage 8. Rodeiro - Lalín (23.5 km)

A quiet stage through inland Galicia, at times following the course of the river Arnego along charming tree-lined paths. You pass Eirexe de Pedroso and Laxas, famous for its trout, cross a stone bridge and climb gradually towards the Coto de Anta. Then a beautiful country lane to Palmaz and the final kilometres to Lalín, land of the cocido stew.
day 10
Stage 9. Lalín - Bandeira (17 km)

An easy 17-kilometre leg from Lalín, kilometre zero of Galicia and home to the region's most famous stew. The route follows the typical green landscape of inland Pontevedra: pre-Roman hillforts, manor houses such as Liñares, and cattle-farming villages that accompany an unhurried pace. You finish in Bandeira, with the Fervenza do Toxa waterfall nearby as a great natural draw.
day 11
Stage 10. Bandeira - Santa Cruz de Rivadulla (15 km)

Today you will leave Bandeira by the national road to continue along a dirt track to Dornelas, with its magnificent church. The route continues alternating road and dirt track until San Miguel de Castro and Taberna do Seixo, where you can stamp your credential and recharge your batteries before starting the descent to Ponte de Ulla. From here you will follow the same national road to the river Ulla, stopping at the chapel of Nuestra Señora de Gundián, of great devotion in the area. After crossing the old bridge over the river Ulla, you will say goodbye to the province of Pontevedra and enter A Coruña through Santa Cruz de Rivadulla, where the stage will come to an end. In Santa Cruz de Rivadulla your path crosses one of the most popular routes for lovers of vegetation during the winter season: the route of the camellias. The pazo of Santa Cruz de Rivadulla has one of the most exotic and interesting gardens in Galicia. Of course, one of the jewels of the botanical walk is the camellia and its many subspecies, how many will you be able to distinguish?
day 12
Stage 11. Santa Cruz de Rivadulla - Santiago de Compostela (22 km)

The last day! Set off early to make the most of Santiago. The first kilometres run under leafy woods to Lestedo, from where you can detour to the legendary Pico Sacro, with views over the whole district. The Way enters the city through the Sar quarter, crosses its Roman bridge and climbs to the old town by the Arco de Mazarelos. Savour the final steps up to your triumphant entrance into the Obradoiro square. You are in Santiago!
day 13
End of the Camino

After arriving... End of the Camino

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the route of the Winter Way like?

The Winter Way offers a route full of breathtaking scenery and moderate challenges. This alternative route crosses a variety of territories, from the reddish formations of Las Médulas in El Bierzo to the terraced vineyards of the Ribeira Sacra, where it skirts the spectacular canyons of the river Sil. Along its 260 km, the route crosses the Sierra de O Courel, with dense forests and mountains reaching an altitude of 1200 metres, providing some challenging gradients but incredible views. As you descend into the Galician valleys, the landscape softens with fields and traditional villages until you reach Santiago de Compostela.
What difficulties does the Winter Way present?
The Winter Way, a less travelled alternative to the French Way, is known for its beautiful scenery, and arises as an alternative to the passage of O Cebreiro. However, it presents some difficulties that pilgrims should be aware of:
- Mountainous terrain: The Winter Way crosses mountainous areas, such as the mountain ranges of O Courel and El Bierzo, with steep slopes that can be demanding, especially for pilgrims with little experience in mountain routes. The constant ascents and descents require good physical preparation.
- Changeable weather: Despite its name, this route can be walked all year round, but in winter the weather conditions can be more severe, with cold, snow and ice in the higher areas. During the summer, the heat can be intense in certain areas, especially in the valleys.
- Limited infrastructure: Unlike more popular routes such as the French Way, the Winter Way has fewer hostels and services along its route. It is essential to plan the stages well and book accommodation in advance, especially at peak times.
- Less signage: Although it has improved in recent years, the signage on some sections of the Camino de Invierno may not be as clear as on other busier routes. Pilgrims should be attentive to the markings and use maps or support applications.
How long is the Winter Way?

The Winter Way is a route of about 260 km divided, generally, into 11 stages. Therefore, divided in this way, its duration is 11 days to complete the entire Camino on foot. Each stage would be the distance you walk in one day, from the starting point to the end of the walk, where you will spend the night. The stages can vary in distance and difficulty, and it is important to note that they can be adjusted according to your pace and physical condition. Some pilgrims choose to divide certain long or hard stages, or lengthen those that are shorter or easier to walk. It all depends on having a place to sleep.
What kind of weather can be expected on the Winter Way?
The Winter Way, which crosses northwestern Spain, offers a varied climate throughout its stages, with significant differences depending on the season and altitude of the areas it crosses. In general, the climate that can be expected on this route is as follows:
- Winter: In mountainous areas, such as the sierras of O Courel and El Bierzo, it is common to find low temperatures, snowfall and frost. Rain is also frequent, especially in Galicia, so it is advisable to be well equipped for the cold and damp.
- Spring and autumn: These are the best times to walk the Winter Way, with moderate temperatures and milder weather. However, in spring, rain can be frequent, especially in Galicia. During autumn, mornings and evenings can be cool, but days are usually pleasant.
- Summer: Low-lying areas and valleys may experience high temperatures during the summer, especially in the regions of El Bierzo and the stretches near Ourense. However, mountainous areas can offer cooler weather, although it is important to be prepared for the heat in the sunnier and drier stretches.
Given the changing climate and diversity of landscapes, it is essential to be prepared for both cold and warm conditions along the Camino de Invierno.
How many km is the Winter Way?

The total km of the Winter Way are about 260 km from Ponferrada, its beginning. Keep in mind that this distance may vary depending on the possible variants or complementary and alternative paths that the pilgrim decides to take during the route.

Winter Way

Reviews from our users (10)

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Reviews

Bea Gomez

El Camino desde Ponferrada es una opción muy cómoda y bonita, perfecta para quienes quieren hacer los últimos kilómetros hasta Santiago sin etapas demasiado duras. Además, el paso por El Bierzo y Galicia tiene paisajes muy agradables.
Sergio Navarro

Ruta bien planteada y servicios adecuados, pude disfrutar sin tener que preocuparme por nada.
Alvaro Moreno

Elegí esta ruta por lo bien organizada que parecía y no falló, nos lo pusieron muy fácil desde el principio.
Javier Ruiz

Muy buena experiencia, todo claro desde el inicio y sin preocupaciones durante el Camino.
David Torres

Muy recomendable, todo bien coordinado y con alojamientos correctos, ideal para ir tranquilo.
Enrique Gallego Viana

Una experiencia inolvidable. Los viñedos, los pueblos históricos y la tranquilidad de la ruta hacen que este Camino tenga una personalidad única.
Aitana Robles Cuenca

La organización fue excelente de principio a fin. Solo tuve que preocuparme de caminar y disfrutar de los paisajes del valle del Sil.
Jorge Villarroel Castaño

Perfecto para quienes buscan un Camino menos masificado. Pude caminar durante horas rodeado de naturaleza y disfrutar de una experiencia mucho más auténtica.
Miriam Salcedo Vega

Me encantó descubrir lugares como Las Médulas y la Ribeira Sacra durante el recorrido. Cada etapa tenía algo especial y diferente que ofrecer.
Carlos Benavente Garrido

Una de las rutas más bonitas que he hecho. El recorrido desde Ponferrada atraviesa paisajes impresionantes y permite disfrutar del Camino con mucha más tranquilidad que otras rutas más conocidas.

Winter Way