The city of León is known as one of the most popular starting points for pilgrims embarking on the Camino de Santiago. It lies 306 km from Santiago de Compostela, divided into 13 stages.
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The route to the end of the Camino is not overly difficult: the average stage length is around 24–25 km per day, which is typical on the pilgrimage. Looking at its profile, the most challenging ascent is to O Cebreiro, a classic climb. Centuries ago, heavy winter snow made it necessary to avoid this climb, leading to the creation of one of the main alternative routes called the Winter Way, which detours through southern Galicia to bypass O Cebreiro.
Nowadays, even in winter, this ascent is manageable thanks to modern gear and much better physical preparation by today’s pilgrims.
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Index
- Why start from León?
- Walking stages
- Bicycle stages
- How to get there
- Where to sleep
- Where to get your credential
- What to see
Why start the Camino from León?
Over the years, León has become one of the most important cities on the French Way, offering pilgrims some of the best services.
Combined with the beauty of its old town and cathedral, many walkers choose to arrive a day early to explore the area before starting their Camino experience.
Walking stages
| STAGE | START | END | DISTANCE | DIFFICULTY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | León | San Martín del Camino | 24.6 km | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Stage 2 | San Martín del Camino | Astorga | 23.7 km | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Stage 3 | Astorga | Foncebadón | 25.8 km | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Stage 4 | Foncebadón | Ponferrada | 26.8 km | ★★★☆☆ |
| Stage 5 | Ponferrada | Villafranca | 24.2 km | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Stage 6 | Villafranca | O Cebreiro | 27.8 km | ★★★☆☆ |
| Stage 7 | O Cebreiro | Triacastela | 20.8 km | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Stage 8 | Triacastela | Sarria | 18.4 km | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Stage 9 | Sarria | Portomarín | 22.2 km | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Stage 10 | Portomarín | Palas de Rei | 24.8 km | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Stage 11 | Palas de Rei | Arzúa | 28.5 km | ★★★☆☆ |
| Stage 12 | Arzúa | O Pedrouzo | 19.3 km | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Stage 13 | O Pedrouzo | Santiago de Compostela | 19.4 km | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Bicycle stages
| STAGE | START | END | DISTANCE | DIFFICULTY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | León | Astorga | 49 km | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Stage 2 | Astorga | Ponferrada | 53 km | ★★★☆☆ |
| Stage 3 | Ponferrada | O Cebreiro | 55 km | ★★★☆☆ |
| Stage 4 | O Cebreiro | Portomarín | 62 km | ★★★☆☆ |
| Stage 5 | Portomarín | Arzúa | 54 km | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Stage 6 | Arzúa | Santiago de Compostela | 39 km | ★★☆☆☆ |
How to get to León
In our guide on how to reach the main Camino starting points, you’ll find all the essential information for pilgrims traveling to each location.
Major access routes to León:
- From Burgos: via A-231 and A-60. This is the route for travelers from Barcelona, Zaragoza, Bilbao, or Pamplona.
- From Madrid: via A-6 and A-66. Most pilgrims from southern Spain will travel this way.
- From Santiago de Compostela: via A-54 to A-6, then AP-71 at Astorga. Many choose to start here to have their belongings ready at the end of their pilgrimage.
If you’re flying in, book flights to Madrid or Santiago for the best connections. From there, the easiest way to León is by train—tickets are available on Renfe’s website.
Where to sleep in León
Availability is not guaranteed, as many pilgrims travel this route. If you need booking help, we have a large network of trusted accommodations.
Here are two recommended hostels for your night in León before starting to Santiago:
- Benedictine Monastery Hostel
- Capacity: 132 beds
- Address: Plaza Santa María del Camino, León
- Phone: 987 252 866 / 680 649 289
- San Francisco de Asís Hostel
- Capacity: 100 beds
- Address: Plaza Santa María del Camino, León
- Phone: 987 252 866 / 680 649 289
Where to get your pilgrim credential in León
If you plan with us, we’ll deliver your credential to your first accommodation or home. If you go solo, you can purchase it for €2 at the Asociación de Amigos del Camino de Santiago de León, Av. Independencia 2, 5º Izq, 24001 León, Spain.
What to see in León
As mentioned, León has an exquisite old town with many attractions. If you arrive a day early, you’ll find plenty to explore.
León Cathedral
Dating back to the 10th century, the cathedral stands on Roman bath ruins built by Legio VII at the end of the 2nd century. After defeating the Moors at San Esteban de Gormaz, the king donated the site to build the first cathedral. Under Princess Urraca’s orders (sister of Fernando I), an entirely new building of brick and masonry began.
The original structure remained until the late 13th century, when King Alfonso IX commissioned the current Gothic cathedral with three naves at the entrance and five at the choir, all covered by ribbed vaults.
Plaza Mayor
León’s main square serves as both a civic center and social hub. Built in two phases—1654–1672 under Antonio Ambrosio and from 1677 by Francisco del Piñal after a fire—it still features its arcades and half‑floors, hosting a market and numerous cafés under its columns.
Convent of San Marcos
Founded in the 12th century by Infanta Doña Sancha’s donation, this former pilgrim hospital stands just outside the city. Its Plateresque façade is notable for its three-tiered decorative design, and each tower features a sculpted niche. The convent’s richly ornamented church is a highlight of León’s architectural heritage.
Adventure awaits
We hope the information about starting the Camino from León gives you the boost you need to embark—and enjoy—the magic of the pilgrimage.
If you need planning assistance, we’re here to help. Just leave your contact details, and we’ll find the best way to support you.
¡Ultreia, pilgrim!
