Camino de Invierno
Elevation profile
Overview
The Camino de Invierno is a 266km pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, typically completed in 11 days. It offers a transformative journey combining spiritual reflection, natural beauty, and cultural immersion.
Highlights
The Camino de Invierno (Winter Way) was historically used as an alternative to the Camino Francés during winter, when the mountain passes around O Cebreiro were snowbound. It branches from the Francés at Ponferrada and follows the Sil River through the Ribeira Sacra—a region of dramatic canyons, medieval monasteries, and terraced vineyards—before joining the Vía de la Plata at Lalin.
Terrain & Difficulty
The route features varied terrain: river valleys, canyon rims, and forest paths through the Ribeira Sacra. The landscape is greener and more sheltered than the open meseta of the Francés. There are some climbs, particularly around Monforte de Lemos, but nothing extreme.
History
The Winter Way was used by medieval pilgrims to avoid the snow-covered O Cebreiro pass. The Ribeira Sacra, through which much of the route passes, contains one of the highest concentrations of Romanesque monasteries in Europe, many dating to the 6th–12th centuries. The region's wine terraces, carved into the canyon walls, have been cultivated since Roman times.
Best Time to Walk
Year-round—this route was specifically designed for winter travel. Spring and autumn are ideal. Summer is comfortable here compared to the meseta routes.
Practical Tips
This is one of the least-walked routes, so carry water and plan accommodation in advance—some stages have limited options. The Ribeira Sacra canyons are worth exploring with a boat tour if time allows. The route rejoins the Vía de la Plata near Lalín, merging for the final stretch to Santiago.
Towns & Waypoints
Ponferrada
0 km cumulative
Las Médulas
27.8 km cumulative
O Barco de Valdeorras
55 km cumulative
A Rúa de Valdeorras
67.9 km cumulative
Quiroga
96.1 km cumulative
A Pobra do Brollón
119.6 km cumulative
Monforte de Lemos
132.1 km cumulative
Chantada
162.5 km cumulative
Rodeiro
187.9 km cumulative
A Laxe
209.8 km cumulative
Lestedo
237 km cumulative
Outeiro
249.4 km cumulative
Santiago de Compostela
266.1 km cumulative
Stages
Day 1
Ponferrada → Las Médulas
28 km
Day 2
Las Médulas → O Barco de Valdeorras
27 km
Day 3
O Barco de Valdeorras → A Rúa de Valdeorras
13 km
Day 4
A Rúa de Valdeorras → Quiroga
28 km
Day 5
Quiroga → A Pobra do Brollón
24 km
Day 6
A Pobra do Brollón → Monforte de Lemos
13 km
Day 7
Monforte de Lemos → Chantada
30 km
Day 8
Chantada → Rodeiro
25 km
Day 9
Rodeiro → A Laxe
22 km
Day 10
A Laxe → Outeiro
40 km
Day 11
Outeiro → Santiago de Compostela
17 km
Ready to Start?
Create your personalized itinerary for this route.
Distance: 266 km
Duration: 11 days
Stops: 13 towns
💡 View info
📍Click on the ▶ start and 🏁 finish markers to see the start and end points of the route.
📈Hover over the elevation chart to see the altitude and total distance at each waypoint along the route.
🏘️Browse the Towns & Waypoints and Stages lists below for detailed guides on each town, stage, and point of interest.
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