Spain – Hiking the Camino de Santiago Gay Tour

Day 1: León

The gay hiking tour will begin with guests being picked up from the airport or train station and transferred to our hotel. We’ll have the evening free in this city brimming with interesting architecture and history.

Day 2: León / Ponferrada / Cacabelos

This morning, we’ll be picked up and transferred from León to our next stop on the Camino, the town of Ponferrada (about two hours away). On our way there, we’ll stop at the Cruz de Ferro (Iron Cross). This monument with mysterious origins — some believe it was placed here by St. James himself — is a must-see for all who find themselves on this unforgettable journey. Next, we’ll take in the views and enjoy our lunch on the banks of the nearby river.

We’ll then move on to spend our afternoon surrounded by mountains in Ponferrada. Here, we will be given our pilgrims’ passports, so that we may receive our Compostela at the end of our journey. We’ll also take a tour around this historic city full of stunning medieval architecture. Later in the evening, we will make our way to the small, picturesque village of Cacabelos where we will spend the night in country-style accommodations.

Day 3: Cacabelos to Villafranca del Bierzo 11.2 mi

Today we’ll begin our hike by making our way through the center of the El Bierzo region toward the historic capital, Villafranca del Bierzo. This beautiful region is surrounded by mountains and is well known for its wines, which we will be sampling. Our destination today has been a resting place for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago since the 9th century. We’ll follow in their footsteps by spending the night in the heart of this historic town.

Day 4: Villafranca del Bierzo to O Cebreiro 18.6 mi

Today we’ll make one of our tougher hikes to the higher elevation village of O Cebreiro. This village has held great importance for pilgrims for centuries as it is the home of the Galician Holy Grail. This village is also dotted with stone huts called “pallozas”. These pre-roman homes date as far back as 1,000 years ago, making visitors truly feel as though they have stepped back in time. There will also be an optional pick-up point at the 13th mile in the small town of Herrarias. This evening, we will spend the night in a cozy hotel in O’Cebreiro and rest up for our next hike.

Day 5: O’Cebreiro to Triacastela 13 mi

Our route today will take us higher, through Alto do Poio where we’ll get a close look at the pilgrim statue. This high point on our journey is the perfect place to take in the stunning views of the Galician countryside. We’ll then make our way to the quaint town of Triacastela where we will spend the night.

Day 6: Triacastela to Sarria 11.8 mi

We’ll be walking through serene forest paths today as we make our way to Sarria. On our way, we will pass through the town of Samos and see the monumental Monastery of San Xulian de Samos. This still-active Benedictine monastery was founded in the 6th century.

Day 7: Sarria to Portomarin 13.7 mi

Our hike today will be easier and we’ll be passing by many small villages as we make our way to the town of Portomarin. Along the way, we’ll be able to take in the striking architecture of Romanesque churches and the lush landscape. Portomarin is an interesting town with ancient roots— it was once a Roman village but was moved brick by brick to its current location in the 1960s.

Day 8: Portomarin to Palas de Rei 15.5 mi

Today we will be making our way up to Serra de Ligonde, walking on forest paths and passing through farmlands. We’ll pass by several tiny hamlets and even cross the Mino River as we make our way to Palas del Rei.

Day 9: Palas del Rei to Arzua 17.4 mi 

We’ll be back on the forest paths today, passing through small medieval towns on our way to Arzua. One of our stops will be the colorful market town of Melide. We’ll then continue on our forest path to Arzua where we’ll be spending the night at a traditional 18th-century Galician manor.

Day 10: Arzua to Amenal 14.3 mi

Today, we’ll continue our hike through the beautiful woodland and streams. We’ll come across the hamlet of Santa Irene, featuring a chapel and the Fountain of Eternal Youth and we’ll also pass through the charming enclave of A Rúa. We’ll continue our hike today until we reach the village of Amenal.

Day 11: Amenal to Santiago 9.9 mi

Today, our first stop will be Lavacolla which is thought to have gained its name from the fact that pilgrims in the Middle Ages washed in the nearby stream before reaching Santiago de Compostela. We’ll then head to Monte de Gozo (Hill of Joy) where we’ll be able to see the Cathedral. This is the place where traditionally, pilgrims shout in joy at seeing the end of the journey. We’ll then make our way along the final stretch, reaching the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

Day 12: Farewell or carry on to Finisterre or have an extra night in Santiago. 

Today we will say farewell to this amazing journey and head to the airport. Those who wish to continue the journey may stay an extra night in Santiago or make their way to the traditional ending point of the pilgrimage, Finisterre (the edge of the world).