Eve Alexandra
Veteran Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2017 Astorga-SDC, April 2022 SJPP-Muxia
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If the idea of extra time in Pamplona, Burgos, Leon, etc, kind of gives you nightmares because you really just aren't a city person, do you have other favorite places to spend an extra day?
Instead of extra day somewhere, why not do some short days. Half the distance. I've done that a few times. Can be nice to leave late and stop early sometimes.
I spent a particular quiet Sunday in Rabé de las Calzadas. Did a lot of observation, reading, wrtiting and talking. Those quiet villages where time stands still.
I suppose towns like Ponferrada, Carrion de los Condes or Astorga might work.I'm planning on doing that for a few days, too. Just wondering about smaller places where it might be nice to have an extra day.
I'm planning on doing that for a few days, too. Just wondering about smaller places where it might be nice to have an extra dayS
Not much else, it's just a pleasant place to be.Samos is definitely on my list to see this time. I hear the walk itself is just gorgeous. I kind of thought there isn't much there other than the monastery?
Molinaseca, by the time you get down the mountain you will have earned the rest. Its a lovely place where the locals have formed a swimming pool in the river, its quite lovely. Really pretty place.If the idea of extra time in Pamplona, Burgos, Leon, etc, kind of gives you nightmares because you really just aren't a city person, do you have other favorite places to spend an extra day?
Going via Samos , gives you a lovely walk to Samos through the country side - really pretty, then a nice walk to Sarria the next day, a much more pleasant option.Samos is definitely on my list to see this time. I hear the walk itself is just gorgeous. I kind of thought there isn't much there other than the monastery?
Molineseca, by the time you get down the mountain you will have earned the rest. Its a lovely place where the locals have formed a swimming pool in the river, its quite lovely. Really pretty place.
The water is really cold if you swim, but refreshing.
We had an amazing breakfast there last time too, they mixed up our orders completely but it didnt matter, it was great.
Also at the next town, Ponferada, there is a templar castle to explore if you like.
You can do the two in one day. Take a leisurely morning in Molineseca, then a short walk to Ponferrada.
Oh! Astorga...the chocolate museum!Two places came to my mind right away. They are big enough to have things to see but small enough to not be considered cities. Astorga and Sahagun. We spent days in each (two different reasons to recover). Sahagun has its saint's day near June 12 with lots of interesting goings-on. Also, it considers itself the halfway point of the CF. That in itself would make a good break point. There is a train station there too if you want to visit some place off camino.
Condes de Carrion, mentioned above, is another good spot.
If its your first time in this part of Spain I strongly recommend spending an extra day in each of these cities. I started from Pamplona in 2015 but spent two days in Burgos and 3 in Leon (mostly due to extreme weather). In 2017 I again decided on two days in each city. One they are interesting cities; two you (or at least I did) need a rest, do your washing in a real machine. CheersIf the idea of extra time in Pamplona, Burgos, Leon, etc, kind of gives you nightmares because you really just aren't a city person, do you have other favorite places to spend an extra day?
Yes I went there in October 2021 and it is fascinating. I got an unexpected short personal tour by one of the staff too. Lots of agricultural interest too, especially to someone brought up on a wee farm in rural Ireland. Thank you for reminding me.There is a very good museum in Mansilla de las Mulas, 18 km before Leon. The Museo de los Pueblos Leoneses is worth a couple of hours to see what life was like in the pueblos of Leon. The website is in Spanish but the descriptions on displays in the museum are also provided in English. It doesn't open until 10 a.m., so it is good timing for a day off, but it is closed on Mondays.
There are also town walls to walk around, and a convenient bus service into Leon if you want.
I’ve actually walked to Rabanal before. Very sweet memories. A few of us attended mass and because we all happened to speak English the priest asked me to do the readings.In Spring 2017, I made a two day silent retreat at San Salvadore de Monte Irago Benedictine Monastery in Rabanal del Camino. Requirements are: stay at least 2 days & nights, be silent, and eat with the monks. Very, very nice & hospitable. This village comes right after Astorga. The monastery is right next to the British Confraternity's albergue. This was a great place to rest my shin splint on a very cold & rainy week.
If you are a woman you will not be allowed to eat with the monks.....In Spring 2017, I made a two day silent retreat at San Salvadore de Monte Irago Benedictine Monastery in Rabanal del Camino. Requirements are: stay at least 2 days & nights, be silent, and eat with the monks. Very, very nice & hospitable. This village comes right after Astorga. The monastery is right next to the British Confraternity's albergue. This was a great place to rest my shin splint on a very cold & rainy week.
Yeah I’m not doing the monastic thing. My relationship with Catholicism at this point is….ummm…complicated. I’m surprised they even let me read. Still. I like Rabanal. It’s lovely.If you are a woman you will not be allowed to eat with the monks.....
There were several women there when I was there. No problem.If you are a woman you will not be allowed to eat with the monks.....
Amazing for Benedictine monks and several other orders. Cistercians(?) eg. Stayed for several days in Poblet and had to put up in their hostal whereas men could stay within the monastery walls and participate in the lives of the monks.There were several women there when I was there. No problem.
Sarria I found very nice and stayed an extra day last year. 2022 I am starting my Camino in Sarria and will spend an extra day as well.If the idea of extra time in Pamplona, Burgos, Leon, etc, kind of gives you nightmares because you really just aren't a city person, do you have other favorite places to spend an extra day?
Estella is a nice town. Could have spent several days there.If the idea of extra time in Pamplona, Burgos, Leon, etc, kind of gives you nightmares because you really just aren't a city person, do you have other favorite places to spend an extra day?
That is EXACTLY my plan for my next Camino, starting March 30th from Pamplona. Only one more month...Instead of extra day somewhere, why not do some short days. Half the distance. I've done that a few times. Can be nice to leave late and stop early sometimes.
The walk is amazing! Unfortunately the monastery was closed (to visitors) when I passed through this last summer (due to COVID), but the walk was definitely worth it! I didn't see one pilgrim on my way to Samos, it was SO peaceful!Samos is definitely on my list to see this time. I hear the walk itself is just gorgeous. I kind of thought there isn't much there other than the monastery?
+1 for Ponferada and the Templar Castle, with its very old library and walled tunnel down to the rive to get water.Molinaseca, by the time you get down the mountain you will have earned the rest. Its a lovely place where the locals have formed a swimming pool in the river, its quite lovely. Really pretty place.
The water is really cold if you swim, but refreshing.
We had an amazing breakfast there last time too, they mixed up our orders completely but it didnt matter, it was great.
Also at the next town, Ponferada, there is a templar castle to explore if you like.
You can do the two in one day. Take a leisurely morning in Molineseca, then a short walk to Ponferrada.
Gronze dot com has the most accurate info on what’s open, and it’s really clear what towns have options and which don’t. I double check by googling the albergue name.Im looking to do fairly short days ( 15 km approx ) from Leon. Do you think some of those smaller villages will still have places to stay with the fallout from covid? And would it be nec to book? First timer.... not too worried but just not liking the thought of having to walk onto the next village/town if no room at the inn!! Thanks.. appreciate any fback
What about a detour, such as to the two Monastries of San Milllan de la Cogolla. I took a bus from Najera. I walked from Ventosa, left my pack in an albergue in Najera and took the bus to San Millan and back to Najera for the night. But there are many others ways to do it and other detours along the Camino.If the idea of extra time in Pamplona, Burgos, Leon, etc, kind of gives you nightmares because you really just aren't a city person, do you have other favorite places to spend an extra day?
Villafranca del Bierzo is a lovely low-key place to pause.Still working on a couple more.
It's on the Invierno! Turn right at Ponferrada and a day's walk will get you there!Las Médulas (area and town of the same name) near Ponferrada are on my wishlist.
Astorga is a reasonable size town but worth an extra day if you need a restIf the idea of extra time in Pamplona, Burgos, Leon, etc, kind of gives you nightmares because you really just aren't a city person, do you have other favorite places to spend an extra day?
I second the suggestions for Molinaseca. It has all those things, plus the soothing sounds of the river.Yep. This is what I'm looking for. A quiet outdoor cafe, lots of time to people watch, journal, read, etc.
That’s just what I was going to suggest! This site is fascinating and well worth taking time off to explore it.Las Médulas (area and town of the same name) near Ponferrada are on my wishlist.
This is an ancient mining region, dating back to the Romans.
https://www.spain.info/en/destination/las-medulas/
That’s just what I was going to suggest. This is an incredibly interesting site and well worth taking time off to visit it.Las Médulas (area and town of the same name) near Ponferrada are on my wishlist.
This is an ancient mining region, dating back to the Romans.
https://www.spain.info/en/destination/las-medulas/
Just be aware that for those walking the whole way from St Jean, and having got into their daily routine over the early weeks, then two nights with a whole day in between can seem like an eternity. I know I still walked about 20km around Leon sightseeing on my "day off" and was on the road again super early after the second night! - Leon is a logical stop and has everything you need.
If you have good weather, the little town of El Acebo…past Foncebadon is a small lovely town. The albergue has a lovely swimming pool gorgeous mountain views and nice outdoor seating and dining …call ahead in high season!. Good placeto break on the downhill section to Molineseca!
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This is good to know! I just looked at my itinerary, and it looks like I am arriving in Estrella on a Thursday, so yay! Last summer due to COVID - there weren't any events going on in any of the towns as I walked through - except for PonferadaPost #47 mentions a festive market in Estella, their market day is only on Thursdays. I have planned some of my itineraries to be there on Thursdays because several of the restaurant around the square feature roast suckling pig on the menu del dia on Thursdays.
The market starts to wrap up a little after noon but the menu del dia usually doesn't start until well after one or two. I arrived on a Wednesday and stayed at Hotel Cristina near the square and used the market day as a rest day. I looked up on line to confirm that Thursday is the market day because that was what my memory was telling me, two sites say Thursday and one site says Friday.This is good to know! I just looked at my itinerary, and it looks like I am arriving in Estrella on a Thursday, so yay! Last summer due to COVID - there weren't any events going on in any of the towns as I walked through - except for Ponferada
Ah... oh well, looks like I might miss the market!The market starts to wrap up a little after noon but the menu del dia usually doesn't start until well after one or two. I arrived on a Wednesday and stayed at Hotel Cristina near the square and used the market day as a rest day. I looked up on line to confirm that Thursday is the market day because that was what my memory was telling me, two sites say Thursday and one site says Friday.
The market starts to wrap up a little after noon but the menu del dia usually doesn't start until well after one or two. I arrived on a Wednesday and stayed at Hotel Cristina near the square and used the market day as a rest day. I looked up on line to confirm that Thursday is the market day because that was what my memory was telling me, two sites say Thursday and one site says Friday.
We loved the Templar Castle and the lovely views in all directions. The rooftops are all dark slate; such a contrast to the bright orange clay used in other areas we walked earlier. Each are lovely in their own way and materials used were most likely local.Also at the next town, Ponferada, there is a templar castle to explore if you like.
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