Recommended half-way pit stop cycling Leon to Santiago

[SallyCyclist]

I'm going to be cycling from Leon to Santiago over 6 days in mid April and would like to build a day's pit stop in around half way. I'm thinking O'Cebreiro after the gruelling climb on day 3 but I'm not sure there's much there. Anyone have any recommendations??

 

[peregrina2000]

Hi, SallyCyclist,
Welcome to the forum. The only city of any size between Leon and Santiago is Astorga, which is too early in your journey, I assume. It's a very nice place, though, with some interesting things to visit (Gaudi palace, Roman ruins, plaza mayor, etc). Molinaseca and Villafranca are also both places with a nice feel and would have a bit more to do than O Cebreiro. (Villafranca is closest to your halfway point, right before the ascent to O Cebreiro and it is a very nice town).

O Cebreiro is pretty much the midpoint, and you're right that its location at the top of the climb would make for a nice resting point. It is a small, prettified, touristy destination. If the weather is nice, the views are lovely. The church is also an emblematic camino destination. IMO, there is no less to do there than there is in any of the other nearby places that would make sense, like Triacastela. I suppose you could continue on to Samos with its monastery. I am not a fan of the interior of the monastery or its paintings, but the service at night was intimate and atmospheric.
Buen camino, Laurie

 

[Castilian]

Hi SallyCyclist! Welcome to the forum! I wish you a pleasant and fruitful stay on the forum!

I would suggest Villafranca del Bierzo. It has sights, it's pleasant and has interesting surroundings to explore. And it isn't (that) far away from the mid-point of your route.

The only city of any size between Leon and Santiago is Astorga

...and Ponferrada that it's the biggest one between León and Santiago de Compostela (and much more bigger than Astorga).

 

[peregrina2000]

Hi SallyCyclist! Welcome to the forum! I wish you a pleasant and fruitful stay on the forum!

I would suggest Villafranca del Bierzo. It has sights, it's pleasant and has interesting surroundings to explore. And it isn't (that) far away from the mid-point of your route.



...and Ponferrada that it's the biggest one between León and Santiago de Compostela (and much more bigger than Astorga).

Oh of course. I should have looked at a map or thought a bit before popping off. I know Ponferrada is the city where cyclists start if they want to do the minimum for the compostela, 200 km on a bike, so you are likely to meet a lot of other cyclists there.

I agree with Castilian that Villafranca is a very nice place to spend an afternoon. It just depends on whether you want to rest after or before the ascent to O Cebreiro.

 

[Kurt5280]

Astorga...spent two nights there...good hotels...good food...good grocery stores...good shopping...good sights...and the first town that I saw families with children playing in the streets at night...really liked Astorga!

 

[SallyCyclist]

Thank you all SO much. We 'plan' to have one night in Astorga, so will look forward to that. We did think a break would be best after the climb, but when we get to Villafranca we may change our minds!

On that note, in mid April is it advisable to book somewhere in advance? I'd prefer not to, but I have read that walkers have priority over cyclists.....

 

[Kurt5280]

On that note, in mid April is it advisable to book somewhere in advance?

Portomarin maybe...Santiago always.

 

[t2andreo]

Astorga is one of my all time favorite stops on the Camino. It has everything one needs. The people are outrageously friendly. The hotels and all pilgrim support facilities are great. There are also very good transportation options.

I always look forward to staying in the Hotel Gaudi, with windows overlooking the Gaudi designed, Archbishop's Residence, and the Cathedral. What a view!

 

[William Marques]

If you were to stay in Villafranca, which is a lovely town, an extra day you could spend it checking out the Bierzo wine makers. http://www.crdobierzo.es/en/

• Des. J. Palacios
• Domino Tares
• Prada a Tope
• Pittacum
• Paixar
• Bodegas Estefania
• Castro Ventoso
• Bodega del Abad

 

[mspath]

If you stay an extra day in Villafranca del Bierzo as William Marques suggests and you wish a bit of private comfort and/or a very good reasonably priced meal with delicious local wine do stop at the Hostal de la Puerta del Perdon. Located on the CF opposite the castle it is a VERY comfortable stop especially on a cold winter night!

Margaret Meredith