Leon to Villadangos del Páramo
Stage 21 · Camino Francés
Leon → Villadangos del Páramo
About this stage
Leon to Villadangos del Páramo · 20 km · up 220 m, down 160 m
A straightforward stage leaving Leon and crossing the flat Paramo (high plateau) west of the city. The route navigates Leon's suburbs before entering open agricultural terrain that stretches to the horizon.
Two route options exist: the main road route through Valverde de la Virgen and a quieter variant via Villar de Mazarife. The main route is shorter but walks alongside the busy N-120 road for stretches. The Mazarife variant is more peaceful and recommended.
Villadangos del Paramo is a small Meseta town with basic services. The town sits on the flat plateau and offers adequate accommodation and a few restaurants. It serves primarily as a staging point for the walk to Astorga.
Terrain: Urban exit, suburban roads, flat Meseta paths, exposed agricultural terrain
The day, stop by stop
- 0km
Leon
cityLeon is a Roman-founded city in northwest Spain and the medieval capital of the Kingdom of Leon. Famous for its French Gothic cathedral, the Romanesque Pantheon of Kings at San Isidoro, and the parador hotel at San Marcos. Has full city services.
View town guideRestaurantCafeGroceryWaterPharmacyATMBusTrainPilgrim OfficeClinicPost Office
Koala notes · Leon
3 notesStay for a day
Take a rest day in Leon. The cathedral's stained glass is breathtaking, especially in afternoon light. The Romanesque frescoes in San Isidoro are world-class.
Eat well
The Barrio Humedo rivals Logrono's Calle Laurel for tapas.
Lots of accommodation options
Book aheadLeón has excellent accommodation across all budgets. The city's parador is in a former monastery. Book well ahead in summer.
- 3.6km
Trobajo del Camino is a western suburb of Leon, on the outskirts of the city. Mainly residential and industrial today. Has bars, cafes, supermarkets, small shops. The Camino runs along the main road through the suburb on the way out of Leon.
View town guideRestaurantCafeGroceryWaterPharmacyATMBusClinicPost Office
- 7.1km
La Virgen del Camino is a Leon town built around its 1961 Marian sanctuary, with bronze apostle sculptures by Subirachs (later of the Sagrada Familia Passion facade). The Camino splits here into two variants. Has albergues, bars, restaurants, supermarkets
View town guideRestaurantCafeGroceryWaterPharmacyATMBusClinicPost Office
- 7.5kmAlternative route splits here
La Virgen del Camino to Orbigo
We recommend turning off the main route here and taking the alternative route away from the main roads. You will be travelling on both roads and dirt track, with very few to no cars. It is a much more peaceful path than the official route. Be warned, you will add an extra 4km to your journey but we believe it to be a worthwhile investment to be at peace with nature for a while.
- 28 km
- 6 segments
- Via Fresno del Camino, Oncina de la Valdoncina, Chozas de Abajo, Villar De Mazarife, and Villavante
- Rejoins at Hospital de Órbigo
- 11.4km
Valverde de la Virgen
villageValverde de la Virgen is a small Leon village on the northern Camino variant, near La Virgen del Camino. Has a bar-restaurant. No albergue, shop, pharmacy, or ATM in the village itself. Most pilgrims walk straight through.
View town guideRestaurantCafeGroceryWaterPharmacyBusTrainPost Office - 12.8km
San Miguel Del Camino
villageSan Miguel del Camino is a small Leon village on the northern Camino variant, on the open paramo west of Leon. Has a bar-restaurant. No albergue, shop, pharmacy, or ATM. Most pilgrims walk through.
View town guideRestaurantCafeGroceryWater - Walking along the flat land
This is one of the last flat sections before the mountains begin.
- 20.2km
Villadangos del Páramo
villageVilladangos del Paramo is a small town in Leon on the northern Camino variant, site of the 1111 Battle of Villadangos between Queen Urraca of Leon and her estranged husband Alfonso I of Aragon. Has albergues, bars, restaurants, a small shop, and bus stop.
View town guideRestaurantCafeGroceryWaterPharmacyATMTrainClinic
Places to stay along this stage
Koala Picks first, then each town in walking order. Where a place does not book online, walk in, call or message them.
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Planning the Camino Francés?
Add this stage to your day by day plan and see how it fits with the stages around it. Day 0 is the night you arrive in Leon. Choosing is never booking.