Rabanal del Camino to Ponferrada
Stage 24 · Camino Francés
Rabanal del Camino → Ponferrada
About this stage
Rabanal del Camino to Ponferrada · 32.5 km · up 760 m, down 1,180 m
One of the most significant stages on the entire Frances, crossing the highest point of the Camino at Cruz de Ferro (1,504 metres) before a long, steep descent into the Bierzo valley. Pilgrims traditionally carry a stone from home to leave at the iron cross, making it one of the most emotionally charged moments of the journey.
The morning climb to Cruz de Ferro passes through the abandoned village of Foncebadon, which has been partially restored with albergues and cafes. Beyond the cross, the route descends steeply through the mountain village of Manjarin (with its eccentric Templar hospitalero) and the slate-roofed village of El Acebo before dropping dramatically into Molinaseca and on to Ponferrada.
Ponferrada is the largest city in the Bierzo region, dominated by the impressive Castillo de los Templarios (Templar Castle). The Bierzo is a sheltered valley with its own wine denomination and distinctive cuisine. Full services and varied accommodation are available.
Terrain: Mountain ascent to Cruz de Ferro, exposed moorland, steep rocky descent, village streets
The day, stop by stop
- 0km
Rabanal del Camino
villageRabanal del Camino is a Maragato village in Leon at the foot of the Montes de Leon. Held by the Templars in the 12th century to guard the mountain pass. Home to a Benedictine albergue with daily Gregorian chant vespers. Has albergues, restaurants, bars.
View town guideRestaurantCafeGroceryWaterKoala notes · Rabanal del Camino
2 notesAttend Vespers
Attend evening vespers at the Benedictine monastery in Rabanal for Gregorian chanting.
Good accommodation options
Book aheadThere are some good albergues in town. The monastery albergue is special. Book ahead in peak season.
- Start early
If walking from Rabanal del Camino to Ponferrada we recommend starting early as it is a long day.
- 5.5km
Foncebadón
villageFoncebadon is a high mountain village in Leon at 1,440m, founded as a pilgrim hospice by the hermit Gaucelmo in the 11th century. Near-abandoned by the late 20th century, now revived. Has albergues, bar-restaurants, a small shop. No pharmacy or ATM.
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- Carry a stone from home
Carry a stone from home to leave at Cruz de Ferro. The descent from Cruz de Ferro is steep and hard on the knees so take your time and use walking poles where available.
- 7.4km
Cruz de Ferro
Worth stopping forCruz de Ferro is an iron cross atop a wooden post at 1,504m, the highest point of the Camino Frances. Placed in the 11th century by the hermit Gaucelmo on the site of a Roman altar to Mercury. Pilgrims traditionally leave a stone here from home.
- 9.7km
Manjarín
villageManjarin is a near-abandoned mountain hamlet in Leon, first recorded in 1180. Home to the Templar Refuge of Manjarin, established by Tomas Martinez de Paz in 1993. No reliable services. A stop for the experience, not the amenities.
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- 16.6km
El Acebo De San Miguel
villageEl Acebo de San Miguel is a mountain village in Leon at 1,150m, the first sustained stop on the descent from Cruz de Ferro into El Bierzo. Slate roofs and traditional wooden balconies. Has albergues, hotels, bars, restaurants, a small shop. No pharmacy
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- 20.1km
Riego de Ambrós
villageRiego de Ambros is a small Leon village in the steep descent from El Acebo toward Molinaseca. Traditional stone-and-wood mountain architecture. Has an albergue and a bar-restaurant. No shop, pharmacy, or ATM.
View town guideRestaurantCafeWater - 24.7km
Molinaseca
villageMolinaseca is a beautiful Bierzo village on the river Meruelo, with a stone Romanesque bridge as the pilgrim entrance. Has albergues, hotels, restaurants, bars, supermarkets, a pharmacy. The river is a popular pilgrim swim in summer.
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Koala notes · Molinaseca
1 noteA charming river town
Molinaseca is a charming river town with pools making it a popular stop for those wanting to take a short break of spend the night.
- 28.7km
Campo
villageCampo is a small village within the Ponferrada municipality on the Camino's final approach into the city. Medieval origins on the site of an earlier Roman settlement, with a late Roman vaulted fountain set into the wall along the Calle Real.
View town guideRestaurantCafeWater - 32.6km
Ponferrada
cityPonferrada is the largest city in El Bierzo, named for an iron-reinforced Roman bridge over the Sil. Built around a vast surviving Templar castle expanded in the 12th-13th centuries to guard pilgrims. Has full city services.
View town guideRestaurantCafeGroceryWaterPharmacyATMBusTrainClinicPost Office
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 Rabanal del Camino. Choosing is never booking.