"The journey begins the moment you decide to take it."

Winter Way from Monforte de Lemos on foot: 6 stages

Information about the trip: Winter Way from Monforte de Lemos on foot: 6 stages

The Winter Way (Camino de Invierno) is one of the most authentic and least crowded routes of the Camino de Santiago, ideal to walk at any time of year. Covering 112 km from Monforte de Lemos to Santiago de Compostela, it is the perfect option for pilgrims seeking tranquility, nature, and a more intimate pilgrimage experience, especially during the busy summer months.
This route dates back to the Middle Ages, when pilgrims chose it as an alternative to avoid snow-covered mountain passes. The trail follows a lower-altitude path along the Sil River, crossing some of the most beautiful landscapes of inland Galicia. Today, the Winter Way still retains its peaceful and genuine atmosphere, far from mass tourism.
 
Why choose the Winter Way?
  • A quiet and uncrowded Camino route
  • Suitable for walking year-round
  • A perfect blend of nature, history, and landscapes
  • An authentic way to experience the Camino de Santiago
 
The Winter Way is the ideal choice for those who want to enjoy the Camino de Santiago with calm, nature, and true authenticity.

Travel itinerary (Summary)

  • DAY 1: Arrival in Monforte de Lemos
  • DAY 2: Stage 1, Monforte de Lemos,  Chantada 30,4 km 4/5 
  • DAY 3: Stage 2, Chantada, Rodeiro 25,4 km 3/5
  • DAY 4: Stage 3, Rodeiro, Lalín 21,98 km 2/5 
  • DAY 5: Stage 4, Lalín, Silleda 15,7 km 1/5
  • DAY 6: Stage 5, Silleda, Ponte Ulla  19,7 km 2/5
  • DAY 7: Stage 6, Ponte Ulla, Santiago de Compostela 20,9 km 1/5 
  • DAY 8: Return
     

Travel itinerary (Detailed)

  • 1

    Arrival in

    Monforte de Lemos
    Fill in your pilgrim’s passport and explore this city.
    capital of the Land of Lemos and the Ribeira Sacra, the second most populated city in Lugo and located in the Cabe River valley.

  • 2

    Stage 1, from Monforte De Lemos to Chantada


    Distance : 30,4 km Difficulty : 4/5 

    Breakfast and start of the stage. Once again, a long stage with hardly any intermediate services, running mostly on asphalt. Fortunately, we will enjoy the extraordinary landscape of the Codos de Belesar, with terraced vineyards suspended almost vertically above the Miño River. The descent to the riverbed follows a cobbled path with a 300-meter elevation drop, not suitable for bicycles. We should regain our strength at the bottom, as another 300 meters of uphill elevation still await us.

  • 3

    Stage 2, from Chantada to Rodeiro


    Distance : 25,4 km Difficulty : 3/5

    Breakfast and start of the stage. Today we will cross the Sierra do Faro which, at 1,153 meters above sea level, is the highest point of the Winter Way. Despite the elevation gain, the ascent is gradual and very pleasant. We recommend not missing the small chapel and its viewpoint, located just 400 meters from the route; from there, on a clear day, we can enjoy panoramic views over much of Galicia.

  • 4

    Stage 3, from Rodeiro to Lalín


    Distance : 21,98 km Difficulty : 2/5 

    Breakfast and start of the stage. Much of the stage runs through a beautiful rural setting with rolling landscapes. In the first kilometers, we will repeatedly cross the Arnego River, with medieval bridges such as the Ponte de Pedroso. We can extend the stage to the small hamlet of A Laxe, where this Winter Way meets the Vía de la Plata, also known as the Camino Sanabrés.

  • 5

    Stage 4, from Lalín to Silleda


    Distance : 15,7 km Difficulty : 1/5

    Breakfast and start of the stage. Today is a short stage made up of gentle slopes through farmland, woodland and villages.
    As we leave Lalin, the day starts with a climb to Botos before continuing on through several villages. The stage ends in Silleda, a modern town with all the necessary facilities.

  • 6

    Stage 5, from Silleda to Ponte Ulla


    Distance : 19,7 km Difficulty : 2/5

    Breakfast and start of the stage. Starting with an easy stroll towards Bandeira, a town famous for its empanadas (Galician pies), the stage continues downhill through farmlands and villages.
    Just before the descent to Ponte Ulla, take a visit around the old castle and its 360-degree panoramic views.

  • 7

    Stage 6, from Ponte Ulla to Santiago de Compostela


    Distance : 20,9 km Difficulty : 1/5 

    Breakfast and start of the stage. The last stage to Santiago approaches the city from one of the quietest directions.
    The last few kilometres to Santiago still reflect the rural atmosphere of Galicia and it is sometimes difficult to believe you are so close to such an attractive city.
    Finally, you reach Santiago and its world-famous Cathedral.

  • 8

    Return


    Take time to explore this gem of a city, which is small yet vibrant. In Santiago, you will find not only pilgrims but also locals and students, enjoying a few bites and glasses of wine in the many bars, restaurants and cozy cafés.

Included

  • 8 nights in handpicked hotels and inns, all with en-suite accommodation, on a bed and breakfast basis.
  • Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel: 1 bag max. 20kg/ 44 lbs per person.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Pilgrim's passport.
  • Maps and tracks of the stages.
  • Telephone assistance (English-speaking)

    • Not included

    • Lunches.
    • Flights or trains.
    • Dinners.
    • Single room supplement: € 330
    • Superior category accommodations supplement: € 300
    • Single room superior category supplement: € 300
    • Tourist taxes.

      • Accommodations

      All accommodations have rooms with en-suite facilities.

      Conditions

      Price per person based on double room

      Daily departures from March to October

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