A Complete León Pilgrim Guide With Worthwhile Things to See & Do
León is a gem of a historical city found on the Camino Frances. The city is known for its Gothic Cathedral and lively tapas bars that offer a brief escape from the vastness that is the Meseta.
León is a popular starting point for pilgrims who wish to walk the Camino Frances and maybe don’t have the entire 4 or 5 weeks to start the journey from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. For this reason, there are tons of resources for pilgrims walking from León to Santiago de Compostela.
While León is connected to the Camino Frances, pilgrims may wish to deter off the Camino Frances and head through the mountains on the Camino de San Salvador route.
In this comprehensive León pilgrim guide find out how to get to León. There is also a quick comparison of the route options between the Camino Frances and the Camino de San Salvador. Find the best things to do in León, where to sleep and eat and more useful points of interest for pilgrims.
Here are all my best resources for pilgrims in León Spain.
Table of Contents
- The Significance of León and the Camino de Santiago
- León Pilgrim Route Options | Camino Frances vs. Camino de San Salvador
- How to Get to León Spain
- How Long Should Pilgrims Spend in León?
- Places of Interest for León Pilgrims
- Best Things to Do in León Spain
- Popular Places to Stay in León for Pilgrims
- The Camino Frances from León to Santiago de Compostela
- León | The Official Start of the Camino de San Salvador
- Overview | The Complete León Pilgrim Guide
The Significance of León and the Camino de Santiago
León has Roman roots and is where the city takes its name. While we think of León and the associations of lions, the city was named after Roman legions. The Roman influence can be seen in the medieval walls that acted as a fortress. Many of the modern structures were built on top of Roman foundations.
León was once the capital of a medieval kingdom. Today, it is the capital city of the province of León in the autonomous region of Castile & León.
Numerous attractions in León have ties to the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. From the Gothic Cathedral to the Basílica of San Isidoro and the shells carved into the San Marcos Convent, there is no denying that León was a significant pilgrim city during the medieval ages.
Today, León is the third most popular starting point of the Camino Frances following Sarria (the last 100 Km on the Camino Frances) and Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France.
León Pilgrim Route Options | Camino Frances vs Camino de San Salvador
Most Modern-day pilgrims opt to start the Camino Frances from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France. The Way passes over the Pyrenees Mountains, through cities like Pamplona, Logrońo, and Burgos to arrive in León. From León pilgrims walking the French Way will continue to Astorga, Ponferrada, and take the final journey through the region of Galicia.
Pilgrims for centuries have been walking to Santiago de Compostela to stand before the alleged tomb of St. James to be absolved of their sins.
While most pilgrims who arrive in León continue along the French Way of Saint James to arrive at the next major city Astorga, other pilgrims may feel called to head through the mountains on the Camino de San Salvador. León offers the divergent route of the Camino de San Salvador to Oviedo.
Oviedo was an important city for medieval pilgrims with its Cathedral of San Salvador of Oviedo. This 9th-century cathedral houses many important relics, but the most significant is the Holy Shroud that was said to cover Jesus.
Once in Oviedo, pilgrims walk the Camino Primitivo to reach Santiago de Compostela.
Camino Frances vs Camino de San Salvador Stages & Distances
Here are some statistics comparing the Camino Frances and the Camino de San Salvador. These stages follow the standard guidebooks.
Camino Frances | Leòn ➜ Santiago de Compostela
- If walking the Camino Frances from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, most pilgrims arrive at León after 21 walking days
- The distance to Santiago de Compostela from León on the French Way is just over 300 Km (186.5 miles)
- Average time to walk from León to Santiago de Compostela is around 2 weeks
- It took me exactly 2 weeks to walk from León to Santiago de Compostela which includes a few detours like the Camino Dragonte and visiting Samos village.
Camino de San Salvador to Primitivo | León ➜ Oviedo ➜ Santiago de Compostela
- The Camino de San Salvador officially starts in León
- The distance to the Camino de San Salvador is 75 miles (121 KM) from León to Oviedo and the route typically takes 5 to 6 days.
- In Oviedo, join the Camino Primitivo which is just about 200 miles (320 Km) and typically takes around 14 days to complete
- That makes the Camino San Salvador & Camino Primitivo route from León around 443 Km (275 miles) to Santiago de Compostela
How to Get to León Spain
León is found in the Castile and León autonomous region of Spain and is the provincial capital of León. Being a capital city, León is well connected with the rest of Spain.
León has a busy train and bus station and an extremely small and limited airport.
Some pilgrims will arrive in León on foot after walking the Camino Frances through the first section of the Meseta. The Meseta is a flat plateau that runs from Burgos to Astorga which most pilgrims either love or hate. As for me, I absolutely loved it.
León Bus Station
The main bus station of León is on the east side of the Bernesga River and is around a 15-minute walk to the historical center found on the opposite side of the river. Numerous bus companies from Alsa to FlixBus provide services from the Leon Bus Station.
Next door find the León Train Station.
León Train Station
León is well connected throughout Spain with long-distance and mid-range trains with the Spanish rail company Renfe. The high-speed and mid-range trains service León. Find the León Train Station here.
Aeropuerto de León (LEN)
The León Airport is extremely small and found outside of the city. The airport offers limited flights that change month to month. Most flights are domestic and connect the Spanish Islands and Barcelona.
There are very limited international flights to other countries in Europe from the León Airport.
How Long Should Pilgrims Spend in León Spain?
León is a beautiful city with the unmissable Catedral de León with its spectacular stained-glass windows. There’s also the worthwhile Basílica de San Isidoro with the enchanting Romanesque-painted chapel, Panteon Real. Don’t forget the Casa Botines, designed by Gaudí himself.
If diverting onto the Camino de San Salvador, I think it’s best to spend at least one night in León before walking to get last-minute supplies, do laundry, and not feel rushed.
León is a fantastic lived-in city in Spain and with the university town, there is definitely a young energetic feeling found while wandering the picturesque streets.
With so much to see and do in León, I think it warrants at least one full day. Additionally, if you are looking to take a pause, the city of Leon makes a great rest day.
Places of Interest for León Pilgrims
If starting the Camino Frances pilgrimage route from León, these are important places for pilgrims.
Albergue de Peregrinos del Monasterio de las Benedictinas
Albergue de Peregrinos del Monasterio de las Benedictinas, or Albergue de las Carbajalas is the main pilgrim albergue in León.
Albergue de las Carbajalas is a simple no-frills place to sleep in León that is extra supportive of pilgrims walking the Camino. They also offer a daily pilgrim blessing by the local nuns. Rooms are simple dorms separated by men and women and there is a well-stocked kitchen. In the morning, breakfast is offered by donation.
Even if you decide not to sleep here, this is a great place to get up-to-date information about the Camino Frances or inquire about current updates on the Camino de San Salvador.
This Albergue can provide credencials if you are just starting the Camino Frances in León. They also have the official Ruta de San Salvador Credencial del Peregrino. The Albergue sells the credencial, or pilgrim passport for 2 Euros.
The Albergue de las Carbajalas is found in the Old Town next to the Plaza del Grano. There are tons of services nearby from laundry facilities, grocery shops, cafes, tapas bars, and more. The volunteers here are so helpful, many of whom have walked numerous Camino de Santiago routes.
- Albergue Location: Pl. Sta. María del Camino, 7, 24003 León, Spain
- Pilgrim Albergue: run by Monasterio de Benedictinas Santa María de Carbajal
- Pilgrim Beds: 96 / by Donation (suggested €10 for shared rooms and €15 for private)
- Open: March – mid-December, doors open at 11:00 in the summer and noon in winter
- Pilgrim Credencial Required: Yes
Asociación de Amigos del Camino de Santiago de León (Pulchra Leonina)
León has an extremely helpful Friends of the Camino Association (Asociación de Amigos del Camino de Santiago). The association is made up of volunteers who assist and care about the welfare of pilgrims walking the way.
The association also provides credencials and route information and is steps away from the Plaza de Santo Domingo.
Asociación de Amigos Pulchra Leonina | Find it here: Av. Independencia, 2, 5 Izq | Hours: Mon – Fri: 11:00 – 13:00 / 18:00 – 20:00
Convento de San Marcos
The Convent of San Marcos is a significant landmark for pilgrims in León. The building had humble roots of being a pilgrim hospital in the 12th century. León always cared for its pilgrims and eventually, the building became the headquarters of the Order of Santiago.
During the 16th century, King Ferdinand commissioned a new convent to be built, and the medieval building was demolished.
The convent we see today is said to be one of the grandest representations of the Renaissance in Spain. It is also famous for its Plateresque facade which can easily be seen in the form of the iconic shell of the Camino.
The Plaza of San Marcos has a pilgrim statue who appears fatigued while resting in front of the now impressive building. To the left of the Convent is the luxurious Parador Hotel of León. Sleeping here in León is a splurge and far from its start as a rustic pilgrim hostel.
What also makes the Convento de San Marcos important for pilgrims as this is where the Camino routes diverge in León. Pilgrims continuing on the Camino Frances cross the Bernesga River west towards Astorga. Pilgrims diverting off the Camino Frances and onto the Camino de San Salvador head north on Av. los Peregrinos.
Last Minute Supplies & Gear in León for Pilgrims
No worries if you forgot something or need to replace gear. There are plenty of gear stores that cater to pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago.
As a rule of thumb, if walking a Camino you won’t be carrying much. I’ve walked multiple Camino de Santiago routes, and this is my essential Camino packing list for women. This packing list focuses on spring, summer, and fall walking logistics. I’ve even walked a Camino during the winter, so here’s my lightweight winter Camino packing list.
Your feet are the most important thing to care for when walking the Camino de Santiago. Have properly broken-in shoes, extra dry socks, and a basic first-aid kit. These are some of my best tips for first-time pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago.
➯ Hey… don’t forget your Travel Insurance! I love SafetyWing
León Outdoor Gear Stores
✔ Armería Castro is a local shop that sells everything you could possibly need from walking sticks to backpacks. They also carry a lot of trail runners and shoes for those who need a replacement or are unhappy with their current gear list. The best part is they are located in the heart of Old Town.
✔ Deportes Córdoba is an outdoor gear store found near the Plaza de la Inmaculada. Find everything from gear to clothing, and hiking shoes with an emphasis on mountain gear.
✔ Another outdoor gear store near the Old Town is Kamariny. This store sells brand-name outdoor gear including shoes, winter gear, trekking clothes, and more. They also run a lot of sales.
✔ K2 Planet is an extremely popular and highly rated gear store located not far from San Marcos Plaza on the opposite side of the Bernesga River.
✔ Outside of the Old Town, León has plenty of big-name outdoor gear stores like Decathlon and Sprinter.
León Grocery Stores
In León find large grocery chains like Carrefour Express, Alimerka, and Covirán. There are numerous tiendas selling food items, specialty cheeses, meats, and other provisions for picnic lunches. There are local bakeries and pastry shops, too.
There is no shortage of places in León to stock up on food.
In the summer and fall, stock up on fresh supplies at the bustling market in Plaza Mayor on Wednesdays and Saturday mornings.
Best Things to Do in León Spain
If you are starting the Camino de San Salvador from León or simply passing through on the Camino Frances, there are many things to do in León.
✔ Catedral de León (Pulchara Leonina)
The León Cathedral is one of the most stunning Cathedrals found on the Camino de Santiago. While the 13th-century Cathedral features a Gothic style, it’s the interior where the real treasures lie. The stunning León Cathedral boasts 125 beautiful stained glass windows that show the story of saints and stories of the New Testament in the Bible. The windows consist of over 700 intricate panels!
The Catedral de León can be visited along with the nearby museum. Another highlight is the open cloister that is included in the visit. There are no pilgrim discounts, but make sure to collect a stamp in your pilgrim passport.
Catedral de León | Hours: Vary by season but typically 9:30 – 13:30 / 16:00 – 19:00, check schedule here | Entrance Fee: €7 for Cathedral, €5 for the Museum, no pilgrim discount
The León city sign sits on the corner of Plaza de Regla, making it one of the best places for a photo with the Cathedral towering in the backdrop.
✔ Basílica de San Isidoro
Don’t miss the Basílica de San Isidoro, an older Romanesque church that is free to visit.
The real treasures are found in the Museum of San Isidoro through the side entrance which houses numerous relics and jewels.
By far the most incredible thing to see at the San Isidoro Museum is the Pantheón Real, or Royal Pantheon. This ancient chapel was built during the 11th century. On the ceiling find original and beautiful frescos that are nicknamed the “Romanesque Sistine Chapel” of Spain. These fascinating frescoes were believed to be painted at the end of the 11th century.
Museo de San Isidoro | Find it here: Plaza San Isidoro, 4 | Entrance Fee: €5, no pilgrim discount | Will stow bags while visiting | Official Website
There are no photos allowed inside and you must enter with a staff member. For English speakers, grab an information sheet that explains all the frescos. The Pantheón Real is also a crypt with numerous kings, queens, and counts buried within its walls.
Additionally, with the museum you get to walk out on top of the old Roman fortress walls.
The San Isidoro Museum is worth visiting and is a highlight when visiting León.
➜ It’s also possible to stay at the historical Hotel Real Colegiata San Isidoro
✔ Casa Botines (by Gaudí)
Casa Botines is a famous building designed by Gaudí. Most of Antoni Gaudí’s masterpieces are found near Barcelona, so this is a treasured building in León.
To soak in the best views of Casa Botines head to Plaza de San Marcelo. From here you sit on the bench with Gaudí as he sketches his visions. It’s a fantastic view where you can appreciate the slate roof which is typical in León (one of my favorite places to see slate roofs is in the small village of Peñalba de Santiago).
There is a small museum in Casa Botines that can be visited to see a limited area of the interior. Basic tours include the Noble Floor and a room showcasing contemporary artists. The museum offers free visits on Wednesday afternoons.
Museo Casa Botines | Find it here: Pl. de S. Marcelo, 5 | Hours: Sun, Mon, Thur: 10:00 – 19:00 / Wed: 15:00 – 19:00 / Fri & Sat: 10:00 – 20:00, closed Tuesday | Entrance Fee: €7 for a basic visit with other options available | Official Website
✔ Barrio Húmedo & Plaza de San Martin
One of the best places to see in León is the lively Barrio Humedo. This loosely translates to the wet neighborhood and is found in the heart of the medieval town. There are tons of bars and restaurants along these twisting narrow streets. Energetically, this area is lively and a must-see when visiting León.
Start in the Plaza de San Martin which is filled with numerous tapas bars. In León tapas are still included with a drink purchase, so it’s a great place to begin a tapas crawl. León has recently started running several marketing campaigns highlighting the wines of their region.
✔ Plaza Mayor de León
In the medieval heart of the city, the Plaza Mayor is a must-visit attraction. While the original square was destroyed by a fire during the 17th century, it was rebuilt and has remained untouched since then.
There is a fantastic market in the mornings on Wednesday and Saturday. During the summer months, many events and concerts happen in the plaza.
Popular Places to Stay in León for Pilgrims
For pilgrims, the most popular place to stay in León is the centrally located Albergue de las Carbajalas.
However, there are tons of places to stay in León from albergues, hostels, pensions, guesthouses, and hotels.
Budget-Friendly Hostels in León
➜ Check In León is a popular hostel in León that is utilized by pilgrims. The hostel is about a mile out of the historic center, but the staff is extremely helpful and knowledgeable about the Camino. There is a kitchen onsite and it’s super close to a grocery store. There are also laundry facilities and bunks with curtains.
➜ Hostel Covent Garden is an extremely high-rated hostel in León located in the heart of Old Town. The hostel is steps away from the Cathedral, has a welcoming host, and offers perks like balconies and coffee in the morning.
➜ Hostel Quartier Leon Jabalquinto is another popular albergue found within the historic center in a beautiful building. They also offer private rooms.
➜ Palacio Real Hostel accommodation is centrally located and provides a lot of comforts from a kitchen, lockers, and services, and is super clean.
➜ Browse all the Best Places to Stay in León Spain
The Camino Frances | León to Santiago de Compostela
Pilgrims leaving León have about 300 Km before arriving in Santiago de Compostela. This makes it about a two-week journey from León to Santiago de Compostela.
Again, León is also a fantastic starting point on the Camino Frances for those with limited time.
Although the city itself is a delight, leaving Leon isn’t so pleasant. The way goes through a heavily industrial section for a few miles. The next two days also run parallel along the N-120 until the village of Hospital de Orbigo (17 Km before Astorga).
As this section of the Camino is not very scenic, it’s recommended to detour near the small village of La Virgen del Camino just after the Fuente El Cañin.
Alternative Camino Route from León
To avoid the route that follows the N-120, take the detour option on the Camino Frances that passes through the remote paramo landscape.
Just after La Virgen del Camino and the Fuente El Cañin statue, take the detour to the left.
The detour paths cut through endless fields of corn and the unique landscape that is the paramo. The sunsets and sunrises are truly stellar. Along the way find delightful villages like Fresno del Camino, Oncina de la Valdoncina, Villar de Mazarife, and Villavante.
The alternative paramo route from León is a little over 20 miles to Hospital de Orbigo. I think it’s best to break it up over 2 days. One of my favorite Albergues on the Camino Frances is located in Oncina de la Valdoncina.
Albergue El Pajar de Oncina was once a stable where animals were stored and the amazing owner has converted the old stables into an inviting albergue. Find a huge garden, hammocks, moving artwork created by local artists, and a spectacular dining room where you can join in on the communal dinner.
Another popular place to break up the paramo between León and Hospital de Orbigo is the village of Villar de Mazarife.
There are lots of little rest areas along the route, with my favorite being the descanso, between Chozas de Abajo and Villar de Mazarife.
The paramo path rejoins the Camino Frances at Hospital de Orbigo.
The Official Start of the Camino de San Salvador from León
The official starting point of the Camino de San Salvador is right before the Plaza San Marcos of León. There are very distinct markers showing the Camino Frances and the Camino de San Salvador route, on purple boards and the sidewalk. Pilgrims leave León on the street Av. los Peregrinos.
The trail twists through the mountains and small hamlets. It moves through the region of Castile and León and onto the marvelous region of Asturias where it ends at the San Salvador Cathedral in Oviedo.
The Camino de San Salvador is officially marked at around 75 miles (121 KM). This is one of the more challenging Camino routes as it has plenty of ascents and descents through the mountains. The Camino de San Salvador is typically walked over five or six days from León to Oviedo.
This route does require some planning. There are limited services, which means you may have to carry more food than normal. Some of the meals and albergues must be contacted in advance to ensure a meal can be served.
Do take the short detour to Bendueños Albergue between Pajares and Mieres. This is one of the best Albergues I’ve stayed at on any Camino route. Not far from the Albergue find the breathtaking Pre-Romanesque Chapel of Santa Cristina de Lena.
Upon arrival into Oviedo, make sure to receive your Salvadorana Certificate, this completion certificate of the San Salvador Camino allows free entrance into the stunning Oviedo Cathedral of San Salvador.
From here, most pilgrims will walk the Camino Primitivo into Santiago de Compostela. This way is said to follow the route that Alfonso II the Asturians King took during the 9th century to verify the relics of Saint James were indeed the Apostles.
From Oviedo, Santiago de Compostela is about 2 weeks via the Camino Primitivo. The Camino Primitivo rejoins the final few stages of the Camino Frances in the village of Melide.
Overview | The Complete León Pilgrim Guide
In short, this is a detailed pilgrim guide for the historical city of León. This León pilgrim guide is useful for those starting their Camino from here, or simply passing through via the Camino Frances.
This guide focuses on the significance of León always being a historical city on the Camino de Santiago and includes points of interest for pilgrims. As a bonus, find things to do in León, where to sleep, and tips on how to reach León.
León offers the option for pilgrims to take the remote San Salvador Camino route. This mountainous route takes pilgrims to Oviedo where they join the Camino Primitivo.
No matter what route you choose, all roads lead to Santiago de Compostela. Some modern-day pilgrims reach Santiago de Compostela and feel inspired to walk to the sea at the “End of the World” on the Camino Finisterre Muxia. Their journey can end at either the seaside village of Finisterre or Muxía.
No matter what route you choose, I wish for you a Buen Camino!
Did you start the Camino Frances in León or divert on the Camino de San Salvador? I hope you found this guide useful! If there is anything that needs updating please let me know in the comments below!
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