
Day 1: Leon
Your journey begins in the historic city of León, one of the true jewels of northern Spain and a significant milestone on the Camino de Santiago. Founded by the Roman Legion Legio VI Victrix in 29 BC, the city’s name actually comes from Legio, meaning “legion,” rather than the lion it sounds like in modern Spanish. Over the centuries, León flourished as a key stop for pilgrims, blending its Roman roots, medieval grandeur, and lively Castilian spirit.
Take time to stroll through the beautifully preserved old town, where cobbled streets open onto elegant plazas and centuries of history unfold at every corner. The highlight is undoubtedly the Gothic Cathedral of Santa María de León, famous for its breathtaking stained-glass windows, among the finest in Europe, which bathe the interior in a kaleidoscope of color and light. You might also visit the Basilica of San Isidoro, a Romanesque masterpiece that houses the royal pantheon and its remarkable frescoes.
As evening falls, head into the Barrio Húmedo, León’s buzzing old quarter, known for its maze of narrow streets lined with tapas bars and wine taverns. Sample local specialties like cecina (cured beef), morcilla leonesa (spiced blood sausage), and a glass of robust Bierzo wine.
Meals: -
Accommodation: Posada Regia León


















