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The Camino de San Salvador or del Salvador is a long-distance pilgrimage route over the mountains in Northern Spain. The route is thought for its steep ascents and descents, breathtaking surroundings, and unpredictable climate circumstances. The pilgrimage on this Camino is to not a tomb of a saint (like on the Camino de Santiago) however to the Christian relics which can be saved within the Cathedral of Oviedo.
The historical past of the Camino de San Salvador dates again to the reign of King Alfonso II. To guard Christian relics from the Muslims the king ordered to switch them to the Cathedral in Oviedo the place they’ve been saved until these days.
What’s the Camino de San Salvador?
The Camino de San Salvador is a multi-day pilgrimage route from Leon (Castille and Leon) to Oviedo (Asturias). It’s not part of the Camino de Santiago as a result of it doesn’t finish in Santiago de Compostela however it’s usually utilized by pilgrims who stroll the Camino Frances and wish to swap to the Camino Primitivo and proceed their pilgrimage on that route. The French Camino passes via Leon and the Camino Primitivo begins in Oviedo.
How lengthy is the route?
The Camino is 120 km. It takes between 5 and seven days to finish the route.
The place does the Camino del Salvador begin?
The Camino de San Salvador begins in Leon, Castille and Leon area, Spain. The start line is at Plaza de San Marcos (San Marcos Sq.) in entrance of San Marcos Church. In the midst of the sq., you’ll see a statue of a pilgrim with a cross. In entrance of the statue, there’s a metallic plank indicating the course of the route. On the right-hand aspect (dealing with the church) throughout the highway on Avenida de Peregrinos there’s a pole with a shell marking the start of the Camino.
San Marcos Sq. is km north of the Cathedral and the historic heart. Should you keep within the heart you’ll have an additional 1 km to stroll on the primary day.
The place does it finish?
The Camino del Salvador ends on the Cathedral in Oviedo. After ending the Camino you possibly can proceed strolling to Santiago de Compostela following the Camino Primitivo which is taken into account to be the primary Camino route ever walked.
Camino de San Salvador downloadable PDFs
To make your Camino planning simpler we’ve created two PDF recordsdata for the Camino de San Salvador. The primary file incorporates the strolling phases and the second file has a listing of locations to remain alongside the route. You may obtain the recordsdata without spending a dime.
The place to get a Credential?
You will get a Credential for the Camino de San Salvador on the Albergue of the Benedictine Sisters Convent (Monasterio de Santa Maria de Carbajal) at Plaza del Grano. The Albergue is 600 m from the Cathedral of Leon. The Albergue is open each day. The Credential prices 2 euros. They put the primary stamp into your Credential marking the start of the route.
Are you able to get the Compostela for finishing the route?
No, you don’t get the Compostela for finishing the Camino del Salvador as a substitute you will get the Salvadorana. It’s an analog of the Compostela that’s issued to pilgrims for finishing the Camino de San Salvador. To be able to get your Salvadroana, you need to acquire stamps in your Credential (identical to on any Camino de Santiago). You will get stamps at albergues, eating places, bars, and church buildings alongside the route. After ending the Camino you will get your Salvadorana within the Cathedral of Oviedo. The doorway to the Cathedral for pilgrims with a credential is 4 euros.
How tough is the Camino de San Salvador?
Total the route is kind of difficult, particularly the center a part of it which has many steep ascents and descents. In 5-6 strolling days the gathered ascent is greater than 3000 m. Attributable to its comparatively brief distance, it’s fairly doable for a median individual however you’ll want some Camino coaching to organize for the stroll. You may regulate the itinerary to your wants and stroll the route in 7 days as a substitute of 5.
You probably have by no means executed any multi-day strolling or mountain climbing I might advocate doing the Camino del Salvador with anyone or selecting a special Camino route e.g. Camino Ingles or the final 100 km to Santiago on any Camino route. There are usually not many amenities on the route and infrequently cities are fairly far aside.
What’s the surroundings like?
For me, the spotlight of the Camino del Salvador was the center half between Buiza and La Pola de Lena. The mountainous surroundings is really spectacular. I might say that a part of the route is one in all my favorites out of all of the Camino de Santiago routes that I’ve executed. The one factor I didn’t take pleasure in on this route is strolling subsequent to or on the highway. The start and the top of the Camino de San Salvador contain fairly a little bit of it.
When is one of the best time for strolling?
In that a part of Spain, it rains quite a bit. The summer season months of June, July, and August are one of the best for strolling the Camino de San Salvador. I walked the route finish of August – the start of September. Apart from the primary day in Leon when it rained and even hailed the remainder of the time the climate was very nice heat and sunny.
Could and September are good months to stroll the route although the possibilities of rain are a bit greater and it is going to be cooler within the mountains, particularly within the morning.
In April and October, it’s nonetheless fairly potential to stroll the Camino de San Salvador although you’ll want hotter garments.
Between November and March, it’s chilly and moist. You may anticipate snow within the mountains. In snow, it’ll be tough to search out the route. For this Camino strolling low season isn’t advisable.
Yow will discover extra particulars on climate circumstances in several components of Spain in our submit on one of the best time to stroll the Camino de Santiago.
Is the route marked?
Sure, the Camino del Salvador is marked with yellow arrows and shells identical to every other Camino de Santiago route. Yellow arrows painted on poles, bushes, rocks, and so forth. are probably the most noticeable markers. Another markers embrace poles with a shell, tiles and metallic planks on the partitions, yellow metallic shells and arrows, and so forth. Total the route is marked good however there are some components via the forest and fields the place you need to search for a path.
Is the Camino de San Salvador busy?
Not, the Camino de San Salvador isn’t a busy route even through the months of July, August, and September. I walked it finish of August – the start of September and there weren’t many individuals. Some days I met 10 pilgrims on the route some only a couple. Most pilgrims who stroll this Camino are Spanish. Some primary information of Spanish shall be very useful.
Is it secure to stroll alone?
I’ve walked the Camino as a solo feminine and by no means felt scared, at risk, or uncomfortable. However I’ve walked many Camino routes, executed quite a lot of mountain climbing, and I communicate fluent Spanish. I’ve heard of a narrative of a lady strolling alone on the Camino de San Salvador and being bothered by a person. I’ve walked 8 routes and by no means had any destructive experiences.
I wouldn’t advocate strolling some components of the route that undergo wild areas alone when you’re an inexperienced hiker. After I walked the Camino de San Salvador there was a bunch of 4 pilgrims all of them met on the primary day and walked all the best way collectively.
The way to get to Leon?
Leon is the start of the Camino de San Salvador. It’s a giant metropolis with good amenities, many accommodations, eating places, museums, and so forth. I might advocate spending there a few days earlier than beginning the pilgrimage. It’s straightforward to get to Leon from any metropolis in Spain.
There’s a small home airport 6 km exterior of Leon but it surely has just one direct flight to Barcelona that leaves as soon as a day 6 instances per week. Different Spanish and European cities might be reached with a connection in Barcelona. It’s a lot quicker and extra handy (particularly if you will get a direct flight out of your metropolis to Barcelona) to fly than to take a bus or a practice however it’s fairly a bit costlier.
From Madrid, you possibly can take a bus to Leon. There are lots of each day buses between the 2 cities together with a number of direct buses from Madrid Airport Barajas to Leon. The journey takes between 3h30min. and 4h30min. The worth is 26 euros. You may test the timetable and purchase your tickets on-line.
There are a number of each day trains from Madrid to Leon together with a few velocity trains. It takes 2 hours to get to Leon by velocity practice. The tickets are 47 euros. Verify departure instances and purchase your tickets on-line.
There are trains and buses to Leon from different Spanish cities together with Santiago de Compostela, Oviedo, Barcelona, Burgos, and so forth.
The place to remain in Leon?
There are many accommodations, guesthouses, and albergues in Leon. Yow will discover a spot for any funds from an Albergue for donation to a luxurious spa resort.
Albergue Benedictinas (Carbajales) the place you get a pilgrim’s passport (Credential) for the Camino de San Salvador is an efficient choice if you wish to keep in a historic heart and really feel the spirit of the Camino. Many pilgrims who stroll the Camino Frances keep there.
We stayed at Hostal Quevedo exterior the historic heart near Park. The resort is simply throughout the bridge from San Marcos Sq. (the start of the Camino).
Camino de San Salvador strolling phases
- Distance – 120 km
- Time – 5-7 days
- Whole ascent – 3055 m
- Whole descent – 3573 m
- Strolling floor – 54 asphalt (sidewalk, highway), 66 km footpath/gravel highway
Day 1. Leon – La Robla, 27 km
- Distance – 27 km/16,7 mi
- Time – 6-7 hours
- Whole ascent – 485 m
- Whole descent – 361 m
- Max elevation – 990 m
- Strolling floor – 13 km asphalt (might be much less when you select various routes originally and on the finish of the day), 14 km gravel highway/footpath.
Highlights
- San Marcos Sq.
- My favourite a part of the route was between 10 km and 22 km over the hills and thru the forest. In that half don’t miss bushes with small collectible figurines of Mary, Jesus, and so forth. nested between the branches. There are 3 of them at 10,5 km, 11,5 km, and 20,5 km.
- Picket benches on the hills and within the forest supply spectacular views
- Ermita de Celada – a phenomenal outdated chapel sadly the situation isn’t that spectacular subsequent to the railway and a giant manufacturing unit.
Challenges
- A number of ascents and descents
- Strolling alongside/subsequent to the highway for the final 5 km
The route was marked fairly properly with yellow arrows, metallic planks, and wood poles. By the city, I might advocate counting on yellow arrows they’re straightforward to identify.
The Camino de San Slavador begins at San Marcos Sq.. From the pilgrim’s statue go proper alongside the San Marcos Convent in the direction of Avenida Los Peregrinos. Throughout the highway, you’ll see a concrete pole marking the start of the Camino del Salvador. From there proceed north on Avenida Los Peregrinos (alongside the biking highway) until the following roundabout with an outdated airplane within the center. Avenida Los Peregrinos follows the river financial institution you’ll begin seeing yellow arrows painted on bushes, sidewalks, and so forth.
You may proceed strolling on the sidewalk or go beneath the bridge flip proper and observe a strolling/biking observe. There’s a slender footpath on the left that you could observe as properly. It was moist and muddy once I walked the Camino I caught to the sidewalk. Each routes merge at about 7,5 km simply earlier than the Camino leaves Carbajal de La Legua. If you wish to cease for espresso or meals it’s higher to remain on the sidewalk. The subsequent after Carbajal place the place you will get meals is 13 km away.
For the first 8 km, the Camino goes via residential areas, villas, and so forth.
4 km – a petroleum station with a small store
5 km – 8 km – Carbajal de La Legua. Technically it’s not one city however a bunch of neighborhoods close to the city but it surely seems like one place stretch alongside the highway for a few kilometers. Between 6 km and seven km within the precise city, there are 3 cafes, a few outlets, and a pharmacy.
8 km – 22 km – on gravel highway/footpath.
17 km – Cabanillas, a tiny village with a Municipal Albergue and a church. No meals locations.
20 km – La Seca de Alba, a village with a bar. If you wish to cease for meals you need to go into the city throughout the bridge. The bar is about 300 m from the bridge.
22 km – Cascadas de Alba, a small city with a bar
23 km – the Camino splits. The precise route goes alongside the highway and the left route via the forest/fields. I took the highway route and didn’t prefer it for two km I needed to stroll on the highway although it wasn’t busy automobiles have been driving fairly quick. The surroundings on the final 3 km isn’t very spectacular on each routes via industrial areas.
23 km – 26 km – on the highway.
26 km – Ermita de Celada
27 km – La Robla, a biggish city with eating places, outlets, ATMs, a resort, and a Municipal Albergue.
Day 2. La Robla – Poladura de La Tercia, 23,5 km
- Distance – 23,5 km/14,6 mi
- Time – 6-7 hours
- Whole ascent – 680 m
- Whole descent – 400 m
- Max elevation – 1467 m
- Strolling floor – 11 km on asphalt, 12,5 km on gravel highway/footpath
Highlights
- A stupendous aqueduct throughout a river surrounded by the forest simply exterior La Robla
- An outdated Roman bridge about 300 m from the aqueduct
- Church of Nuestra Señora de Buen Suceso
- Lovely mountainous surroundings between La Pola de Gordon and Buiza
- Buiza is an enthralling little city surrounded by mountains.
- Spectacular surroundings and breathtaking views on the route between Buiza and San Martin de la Tercia
Challenges
- The final 4 km to Buiza are on the slender winding highway with none shoulders. There may be not a lot site visitors on the highway however automobiles drive fairly quick and drivers coming across the nook don’t anticipate to see anyone strolling on the highway. The surroundings is gorgeous however you possibly can’t actually take pleasure in it as a result of you need to maintain your eyes on the highway.
- A steep ascent from Buiza – 350 m over 3 km
The primary half of the stroll from La Robal to Buiza was flat and simple. Sadly more often than not on the highway or subsequent to the railways.
The second half from Buiza to Poladura is more difficult with a steep ascent that begins from the village. The Camino goes away from the highway it’s on a footpath over the mountains all the best way to Poladura.
The primary 4 km are on the sidewalk previous Puente de Alba (2 km) and Peredilla (3 km). Two small cities with no cafes or outlets.
4 km – 5 km on a gravel highway subsequent to the railway
5 km – Church of Nuestra Señora de Buen Suceso and a restaurant
5,5 km – Nocedo de Cordon, a small city with no cafes or outlets
5,5 km – 7,5 km via the fields and forest on a gravel highway/footpath
8,6 km – La Pola de Gordon, a biggish city with cafes, outlets, pharmacies, and a few accommodations.
10 km – 14 km on the highway typically very slender mountainous highway
10 km – a petroleum station
10,5 km – Beberino, a small city with a restaurant that’s open at random hours (so it says on the gate)
14 km – Buiza. It’s a really small place with a Municipal Albergue and nothing else (no outlets or cafes). Should you determine to remain right here convey meals with you. Pola de Gordon (at 8,6 km) is the final place with outlets.
14-22 km – a footpath over the mountains with gorgeous views. No place to cease for meals or water.
22,5 km – San Martin de la Tercia is a small village with nothing.
23,5 km – Poladura de la Tercia is a village with a municipal Albergue and a personal Albergue/bar.
Day 3. Poladura de La Tercia – Pajares, 14 km
- Distance – 14 km/8,6 mi
- Time – 4-5 hours
- Whole ascent – 605 m
- Whole descent – 797 m
- Max elevation – 1560 m
- Strolling floor – 2 km asphalt (highway), 12 km footpath
Highlights
- It was probably the most stunning strolling day on the Camino de San Salvador and probably the most stunning days on any Camino de Santiago route that I’ve executed.
- A stupendous church Colegiata de Santa Maria at 8 km
- The view of the valley and the mountains from the Mirador Puerto Pajares, at 10 km. At that time, you cross the border between Castile and Leon and Asturias.
Challenges
- A few lengthy and steep ascents from the beginning of the day
- A steep descent on the finish of the day
- No place to cease for meals or water for the primary 10 km
- The final 2 km to Pajares are usually not well-marked.
- Strolling on the highway for the final 700 m.
This stage is described because the hardest stage on the Camino de San Salvador. For that reason, many pilgrims stroll it as a brief 14-kilometer stage. I personally didn’t suppose that half was that tough but it surely was good to have quite a lot of time to benefit from the surroundings. Even when you stroll very slowly and wrestle with going up you’ll be capable to full 14 km in lower than 6 hours.
The Camino goes over the mountains via remoted areas it’s not advisable to take this route in unhealthy climate circumstances. Should you’re an inexperienced hiker you could be extra assured strolling this stage with one other pilgrim. I didn’t really feel unsafe or at risk at any level through the stroll. In reality, I actually loved the tranquility of the world.
The one disadvantage of the day was the shortage of route marking on the final 2 kilometers to Pajares. The route goes via the fields and forest and typically there’s not one arrow pointing the best way. You simply must control the footpath and check out to not lose it.
The primary 8 km from Poladura de la Tercia are on a footpath over the mountains. It’s probably the most stunning a part of Camino del Salvador.
8 km – Arbas del Puerto a small city with a phenomenal church
8 km – 9 km – on the highway
9 km – Puerto de Pajares. There’s a stunning castle-like constructing with a restaurant inside and a lookout level. You’ll see many yellow arrows there pointing towards the highway. In keeping with the official websites it’s not advisable to observe that route because it goes on the highway. As an alternative, take the official route on the best 50 m earlier than the lookout level. I’m fairly assured that the official route is 1-2 km longer than the highway.
9,6 km after going via a metallic gate don’t lose the Camino. It goes towards the highway. You’ll see some yellow arrows down the hill. The route goes down and throughout the highway. Don’t observe the footpath that goes proper alongside the mountain.
10 km crossing the highway.
10,4 km there’s a break up. I took the best route however I imagine each trails merge after a short time.
From there on be sure you don’t lose the footpath there shall be some markers right here and there however total the route isn’t properly indicated.
13 km there’s a break up. From what I’ve learn the best route goes to Pajares. The left route goes right down to San Miguel del Rio skipping Pajares and is utilized by pilgrims who don’t wish to keep in Pajares in a single day and proceed their stroll.
The final 700 m to Pajares are on the highway.
14 km – Pajares. A small place with a municipal albergue and a resort. The resort is the one place to get meals however in line with the opinions it’s not good. There’s a restaurant “Puerto Pajares” subsequent to the highway 1 km earlier than Pajares. You may eat there. It has good opinions.
Day 4. Pajares – Pola de Lena, 24 km
- Distance – 24 km/15 mi
- Time – 6-7 hours
- Whole ascent – 655 m when you take the mountain route between 6 km and 11 km, 500 m when you take the highway route between 6 km and 11 km
- Whole descent – 1319 m (on the mountain route) and 1160 m (on the highway route)
- Max elevation – 1000 m
- Strolling floor – 16 km principally footpath with bits on the gravel and eight km on asphalt (the mountain route). 11 km footpath/gravel and 13 km asphalt (the highway route)
Highlights
- Unbelievable mountainous surroundings
- Lovely forest
Challenges
- Many steep descents typically on a footpath with free rocks and dust. You go greater than 1000 m down in at some point. Strolling sticks shall be very useful right here.
- On the mountain route between 6 km and 11 km a number of ascents and descents
- On the highway route between 6 km and 11 km strolling on the slender winding highway with not a lot site visitors.
It was a phenomenal day on the Camino de San Salvador. I actually loved the surroundings, the forest, and the views. Many of the day you stroll within the wild I’d extremely advocate taking some snacks with you and ensuring you might have sufficient water. The final 5 km have been principally subsequent to the freeway but it surely didn’t spoil the general impression of the day.
0 km – 1,5 km – a steep descent on a footpath that begins on the exit of Pajares. Ensure to have breakfast in Pajares or pack meals with you. There shall be nowhere to cease for meals or water within the subsequent 17 km.
1,5 km – San Miguel del Rio, a small village with nothing
2,8 km – St.Marina, one other small village with nothing
5 km – Llanos de Semeron, a village with 2 albergues. The primary one is albergue/bar there was no one there. I’m unsure when you can order meals or in the event that they put together meals just for pilgrims who keep there.
6 km – a break up. The left route goes via the forest and mountains and is rated as tough. The precise route continues on the highway and is rated as straightforward. Each routes are 5 km. The highway route goes straight down, the mountain route has some ascents. I took the mountain route and it was fairly difficult with a few steep descents on a muddy rocky path. The views from the highest have been spectacular and the forest was stunning. Which route to decide on is as much as you however the mountain route does take longer.
11 km – each routes merge in Fresnedo, a tiny village with nothing
11 km – 17 km – the Camino continues on a footpath via the forest.
15,5 km – Herias, a small place with nothing
17 km – 19 km – Campomanes, a biggish city with bars, outlets, accommodations, and ATMs. Simply earlier than the city, there’s a very steep and fairly lengthy ascent, 200 m down over 100 m.
19 km – 24 km – on the gravel/tar highway subsequent to the freeway with a brief detour at 20 km to an outdated small church of Vega el Ciego. After the church, the Camino goes again to the freeway, don’t miss the flip and take the primary left route.
24 km – the middle of Pola de Lena
Day 5. Pola de Lena – Oviedo, 32 km
- Distance – 32 km/19,8 mi to the Cathedral of Oviedo, 31 km/19,2 mi to the Municipal Albergue
- Time – 7-8 hours
- Whole ascent – 630 m
- Whole descent – 696 m
- Max elevation – 406 m
- Strolling floor – 20 km asphalt, 12 km footpath/gravel highway
Highlights
- Church of Santa Eulalia de Ujo
- Mountainous surroundings between 16 km and 20 km
- Forest stroll between 20 km and Olloniego
- The Medieval ruins in Olloniego
- The Outdated City of Oviedo
Challenges
- Lengthy distance, 32 km
- Plenty of strolling on or subsequent to the highway principally a really quiet highway although
- The final 6 km to Oviedo have a number of steep ascents and descents
The longest day on the Camino de San Salvador within the prompt itinerary. The primary half is straightforward and flat principally subsequent to or near the freeway so you possibly can at all times see and listen to it. The second half after Mieres is more difficult with a number of steep ascents and descents and only a few locations to cease for meals. Hold it in thoughts when planning your stroll. There shall be nothing between 15 km and 22 km.
The center a part of the route between Ujo and Mieres lacks the route marking (no painted yellow arrows) although it’s very easy all the best way subsequent to the river and the railway.
The primary 3,5 km are via the city and alongside the freeway on asphalt
3,5 km – a break up on the route. The precise route goes via the tunnel and proceed on a footpath via the forest and alongside the freeway on the best aspect. The left route goes via the city of Villallana and continues on the highway on the left aspect of the freeway. I took the forest route. The space on each routes is kind of the identical.
3,5 km – 4,5 km footpath within the forest with ruins of two outdated homes overgrown by bushes
4,5 km – 6 km a footpath alongside the freeway that’s partly very overgrown
6 km – 20 km – sidewalk or highway
7 km – Ujo, a city with a phenomenal Twelfth-century church, a few bars, outlets, and a pleasant bakery subsequent to the church
7,5 km – 13 km – observe the sidewalk on the left aspect of the Caudal River. It will be a stunning stroll alongside the river if it wasn’t for the freeway on the best aspect of it and the railway on the left aspect. There are usually not many indicators on that a part of the route you simply go alongside the river from Ujo to Mieres practice station the place you cross a pedestrian bridge.
13 km – 15 km Mieres, a giant city with many eating places, outlets, ATMs, accommodations, and so forth. If the prompt stage is just too lengthy you possibly can break up it into two; Pola de Lena to Mieres – 15 km and Mieres to Oviedo – 17 km.
15,7 km – a resort and a restaurant. The start of a protracted ascent on a quiet highway previous small neighborhoods with no amenities.
20,6 km – the start of a steep descent via the forest following an overgrown footpath
21,5 km – 23,5 km – alongside the highway or on a sidewalk
22,5 km – Olloniego, a small city with a few bars and delightful ruins (on the exit of the city)
24,5 km – the start of the ascent on a footpath via the forest. There shall be a number of ascents and descents on the finish of the day.
28 km – the suburbs of Oviedo
31 km – Municipal Albergue of Oviedo
32 km – the Cathedral of Oviedo. The route from the albergues to the cathedral isn’t marked. Right here and there you see small metallic shells on the sidewalk.
The place to remain in Oviedo?
There are many lodging choices in Oviedo. You may keep in Municipal Albergue El Salvador after finishing the Camino or in one of many non-public locations.
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The gorgeous half of Stingy Nomads, liable for all our land adventures (mountain climbing, climbing, strolling the Camino) and following them write-ups. Alya loves strolling since she was a baby, she prefers to stroll 1000 km with a backpack quite than to do a ten 000 km highway journey (truly any highway journey). Alya is a giant fan of Latin America, the Spanish language, and dancing. Each time we go away she desperately misses our canine Chile.
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