Camino de San Salvador – a information & strolling levels

The Camino de San Salvador or del Salvador is a long-distance pilgrimage route over the mountains in Northern Spain. The route is understood for its steep ascents and descents, breathtaking surroundings, and unpredictable climate situations. 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 typically utilized by pilgrims who stroll the Camino Frances and need to change to the Camino Primitivo and proceed their pilgrimage on that route. The French Camino passes by means of 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 place to begin 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 steel plank indicating the path of the route. On the right-hand aspect (dealing with the church) throughout the street 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 middle. Should you keep within the middle 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. 

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 every 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 an alternative you may 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, it’s a must to accumulate stamps in your Credential (similar 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 may get your Salvadorana within the Cathedral of Oviedo. The doorway to the Cathedral for pilgrims with a credential is Four euros.

How tough is the Camino de San Salvador?

General 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. On account of its comparatively quick distance, it’s fairly doable for a median individual however you’ll want some Camino coaching to organize for the stroll. You’ll be able to alter the itinerary to your wants and stroll the route in 7 days as an alternative of 5. 

If in case you have by no means finished any multi-day strolling or climbing I’d suggest doing the Camino del Salvador with any individual or selecting a special Camino route e.g. Camino Ingles or the final 100 km to Santiago on any Camino route. There will not be 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’d say that a part of the route is one in every of my favorites out of all of the Camino de Santiago routes that I’ve finished. The one factor I didn’t get pleasure from on this route is strolling subsequent to or on the street. The start and the tip of the Camino de San Salvador contain fairly a little bit of it. 

When is the very best time for strolling?

In that a part of Spain, it rains rather a lot. The summer time months of June, July, and August are the very best for strolling the Camino de San Salvador. I walked the route finish of August – the start of September. Aside 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 probabilities of rain are a bit increased and it is going to be cooler within the mountains, particularly within the morning. 

In April and October, it’s nonetheless fairly attainable to stroll the Camino de San Salvador although you’ll want hotter garments.

Between November and March, it’s chilly and moist. You’ll be able to count on snow within the mountains. In snow, it’ll be tough to seek out the route. For this Camino strolling low season is just not beneficial.

You will discover extra particulars on climate situations in numerous elements of Spain in our publish on the very best time to stroll the Camino de Santiago.

Is the route marked?

Sure, the Camino del Salvador is marked with yellow arrows and shells similar 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 embody poles with a shell, tiles and steel planks on the partitions, yellow steel shells and arrows, and so forth. General the route is marked good however there are some elements by means of the forest and fields the place it’s a must to search for a path. 

Is the Camino de San Salvador busy?

Not, the Camino de San Salvador is just not a busy route even in the course of 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 fundamental data of Spanish will likely be very useful. 

Is it protected 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, finished a variety of climbing, and I communicate fluent Spanish. I’ve heard of a narrative of a woman strolling alone on the Camino de San Salvador and being bothered by a person. I’ve walked Eight routes and by no means had any adverse experiences.

I wouldn’t suggest strolling some elements of the route that undergo wild areas alone should you’re an inexperienced hiker. After I walked the Camino de San Salvador there was a gaggle of 4 pilgrims all of them met on the primary day and walked all the best way collectively.

The right way to get to Leon?

Leon is the start of the Camino de San Salvador. It’s an enormous metropolis with good amenities, many accommodations, eating places, museums, and so forth. I’d suggest spending there a few days earlier than beginning the pilgrimage. It’s simple to get to Leon from any metropolis in Spain. 

There’s a small home airport 6 km outdoors of Leon however it has just one direct flight to Barcelona that leaves as soon as a day 6 occasions per week. Different Spanish and European cities will be reached with a connection in Barcelona. It’s a lot sooner and extra handy (particularly if you may 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 a lot of every 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 value is 26 euros. You’ll be able to test the timetable and purchase your tickets on-line.

There are a number of every 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 occasions 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. You will discover a spot for any finances 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 possibility if you wish to keep in a historic middle and really feel the spirit of the Camino. Many pilgrims who stroll the Camino Frances keep there.

We stayed at Hostal Quevedo outdoors the historic middle near Park. The resort is simply throughout the bridge from San Marcos Sq. (the start of the Camino).

Camino de San Salvador strolling levels

• Distance – 120 km
• Time – 5-7 days
• Whole ascent – 3055 m
• Whole descent – 3573 m
• Strolling floor – 54 asphalt (sidewalk, street), 66 km footpath/gravel street

Day 1. Leon to La Robla, 27 km

• Distance – 27 km
• Time – 6-7 hours
• Whole ascent – 485 m
• Whole descent – 361 m
• Max elevation – 990 m
• Strolling floor – 13 km asphalt (will be much less should you select different routes originally and on the finish of the day), 14 km gravel street/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 Three of them at 10,5 km, 11,5 km, and 20,5 km. 
• Wood benches on the hills and within the forest provide spectacular views
• Ermita de Celada – a good looking outdated chapel sadly the situation is just not that spectacular subsequent to the railway and an enormous manufacturing facility.

Challenges

• A number of ascents and descents
• Strolling alongside/subsequent to the street for the final 5 km

The route was marked fairly nicely with yellow arrows, steel planks, and picket poles. By means of the city, I’d suggest counting on yellow arrows they’re simple 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 direction of Avenida Los Peregrinos. Throughout the street, 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 street) 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’ll be able to proceed strolling on the sidewalk or go underneath the bridge flip proper and comply with a strolling/biking monitor. There’s a slender footpath on the left you could comply with as nicely. 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 following after Carbajal place the place you may get meals is 13 km away. 

For the first Eight km, the Camino goes by means of residential areas, villas, and so forth. 

Four km – a petroleum station with a small store

5 km – Eight km – Carbajal de La Legua. Technically it’s not one city however a gaggle of neighborhoods close to the city however it appears like one place stretch alongside the street for a few kilometers. Between 6 km and seven km within the precise city, there are Three cafes, a few retailers, and a pharmacy. 

Eight km – 22 km – on gravel street/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 it’s a must 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 suitable route goes alongside the street and the left route by means of the forest/fields. I took the street route and didn’t prefer it for two km I needed to stroll on the street although it wasn’t busy vehicles had been driving fairly quick. The surroundings on the final Three km is just not very spectacular on each routes by means of industrial areas. 

23 km – 26 km – on the street.

26 km – Ermita de Celada

27 km – La Robla, a biggish city with eating places, retailers, ATMs, a resort, and a Municipal Albergue.  

Day 2. La Robla – Buiza, 23,5 km

• Distance – 23,5 km
• 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 street/footpath

Highlights

• A phenomenal aqueduct throughout a river surrounded by the forest simply outdoors La Robla
• An outdated Roman bridge about 300 m from the aqueduct
• Church of Nuestra Señora de Buen Suceso
• Stunning 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 Four km to Buiza are on the slender winding street with none shoulders. There’s not a lot visitors on the street however vehicles drive fairly quick and drivers coming across the nook don’t count on to see anyone strolling on the street. The surroundings is beautiful however you possibly can’t actually get pleasure from it as a result of it’s a must to preserve your eyes on the street. 
• A steep ascent from Buiza – 350 m over Three km

The primary half of the stroll from La Robal to Buiza was flat and straightforward. Sadly more often than not on the street 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 street it’s on a footpath over the mountains all the best way to Poladura.

The primary Four km are on the sidewalk previous Puente de Alba (2 km) and Peredilla (Three km). Two small cities with no cafes or retailers. 

Four km – 5 km on a gravel street subsequent to the railway

5 km – Church of Nuestra Señora de Buen Suceso and a restaurant

5,5 km – La Trinchera de Cordon, a small city with no cafes or retailers

5,5 km – 7,5 km by means of the fields and forest on a gravel street/footpath

8,6 km – La Pola de Gordon, a biggish city with cafes, retailers, pharmacies, and a few accommodations.

10 km – 14 km on the street generally very slender mountainous street 

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 retailers or cafes). Should you resolve to remain right here convey meals with you. Pola de Gordon (at 8,6 km) is the final place with retailers. 

14-22 km – a footpath over the mountains with beautiful 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 to Pajares, 14 km

• Distance – 14 km 
• Time – 4-5 hours
• Whole ascent – 605 m 
• Whole descent – 797 m
• Max elevation – 1560 m
• Strolling floor – 2 km asphalt (street), 12 km footpath

Highlights

• It was probably the most lovely strolling day on the Camino de San Salvador and one of the vital lovely days on any Camino de Santiago route that I’ve finished. 
• A phenomenal church Colegiata de Santa Maria at Eight 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 will not be well-marked. 
• Strolling on the street 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 however it was good to have a variety of time to benefit from the surroundings. Even should you stroll very slowly and wrestle with going up you’ll be capable of full 14 km in lower than 6 hours. 

The Camino goes over the mountains by means of remoted areas it’s not beneficial to take this route in dangerous climate situations. Should you’re an inexperienced hiker you may be extra assured strolling this stage with one other pilgrim. I didn’t really feel unsafe or at risk at any level in the course of the stroll. In actual fact, I actually loved the tranquility of the realm.

The one downside of the day was the shortage of route marking on the final 2 kilometers to Pajares. The route goes by means of the fields and forest and generally there’s not one arrow pointing the best way. You simply must control the footpath and check out to not lose it. 

The primary Eight km from Poladura de la Tercia are on a footpath over the mountains. It’s probably the most lovely a part of Camino del Salvador.

Eight km – 9 km – on the street

9 km there’s an outdated Parador (a castle-like constructing) and a lookout level. You’ll see many yellow arrows there pointing towards the street. Based on the official websites it’s not beneficial to comply with that route because it goes on the street. As a substitute, take the official route on the best 50 m earlier than the Parador. I’m fairly assured that the official route is 1-2 km longer than the street. 

9,6 km after going by means of a steel gate don’t lose the Camino. It goes towards the street. You’ll see some yellow arrows down the hill. The route goes down and throughout the street. Don’t comply with the footpath that goes proper alongside the mountain. 

10 km crossing the street.

10,Four km there’s a break up. I took the best route however I consider each trails merge after a short time.

From there on be sure you don’t lose the footpath there will likely be some markers right here and there however general the route is just not nicely indicated.

13 km there’s a break up. From what I’ve learn the best route goes to Pajares. The left route goes all the way down to San Miguel del Rio skipping Pajares and is utilized by pilgrims who don’t need to keep in Pajares in a single day and proceed their stroll. 

The final 700 m to Pajares are on the street.

Day 4. Pajares to Pola de Lena, 24 km

• Distance – 24 km 
• Time – 6-7 hours
• Whole ascent – 655 m should you take the mountain route between 6 km and 11 km, 500 m should you take the street route between 6 km and 11 km
• Whole descent – 1319 m (on the mountain route) and 1160 m (on the street route) 
• Max elevation – 1000 m
• Strolling floor – 16 km principally footpath with bits on the gravel, Eight km on asphalt (the mountain route), 11 km footpath/gravel, and 13 km asphalt (the street route)

Highlights

• Unimaginable mountainous surroundings
• Stunning forest

Challenges

• Many steep descents generally on a footpath with unfastened rocks and dust. You go greater than 1000 m down in at some point. Strolling sticks will likely be very useful right here.
• On the mountain route between 6 km and 11 km a number of ascents and descents
• On the street route between 6 km and 11 km strolling on the slender winding street with not a lot visitors.

It was a good looking 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 suggest taking some snacks with you and ensuring you could have sufficient water. The final 5 km had been principally subsequent to the freeway however it didn’t spoil the general impression of the day. 

zero km – 1,5 km – a steep descent on a footpath that begins on the exit of Pajares. Be certain that to have breakfast in Pajares or pack meals with you. There will likely 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,Eight 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 person there. I’m unsure should 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 by means of the forest and mountains and is rated as tough. The suitable route continues on the street and is rated as simple. Each routes are 5 km. The street 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 had been spectacular and the forest was lovely. 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 by means of the forest. 

15,5 km – Herias, a small place with nothing

17 km – 19 km – Campomanes, a biggish city with bars, retailers, 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 street 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 to Oviedo, 32 km

• Distance – 32 km to the Cathedral of Oviedo, 31 km to the Municipal Albergue
• Time – 7-Eight hours
• Whole ascent – 630 m
• Whole descent – 696 m
• Max elevation – 406 m
• Strolling floor – 20 km asphalt, 12 km footpath/gravel street

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 Previous City of Oviedo

Challenges

• Lengthy distance, 32 km
• A whole lot of strolling on or subsequent to the street principally a really quiet street 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 advised 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. Preserve it in thoughts when planning your stroll. There will likely 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 by means of the city and alongside the freeway on asphalt

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 street

7 km – Ujo, a city with a good looking 12th-century church, a few bars, and a pleasant bakery subsequent to the church

7,5 km – 13 km – comply with the sidewalk on the left aspect of the Caudal River. It will be a beautiful 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 will not be 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, an enormous city with many eating places, retailers, ATMs, accommodations, and so forth. If the advised 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 street previous small neighborhoods with no amenities.

20,6 km – the start of a steep descent by means of the forest following an overgrown footpath 

21,5 km – 23,5 km – alongside the street 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 by means of the forest. There will likely 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 is just not marked. Right here and there you see small steel shells on the sidewalk.

The place to remain in Oviedo?

There are many lodging choices in Oviedo. You’ll be able to keep in Municipal Albergue El Salvador after finishing the Camino or in one of many non-public locations.