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 are 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 need to swap to the Camino Primitivo and proceed their pilgrimage on that route. The French Camino passes by 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 course 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 (going through 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 heart. When 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 may 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 may 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 day by 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. In an effort to get your Salvadroana, you must gather stamps in your Credential (identical to on any Camino de Santiago). You may 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 troublesome 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 collected ascent is greater than 3000 m. As a result of its comparatively brief distance, it’s fairly doable for a median particular person however you’ll want some Camino coaching to organize for the stroll. You’ll be able to modify the itinerary to your wants and stroll the route in 7 days as a substitute of 5.
When you’ve got by no means finished any multi-day strolling or mountain climbing I might advocate 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 actually spectacular. I might say that a part of the route is considered one 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 top of the Camino de San Salvador contain fairly a little bit of it.
When is the most effective time for strolling?
In that a part of Spain, it rains quite a bit. The summer season months of June, July, and August are the most effective 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 larger and it will likely be cooler within the mountains, particularly within the morning.
In April and October, it’s nonetheless fairly doable 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 anticipate snow within the mountains. In snow, it’ll be troublesome to search out the route. For this Camino strolling low season shouldn’t be beneficial.
You will discover extra particulars on climate circumstances in numerous components of Spain in our put up on the most effective 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 another Camino de Santiago route. Yellow arrows painted on poles, timber, rocks, and so forth. are essentially the most noticeable markers. Another markers embrace poles with a shell, tiles and steel planks on the partitions, yellow steel shells and arrows, and so forth. Total the route is marked good however there are some components by the forest and fields the place you must search for a path.
Is the Camino de San Salvador busy?
Not, the Camino de San Salvador shouldn’t be 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 primary information 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, in peril, or uncomfortable. However I’ve walked many Camino routes, finished a number of mountain climbing, and I converse 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 8 routes and by no means had any adverse experiences.
I wouldn’t advocate strolling some components of the route that undergo wild areas alone in case 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.
get to Leon?
Leon is the start of the Camino de San Salvador. It’s an enormous metropolis with good amenities, many resorts, eating places, museums, and so forth. I might advocate 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 exterior of Leon nevertheless it 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 sooner 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 may take a bus to Leon. There are a lot of day by 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’ll be able to examine the timetable and purchase your tickets on-line.
There are a number of day by 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. Test 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 resorts, 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 effective possibility 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 levels
- Distance – 120 km
- Time – 5-7 days
- Complete ascent – 3055 m
- Complete 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
- Complete ascent – 485 m
- Complete descent – 361 m
- Max elevation – 990 m
- Strolling floor – 13 km asphalt (might be much less in case you select various routes at first 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 timber 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.
- Wood benches on the hills and within the forest supply spectacular views
- Ermita de Celada – a fantastic previous chapel sadly the placement shouldn’t be that spectacular subsequent to the railway and an enormous manufacturing unit.
Challenges
- A number of ascents and descents
- Strolling alongside/subsequent to the street for the final 5 km
The route was marked fairly effectively with yellow arrows, steel planks, and wood poles. By the city, I might advocate 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 subsequent roundabout with an previous airplane within the center. Avenida Los Peregrinos follows the river financial institution you’ll begin seeing yellow arrows painted on timber, sidewalks, and so forth.
You’ll be able to 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 you can observe as effectively. 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 by 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 gaggle of neighborhoods close to the city nevertheless 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 3 cafes, a few outlets, and a pharmacy.
8 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 you must 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 proper route goes alongside the street and the left route by 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 automobiles had been driving fairly quick. The surroundings on the final 3 km shouldn’t be very spectacular on each routes by industrial areas.
23 km – 26 km – on the street.
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 – Buiza, 23,5 km
- Distance – 23,5 km
- Time – 6-7 hours
- Complete ascent – 680 m
- Complete descent – 400 m
- Max elevation – 1467 m
- Strolling floor – 11 km on asphalt, 12,5 km on gravel street/footpath
Highlights
- An exquisite aqueduct throughout a river surrounded by the forest simply exterior La Robla
- An previous 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 a captivating 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 street with none shoulders. There’s not a lot visitors on the street however automobiles drive fairly quick and drivers coming across the nook don’t anticipate to see anyone strolling on the street. The surroundings is beautiful however you may’t actually get pleasure from it as a result of you must maintain your eyes on the street.
- A steep ascent from Buiza – 350 m over 3 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 tougher 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 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 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 outlets
5,5 km – 7,5 km by the fields and forest on a gravel street/footpath
8,6 km – La Pola de Gordon, a biggish city with cafes, outlets, pharmacies, and a few resorts.
10 km – 14 km on the street typically 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 outlets or cafes). When you resolve to remain right here carry 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 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 non-public Albergue/bar.
Day 3. Poladura de La Tercia to Pajares, 14 km
- Distance – 14 km
- Time – 4-5 hours
- Complete ascent – 605 m
- Complete descent – 797 m
- Max elevation – 1560 m
- Strolling floor – 2 km asphalt (street), 12 km footpath
Highlights
- It was essentially the most stunning strolling day on the Camino de San Salvador and some of the stunning days on any Camino de Santiago route that I’ve finished.
- An exquisite 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 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. Because of this, many pilgrims stroll it as a brief 14-kilometer stage. I personally didn’t assume that half was that troublesome nevertheless it was good to have a number of time to benefit from the surroundings. Even in case you stroll very slowly and battle with going up you’ll be capable to full 14 km in lower than 6 hours.
The Camino goes over the mountains by remoted areas it’s not beneficial to take this route in dangerous climate circumstances. When you’re an inexperienced hiker you could be extra assured strolling this stage with one other pilgrim. I didn’t really feel unsafe or in peril at any level in the course of the stroll. In actual fact, 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 by the fields and forest and typically there may be not one arrow pointing the best way. You simply need to keep watch over 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 essentially the most stunning a part of Camino del Salvador.
8 km – 9 km – on the street
9 km there may be an previous Parador (a castle-like constructing) and a lookout level. You’ll see many yellow arrows there pointing towards the street. In line with the official websites it’s not beneficial to observe that route because it goes on the street. As a substitute, take the official route on the correct 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 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 observe the footpath that goes proper alongside the mountain.
10 km crossing the street.
10,4 km there’s a break up. I took the correct 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 total the route shouldn’t be effectively indicated.
13 km there’s a break up. From what I’ve learn the correct 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
- Complete ascent – 655 m in case you take the mountain route between 6 km and 11 km, 500 m in case you take the street route between 6 km and 11 km
- Complete descent – 1319 m (on the mountain route) and 1160 m (on the street route)
- Max elevation – 1000 m
- Strolling floor – 16 km largely footpath with bits on the gravel, 8 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 typically on a footpath with free 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 fantastic 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 have got sufficient water. The final 5 km had been largely subsequent to the freeway nevertheless it 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. Make certain 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
2,8 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 person there. I’m undecided in case 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 the forest and mountains and is rated as troublesome. The proper 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 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 by the forest.
15,5 km – Herias, a small place with nothing
17 km – 19 km – Campomanes, a biggish city with bars, outlets, resorts, 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 previous 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 – 7-8 hours
- Complete ascent – 630 m
- Complete 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
- Quite a lot of strolling on or subsequent to the street largely 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 recommended itinerary. The primary half is simple and flat largely subsequent to or near the freeway so you may at all times see and listen to it. The second half after Mieres is tougher 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 the city and alongside the freeway on asphalt
3,5 km – 4,5 km footpath within the forest with ruins of two previous homes overgrown by timber
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 fantastic Twelfth-century church, a few bars, 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 beautiful stroll alongside the river if it wasn’t for the freeway on the correct 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, outlets, ATMs, resorts, and so forth. If the recommended stage is just too lengthy you may 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 an extended ascent on a quiet street previous small neighborhoods with no amenities.
20,6 km – the start of a steep descent by 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 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 shouldn’t be 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 personal locations.
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The beautiful half of Stingy Nomads, accountable for all our land adventures (mountain climbing, climbing, strolling the Camino) and following them write-ups. Alya loves strolling since she was a toddler, she prefers to stroll 1000 km with a backpack reasonably than to do a ten 000 km street journey (truly any street journey). Alya is an enormous fan of Latin America, the Spanish language, and dancing. Each time we go away she desperately misses our canine Chile.