Quick Facts
- Starting point: Mansilla de las Mulas
- Destination: León
- Distance: 18 km (11 miles)
- Walking time: Around 4 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Special features: Arriving in one of the Camino’s major cities!
Where to Stay in León
(Check our accommodation recommendations in our eBook – Link down below)
What You Need to Know About Stage 20
Welcome to León! On your 20th walking day, you’re reaching one of the real highlights of the Camino de Santiago. This is one of the few larger cities (though „large“ is relative – we’re talking about 150,000 people) you’ll encounter on The French Way.
How you feel about today depends on your personality: Some pilgrims absolutely love arriving in León and will use this as an opportunity to explore and maybe take a rest day. Others who prefer the quiet of nature will probably push on tomorrow, seeking the peace and stillness of the trail again.
Good news: Today’s stage is perfectly suited to the destination – just 18 kilometers and about 4 hours of walking from Mansilla de las Mulas. You’ll arrive with plenty of time and energy to explore!
Don’t miss in León:
- The stunning Gothic cathedral (seriously, it’s breathtaking!)
- Casa Botines – one of Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces outside of Barcelona
- Just wandering the lively streets and soaking up the city atmosphere
Travel hub alert: León is also perfectly connected for transportation, making it an ideal spot to pause your Camino Francés if you’re walking it in sections, or to join the route if you’re starting from here.
Planning to walk the Camino in stages? Our eBook „Camino Francés for Beginners“ explains the best places to start and stop, how to plan transportation, and which cities make the most sense as break points for multi-year pilgrimages.
Bottom line: An easy walking day leading to one of the Camino’s most impressive cities. Whether you rest or explore, León is definitely worth your time!
Buen Camino! 🥾
Map of the Stage: