Camino del Salvador is a beautiful pilgrimage route from Leon to Oviedo. It takes on average 5 to 7 days to complete. The route offers incredible mountain scenery, lush-green forest, and charming towns. Many people use it as a connecting trail between the two Camino de Santiago routes; the Camino Frances and Camino Primitivo.
In this post you can find a detailed description of the walking stages of the Camino.
Mountainous scenery on the Camino del Salvador
For more information on the route read our Camino de San Salvador guide.
Table of Contents
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- GPX files of the route
- Camino del Salvador PDFs
- Leon, the beginning of the Camino del Salvador
- The route overview
- Camino del Salvador – walking stages
- Stage 1. Leon – La Robla, 27 km/16,7 mi
- Stage 2. La Robla – Poladura de La Tercia, 23,5 km/14,6 mi
- Stage 3. Poladura de La Tercia – Pajares, 14 km/8,6 mi
- Stage 4. Pajares – Pola de Lena, 24 km/15 mi
- Stage 5. Pola de Lena – Oviedo, 32 km/19,8 mi
- Where to stay in Oviedo?
GPX files of the route
See our detailed guide on How to use Stingy Nomads GPX files to navigate with your phone.
Camino del Salvador PDFs
To make your planning easier we’ve created these PDF files that contain walking stages and places to stay along the route.
The impressive Cathedral of Leon
Leon, the beginning of the Camino del Salvador
Leon is a fantastic city with a lot to see and do. If you have time I’d suggest staying here for a couple of days before starting the Camino. The Cathedral of Leon is one of my favorite cathedrals in Spain. The historical center of the city has many beautiful squares, churches, and palaces.
Places to stay in Leon
There is a public albergue in the historical center of Leon, Albergue Benedictinas. You get a Credential (pilgrims passport) for the Camino del Salvador there.
The route overview
- Distance – 120 km/74,5 mi
- Time – 5-7 days
- The starting point – Plaza de San Marcos, Leon, Castille and Leon, Spain
- The finishing point – the Cathedral of Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Total ascent – 3055 m
- Total descent – 3573 m
- Walking surface – 54 km/33,5 mi asphalt (sidewalk, road), 66 km/41 mi footpath/gravel road
- Average cost – 35 euros per day
- Accommodation – albergues, hostels, hotels
- Route marking – yellow shells and arrows
The historical center of Leon, the beginning of the Camino del Salvador
Camino del Salvador – walking stages
Stage 1. Leon – La Robla, 27 km/16,7 mi
- Distance – 27 km/16,7 mi
- Time – 6-7 hours
- Total ascent – 485 m
- Total descent – 361 m
- Max elevation – 990 m
- Walking surface – 13 km/8 mi asphalt (can be less if you choose alternative routes at the beginning and the end of the day), 14 km/8,6 mi gravel road/footpath.
The route is marked quite well with yellow arrows, metal planks, and wooden poles. Through the town, I would recommend relying on yellow arrows they’re easy to spot.
The Camino de San Salvador starts at San Marcos Square. From the pilgrim’s statue go right along the San Marcos Convent towards Avenida Los Peregrinos. Across the road, you’ll see a concrete pole marking the beginning of the Camino del Salvador. From there continue north on Avenida Los Peregrinos (along the cycling road) till the next roundabout with an old airplane in the middle. Avenida Los Peregrinos follows the river bank you’ll start seeing yellow arrows painted on trees, sidewalks, etc.
You can continue walking on the sidewalk or go under the bridge turn right and follow a walking/cycling track. There is a narrow footpath on the left that you can follow as well. It was wet and muddy when I walked the Camino I stuck to the sidewalk. Both routes merge at about 7,5 km just before the Camino leaves Carbajal de La Legua. If you want to stop for coffee or food it’s better to stay on the sidewalk. The next after Carbajal place where you can get food is 13 km away.
A metal plank marking the beginning of the Camino del Salvador, San Marcos Square, Leon
Highlights
- San Marcos Square
- My favorite part of the route was between 10 km/6,2 mi and 22 km/13,6 mi over the hills and through the forest. In that part don’t miss trees with small figurines of Mary, Jesus, etc. nested between the branches. There are 3 of them at 10,5/6,5 mi km, 11,5 km/7,1 mi, and 20,5 km/12,7 mi.
- Wooden benches on the hills and in the forest offer spectacular views
- Ermita de Celada – a beautiful old chapel unfortunately the location is not that impressive next to the railway and a big factory.
Challenges
- Several ascents and descents
- Walking along/next to the road for the last 5 km/3,1 mi
Elevation profile of the first day on the Camino San Salvador
Stage 1 route description
For the first 8 km/5 mi, the Camino goes through residential areas, villas, etc.
4 km/2,4 mi – a petrol station with a small shop.
5 -8 km/3,1-5 mi – Carbajal de La Legua. Technically it’s not one town but a group of houses near the town but it feels like one place stretches along the road for a couple of kilometers. Between 6 km/3,7 mi and 7 km/4,3 mi in the actual town, there are 3 cafes, a couple of shops, and a pharmacy.
8-22 km/5-13,6 mi – on gravel road/footpath.
17 km/10,5 mi – Cabanillas, a tiny village with a Municipal Albergue and a church. No food places.
A metal pilgrim sculpture in front of a small church in Cabanillas
20 km/12,4 mi – La Seca de Alba, a village with a bar. If you want to stop for food you have to go into the town across the bridge. The bar is about 300 m from the bridge.
22 km/13,6 mi – Cascadas de Alba, a small town with a bar
23 km/14,2 mi – the Camino splits. The right route goes along the road and the left route through the forest/fields. I took the road route and didn’t like it for 2 km I had to walk on the road though it wasn’t busy cars were driving quite fast. The scenery on the last 3 km is not very impressive on both routes through industrial areas.
23-26 km/14,2-16 mi – on the road.
26 km/16 mi – Ermita de Celada
27 km16,7 mi – La Robla, a biggish town with restaurants, shops, ATMs, a hotel, and a Municipal Albergue.
Forest scenery on the first day of the Camino
Stage 2. La Robla – Poladura de La Tercia, 23,5 km/14,6 mi
- Distance – 23,5 km/14,6 mi
- Time – 6-7 hours
- Total ascent – 680 m
- Total descent – 400 m
- Max elevation – 1467 m
- Walking surface – 11 km/6,8 mi on asphalt, 12,5 km/7,7 mi on gravel road/footpath
The first half of the walk from La Robal to Buiza was flat and easy. Unfortunately most of the time on the road or next to the railways.
The second half from Buiza to Poladura is more challenging with a steep ascent that starts from the village. The Camino goes away from the road it’s on a footpath over the mountains to Poladura.
Highlights
- A beautiful aqueduct across a river surrounded by the forest just outside La Robla
- An old Roman bridge about 300 m from the aqueduct
- Church of Nuestra Señora de Buen Suceso
- Beautiful mountainous scenery between La Pola de Gordon and Buiza
- Buiza is a charming little town surrounded by mountains.
- Spectacular scenery and breathtaking views on the route between Buiza and San Martin de la Tercia
Challenges
- The last 4 km/2,4 mi to Buiza are on the narrow winding road without any shoulders. There is not much traffic on the road but cars drive quite fast and drivers coming around the corner don’t expect to see anybody walking on the road. The scenery is stunning but you can’t enjoy it because you have to keep your eyes on the road.
- A steep ascent from Buiza – 350 m over 3 km/1,8 mi
Elevation profile of the first half (the easy part) of the second day on the Camino 
Elevation profile of the second half (the challenging part) of the second day on the Camino de San Salvador. As you can see the ascent from Buiza is very steep and long.
Stage 2 route description
The first 4 km/2,4 mi are on the sidewalk past Puente de Alba (2 km) and Peredilla (3 km). Two small towns with no cafes or shops.
4-5 km/2,4-3,1 mi on a gravel road next to the railway
5 km/3,1 mi – Church of Nuestra Señora de Buen Suceso and a restaurant
5,5 km/3,4 mi – Nocedo de Cordon, a small town with no cafes or shops
5,5-7,5 km/3,4-7,5 mi through the fields and forest on a gravel road/footpath
8,6 km/5,3 mi – La Pola de Gordon, a biggish town with cafes, shops, pharmacies, and a couple of hotels.
10-14 km/6,2-8,6 mi on the road sometimes very narrow mountainous road
10 km/6,2 mi – a petrol station
10,5 km/6,5 mi – Beberino, a small town with a restaurant that is open at random hours (so it says on the gate)
14 km/8,6 mi – Buiza. It’s a very small place with a Municipal Albergue and nothing else (no shops or cafes). If you decide to stay here bring food with you. Pola de Gordon (at 8,6 km) is the last place with shops.
14-22 km/8,6-13,6 mi – a footpath over the mountains with stunning views. No place to stop for food or water.
22,5 km/14 mi – San Martin de la Tercia is a small village with nothing.
23,5 km/14,6 mi – Poladura de la Tercia is a village with a municipal Albergue and a private Albergue/bar.
Church of Nuestra Señora de Buen Suceso
Stage 3. Poladura de La Tercia – Pajares, 14 km/8,6 mi
- Distance – 14 km/8,6 mi
- Time – 4-5 hours
- Total ascent – 605 m
- Total descent – 797 m
- Max elevation – 1560 m
- Walking surface – 2 km/1,2 mi asphalt (road), 12 km/7,4 mi footpath
This stage is described as the toughest stage on the Camino de San Salvador. For this reason, many pilgrims walk it as a short 14-kilometer stage. I didn’t think that part was that difficult but it was nice to have a lot of time to enjoy the scenery. Even if you walk very slowly and struggle with going up you’ll be able to complete 14 km/8,6 mi in less than 6 hours.
The Camino goes over the mountains through isolated areas it’s not recommended to take this route in bad weather conditions. If you’re an inexperienced hiker you might be more confident walking this stage with another pilgrim. I didn’t feel unsafe or in danger at any point during the walk. I enjoyed the tranquility of the area.
The only drawback of the day was the lack of route marking on the last 2 kilometers to Pajares. The route goes through the fields and forest and sometimes there is not one arrow pointing the way. You just have to keep an eye on the footpath and try not to lose it.
Highlights
- It was the most beautiful walking day on the Camino de San Salvador and one of the most beautiful days on any Camino de Santiago route that I’ve done.
- A beautiful church Colegiata de Santa Maria at 8 km/5 mi
- The view of the valley and the mountains from the Mirador Puerto Pajares, at 10 km/6,2 mi. At that point, you cross the border between Castile and Leon and Asturias.
An old Parador de Pajares at the Puerto de Pajares viewpoint
Challenges
- A couple of long and steep ascents from the start of the day
- A steep descent at the end of the day
- No place to stop for food or water for the first 10 km
- The last 2 km/1,2 mi to Pajares are not well-marked.
- Walking on the road for the last 700 m.
Elevation profile of the third day on the Camino.
Stage 3 route description
The first 8 km/5 mi from Poladura de la Tercia are on a footpath over the mountains. It’s the most beautiful part of Camino del Salvador.
8 km/5 mi – Arbas del Puerto a small town with a beautiful church
8-9 km/5-5,5 mi – on the road
9 km/5,5 mi – Puerto de Pajares. There is a beautiful castle-like building with a restaurant inside and a lookout point. You’ll see many yellow arrows there pointing toward the road. According to the official sites it’s not recommended to follow that route as it goes on the road. Instead, take the official route on the right 50 m before the lookout point. I’m quite confident that the official route is 1-2 km longer than the road.
9,6 km/5,9 mi after going through a metal gate don’t lose the Camino. It goes toward the road. You’ll see some yellow arrows down the hill. The route goes down and across the road. Don’t follow the footpath that goes right along the mountain.
10 km/6,2 mi crossing the road.
10,4 km/6,4 mi there is a split. I took the right route but I believe both trails merge after a short while.
From there on make sure you don’t lose the footpath there will be some markers here and there but overall the route is not well indicated.
13 km/8 mi there is a split. From what I’ve read the right route goes to Pajares. The left route goes down to San Miguel del Rio skipping Pajares and is used by pilgrims who don’t want to stay in Pajares overnight and continue their walk.
The last 700 m/0,4 mi to Pajares are on the road.
14 km/8,6 mi – Pajares. A small place with a municipal albergue and a hotel. The hotel is the only place to get food but according to the reviews, it’s not good. There is a restaurant “Puerto Pajares” next to the road 1 km/0,6 mi before Pajares. You can eat there. It has good reviews.
Morning views of the mountain range from the Mirador Puerto Pajares on the third day of the Camino
Stage 4. Pajares – Pola de Lena, 24 km/15 mi
- Distance – 24 km/15 mi
- Time – 6-7 hours
- Total ascent – 655 m if you take the mountain route between 6 km and 11 km, 500 m if you take the road route between 6 km and 11 km
- Total descent – 1319 m (on the mountain route) and 1160 m (on the road route)
- Max elevation – 1000 m
- Walking surface – 16 km/10 mi mostly footpath with bits on the gravel and 8 km/5 mi on asphalt (the mountain route). 11 km/6,8 mi footpath/gravel and 13 km/8 mi asphalt (the road route).
It was a beautiful day on the Camino de San Salvador. I enjoyed the scenery, the forest, and the views. Most of the day you walk in the wild I’d highly recommend taking some snacks with you and making sure you have enough water. The last 5 km/3,1 mi were mostly next to the highway but it didn’t spoil the overall impression of the day.
Highlights
- Incredible mountainous scenery
- Beautiful forest
Challenges
- Many steep descents sometimes on a footpath with loose rocks and mud. You go more than 1000 m down in one day. Walking sticks will be very helpful here.
- On the mountain route between 6 km/3,7 mi and 11 km/6,8 mi several ascents and descents
- On the road route between 6 km/3,7 mi and 11 km/6,8 mi walking on the narrow winding road with not much traffic.
Elevation profile of the fourth day on the Camino de San Salvador. Some ups but mostly downs
Stage 4 route description
0-1,5 km/0-0,9 mi – a steep descent on a footpath that starts at the exit of Pajares. Make sure to have breakfast in Pajares or pack food with you. There will be nowhere to stop for food or water in the next 17 km.
1,5 km/0,9 mi – San Miguel del Rio, a small village with nothing
2,8 km/1,7 mi – St.Marina, another small village with nothing
5 km/3,1 mi – Llanos de Semeron, a village with 2 albergues. The first one was albergue/bar there was nobody there. I’m not sure if you can order food or if they prepare meals only for pilgrims who stay there.
6 km/3,7 mi – a split. The left route goes through the forest and mountains and is rated as difficult. The right route continues on the road and is rated as easy. Both routes are 5 km. The road route goes straight down, the mountain route has some ascents. I took the mountain route and it was quite challenging with a couple of steep descents on a muddy rocky path. The views from the top were impressive and the forest was beautiful. Which route to choose is up to you but the mountain route does take longer.
11 km/6,8 mi – both routes merge in Fresnedo, a tiny village with nothing
11-17 km/6,8-10,5 mi – the Camino continues on a footpath through the forest.
15,5 km/9,6 mi – Herias, a small place with nothing
17-19 km/10,5-11,8 mi – Campomanes, a biggish town with bars, shops, hotels, and ATMs. Just before the town, there is a very steep and quite long ascent, 200 m down over 100 m.
19-24 km/11,8-15 mi – on the gravel/tar road next to the highway with a short detour at 20 km to an old small church of Vega el Ciego. After the church, the Camino goes back to the highway, don’t miss the turn and take the first left route.
24 km/15 mi – the center of Pola de Lena
Impressive scenery from the mountain route on the fourth day of the Camino
Stage 5. Pola de Lena – Oviedo, 32 km/19,8 mi
- Distance – 32 km/19,8 mi to the Cathedral of Oviedo, 31 km/19,2 mi to the Municipal Albergue
- Time – 7-8 hours
- Total ascent – 630 m
- Total descent – 696 m
- Max elevation – 406 m
- Walking surface – 20 km/12,4 mi asphalt, 12 km/7,4 mi footpath/gravel road
The longest day on the Camino de San Salvador in the suggested itinerary. The first half is easy and flat mostly next to or close to the highway so you can always see and hear it. The second half after Mieres is more challenging with several steep ascents and descents and very few places to stop for food. Keep it in mind when planning your walk. There will be nothing between 15 km/9,3 mi and 22 km/13,6 mi.
The middle part of the route between Ujo and Mieres lacks the route marking (no painted yellow arrows) though it’s very straightforward all the way next to the river and the railway.
Highlights
- Church of Santa Eulalia de Ujo
- Mountainous scenery between 16 km/10 mi and 20 km/12,4 mi
- Forest walk between 20 km/12,4 mi and Olloniego
- The Medieval ruins in Olloniego
- The Old Town of Oviedo
Challenges
- Long distance, 32 km/19,8 mi
- A lot of walking on or next to the road mostly a very quiet road though
- The last 6 km/3,7 mi to Oviedo have several steep ascents and descents
Elevation profile of the last day on the Camino de San Salvador. As you can see there are some steep ups and downs in the last part of the route
Stage 5 route description
The first 3,5 km/2,1 mi are through the town and along the highway on asphalt
3,5 km/2,1 mi – a split on the route. The right route goes through the tunnel and continues on a footpath through the forest and along the highway on the right side. The left route goes through the town of Villallana and continues on the road on the left side of the highway. I took the forest route. The distance on both routes is more or less the same.
3,5-4,5 km/2,1-2,7 mi footpath in the forest with ruins of two old houses overgrown by trees
4,5-6 km/2,1-3,7 mi a footpath along the highway that is partly very overgrown
6-20 km/3,7-12,4 mi – sidewalk or road
7 km/4,3 mi – Ujo, a town with a beautiful 12th-century church, a couple of bars, shops, and a nice bakery next to the church
7,5-13 km/4,6-8 mi – follow the sidewalk on the left side of the Caudal River. It would be a lovely walk along the river if it wasn’t for the highway on the right side of it and the railway on the left side. There are not many signs on that part of the route you just go along the river from Ujo to Mieres train station where you cross a pedestrian bridge.
A wooden pole indicating the Camino del Salvador. You can see these poles marking the route from time to time
13-15 km/8-9,3 mi Mieres, a big town with many restaurants, shops, ATMs, hotels, etc. If the suggested stage is too long you can split it into two; Pola de Lena to Mieres – 15 km and Mieres to Oviedo – 17 km.
15,7 km/9,7 mi – a hotel and a restaurant. The beginning of a long ascent on a quiet road past small neighborhoods with no facilities.
20,6 km/12,8 mi – the beginning of a steep descent through the forest following an overgrown footpath
21,5-23,5 km/13,3-14,6 mi – along the road or on a sidewalk
22,5 km/14 mi – Olloniego, a small town with a couple of bars and beautiful ruins (at the exit of the town)
24,5 km/15,2 mi – the beginning of the ascent on a footpath through the forest. There will be several ascents and descents at the end of the day.
28 km/17,3 mi – the suburbs of Oviedo
31 km/19,2 mi – Municipal Albergue of Oviedo
32 km/19,8 mi – the Cathedral of Oviedo. The route from the albergues to the cathedral is not marked. Here and there you see small metal shells on the sidewalk.
The Cathedral of Oviedo, the end of the Camino del Salvador
Where to stay in Oviedo?
There are plenty of accommodation options in Oviedo. You can stay in Municipal Albergue El Salvador after completing the Camino or in one of the private places.
The pretty half of Stingy Nomads, responsible for all our land adventures (hiking, climbing, walking the Camino) and following them write-ups. Alya loves walking since she was a child, she prefers to walk 1000 km with a backpack rather than to do a 10 000 km road trip (actually any road trip). Alya is a big fan of Latin America, the Spanish language, and dancing. Every time we go away she desperately misses our dog Chile.
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