Ponferrada is an ancient city set on the Camino de Santiago pilgrim route. Walk around the historic quarter, explore a medieval castle built by the Knights Templar and visit a UNESCO-listed Roman goldmine. Satisfy your appetite with lip-smacking smoked meats and DOP wines.
Things to do in Ponferrada
Walk along battlements patrolled by Templar knights at Castillo Templario. The castle dates back to the 13th century and features soaring walls and fortified towers. A wooden drawbridge spans across the moat and adds to the storybook aesthetic. Walk around the central courtyard and visit the enormous Knights Templars’ Library filled with centuries-old books.
Visit the Las Médulas Gold Mines and discover a maze of tunnels, caverns and canals. The enormous open pit mine once supplied the Roman Empire with millions of kilograms of gold. Explore a network of marked trails and visit the Aula Arqueológica de Las Médulas museum to learn more about ancient hydraulic power techniques used by the Romans. Hike up to Mirador de Orellán for breathtaking views over the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
From scrumptious smoked meats to premium wines, Castilla y León delights foodies. Peer into “carniceria” butcher shops to see towers of cured ham, smoked sausages and spicy chorizo. Dine at local restaurants and order regional specialties like “botillo” pork sausages served with boiled potatoes and roast suckling pig. Wash it all down with a glass of wine from the world-famous Bierzo region.
Use Ponferrada as a base for hikes in Picos de Europa National Park. Set in the Cantabrian Mountains, the park protects some of the most beautiful landscapes in Spain. Hike the vertigo-inducing Cares Gorge Trail and hire a mountain guide to summit the 2,500-metre-high Naranjo de Bulnes.
Getting around Ponferrada
Ponferrada is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. The city is in the Castilla y León region, a one-hour drive from León and 1.5 hours by bus or train. León Airport is a one-hour drive away.