Puebla de Sanabria to Lubián
A mountainous stage dominated by the climb to the Alto de Padornelo, crested after crossing a 435-meter tunnel.
Best season: Spring and autumn; in winter the Alto de Padornelo can have snow, it's worth checking conditions before setting out
Map
- Puebla de Sanabria
- Lubián
FEAACS track published by IGN. Follow current trail signs.
Source: IGN/CNIG · FEAACS · CC BY 4.0 · Accessed:
Gaps in the source file are preserved; no connections have been added.
The Camino Bonsai Café team · Last editorial update:
From Puebla de Sanabria to Lubián is 28.1 km along the Vía de la Plata. It's stage 28, with 600 m of ascent and 500 m of descent, completed in about 7 h. Difficulty: Hard.
28.1 km is the editorial distance, the one guidebooks use for planning. The IGN GPX track below the map measures 29.8 km: it can differ because of route variants, the exact start and end points, and the access paths into villages, which it leaves out. Neither figure is the road distance between the two towns.
The climb to the Alto de Padornelo
This stage marks a change of character on the Camino Sanabrés: its mountainous nature, dominated by the ascent to the Alto de Padornelo, makes it one of the most demanding days on this entire stretch.
The climb is gradual and progressive, gaining about 360 meters of elevation over 9 kilometers, roughly between kilometer markers 12 and 19. After cresting the pass at 1,365 meters of altitude (km 19.8), the path crosses a 435-meter tunnel carved beneath the road.
From Padornelo, about 4 km remain to Lubián, crossing the settlement of Aciberos and entering a wooded area. A descending trail leads to the Pedro river, crossed by a bridge, before skirting the hillside to the finish. There are services in Requejo (a bar-restaurant next to the national road) and in Padornelo (a bar in the village, a restaurant on the way to Lubián).
What the terrain is like, section by section
Terrain
Progressive climb of 360 m over 9 km to the Alto de Padornelo (1,365 m), followed by a tunnel and descent toward Lubián.
Landscape
Sanabria mountain landscape, with forests on the final stretch toward Lubián.
Path type
Mountain tracks on the climb, a 435 m tunnel under the road, wooded trail on the descent.
Villages
Requejo and Padornelo, both with basic services, before reaching Lubián.
Water points
Available in Requejo and Padornelo.
Shade
Good on the final wooded stretch toward Lubián.
Traffic
Low, except on the stretch near the national road in Requejo.
Key fact
The Alto de Padornelo can have snow in winter: check the state of the route before leaving Puebla de Sanabria.
Staying in Lubián
Lubián has the municipal hostel as the village's only option: there's no private lodging (verified 2026).
Lubián pilgrim hostel
16 beds in 2 dorms (12 + 4), at the entrance to the village, right on the Camino. No booking, pilgrim credential required. No fixed schedule, but it's worth calling ahead if arriving late.
Eating in Lubián
The offering is simple, typical of a small mountain village in Zamora.
Village bar
Basic options for recovering strength after a demanding mountain stage.
Restaurant on the way to Lubián
Last service option before completing the final kilometers of the stage.
Historic stops on this stage
Alto de Padornelo (1,365 m)
The high point of this mountain stage, crested after a progressive 9 km climb.
Padornelo tunnel
A 435-meter gallery carved beneath the road, an unusual and singular stretch on the Camino.
Take advantage of the stop in Padornelo before descending toward Lubián: it's the last service point before completing a demanding stage, a good time to recover strength calmly.
How to get there and back
If you're starting here: Puebla de Sanabria has bus connections to Zamora and Ourense.
If you need to return from Lubián: it has a train station, with connections to Zamora and Ourense.
What you should know before this stage
Check the state of the Alto de Padornelo in winter
There can be snow in the upper area; find out before leaving Puebla de Sanabria.
Stock up in Requejo or Padornelo
They're the last service points before Lubián.
Pace your effort on the climb
Although it's gradual, it accumulates a considerable elevation gain: keep a comfortable pace from the start.
Don't ruin this stage
Setting out without checking the weather in winter
The Alto de Padornelo can be complicated by snow; check conditions before departing.
Not carrying a flashlight for the tunnel
Although it's a short stretch, it's worth carrying some light to cross the Padornelo tunnel safely.
Arriving late in Lubián without notice
The hostel has no fixed schedule: if you know you'll arrive late, it's a good idea to call ahead.
What to pack, travel insurance and getting around
One single guide with the recommended gear, useful services (insurance, eSIM) and transport options for the whole Camino.
Work out how much it will cost you
Set the days, route and type of trip, and we give you an estimate of the total cost with a full breakdown.
Everything you want to know before this stage
How many kilometers are there from Puebla de Sanabria to Lubián?
What is the Alto de Padornelo?
Is there private lodging in Lubián?
Can the Alto de Padornelo close?
Are there services along the way?
Browse the stages
Ideas for after you finish the Camino
A café waiting for you in Santiago
You still have many kilometres ahead, but once you finish the Camino in Santiago, Bonsai Café is a great spot for breakfast: right in the city centre, with Berraco by Bou specialty coffee and weekend brunch.
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