The Lebaniego Way in 2024: Stages and Tips Guide

Camino Lebaniego

The route of the Camino Lebaniego is not one of the most complex and, when placed on the map, it shows us that it is an almost straight route. Next, we leave you with the points through which it goes like this. as its extension on the map.

How many km are the Camino Lebaniego?

It is a route that is not excessively extensive and, luckily, it is not very difficult, so it is an ideal route for pilgrims who begin their journey in this way. as a relaxing route for those who have been doing this type of experience for some time. In total there are 72.73 kilometers that pilgrims must travel to complete the Camino Lebaniego and which are divided into 3 stages.

What How difficult is the Camino Lebaniego?

The Camino Lebaniego is one of the simplest routes. In fact, it stands out for being an ideal option for those who want to start preparing for the Camino de Santiago or who are even looking for a more relaxed adventure. The only thing that pilgrims looking to begin this experience will need is, precisely, to have a certain habit of walking.

Where does the Camino Lebaniego end?

After traveling the three stages of the Lebaniego Way, the pilgrims will reach the end of the route when they reach the Monastery of Santo Toribio as well as the Monastery of Santo Toribio. as the most important enclave of the entire route traveled. Upon reaching this place, pilgrims find a building that has two doors, the Door of Forgiveness being not only the most prominent, but also the most important.

When is the Lebaniego Door of Forgiveness closed?

The Door of Forgiveness is famous and it is not surprising. Seeing it open is an honor for the pilgrims who can come to visit it. After all, it remains open only during the Lebaniego Jubilee Year, which is celebrated every year that April 16, the festival of Santo Toribio, falls on a Sunday. From this moment on, the door will open It will be open 365 days a year until April 15, at which time it will close. I opened the door and it won't come back. It will be open until the celebration of the next Lebaniego Jubilee Year.

Peregrino | Envato

Tips for doing the Camino Lebaniego

To successfully complete the Camino Lebaniego you must take into account the same advice that you will find for the Camino de Santiago; nothing complicated although as we already told you at the time it is never complicated. plus some preparation.

And physical preparation is a very important aspect, regardless of the type of Camino chosen. Keep in mind that you are going to travel dozens and dozens of kilometers, so being well prepared is vitally important to endure the different routes and stages without fainting. Our best advice in this regard is to prepare yourself physically, getting your body used to long walks and increasing the distance as much as possible week by week. 

Hand in hand with the previous advice, it is inevitable to talk about footwear. Good boots or mountain shoes will be, without a doubt, our best ally during the Camino Lebaniego. Another important detail that you should keep in mind with footwear is to look for boots or sneakersthat are waterproof, capable of withstanding rain and low temperatures. 

Although there are very few who dare to do the Camino de Santiago without backpack, if it is your first time doing the Camino Lebaniego we recommend that the backpack does not exceed 10% of your weight. Keep in mind that it will be several days of walking so we are not interested in unnecessarily burdening our backs.

How to travel the Camino Lebaniego?

In the same way as the Camino de Santiago, the Camino Lebaniego does not pose any type of obstacle to pilgrims who want to carry out the different stages either on foot, on horseback or by bike; even on horseback. However, as we have already mentioned before, it is important that you take into account everything related to signage. The red dates will indicate the route to follow for the Camino Lebaniego, while the yellow will do the same with the Camino del Norte towards Santiago de Compostela.

Peregrinas | Envato

How many days does it take to do the Camino Lebaniego?

The Camino Lebaniego has a great landscape and cultural wealth, but it does not have a single answer to the question of how many days are required to complete it. It largely depends on the individual physical condition and the pace that each pilgrim wishes to establish. In general, we can say that the complete journey covers approximately 72 kilometers, which most pilgrims manage to complete in an average of 4 to 5 days. This time allows for a moderate progression that makes it easy to enjoy the impressive nature and the historical monuments that adorn the path.

In planning your trip we suggest that you consider the different stages of the journey, each with its own complexity and unique attractions. There are those who prefer to extend their experience to a week, allowing days of rest or dedicating time to explore the towns that are along the route, thus integrating the experience. a deeper and richer dimension to the pilgrimage. In addition, this extension in time provides the opportunity for gradual adaptation to the physical effort required, especially if you are not working. accustomed to long walks. 

Do not forget that the Camino Lebaniego, beyond Although it is a physical route, it is an opportunity to embark on an internal journey of reflection and renewal. Therefore, dear pilgrim, we invite you to, rather than focusing on the length of the journey, pay attention to what the journey can offer you in terms of experience and learning. May each step be an opportunity to discover, enjoy and grow, building an experience that, we are sure, will be enjoyable for you. unforgettable. 

Where to eat and where to sleep?

You will have no problem finding hostels on the Camino del Norte or the Camino Lebaniego. During the stages, a multitude of hostels will cross your path where you can rest and spend the night. While it is true that you will not find any problems staying, it is never a problem. It is also necessary to be cautious and call in advance given the influx of pilgrims. 

As far as gastronomy is concerned, there is little to add. Cantabria is one of the Spanish areas where you can best enjoy a hot dish. On your pilgrimage you will find dozens of restaurants on the Camino del Norte and the Camino Lebaniego, all of them directly related to the most traditional cuisine of the area. One of the typical dishes is lebaniego stew, as well as like cocido montanés or quesada pasiega.

Botas de peregrino | Envato

Where to stamp the Camino Lebaniego credential

The Pilgrim Credential is more than a simple document, it is a key that opens doors to an unforgettable experience on the Camino Lebaniego. This special passport is not onlywill serve Not only will it serve as a tangible record of your personal journey, marking each stage passed with unique stamps, but it will also facilitate your journey. access to hostels and other services dedicated to pilgrims. To always carry it with you is to carry a fragment of history and tradition that surrounds this ancient path, an invitation to be part of a community that, over the centuries, has also shared the same path of discovery and reflection. n staff. 

The Pilgrim's Credential can be acquired at specific points before starting the trip, such as in some churches, associations of friends of the Camino Lebaniego, or through the Pilgrim's Credential. s of theofficial website. It is recommended to always carry it with you, because at each stage you have the opportunity to stamp a distinctive seal, which not only verifies your passage on the pilgrimage, but also creates a personalized mosaic of the trip. p>

Beyond Beyond its practical usefulness, the Pilgrim's Credential becomes a silent companion but significant during the journey. With it, each pilgrim writes a new page in the long history of the Camino Lebaniego, joining the narratives of countless travelers who preceded him. 

How to get the lebaniega?

Although when doing the Camino de Santiago, pilgrims have their attention focused on obtaining the compostela, those who do the Camino Lebaniego cannot ignore the lebaniega.

What is it the lebaniega? This is a document which is found in the monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana. In this it is accredited that the pilgrims have made and completed the Lebaniego Way, reaching Santo Toribio de Liébana. Of course, this credential will be delivered, after verifying that all the seals have been obtained, in the monastery itself.

Peregrino | Envato

Differences between the Camino de Santiago and the Camino Lebaniego

As also the case with the Camino de Santiago, the Camino Lebaniego has its own credential. Pilgrims will obtain stamps in different hostels and establishments located along this path to finally obtain the Lebaniega, a document similar to the Compostela, for the Camino de Santiago.

In the case of the Jubilee Year, you should know that the Camino Lebaniego has its own. The jubilee year for the Camino Lebaniego is any year where April 16 is a Sunday and covers the following 365 days, until April 15 of the following year. In 2023 the the75º Lebaniego Jubilee Year, since it was celebrated the first in 1512.

Generally, pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago use the different routes of the Camino Lebaniego as a link due to its great connection with the Camino Francés and the Northern Path. On the other hand, and as we have already mentioned, the Camino Lebaniego has its own credential, but also indications throughout the stages. Pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago have yellow arrows to reach theCathedral of Santiago, while the pilgrims of the Camino Lebaniego have red arrows to reach the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana.

Peregrino | Envato

The Jacobean routes closest to the Camino Lebaniego

As we have said, Cantabria is fortunate to be the only region in the world with the passage of two pilgrimage routes. The fantastic Camino del Norte, known for its natural beauty, has a route through Cantabria, in addition to the Camino Lebaniego that begins and ends in this community.

In addition to the Camino del Norte there are many other Jacobean routes that are quite close to the Camino Lebaniego. This route coincides in part with the Camino Vanidense that connects the Camino del Norte with the Camino  French, plus it is close to others such as the Camino de El Salvador or the Camino Olvidado.

• Northern Path
• Camino Vanidense
• Camino Francés
• Forgotten Path< /a>
• Camino de El Salvador