Hello again. Driving from Baiona to Leon (headed towards Picos). I was wondering what the scenery and sights are like along this route. Is this a mountainous drive with interesting geography that would be just as, if not more, interesting from driving north/east along the coast to Picos? Thank you.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7159 posts
The answer to your question is really dependent on whether you plan on staying on the autopistas or taking some of the back roads. When we drove from Leon to Santiago de Compostela a couple weeks ago we did a combination (N-120, A6, N-VI, N-547). Parts are flat while other parts are through the mountains. Along the northern route we went from Muxia on the western coast to Santillana del Mar. That was primarily autopistas (A6 and A8) until we got off onto the N-634, then N-625. Once off the autopista it was hilly going into Pics de Europa. I suggest looking at Google maps street view so you know the exit number you need to take. I say that because some of the N(ational) roads parallel the Autopistas and if using GPS it may want to exit the autopistas at exit A when you really want to get off at Exit F. Also, the GPS doesn't pronounce words properly. For example, N-VI (Roman numeral 6) was pronounced North Virgin Islands.
Places we have stopped at along both routes.
Astorga - Cathedral, Palace of , plaza España.
Hospital de Óbrigo - Bridge de obrigo
San Justo de la Vega - Cruz de Toribio just outside of town on the Camino
Cruz de Hierro/ferro - along the Camino de Santiago half way between Astorga and Ponferrada on a very small and winding road.
Ponferrada - Castillo de los templarios and clock tower
Pedrafita de Cebrerio
Alto de Cebrerio, church of Santa María, Celtic hut.
Alto de San Roque - a quick stop for a photo op about a mile from Alto de Cebreriio. The statue of San Roque overlooks the valley.
Vilar de Donas - Church of San Salvador. Romanesque church with original 15th century paintings on the walls.
Alto de Leboreiro - Romanesque church Santa Maria de Leboreiro The sign to the very small hamlet off the N-547 is easy for miss.
Melide - Cruceiro de Melide on the main street through town (N-547) and the chapel beside it.
Monte de Gozo - there are 2 different monuments at Monte de Gozo. We went to see the one of the pilgrims looking out over the countryside with Santiago de Compostela in the background.
Along the northern route:
Betanzos is nice for a short stop.
Cabo Ortegal
Playa de catedrales (aguas santas) - better if you can get there at low tide.
Cangas del Onis (Exit 319 off the A8) - Medieval bridge
Picos de Europa (Santuario de Covadonga)
Posted by
Washington DC
28083 posts
ViaMichelin.com highlights scenic roads in green.