Hotels in Villafranca del Bierzo

Plaza Mayor and Calle del Agua

The heart of Villafranca is the Plaza Mayor, an arcaded square full of tables in the sun, and Calle del Agua, which runs down between houses with coats of arms. Around them are the churches of San Nicolás and the Colegiata, and many places to try Mencía wine and botillo. It is the liveliest area, especially when the pilgrims arrive in the afternoon.

It works well if it is your first time in the town and you want to do everything on foot. The streets are narrow and steep, so the car is best left outside.

Best-rated in this area: Viña Femita, with a score of 9.7 from 3,646 reviews.

Santiago and the castle

The upper part, where the Camino Francés enters, holds the church of Santiago, with the Puerta del Perdón, and the castle of the Marquises. Many pilgrims stay here, and the atmosphere is quiet and early-rising. If you are walking the Camino, it is right on the route.

From here the centre is a short walk down, though the way back is uphill.

Best-rated in this area: Viña Femita, with a score of 9.7 from 3,646 reviews.

Along the Burbia

By the river Burbia and its bridge, where pilgrims leave for Galicia, there are quieter streets and green spaces such as the Alameda. You hear the river and there is little traffic, so it is a good option for resting without being far from the centre, a short walk away.

It is a good choice for stays of several days with car trips around the area.

Cacabelos, Corullón and the vineyards

If you are travelling by car and interested in wine, you can stay in the nearby villages. Cacabelos, towards Ponferrada, has wineries, restaurants and an archaeological museum. Corullón, to the south, keeps Romanesque churches and sits among vines with views over the valley.

From this part of the Bierzo it is easy to get to Ponferrada and Las Médulas. The hamlets also have rural cottages surrounded by vineyards, for anyone wanting a more rural feel.