Canales: Pilgrim Routes, Routes and Local Festivals

There are several different reasons to visit Canales: a stage of the Camino Olvidado, other routes starting in La Magdalena or Canales-La Magdalena, and local festivals. When planning your stay, it is helpful to distinguish between these reasons. The pilgrim stage can be identified by its length and the description of its beginning; for other routes, the starting point and direction are given. Festivals, on the other hand, provide a time reference.

Camino Olvidado: Stage from La Magdalena to Riello

Stage 16 of the Camino Olvidado runs from La Magdalena to Riello and is 17.4 kilometres long. At the beginning, it follows a path through oak trees and climbs gently along an old cattle track. For pilgrims, this provides two points of reference: the distance indicates the length of the stage, while the oak-lined path and gentle ascent describe its beginning. If the Camino Olvidado is your main focus, you can plan your trip around the starting point, destination and this section of the route. This way, you can take the precisely stated stage length and the description of the route’s beginning into account separately when planning.

Other Routes and Their Starting Points

The “Por el Valle de Omaña” route starts in La Magdalena, where it branches off via the LE-493 towards Villablino. If you are travelling along this road route, it is advisable to check current road conditions before setting off. La Magdalena also provides access to the valleys of Luna, Babia, Laciana and Omaña. These four named valleys broaden the regional picture beyond the single direction towards Villablino. The “De Soto y Amio a Luna” cycling route, by contrast, starts in Canales-La Magdalena. The routes therefore differ in their starting points and focus: “Por el Valle de Omaña” has a road route and direction, while the cycling route has its own starting point. This can help you choose your reason for travelling according to the type of route you prefer.

Local History and Festival Dates

Canales and La Magdalena grew during the mining boom of the last century. The festival in honour of Santa María Magdalena in Canales-La Magdalena takes place on 22 July. The municipal events listing includes the Grand Three Kings Parade in Canales-La Magdalena on the eve of Reyes, and says that it travels through the surrounding villages of the municipality. These festivals provide different points of reference in time from a trip focused mainly on a route. If you are travelling for one of these events, check the specific dates for your travel year before booking.

Accommodation and the Regional Setting

The Canales pilgrim hostel is located at Avenida Manocho 117 in Canales-La Magdalena and occupies part of the El Cine de Canales building. Check the hostel’s current operating status before planning an overnight stay. The wider regional setting includes Soto y Amío, one of the municipalities in the Valles de Omaña y Luna Biosphere Reserve.

Discover more destinations: Soto de Valdeón, Mansilla Mayor, Villaobispo de Otero, Montealegre, San Andrés Del Rabanedo, San Esteban del Toral, San Juan De La Mata, Posada De Valdeón.

For the broader travel overview: León.