Villafranca del Bierzo Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo by María Álvarez
Photo by Jessie Lewis
Photo by María Álvarez
Photo "Villafranca del Bierzo" by David Perez (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo "Villafranca del Bierzo" by David Perez (CC BY) / Cropped from original

A holiday in Villafranca del Bierzo is all you need to get away from it all: it’s no coincidence that it’s the residence of choice of the local nobility.

We welcome you to a small paradise in Castile and León: Villafranca del Bierzo. The Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route runs through this town, meaning religious architecture takes star billing. The church of Santiago Apóstol, with its single nave, dates back to the 12th century. The Puerta del Perdón (Door of Forgiveness) is a real highlight, and in Jubilee years it opens for pilgrims who cannot complete the route to Santiago de Compostela so they can receive the Jubilee. Close by is the castle of the Marquises of Villafranca, which offers beautiful views over the River Burbia. Check out our offers for cheap trips to Villafranca del Bierzo to make sure you don’t miss anything.

If you walk through the town's old quarter, you’ll definitely want to take a stroll along the Calle del Agua, once a beehive of commercial and artisan activity, it is now an open-air heraldry museum. This is also the perfect place for tasting wines with DO El Bierzo or for admiring some important civil constructions, such as the Torquemada palace. Plaza Mayor is the beating heart of the town, where the old houses sit alongside one of the most beautiful theatres in the country: El Villafranquino.

With our package deals to Villafranca del Bierzo, you’ll discover the natural riches of the area around Villafranca del Bierzo, which is located at the meeting point between the Atlantic and Mediterranean climates. Craggy peaks, riparian forests and rolling hills dotted with vineyards are all interspersed with awe-inspiring harmony.

On your trip to Villafranca del Bierzo, bear in mind that the town has a bus station that connects it with León and other provincial capitals. The nearest medium and long distance train station is in Ponferrada, about 12.5 miles away. If you're in good shape, you should consider taking the plunge and heading there by foot along the Camino de Santiago. What better place to rest and recharge your batteries!

Parador Villafranca del Bierzo
Parador Villafranca del Bierzo
4 out of 5
Avenida de la Constitución, 28, Villafranca del Bierzo, Leon
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £74 per night from 14 Jul to 15 Jul
£74
14 Jul - 15 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Villafranca del Bierzo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Bodegas ...
9/10 Wonderful! (104 reviews)
"Aside from the AC which was not great, everything about this parador was lovely. Dinner in restaurant was nice with staff superb and reception staff brilliant too. Parking, pool and walkable to nice little village."

Reviewed on 5 Jun 2025

Parador Villafranca del Bierzo
Hostal Restaurante La Charola
Hostal Restaurante La Charola
3 out of 5
Carretera Nacional VI, Km 406, Villafranca del Bierzo, Leon
Stay at this 3-star hostal in Villafranca del Bierzo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Villafranca del Bierzo Castle ...
8/10 Very Good! (68 reviews)
Basic hotel lacking in service.
"Check-in took some time as there was an elderly couple in charge that seemed more interested in watching TV. The rooms were OK and you could get a beer of coffee at the bar, but that was it. Restaurant not open for evening meal or breakfast. I think we were the only guests, so the place was very ..."

Reviewed on 12 Jun 2025

Hostal Restaurante La Charola
Hotel Las Doñas
Hotel Las Doñas
3.5 out of 5
C/ Ribadeo, 2. Calle del Agua, (Esq. Plaza Catalina), Villafranca del Bierzo, LEON
The price is £77 per night from 1 Jul to 2 Jul
£77
1 Jul - 2 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Villafranca del Bierzo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Popular attractions San Nicolás El Real Church ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (77 reviews)
"Lovely hotel. Clean, classic, perfect location to walk to bars/restaurant. Staff very kind and professional."

Reviewed on 12 May 2025

Hotel Las Doñas
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Beautiful apartment with views of the mountains and pool.
Beautiful apartment with views of the mountains and pool.
Villafranca del Bierzo, CL
Stay at this apartment in Villafranca del Bierzo. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions San Nicolás El Real ...
Beautiful apartment with views of the mountains and pool.
Casa Pacios By M De Santiago
Casa Pacios By M De Santiago
Lugar De Villavella, SN, Triacastela, Galicia
Stay at this holiday home in Triacastela. Enjoy a fireplace in reception and mountain biking on-site. Popular attractions Cipres Chapel and Samos Monastery are ...
Casa Pacios By M De Santiago
Housing for tourist use N1
Housing for tourist use N1
Carucedo, Castilla León
Stay at this holiday home in Carucedo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, patios and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Convento de Alba and Las Medulas are located ...
Un puente inolvidable
"Fuimos en Semana Santa y nos llovió, pero no fue impedimento para que lo disfrutemos a tope. La casa con toda la esencia del Bierzo"

Reviewed on 23 Apr 2025

Housing for tourist use N1
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Villafranca del Bierzo

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Top destination
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4/5 - Good

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If you like good wine you are in heaven.

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