León , Spain

Las Médulas Y Ponferrada

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(2 reviews)

10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Excursion to the place of Las Médulas, excavated by Roman gold mining, a monument of humanity. And to complete the day visit the city of Ponferrada, a monumental town with its Templar castle.

Available options

Las Médulas Y Ponferrada

What's included

Air-conditioned vehicle

Guided tour

Detailed itinerary

We leave León towards Las Médulas, located about 25 km from Ponferrada. Las Médulas, declared a World Heritage Site, were mines where the Romans extracted gold through the “montium ruin” process during the 1st and 2nd centuries, which was sent directly to Rome.
In the first part of the visit we will go to the reception center for visitors to Las Médulas to see the 15-minute documentary about Las Médulas, at the end of it we will follow the guide to the outside to begin the visit. The visit is guided and is done on foot, it lasts 2 hours. (Clothing and footwear are recommended for field). During the tour we can admire the effect caused on the mountain after exploitation, as well as the extraction process.
After finishing the visit, they will take you to Ponferrada capital of the Bierzo region, there you can enjoy free time, rest, eat and stroll through the city at your leisure. Do not forget to get to know the brilliantly preserved Templar Castle, the Basilica of the Virgen de la Encina or the Monastery of Santa María de Carracedo. Ponferrada hides corners with a lot of charm! At 5:30 p.m. I return to León.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 3.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Between the Plaza de las Cortes and the National Police station

About León

León is a historic city in northwest Spain known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and the stunning León Cathedral, one of the most important Gothic cathedrals in Europe. The city offers a rich cultural heritage, vibrant local festivals, and a unique blend of Roman, medieval, and modern influences.

Top Attractions

León Cathedral

One of the most important Gothic cathedrals in Europe, known for its stunning stained glass windows and intricate architecture.

Historical/Architectural 1-2 hours €6

Basilica of San Isidoro

A historic church with beautiful Romanesque architecture and a museum containing ancient artifacts.

Historical/Religious 1 hour €5

Casa Botines

A beautiful building designed by Antoni Gaudí, featuring a mix of architectural styles and a museum inside.

Architectural 1 hour €5

Parque de la Palma

A large urban park with walking paths, picnic areas, and a small lake, perfect for a relaxing stroll.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cecina

A type of cured meat similar to jerky, made from beef and seasoned with garlic and spices.

Snack Contains meat

Cochinillo asado

Roast suckling pig, a traditional dish cooked until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender.

Dinner Contains pork

Pulpo a la gallega

Galician-style octopus, served with potatoes, paprika, and olive oil.

Main course Contains seafood

Lechazo

Roast suckling lamb, a delicacy in the region, cooked slowly until tender.

Dinner Contains lamb

Popular Activities

Hiking in the nearby mountains Cycling along the Camino de Santiago Strolling through the city's parks Enjoying tapas in Barrio Húmedo Visiting museums and historic sites Attending local festivals None Exploring the Roman ruins in Astorga

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season in León, with warm weather and numerous festivals. However, it can be crowded and more expensive.

18°C to 30°C 64°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (moderately)
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

León is generally a safe city with low crime rates. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure in crowded areas
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
• Be cautious when using ATMs at night

Getting there

By air

León Airport • 6 km from city center

By train

León Station

By bus

León Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The city bus system is efficient and covers most areas. Buses are a convenient and affordable way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Cabify, Free Now

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Barrio Húmedo San Marcos Eras de Renueva

Day trips

Astorga

40 km • Half day

A charming town known for its Roman past and beautiful architecture, including the Episcopal Palace designed by Antoni Gaudí.

Ponferrada

50 km • Full day

A historic town famous for its Templar Castle and its role in the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.

Las Médulas

60 km • Full day

A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring ancient Roman gold mines and stunning natural landscapes.

Festivals

Semana Santa • March or April (dates vary) Feria de Nuestra Señora de Regla • August 1-15

Pro tips

Visit the cathedral early in the morning for the best light on the stained glass
Explore the Barrio Húmedo for the best tapas experience
Take a day trip to Astorga or Ponferrada for a deeper dive into the region's history
Try the local wines, particularly those from the Ribera del Duero and Bierzo regions
Walk along the Camino de Santiago for a unique cultural experience