Ponferrada Car Hire

Guide of Ponferrada

Geography

Ponferrada is a city located in the province of León, in the northwest of Spain. The city is nestled in a valley and surrounded by soaring mountainscapes, rolling hills and bountiful vegetation. The Sil River flows right through the heart of the city, effectively cutting it in half.

Climate in Ponferrada

Ponferrada experiences a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and cool winters. Summer officially begins in June and lasts through to September, with average temperatures ranging between 22°C and 27°C, though temperatures can topple 30°C during heatwaves. Winters are cold and wet, with temperatures ranging between 8°C to 12°C. At night time, temperatures drop to as low as 1°C. Spring and autumn are popular times to visit thanks to their milder temperatures and sunny days, though rain showers are not uncommon.

Culture

Ponferrada boasts a rich historical heritage that has been strongly influenced by its medieval past. The Knights Templar established a fortress here to protect pilgrims during the 12th century, which visitors can still see today. When the Templars disbanded in the 14th century, the Knights of Santiago continued to expand the castle and the city. Ponferrada is still a popular stop on the famous Camino de Santiago and every year thousands of pilgrims pass through the city.

The city is also well known for its cultural scene, which encompasses music concerts, theatre performances, art exhibitions and film screenings promoting local and regional artists. There are several lively festivals throughout the year too, such as the Fiesta de la Encina in September, which honours the city’s patron saint.

Things To Do in Ponferrada

Visit the Castillo de los Templarios

This imposing castle is the city’s most iconic landmark. Built during the 12th century by the Knights Templar, it features solid stone walls, towers and battlements strategically located on top of a hill overlooking the city and its rural surroundings.

Stroll around the Old Town

The charming old town is a labyrinth of narrow streets, charming squares and elegant buildings. Take a stroll along Calle del Reloj, named after the iconic clock tower nearby, then stop for a drink in Plaza del Ayuntamiento, the social hub of the historic centre where you’ll find rows of charming cafes and bars.

Hike along part of the Camino de Santiago

The Camino de Santiago is Spain’s most famous pilgrimage route and Ponferrada is a key stop. The route attracts pilgrims from all over the world and there are hostels, restaurants, cafes and other services marked along the route.

Explore the Basilica de la Encina

This beautiful basilica dates back to the 16th century and features a facade adorned with columns, pilasters and intricate carvings that have been added to over the years. Inside, there is an impressive collection of religious artworks and sculptures, including a striking image of the Virgen de la Encina, the patron saint of Ponferrada.

Get close to nature

Ponferrada has a string of beautiful natural parks and reserves right on its doorstep. Las Medulas is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient Roman gold mines, Valle de Silencio is famous for its beautiful forests and stunning views and the Ancares Mountains are packed full of scenic hiking trails. The Embalse de Barcena is a lovely spot for boating, fishing and picnicking surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery.

Eating Out in Ponferrada

Ponferrada’s culinary culture is strongly influenced by local products, culture and tradition. Popular local dishes include botillo (pork sausage served with potatoes and vegetables), truchas del bierzo (river trout) and castanas del Bierzo (roasted chestnuts typically eaten as a snack in autumn). The region is well known for its excellent floral and fruity wines made from the Mencia grape variety too.

Ponferrada also boasts Mu’na, a Michelin-star restaurant housed in the historic Casa de Las Bombas, opposite the Castillo de los Templarios. The husband and wife team here take a modern approach to traditional cooking while showcasing ingredients local to the Bierzo area. For something a little less formal, try Bar Gundin for typical Castilian tapas and Bar La Destileria for cured meats and locally-made Manchego. Casa Noval boasts a beautiful terrace that is open on balmy sunny nights too.

Transport

Airport

The nearest airport to Ponferrada is León Airport, which is located around 62 miles (100 km) northeast of the city. The airport offers a range of domestic flights from other Spanish cities, as well as some international flights. It takes around 1 hour to drive directly or 2-2.5 hours on the bus. There is no direct train connection between the airport and Ponferrada, so you will need to change at León before hopping on another train, bringing the total journey time by train up to almost 3 hours.

Alternatively, you could choose to fly to Santiago de Compostela Airport, which is located around 121 miles (195 km) northwest of Ponferrada. While the drive is longer, the airport is much larger and operates a wider range of international flights from major European cities.

Getting around Ponferrada

You’ll find most of the most important sights in the historic centre of Ponferrada, which is easy to navigate on foot. For attractions and amenities elsewhere in the city, there is a local bus system that operates a cheap and relatively frequent service. The city also has its own train station, which is served by regional and long-distance trains run by Renfe, the national rail company. From here, you can reach cities like León and Madrid.

However, if you’re hoping to get out of the city to explore the local area’s rural attractions and smaller towns, we recommend hiring a car. Ponferrada has a good and well-maintained road infrastructure and traffic is very manageable. While parking is limited in the historic centre, there are plenty of parking spaces in the surrounding neighbourhoods. Driving will give you more flexibility to explore the area at your own pace, without needing to rely on bus services and expensive transfers too.