Mindfulness and self-compassion retreat on the Way of St. James in northern Spain

Ponferrada, Spain
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Summary

Pilgrimage & mindfulness - a special retreat on the Camino Francés.

Mindfulness and self-compassion retreat in the north of Spain:
Ponferrada - La Faba - Santiago de Compostela

Period: 20.03.2026 - 26.03.2026
with the option of an additional five-day guided pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela

For many people, the experience of pilgrimage on the Camino Francés, a route with a tradition dating back thousands of years, is a special journey into themselves. The very act of walking invites you to turn your gaze inwards, find peace and be fully in the moment - with your body, mind and soul.

After two days of pilgrimage together, we find a special place of contemplation in the small, idyllic village of La Faba: a rustic pilgrim hostel where we have space and time to deepen our mindfulness practice as part of a four-day retreat.

We sit together in silence, walk slowly in silence, absorb the vastness and stillness of the Montes de León. The nature, the simplicity of the place and the spiritual atmosphere provide the ideal setting for pausing in community.

In addition to the extensive grounds of the hostel, the simple, beautiful village church and a canopy room - both equipped with cushions and meditation benches - are also available for our practice.

As in other mindfulness and meditation retreats, our day follows a clearly structured schedule that leaves room for silence, mindful interaction and personal reflection. Full board is provided, and vegan, gluten-free and other intolerances are of course catered for.

In keeping with the pilgrimage tradition, you will spend the night in a simple, large dormitory. Reduced to the essentials, we can experience how little it takes to find peace and quiet. Clean bathrooms, showers and toilets are available in sufficient numbers.

This special retreat is aimed at people who want to embark on an inner and outer journey, whether for the first time or again. In a protected, mindful atmosphere, we want to engage with being in the present moment and deepen our own practice of mindfulness and self-compassion.

The retreat at a glance

The most important facts in a nutshell:

Categories
Meditation, Resilience training, Silent Retreats, MBSR, Mindfulness, Forest bathing, Hiking, Detox Retreats, Active Retreats
Date
2026-03-20 - 2026-03-26
Language(s)
German, English
Level
Advanced, Beginner
Group Size
15
Place
Ponferrada, Spain
Accommodation
Overnight stay included
Catering
Full board
Types of food
Vegan, Gluten-free, Vegetarian
Services

Full board - vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free

Guided meditations and mindfulness practice phases

Time in stillness and silence

Catering

We will inquire in advance which diet is individually desired and then prepare this as full board.

sequence

Schedule of the pilgrimage and mindfulness retreat

March 2026

20.03.2026 (Friday)
- Individual arrival in Madrid or Oviedo
- Joint transfer to Ponferrada
- Arrival & first meeting of the retreat group
(We will be happy to book the journey for you on request)

21.03.2026 (Saturday)
- Pilgrimage stage: Ponferrada → Villafranca del Bierzo
- approx. 26 km

22.03.2026 (Sunday)
- Pilgrimage stage: Villafranca del Bierzo → La Faba
- approx. 24 km
- Arrival in La Faba & joint start of the silent retreat part

23.–25.03.2026 (Montag–Mittwoch)
- Mindfulness retreat in La Faba
- Daily structured program with meditation, silence, mindful walking and much more.

26.03.2026 (Thursday)
- Departure from La Faba to Madrid, Oviedo or Santiago
- Optional: Onward pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela

(A guided group can be organized on request.)

Arrival

The meeting point and common starting point is Ponferrada.
If you are interested, we will be happy to book the flights for you.

Estación de Ponferrada, Avenida de la Libertad 2, 24400 Ponferrada, Castile and León, Spain

Cancellation policy

If you cancel up to 30 days before arrival, you will receive a 85% refund of the booking price.
After this, the booking is non-refundable.

Dates

from $1,345 / 7 Days

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from $1,345 / 7 Days

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