El Burgo Ranero

Camino Frances

To end of camino
343.1
Altitude
879

Bercianos del Real Camino

7.50

El Burgo Ranero

12.70

Reliegos

Services
Bar
Yes
Bus
Yes
Grocery
Yes
Medical Center
Yes
Pharmacy
Yes

As far as the eye can tell the only thing keeping El Burgo Ranero on the map is the business brought in by the camino; the wheat and wool business that once sustained it has been displaced by mechanization.

Although the church in town was robbed of its treasures long ago (some are preserved in the León Cathedral Museum) the bells still ring, and an ever aging congregation turns up daily.

Notice

If you are passing through at the right time of year (late May) take a close look at the stork nests on the tower. If you are lucky you may catch a glimpse of the babies waiting for lunch.

History

El Burgo Ranero owes its existence to both wheat and wool. Of the two it was the wheat (and the granaries that came with) that gave the town its name; though other historians say the name is derived from the same root that gives us the word frog, rana; the wetlands at the far end of town are full of them. In the 10th century sheep were introduced in massive quantities, so much so that it was the largest source of business for most of the region. Migration of the herd started north of here in the mountains and continued south to the extremes of Extremadura.

The Road

The camino between El Burgo and Reliegos is along a manicured path lined with trees. Those trees, unfortunately, are on the wrong side of the path, so on sunny summer days you are exposed: bring ample amounts of water.

City Map

Comments

All Caminos App User (not verified)

Whoever said that the trees are on the wrong (north) side of the path between El Burgo and Riliegos Is dead wrong -- unless several thousand trees have been transplanted since the comment was made. As of yesterday, October 10, 2024, the trees continue along the left (south) side of the path, continuing to shelter pilgrims from the sun

Perhaps the person who made the comment was from Australia and got north and south mixed up.

All Caminos App User (not verified)

Stop here — you won’t regret it. The owners are lovely and work hard to make everything special. It is a tiny space but they pack a lot in there!

All Caminos App User (not verified)

The cutest shop and family, so helpful. They had gluten free bread, spaghetti and made me a fresh gluten free breakfast sandwich, the best experience so far on the Camino for me !!!

All Caminos App User (not verified)

Supermercado market La Tiendina de Sol is such a great shop for food and groceries. Good selection and served with such a smile and genuine friendly owners . They have travel size shampoo , conditioner etc , which seem not so easy to buy , in big supermarkets or pharmacies.

All Caminos App User (not verified)

We stopped in this little supermarket and so glad we did! The owners are fantastic and really enjoy serving the pilgrims. So friendly and fun. They made us a couple sandwiches for lunch tomorrow and wrapped them up. Stop by and quench your thirst or fill your belly. This place makes you believe in kindness again!

All Caminos App User (not verified)

We saw them today, well, maybe not babies - more like fluffy teenager storks. Lovely!

All Caminos App User (not verified)

The truck stop was the best choice ever. Close to the Camino. 10 spotless, soundproof rooms. And, food available 24 hours a day. Good food. One of our best nights on the Camino - ever.

All Caminos App User (not verified)

Monday through Saturday 8:00 am - 2:30 pm, 4:30 pm - 9:00 pm

All Caminos App User (not verified)

Cute little mini market as you walk into town. The owner said they opened just a few months ago and is so happy to be here! She said she has really enjoyed meeting pilgrims from all over the world.

Hours are 8:00 am - 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm - 9:00 pm Monday through Sunday

All Caminos App User (not verified)

Got diarrhea after having lunch here.