Great Experience… could be much better with guided tours or at least an audio guide. Photos of Oreo walking along the Sil river across from the castle.

The ticket booth woman was very helpful, follow the yellow arrows like on the El Camino but.. I still wandered astray. The castle is in excellent condition with extraordinary views of the City. Well worth the cost of admission which was free today. Spend more than an hour here.

From the gates, it looks like a fairy tale castle, inside it is fairly mundane but I suppose worth it for the views. It has been extensively renovated but I don't think it gives much of an idea of what it was like originally

Ponferrada Castle - The templar heart of Castile Visiting the Castillo de los Templarios in Ponferrada is like entering a historical novel. Located along the famous Camino de Santiago, this imposing templar castle dominates the city with its crenellated towers, moats and mighty walls. Built between the 12th and 13th centuries, it was expanded in the following centuries, becoming one of the largest fortresses in northwestern Spain. The structure is majestic: over 8,000 m² of surface, with an irregular plan and a scenographic entrance protected by a drawbridge and two twin towers A. The twelve original towers reproduced the constellations, a detail that adds charm and mystery B. Today the castle houses the Templar Library and the Historical Research Center, with over 1,400 volumes, including facsimiles of works by Leonardo da Vinci. It is a place that not only tells the story, but keeps it carefully. The castle is loved by visitors for its beauty, panoramic view of the city and unique atmosphere C. It is open to the public and easily accessible on Avenida del Castillo, in the heart of Ponferrada A. The Castle of Ponferrada is much more than a tourist stop: it is a journey through time, a tribute to the Templars and a cultural reference point for the entire region. If you are looking for history, mystery and architectural beauty, this is the right place.

Beautiful history and information in the castle and the people of the area. A small piece of Guernica is also there.

Iconic and emblematic place to visit it. The whole town breath the atmosphere of Knights of Templairs.

It was a wonderful historical Castle…a long stories behind and also a story about the Templar Knights

A relatively small railway museum but some interesting exhibits if you are into trains.

Interesting little railway museum. Some engines restored, some cosmetically restored, some just about saved after years in the open. I liked the videos, which helped paint the picture of mining and railways in this region of Spain. A long way to travel but worth it. Lady on reception was very helpful too, about other museums in the area.

Nice railway museum

Nice

(Translated by Google) A rather small museum that only takes half an hour to see everything. The driving simulator on the train at the end was broken. The only positive thing is that I went on a Wednesday and admission was free. And yes, admission is free on Wednesdays year-round here and at the other museums in the city, including the Templar Castle. The staff was acceptable. (Original) Museo algo pequeño donde solo tardas media hora en verlo todo. El simulador de conducción en el tren del final estaba averiado. Lo único positivo es que fui en miércoles y salió gratuita la entrada. Y si, los miércoles de todo el año la entrada es gratuita aquí y en los demás museos de la ciudad incluido el castillo de los Templarios. La atención de la chica fue aceptable.

(Translated by Google) The museum is small but very interesting. The locomotives and cars are quite well preserved, and it's worth the price. However, we missed some explanations. What was available was rather brief. Furthermore, the staff member wasn't at all friendly and didn't bother to give us any information. It's a shame; it could have been better. (Original) El museo es pequeño, pero muy curioso. Las locomotoras y vagones están bastante bien conservados y merece la pena por el precio. Sin embargo, hemos echado en falta alguna explicación. Lo que había era bastante escueto. Además la trabajadora no era nada amable ni se molestó en darnos información. Una lástima, se le podía sacar mejor partido.

(Translated by Google) A very interesting and good collection of locomotives. If you're interested in the world of railways, this is the museum for you. (Original) Muy interesante y buena colección de locomotoras. Si te interesa el mundo del ferrocarril, este es tu museo.

Fantastic location and awesome service are not the only reasons to go here, the food is incredible! My husband is gluten free, and their gluten free selection of pastas was not only big, but he said it was amazing. I had pasta arriabata, really really good! Miguel our waiter was working very hard on the terrace but always had a smile. We would have gone again if we had more time for sure! 😀

Service, it did pick up, but first contact poor un helpful and pretty bad really, put next to a roaring gas flame, food was also hit and miss, honestly so many better places to eat !

This is a great restaurant for Friday Night pizza! If you are on the Camino, it is a nice change. And it has a great vibe, since it is popular with the locals. The service is great and friendly. The prices are reasonable. They have some great local wines.

Nice place, in a lovely area of Ponferrada. Great menu options, gluten-free dishes and lovely staff. Definitely worth a visit.

Nice restaurant with good food, at a great location. Placed at the center of the historic/old city of Ponferrada, next to the clock tower and one of the main plazas. However, because of its busy location and popularity, there is a lack of availability in the service.

Truly excellent Italian cuisine. I had the Salsiccia pizza I had was genuinely one of the best pizzas outside of Italy I've ever had.

Lovely food and wine, service was good. I had seafood lasagne and Tiramisu which were both excellent. However, sitting in the outdoor area left us looking for staff occasionally.

The waiter knows English and other languages very well. The food is very different and very tasty. The wine list is spectacular.

Wonderful place, delicious pinchos and tapas, and waiters and waitresses are awesome! Carlos is a very nice guy. Highly recommended when you stop in Ponferrada.

Lovely place, very authentic and friendly people!

Great bar to visit right in the heart of the city. Good food and excellent cocktails, mixed drinks, and beer (including Paulaner and Guinness). They elaborate every drink with care and talent--definitely worth a visit!

Guiness available - absolute creamer. Good burger too!

MUY recomendable! Really nice people working there!

Great beers, great atmosphere. Really enjoyed our night at this place.

Had 1 wine and a tapas was charged €7.20 ! I looked at barmaid and she just shrugged. My Spanish not good enough to question price . Left €0.80 as a tip , maybe she got the message

Cheap prices, and a huge selection of nice tapas. Extra service star because we dropped the wine by accident and they gave us another one for free plus oxygenated water to help remove the red wine stains.

For me this one is the best place for “pinchos” in ponferrada, they have a big variety of them, you can see them and in addition they are free! You ask for a drink and they let you choose which “pincho” you would like. Drinks are not expensive and the place is nice!

A little overrated in my opinion. Didn’t have the best experience with the bartender (who apparently didn’t know what a Radler was; haven’t been to a bar throughout the Camino trail that didn’t serve it). The pintxos are rather ordinary and all served cold. The only good thing about this place is that it is inexpensive.

This place has, hands down, the best pinchos in town. Reasonably priced for the quality and portion size. Try their queso de cabra & brie with pistachio pinchos. Recommended when in town.

Loved this place, great pintxos and drinks, if I'm ever again in Ponferrada without a doubt that would be the place I'll go for dinner.

A tiny bar where the atmosphere is warm and relaxed! Plus a large choice of tasty pintxos for cheap prices. Highly recommended!

If you are staying the night while on Camino, this is a great spot for (am American) breakfast. After all, how many croissants and tortillas can you eat? You owe it to yourself to have a rich chocolate waffle. Top notch all the way.

MODERN RESTAURANT WITH FLAWS. Lùa stands out in Ponferrada's rather traditional gastronomical scene. The menu offers an innovative interpretation of Galician cuisine. Our dinner was not entirely convincing, though. Our first starter—watermelon soaked in soy sauce and served with blue cheese—lacked the right amount of basil, which gives the dish its characteristic flavor. Our second starter—squid, blood sausage and peppers—was a bland hotchpotch. Our main dish—octopus fried in oil and garlic—was the only one that was excellent. Our dessert—dark-beer chocolate cake—was good, but lacked anything special. Despite its flaws, Lúa is worth a try. Expect to pay around €30 per person.

Had a lunch: octopus, volandeiras, bacalao and old beef. Octopus totally recommended. Not good price/service/quality relation, will not repeat.

It's a very nice restaurant with lots of delicious dishes. Try broccoli, it's great. And the seafood is really good. The staff members are outstanding, they are always in good mood, and very helpful. Also, they have the best tasting creamy coffee in town!!!!

If you happen to stop by Ponferrada I highly recommend eating at Lua. Very accesible, right above a safe parking lot, clean, tasty and staff is super friendly! Would definitely stop by here again on the way from Galicia to Madrid. The scallops and octopus were delicious! There was also a special blue crab dish that was very tasty! Have a good coffee to freshen up before continuing your journey! Gracias!

Just lovely. I highly recommend for breakfast.

(Translated by Google) Specialty coffee in Ponferrada. It's not often you find good coffee in restaurants, but it's appreciated when you're served with quality products and treated as well as this place. The food is exquisite and the prices are very good considering the location is a Repsol signature. You'll find good coffee and an incredible atmosphere. I 100% recommend it, and I'll definitely go back and visit again. (Original) Café de especialidad en Ponferrada. No es muy habitual encontrar buen café en los restaurantes pero se agradece cuando se trabaja con producto de calidad y encima lo tratan tan bien como en este lugar. La comida es exquisita y los precios están muy bien teniendo en cuenta que el sitio es solete Repsol. Cuentas con buen café y un ambiente increíble. Lo recomiendo 100% para ir y repetir

Very nice tapas bar opposite to the castle. Extensive tapas menu, kind owners, very artistic setting, popular with the locals

Nice place! Worth seeing inside. Terrible service. I didn't see a smile on the face of the person serving us. Camino de Santiago ( 25 apr - day 22 ) Visited April 2025

8 July 2025 I'm here right now. Oh my word do yourself a favour. The BEST salad, wholesome food fresh food, the jazz music, the place is like an Aladins Cave, so much to see and one of the only places open during siesta time. So glad I'm here

I love this one of a kind spot. Great coffee, great music and amazing decorations in an old building.

Lovely place! They serve food all day long no matter the Siesta hour! And the staff is so friendly and sweet!

Interesting interior design. Good food. A bit pricey as it is located just across from the castle. Nice view.

The cashier was sullen. The burger was frozen and barely edible. No one was there at noon for good reason. This is a tourist trap. Stay away. Don't spend a dime here.

Top top top! The food the wine the setting was excellent! The waiter was friendly and knowledgeable and such a pleasure to be served by! Ask them on wine recommendations and Try everything the food is great!

Excelent cuisine with great ingredients in a restaurant with many different feels if inside, in the garden or balcony... But always a pleasant moment to enjoy!

Great fish and meat. Located in the city center - need to park and walk.

Excellent Restaurant, food and service. Intimate decor and location with balcony overlooking a lovely courtyard of the bar below. Amazing salad with slices of orange and bacalao (cod) followed by lamb chops. The Iruki steak was one of the most delicious steaks ever. Desserts did not disappoint. We felt we had found an excellent jewel in Ponferrada and look forward to return on our next Camino.

Great food. Lovely ambience. We were a large group and thoroughly enjoyed the food. Very a well as the fish!

Great lunch.... cossy place .... fantastic food Congrats to the cook and team

Cosy place, perfect to enjoy a glass of wine!