Ponferrada is a major culture and education hub in Spain’s northwest corner. Majestic mountains circle El Bierzo district, in which Ponferrada is sited. The Bay of Biscay’s shores, Santiago de Compostela and the country’s border with Portugal are within driving range with car hire at Ponferrada Rail Station.

Estacion de Ponferrada (Ponferrada Rail Station) is close to the River Sil’s banks, west of the town centre. Avenida del Ferrocarril passes the station leading to Ferrocarril Locomotive Museum, station hotels and Temple Park. Ponferrada Rail Station has daily trains from Madrid and Coruna, which call at other regional towns.

Car rental at Ponferrada Rail Station depots in the town are operated by reputable firms. The mediaeval Knights Templar castle, Castillo de los Templarios, is Ponferrada’s renowned landmark. This marvellous edifice is 1.5 kilometres away, in the town centre. The town centre offers additional accommodation choices, museums, old churches as well as numerous restaurants and nightlife establishments.

The district’s road network radiates out from Ponferrada. The Autovia del Norest is the main Madrid to Coruna motorway. This route circles northern Ponferrada. Molinaseca and Cacabelos are just two of the ancient villages nearby with car hire at Ponferrada Rail Station. Villages in El Bierzo typically have old churches, and stores offering excellent wines and local delicacies for sale.

Las Medulas, 20kms from Ponferrada, is the location of the most prolific gold mine of the Roman Empire. A lunar landscape, labyrinthine tunnels and caves, bear testament to this. Farther west the ornate cathedral at Santiago de Compostela is the end point of St James’s Way pilgrim route. Pre-booking cheap car hire at Ponferrada Rail Station sometimes garners lower rental rates.