O CEBREIRO SARRIA PALAS DE REI ARZÚA

> TRIACASTELA > PORTOMARÍN > MELIDE > ARCA (O PINO)

21,8 km 22,2 km 14,6 km 18,5 km
154,7 km to Santiago via San Xil 114,9 km to Santiago 67,7 km to Santiago 38,7 km to Santiago
161,7 km to Santiago via Samos

Santa María a Real Church, O Cebreiro La Merced Convent, Sarria Santa María de Melide Church Santa Irene Hermitage, O Pino

WHAT TO SEE WHAT TO SEE WHAT TO SEE WHAT TO SEE

O Cebreiro is where the Way enters Galicia. On our
ascent we have left behind El Bierzo, the Valcarce Ri-
ver and towns with names such as Herrerías (literally,
“blacksmith’s”), a reminder of the former local industry.
O Cebreiro is a village of pre-Roman origin; it belongs
to the municipality of Pedrafita do Cebreiro and is in
the province of Lugo. It stands at an altitude of 1,300
meters, allowing us to marvel at the captivating Gali-
cian landscapes with age-old mountains and gentle
contours.
In the 1980s, the area’s most famous parish priest, Elías
Valiña (1929-1989), undertook the task of signposting
the entire route with yellow arrows. Since then, the ye-
llow arrow has been the symbol of the Way.
With regard to nature, O Cebreiro forms a part of a
Community Interest Area, wich belongs to the Natura
Network, and includes the mountain ranges of Os An-
cares and O Courel, two price-less examples of the rich
landscape and ethnography.
This stage sees the French Way reach its highest alti-
tude in Galicia, the O Poio pass, some 1.335 metres
above sea level. Before and after the summit, va-
rious villages emerge along the Way, such as Hospi-
tal da Condesa, Padornelo, O Biduedo, Fillobal, Pasan-
tes or Fonfría, and pilgrims will also walk through lush
indigenous forests.
In O Cebreiro, the sanctuary of Santa María a Real, tem-
ple of pre-Romanesque origin (9th-10th centuries) linked
to the legend of the Holy Grail. There is a group of pallo-
zas —pre-Roman circular-shaped homes—., one of which
serves today as an ethnographic museum. And from a
culinary point of view, there’s the Queixo do Cebreiro, a
famous local cheese with its own Designation of Origin.
This stage sees us pass through several villages with
deep Jacobean roots, including: Hospital da Condesa,
a reminder of the centre founded towards the end of the
9th century by doña Egido, and the village of Padornelo,
where the Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem
was founded.
The combination of forest and monumental art conti-
nues to preside over the Camino Francés route. As we
leave Sarria, we make our way through native carballos
(oak) forests and stunning rural landscapes. The Cami-
no, which passes through Barbadelo, offers an alterna-
tive route that heads straight towards Ferreiros. At this
point we find ourselves in the municipality of Paradela,
as we pass the parish church of As Cortes. The original
church — now known as Santa María de Loio — was the
mother of the Order of St. James of the Sword, founded
in 1170 in Extremadura.
Indeed, the dual status of cleric and knight which
members of the Order of St. James held, came from
the merging of the warring factions of Cáceres and the
canons of Loio.
As we walk downhill toward the Miño River, we come
to Portomarín. The village that now stands on the other
side of the river was rebuilt during the 1960s, as the old,
medieval village lies beneath the waters of the Belesar
reservoir. Stone by stone, the old village was moved,
including the church-fortress of San Nicolao — San Xoán
today — to the new village— which belonged to the Or-
der of Saint John of Jerusalem, later called the Order of
Malta —, including the door of the church of San Pedro
and one of the arches from the Roman bridge, currently
at the foot of the shrine of Santa María das Neves.
The Romanesque churches of Santiago de Barbadelo
and Santa María, the latter in the village of Ferreiros. The
reservoir of Belesar, which, mainly in the summer, allows
us to see the submerged ruins of the old Portomarín, in-
cluding the ancient medieval Roman bridge over the Miño
River. In the village as it stands today, the Romanesque
church of San Pedro and, especially, the church of San
Nicolao (presently called San Xoán), built by disciples
of Maestro Mateo. Portomarín produces one of the most
well-known aguardientes (a liquor obtained by distilling
grape bagasse) in Galicia and a festival in its honour is held
every year.
The route continues under the foliage of the forests,
which open out every so often, and to our surprise, to
delight us with some wonderful monuments, such as
the castle of Pambre or the old quarter of Melide. We
are now in the region of A Ulloa, immortalized by the
writer Emilia Pardo Bazán in her famous novel Los pa-
zos de Ulloa (1886).
We leave Palas de Rei by way of the Campo dos Romei-
ros, a meeting place for pilgrims where, traditionally,
groups who had embarked on the pilgrimage joined
together spontaneously. A small detour has to be made
in order to reach the castle of Pambre — the sole survi-
ving fortress from the social unrest of the irmandiños
against the feudal lords (15th century). Back on the
main Way, we venture into the province of A Coruña
and come across the villages of O Leboreiro, Deseca-
bo and Furelos, which capture the true beauty of the
landscape.
Melide (450 m) is the geographical centre of Galicia
and has a deep Jacobean tradition. Here, the French
Route welcomes the pilgrims from the oldest Jaco-
bean Way, the Camino Primitivo (Primitive Way). The
historical monuments of its old quarter are a testi-
mony today to the splendour of the pilgrimages. Its
The town may be of Roman origin and was repopula-
ted in the 8th century by King Alfonso IX.
The castle of Pambre, built by Gonzalo de Ulloa, and
open to the public since 2010. The Romanesque church
in O Leboreiro: the tympanum of the façade and the 16th
century mural paintings. In Furelos, there is a magnificent
medieval bridge. In the historical quarter of Melide: the
doorway of the Romanesque church of San Pedro; one of
the oldest gothic stone crosses in Galicia (14th century);
Santa María de Melide and the church of Sancti Spiritus
(14-15th centuries); the Museo Terra de Melide, an eth-
nographic museum. The cheeses with Designation of
Origin from Arzúa-Ulloa, and the melindres (ring-shaped
pastry). About 8.5 km off the Way is the pre-Romanesque
church of Toques (11th century).
From Arzua the last kilometres of the Route lie before
us: 38.7 in total. We will divide them into two stages
of 18.5 and 20,2 km respectively. Some people prefer
to complete the remaining part of the route in a single
day, staying the night at Monte do Gozo but it is more
advisable to do it in two stages, stopping in Arca.
We leave the town of Arzúa by way of the Rúa do Car-
me. On this stage we alternate landscapes of forests
and meadows (oaks, eucalyptus, fruit trees and crop
fields) with sections on the paved surface of the Nacio-
nal 547 road. We should be very careful with vehicles,
as we will have to cross the road several times.
We cross the River Raído and then go through several
villages: Cortobe and Pereiriña. Some names reflect the
Jacobean cult, like A Calzada, A Calle, Ferreiros (again,
with reference to the former industry, which among
other functions, repaired horseshoes). A Salceda Santa
Irene — where there is a hostel for pilgrims —and A Rúa,
which is at the gates of Arca, capital of the municipality
of O Pino, the last town before Santiago. Throughout
this stage we come across bars and taverns where we
can always have a drink, and natural springs where we
can have some refreshing water.
In the village of Santa Irene, there is a chapel devoted to
the Portuguese martyr of the same name, built with the
contribution of two nobles (18th century), and the “holy
fountain” (17th century): according to tradition, its waters
cure skin ailments.
O Pedrouzo is the core of the parish of Arca (O Pino), a ser-
vice area by the side of the N-547. It has a varied selection
of bars and restaurants. Throughout the year cattle fairs,
cousine festivals, horse shows and concerts with popular
bands and folk music are held here.

HOSPITAL
O CEBREIRO PALAS DE REI
FERREIROS
ALTO DE SAN DA CONDESA FONFRÍA BARBADELO MERCADO Hostel of Os Chacotes - 100 beds ARZÚA
Hostel - 100 beds PADORNELO ALTO DO POIO PERUSCALLO Hostel - 19 beds AS RAS A RABIÑA O EMPALME SANTA IRENE
LIÑARES ROQUE Hostel - 20 beds O BIDUEDO SARRIA Hostel - 17 beds RENTE DA SERRA LEIMÁN CORTIÑAS A BREA A PENA O COUTOMOIMENTOS Hostel of Palas de Rei - 66 beds O CARBALLAL SAN XIAO CASANOVA MELIDE Hostel - 54 beds
AS BARROSAS A PEROXA A CALZADA A CALLE A BOAVISTA A SALCEDA
1.300m 1.283m 1.335m 1.290m 638m 663m 661m 643m 645m MOUTRAS A PARROCHA PORTOMARÍN A PONTE 405m Hostel - 35 beds ARCA (O PINO)
1.230m 1.270m 1.242m 1.190m Hostel - 33 beds AS PAREDES 600m 629m 642m
645m 558m 535m
DO CAMIÑO Hostel of O Mato - 15 beds O LEBOREIRO Hostel - 138 beds 388m 351m
388m 388m 340m 382m 362m 377m 310m
FILLOBAL 566m 626m 645m 645m VILACHÁ Hostel - 88 beds CAMPAÑA FURELOS 361m Hostel of Arca - 124 beds
454m 504m 470m 628m 440m 454m
957m TRIACASTELA MORGADE MIRALLOS AS ROZAS 421m 387m 423m 408m 280m
PASANTES A BREA
RAMIL Hostel - 54 beds VILEI 650m 636m 637m MARCADOIRO PREGONTOÑO
800 m
575m 380m A RÚA
698 m 662 m 522m 336m
275m

4,4 km 2,4 km 2,8 km 3,4 km 7,2 km 1,6 km 4,4 km 9,1 km 8,7 km 3,5 km 5,7 km 5,4 km 11,1 km 5,4 km 2 km

TRIACASTELA PORTOMARÍN MELIDE ARCA (O PINO)

> SARRIA > PALAS DE REI > ARZÚA > SANTIAGO
18 km via San Xil 25 km 14,3 km 20,2 km to Santiago
25,1 km via Samos 92,7 km to Santiago 53,1 km to Santiago
132,9 km to Santiago via San Xil

Santiago de Triacastela Church Vilar de Donas Church, Palas de Rei Ribadiso Hostel, Arzúa Praza do Obradoiro, Santiago de Compostela

WHAT TO SEE WHAT TO SEE WHAT TO SEE WHAT TO SEE

The authentic Galicia, with all the magic of its age-old
forests and folk architecture, is especially attractive in
this stage.
Triacastela — a name which apparently originates from
“tres castros” (which are pre-Roman settlements) —
appears in the Codex Calixtinus as the endpoint of one
of the stages of the French Way. Here, pilgrims were
shown hospitality and there was even a pilgrims’ pri-
son; the vestiges of this past remain today.
On leaving Triacastela, we have two options; either to
proceed directly to Sarria via a series of typical villages
with a marked Jacobean tradition — A Balsa, San Xil,
FONTE DOS
LAMEIROS
TRIACASTELA
A BALSA
Hostel - 54 beds
662 m 720m
S. CRISTOVO
DO REAL
4,3 km
Montán, Pintín, Calvor and San Mamede do Camiño Castromaior, which we come to via the village of Gonzar, the Order of St. James. In fact, as of 1184 and for centu- Upon leaving Melide we pass through two towns with be the hospital of Ribadiso, the last historical space that We leave the parish of Arca behind and walk through We still have a 5 km descent on the route. The Camino
In Triacastela, the church of Santiago with its Romanes- Vendas de Narón which has a chapel dedicated to Mary In Boente, the church of Santiago. At the foot of the Iso From the Monte do Gozo there is an excellent panora-
— and beautiful landscapes, or to head south towards certifies by its very name, that here there was indeed a ries after, the journey between Ligonde and Palas de Rei a great Jacobean tradition: Boente, with a parish church remained open for pilgrims on the French Way. It was eucalyptus woods and villages such as Santo Antón and enters the city through the San Lázaro neighbourhood
que apse. The monastery of Samos, dating back to the Magdalene, and Os Lameiros, with its chapel of San River, the recreational area of Ribadiso with a hostel for mic view of the city. The Pavillón de Galicia, in the nei-
the Benedictine monastery of Samos, which was the castro — a typical pre-Roman settlement in the northwest was protected by the Knights of this Order. The monas- dedicated to St. James, and A Castañeda where Aymeric restored in 1993 and reopened in the last Holy Year as O Amenal, in an ascent that will take us to the core of A and leaves the Fontiñas neighbourhood on the left
6th century, where Alfonso II, one of the driving forces be- Marcos and its original cruceiro, or stone cross (typical in pilgrims that in medieval times was a hospital. In Arzúa, ghborhood of San Lázaro. The Museum of the Galician
first monastic community to follow the ascetic ideals of of the peninsula. We then come to Vendas de Narón, tery of Vilar de Donas is situated off the main Way, as it Picaud, author of the fifth volume of the Codex Callixti- a hostel for pilgrims. It is set in a natural environment Lavacolla, in the vicinity of Santiago airport. Here is whe- (nearby, there is a wide range of restaurants and ameni-
hind the pilgrimages, was educated. The tomb of Santia- Galicia, Portugal and Brittany). Vilar de Donas is one of the church of Santiago, the Gothic chapel of A Madale- People. The Pantheon of Illustrious Galicians, next to
the Coptic desert monks (6th century) and whose old which was the scene of a fierce battle between Christian was reserved as a place for devotion and prayer. nus, locates the lime furnaces used in the construction of great beauty. re pilgrims would wash their entire body in the brook ties). Further along , we find ourselves on a street named
go was discovered during his reign. This monastery is one the most significant Romanesque monuments in Galicia. na, belonging to another hospital, now lost, and the cha- the Museum, in the only Gothic church in the city. The
hostel remains in operation today. and Muslim troops in the year 820. Further along, we of the cathedral, which pilgrims supplied with limes- that flows through the area. In fact, the etymology of calle de Os Concheiros, in the former guild district of
of the largest monastic cloisters in Spain (18th century) We return to the main Jacobean Way and reach the town Its a ground floor is in the shape of a Latin cross with three We now come to the town of Arzúa (388 m). Here is pel of A Mota, next to an oak grove of the same name. 5 Galician Centre of Contemporary Art (CGAC), designed
find Ligonde, which had an important pilgrims’ hospital, tone from Triacastela. This fact symbolised the general “Lavacolla” is derived from lava colea, in an uninhibited artisans, who used to sell scallop shells, and in the histo-
Sarria is, with its 8,500 inhabitants, the French Way’s and its chapel of the Saviour (10th century) is also called of Palas de Rei. This town, which was very lively when pil- vaulted apses. The mural paintings of the central apse, where pilgrims coming on the Northern Route join the km away from the route, the stately home of Brandeso, by Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza. The chapel of As Áni-
even providing accom-modation for Emperor Charles V participation in the great constructive effort involved in reference to the hygiene of the genitals. ric and authentic San Pedro neighbourhood, where the
most populated town in Galicia. This is where its foun- the chapel of the Cypress because it has a huge cypress grimages were at their height, might owe its name to a dating back to the Holy Year of 1434, stand out. Inside are French Way. About 10 km away from our route is the Por- where Ramón María del Valle Inclán locates part of his no- mas, with its neoclassical altarpieces; the Praza de Cer-
and his son Philip II. The traditional architecture of the the cathedral and also demonstrated the joining of for- route leads us towards the Porta do Camiño. It continues,
der, King Alfonso IX — also the founder of Triacastela — tree which is over 1000 years old growing next to it. The supposed Royal Palace built remotely in its vicinity. The several tombs of Knights of the Order of St. James. And, todemouros reservoir, which offers a wide range of rural vel Autumn Sonata (the inside is closed to visitors). And We now reach the Monte do Gozo (380 m), a small hill vantes, where the Town Hall stood until the end of the
town is yet another one of its attractions. ces and solidarity that the Way endows on each act of on the final stretch, on pedestrian streets and squares
died in 1230, on his pilgrimage to Santiago. The Jaco- cloister of the Nereids (16th century) contains a beautiful pilgrims’ hostel is located in the town. once again on the main Way, Palas de Rei, whose modern tourism and water sports. 10 km away, Portodemouros reservoir. We are still in the where pilgrims enjoy a distant view of the cathedral for eighteenth century. The museum of the Casa da Troia, a
pilgrimage. like Casas Reais, Praza de Cervantes and A Acibechería,
bean fame of Sarria was already a reality at the start of fountain and a Romanesque doorway, the only vestige of The temple of Vilar de Donas (12th-13th centuries) is the church of San Tirso maintains a Romanesque façade. cheese-making region, with the Designation of Origin the first time. The first pilgrim in the group to reach the famous student residence dating from the early twentieth
from where we go into the cathedral — the alternative en-
the 13th century, when the pilgrims’ hospital was built. the 12th century monastery. Padre Feijoo lived here for 14 historical symbol of this stage. It was a former Priory of A bridge of medieval origin takes us across the Iso River. Arzúa-Ulloa. peak was declared “king of the pilgrimage”. In 1993 a century, and the monastery of San Martiño Pinario.
trance, during Holy Years, is the Holy Door in A Quintana.
years. In Sarria, the tower of the now non-existent medie- The first house on the right, next to the riverbed, used to large hostel was built here.
25,0 km 94,9 km a Santiago
val castle and the convent of A Madalena (13th century).
ALTO DE O MONTE DO GOZO
RIOCABO
SAN XIL VENDAS PALAS DE REI ARCA (O PINO) Hostel
O HOSPITAL MELIDE SAN LÁZARO
870m 900m MONTÁN FONTEARCUDA LIGONDE Hostel of Os Chacotes - 100 beds Hostel of Arca - 124 beds SAN PAIO VILAMAIOR SAN MARCOS 364 beds
820m GONZAR Hostel - 32 beds DE NARÓN Hostel - 138 beds SANTA MARÍA ARZÚA SANTO ANTÓN A LAVACOLLA
762m FURELA PINTÍN CALVOR SARRIA 387m Hostel Escola - 16 beds A BREA O ROSARIO Hostel of Palas de Rei - 66 beds PARABISPO Hostel - 54 beds O AMENAL CIMADEVILA 372m
Hostel of San Lázaro
725m
Hostel - 22 beds PORTOMARÍN Hostel - 28 beds 680m PORTOS LESTEDO 454m DE MELIDE BOENTE A CASTAÑEDA 280m 331m 353m 370m 66 beds
LUSÍO SAMOS 670m 630m Hostel - 33 beds TOXIBÓ 625m 580m 620m 625m 558m 460m RIBADISO 270m 254m 281m 300m
AGUIADA Hostel - 88 beds 550m 600m 425m 388m
Casa Forte de Lusío Hostel - 62 beds 524m
500m 400m 412m Hostel - 62 beds SANTIAGO
532m 500m 454m 387m SERRA DE 280m
60 beds DE COMPOSTELA
CASTROMAIOR LIGONDE A PREVISA AIREXE OS VALOS ABENOSTRE 310m
SAN MAMEDE 660m 625m 637m 628m 253m
RENCHE S. MARTIÑO TEIGUÍN PASCAIS 600m 722m
DO REAL DO CAMIÑO
5,7 km 2,1 km 8,3 km 698m

3,3 km 10 km 4,7 km 8,1 km 5,2 km 4,2 km 2,6 km 4,9 km 5,8 km 5,3 km 3,2 km 10 km 5,6 km 4,6 km
ENG

< km
1630 m
FRENCH WAY
Along the route, some of the places that form a part of the living history of the
BEYOND THE CAMINO... THE Way are: Estella/Lizarra, where the relics of St. Andrew are venerated; or Logro- MAP OF SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
THE FRENCH WAY -> FRENCH WAY -> ño, a city the Way literally crosses from south to north; Nájera, with the collegia-
PLACES ASSOCIATED WITH THE WAY OF ST. JAMES ->

30,8
te church of Santa Maria La Real; or Burgos, which is the core of the route, with

Somport

820 m
a Gothic Catedral that has been declared a World Heritage site. Jaca

Once in Palencia, Frómista proudly exhibits the authentic European Romanes-

25,7
700 m
que church os San Martín, and Sahagún, in the region of León, bears witness 1 Santiago de Compostela Cathedral 8 San Domingos de Bonaval 15 Santa Susana Church
Arrés
The quintessential, most travelled and most docu- International Pilgrim
to the one-time power of the order of Cluny, having left behind Carrión de los

Pied de Port
Royal Hospital (now Hostal dos Reis Católicos) 9 Camino Gate (Porta do Camiño) 16 Pilar Church

Saint Jean
You have reached Compostela. Now is the time to mented of all the Ways. It was described as early 2 Welcome Centre:

29,8
Condes. The city of León, founded by the Romans and reemergent as a result of

550 m
3 San Martiño Pinario 10 Santa María do Camiño Church 17 Praza das Praterías Square and Mu- Camino de Santiago Research
put away your walking boots and don the attire of a as the year 1135 in the Codex Calixtinus, a fun- Ruesta
The Pilgrims' Ways to Santiago in Galicia
pilgrimages, dazzles with its Gothic cathedral and Romansque frescoes of San Praza do Campo Square (now Cer- seum of Pilgrimage and Santiago and Information Centre
11

20,4 22,1 24,9 < km

traveller: curious, sensitive, active. Retrace your steps. damental work, whose “Volumen V”, attributed 4 Vice-Chancellor’s Office, University of vantes) and San Bieito do Campo 18 Santa María a Real de Sar
FRENCH WAY Isidoro´s Royal Pantheon.

22,7
Santiago de Compostela (USC)

163 m
All that you were unable to see or enjoy along the to French religious author Aymeric Picaud, can Church
19 Santa María de Conxo i

400 m
5 Pazo de Raxoi Information Sangüesa
way awaits you. Other equally enticing paths open be considered today as Europe´s earliest cultural We are now approaching Galicia: in Astorga, the French Way joins the Via de la Plata 12 Santa María Salomé Church
Piornedo, Ancares 20 Monte do Gozo Roncesvalles
6 Monastery of San Francisco and Monu- 13 Mazarelos Gate (Porta de Maza-

27,3
up ahead. Have a look at these recommendations we and even tourist guide. This volume specifies each and, here, we will be as pleasantly surprised by the mark left by the Romans as by

555 m
950 m
ment to St. Francis, by the sculptor Asorey relos) 21 San Paio do Monte Chapel  Pilgrim’s Office:

532 m
Monreal
THE have put together for you. stage and provides detailed information on hospi- the art of Gaudí. Ponferrada, in the region of El Bierzo, is one of the birthplaces of 14 (O Pedroso) Larrasoaña
7 San Fructuoso Church and location of the Santiago Fountain, Rúa do Franco 981 568 846
tals, sancturies and local customs.

451 m
the Order of the Templars, with a splendidly preserved castle which belonged to this old pilgrim cemetery
And it is here that we continue our explorations, in Os Ancares. While the Serra

31,1
Pamplona
order, and Villafranca del Bierzo, which enjoys the privilege of granting the “Jubi-
do Courel lies to the south of the French Way, the mountains of the Serra de Os

24
lee” or plenary indulgence, to pilgrims who are unable to continue on to Santiago. CAMPO DAS
21 700 m
Ancares rise to the north. Like O Cebreiro, the village of Piornedo is famous for HORTAS Puente La Reina

341 m
its pallozas. Surrounded by a wealth of natural and scenic delights, this moun- The French Way enters Spain on the western side of the Pyrenees. Here, the four We enter Galicia via the O Cebreiro pass. From here there are 154,7 kilometres

22

464 m
Estella
tain range – part of a nature reserve, after all – boasts incredible hiking trails, historial itineraries already described in the Codex merge, and they are still in remaining to Santiago or 161.7 from Samos. AVENID COST
A
6
A DE COM DE SA
POSTELA N FRA
including one that starts in A Degrada (Cervantes) and climbs up to Tres Bispos use today: the via Tolosana – which starts in Arles – the via Podiensis – which NCIS

21,6
RÚ CO

450 m
Peak (a journey of some 17 kilometres, 5 1/2 hours on foot), as well as offering begins in Le Puy – the via Lemovicensis – beginning in Vézelay and with a sto-
AD
AS
HO
RTA
i RR
ET
AS
O
Los Arcos
S CA ISC
views of castles such as Doiras and Donís. pover in Limoges – and the via Turonensis – which comes from Paris and stops RA DE AN
C

28,3
DU S A FR US
RA GA RÚ DE

395 m
AN DE
over in Tours. The via Tolosana enters Spain through Somport and the other ER LE ES AL Logroño

CO
F A AD
DA SG 7 RÚ OV

ST
AL
A
DA AD

AV
The scenic beauty of eastern Galicia never fails to astonish. Another of the en- three routes converges at Ostabat to cross the Pyrenees by way of Roncesvalles. EO TR RÚ

B
S E VE 2

EL
POM
PA SL BÓ

LA
DA

29,6
DE
ticing landscapes near the French Way is located some 15 kilometres from the From here there are 760 kilometres left to Compostela. EO RÚA LOUREIROS

DO
S EO

485 m
PA PA
S
15 5

RÚA
city of Lugo, A Fervenza Forest, situated along the upper reaches of the Miño PRAZA DO 3 PRAZA DE
Nájera
From Puente La Reina (Navarra) the route converges into a single path that will OBRADOIRO
River. Listed as a Biosphere Reserve, it is one of the most important freshwater RÚA DE SAN
OI
SAN MARTIÑO
AN R
OQU
E

LA
cross the northern part of the Peninsula passing through a compendium of lands- CLEMENTE AX DE S

21
EL
ER
Santo Domingo
RÚA

637 m
swamp forests remaining on the Iberian Peninsula. In other words, the river 4 PRAZA DA PRAZA DE

DA
AD

OE
capes: the beech and pine forests of Navarra, the vineyards of La Rioja, with the RÚ INMACULADA SAN MIGUEL de la Calzada

IA
M
periodically floods the ancient oak trees (over three centuries old) and monu- 1

RO
AT
scent that emanates from the grapes, the wide plains and steppes of Castile, until it

AD

22,7
mental alders that make up the forest. 16

RÚ

770 m
DE RÓN
reachaes the mountains and the oak chesnut forests of Galicia. EN
IDA PAD PRAZA DA Belorado
O Cebreiro Mountains, Pedrafita do Cebreiro AVE AV O DE FONSECA PRAZA DA
N IDA IG
DR QUINTANA

RÚA DAS RODAS

DE X A
RO AÍÑ 11
17

24,3
OÁN
PRAZA CAR 14 AD
AR

1000 m
ROXA LOS A PORTA R Ú PRAZA DE
I
The climb up O Cebreiro and its village of traditional pallozas (pre-Roman FAXEIRA
DO
FR ANC
O
DO V
ILAR DE CERVANTES CA San Juan de Ortega
RÚA RÚA AIO RES SAS
dwellings) was an incomparable gateway on the pilgrimage route. The road A N P ALTA
S TE TO
IRO RE
AIS
19 AN EG
UN
9

28
descends to Triacastela and Samos. But just a short distance away, a little to the R
10

863 m
P
1,7 km PORTA DO Burgos
south, still within the province of Lugo, lie A Cruz do Incio and O Courel. Per- RÚA
NOV
A
O RÚ
AS
AGO
O
STIÑ PRAZA DO
CAMIÑO
RÚ INC ANTO
fect for lovers of the most authentic Galician landscapes: ancient mountains, AD 12 C S IRMÁN GÓMEZ 8
AS
EN RÍA
native forests and unique sights such as Hospital do Incio, the only marble

39,7
RA RÚA DAS ORFAS DEIRE
A CAL
RÚA D SAN
FIZ

RÚA D
Romanesque church in Spain, built in the 12th century by the Order of Malta. PRAZA DA

820 m
UNIVERSIDADE E RCA
FON DA C Castrojeriz
In actuality, it was a pilgrim hospital (on a diversion from the French Route)

E SAN
PRAZA DE TE D RXE
E SA PRAZA DA I
NTO DA V
GALICIA RÚA
which was also used to care for the needy. Today, the hospital stands in the ANT MAZARELOS

PEDR
ONI

25,5
O 13 NZA
SINA

O
midst of a quintessential natural setting. TRÁ

789 m
DA EN
SITO N
Santo Antoíño de RÚA DA M RÚA Frómista
DE M PATIO ERC
20 3,5 km
Toques Church ADR
É
RRE
O ES Entrance of the
HÓ 18

19,5
DO French Way
RÚA

824 m
800 m
Carrión de los Condes

From woodlands, we shift to art in stone and wood: Santo Antoíño de Toques is
another historic and artistic wonder. Some 7 kilometres north of Melide (French

39,7
Way), in the magnificent surroundings of inland A Coruña province, stands a
pre-Romanesque church which still features elements from even earlier than the

820 m
Sahagún
10th century. The interior contains delightful polychrome paintings on wood. Before starting the pilgrimage
THE HELPFUL TIPS FOR

18,1

880 m
Late May is the perfect time to visit Vila de Cruces, which has celebrated the Galo · Prepare physically for the journey, · Pilgrims must camp in official
GALICIA WAYS ->
El Burgo Ranero

de Curral culinary festival on the last Sunday of the month since 1993. The event
PILGRIMS and bear in mind that stages should be campsites. They should be cautious

37,2
has been listed as a Galician Tourist Attraction and is the perfect place to sample planned depending on individual phy- when lighting bonfires and, at the

820 m
this native Galician breed of chicken (also available year-round). Let us not forget sical ability, the difficulty involved, and start of the day’s stage, make sure León
CREDENTIAL OF THE PILGRIM
that all of inland Galicia specializes in producing ly high quality meats, which are CAMINOS OFFICIALLY plan more frequent or longer breaks to that it has been fully extinguished.
San Pedro Fiz Church, This is the document in which you collect stamps from the places you

26
Emergency Telephones even more characteristic and important than its poultry products. MARKED OUT suit individual needs. RESPECT THE ENVIRONMENT. San Martín

865 m
O Incio
Signposting executed pass through and that will allow you to obtain the “Compostela” del Camino
Design: Desoños – D. L.: C 370-2021 – Cover: O Cebreiro ©Joaquin González Dorao

Barreiros
Narón Ribadeo (Council document that certifies completion of the pilgrimage · Once pilgrims start their journey, they · Never leave the marked paths,

24,5
Pendellos de Agolada is a traditional stone market dating from the 18th century, Ferrol Lourenzá
061 (Galicia) Neda

870 m
Fene Mondoñedo for religious or spiritual reasons). It must be proven that at least should not try to walk too quickly and avoid walking when it is dark and Astorga
which has somehow managed to survive down to today. Cabanas Trabada The French Way
Abadín the final 100 kilometres have been done on foot or on horseback, keep a regular pace, at least over the obey the rules. If pilgrims are cy-
From O Incio a road leads to O Courel, at a distance of some 35 kilometres. The
112 (National) Pontedeume

19,6
or the final 200 km if by bicycle, or 100 nautical miles and then first few days. cling, remember that the use of a

1153 m
A Coruña
Miño
Serra do Courel is a mountainous area and green reserve. Its mountains and If you want to enjoy the natural surroundings in a different and dynamic way, Vilalba
The Primitive Way
Rabanal del Camino
Paderne walking the last few kilometres of the Camino from O Monte do helmet and high-visibility jacket is
valleys contain the greatest plant diversity in Galicia. Leisure options include the entire region of Galicia sets the standard for adventure sports in Spain. Cambre · Foot care is essential for preventing
085 (Galicia forest Fires) walking the Devesa da Rogueira, a spectacular 8.8-kilometre route (3 hours Some areas offer kayaking, horseback trail rides and ATV trails. Other options
Culleredo Betanzos
LUGO
Gozo if sailing.
blisters; pilgrims should wear comfor-
obligatory.

32,1
Carral Abegondo Guitiriz The Northern Way
and 15 minutes). include mountain biking (MTB), archery and, for the most daring, even bun- A CORUÑA table and broken-in shoes (two pairs · Always walk on the left-hand side

530 m
Begonte HEALTHCARE CARD
gee-jumping and rappelling. Turismo de Galicia can provide contact informa- The English Way
are advisable), with thick, light rubber of the road. Ponferrada
www.caminodesantiago.gal Muxía Ordes Mesía A Fonsagrada · Spanish pilgrims should always carry their health insurance card.
O Courel also contains incredible pre-Roman ruins such as the settlements of Cas- tion for companies specializing in these activities. outer soles. Socks should be breatha-

22,3
Vilasantar Baleira
Sobrado
· When tiredness or cramps set in,

500 m
Santa Comba Friol Villafranca
tro de Vilar and Castro da Torre, and ancient smithies (known locally as mazos), Dumbría Boimorto
Lugo · If travelling from another EU member state, it is advisable to ble, linen or cotton, and should be dry
Oroso Toques
Castroverde rest in a cool place and drink plenty del Bierzo
some of which have been converted into unique tourist accommodations. Be- Cee SANTIAGO DE carry the European health insurance card. and worn properly to prevent scratches.
of fluids.

29,7
COMPOSTELA Melide

1300 m
tween the 16th and 19th centuries, the southern part of Lugo province was home Fisterra Corcubión
Mazaricos
Arzúa Guntín At the end of the day, pilgrims should
Negreira O Pino Palas de Rei · If travelling from a non-EU member state, there may be an
to a sizeable iron and steel industry. Nearly hamlets such as Seceda and Seoane, Ames wash their feet with soap and water and · To keep up their strength along O Cebreiro
Monterroso CAMINOS RECOGNISED agreement in effect with Spain, therefore pilgrims are advised

21,8
Portomarín

662 m
Boqueixón
are notable for their purely traditional architecture. Teo Sarria change their footwear. the Way, pilgrims should eat
Rois
Vedra
Triacastela Pending Official Marking
to obtain this information before their pilgrimage and travel Triacastela
App “Camino Santiago” Padrón Paradela Out high-energy food (dried fruit, figs,
with the corresponding documentation. · Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clo-

454 m
Dodro Samos

18
Samos
To the north of the Camino, continue your journey through the unique natural Boiro Rianxo
Pontecesures Lalín Rodeiro chocolate, etc.). Sarria
(Available on Google Play and the App Store) Valga A Estrada Silleda
Pedrafita do Cebreiro thing that is light in colour (reflective),
surroundings of inland Lugo. Options include: Cruzul Forest (municipality of Cidade da A Pobra do Catoira
Caldas Chantada O Saviñao
and appropriate for the time of the year. · As part of their luggage, pilgrims

22,2
Caramiñal Vilagarcía A Pobra The Silver Way or “Camino Mozárabe” PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Becerreá), an atypical landscape made up of holm oaks, the northernmost on the Cultura, de Reis

387 m
de Arousa Dozón
Santiago de Ribeira
Vilanova Portas
do Brollón In addition to the general recommendations which all pilgrims should bring: a sleeping bag, a Portomarín
peninsula; and the spectacular Soutos de Agüeira, enormous chestnut trees in Compostela A Illa de de Arousa · Take a lightweight raincoat to cover
Arousa Barro Piñor Pantón Monforte Quiroga The Portuguese Way should observe, disabled pilgrims should: Swiss army knife, a torch, a mobile
an area that is part of Os Ancares Nature Reserve. Cambados Vilamarín de Lemos
Vilamartín backpacks.
San Cristovo de Valdeorras phone, and a small first-aid kit.

25
Rubiá
O Grove Meaño de Cea · Before leaving, learn about the difficulties they may encounter

558 m
Pontevedra Ribas de Sil A Rúa
Sanxenxo Amoeiro Coles O Barco The Portuguese Way of the coast · Bring a hat or other protection for the Palas de Rei
and the accessibility of the different services found along the · The basic first-aid kit: antisep-
And now, secret Compostela: because there is another Santiago beyond the de Valdeorras head, as well as sunglasses. Avoid the

20,2 18,5 14,3 14,6

452 m
Vilaboa Ourense
N IO MU N
MO

Carballeda
Way of St. James (hostels, catering facilities, etc.). tic cream, gauze, adhesive tape,
RI D

Soutomaior Melide
T

IA
PA

L
•

N D I AL •

Paderne
W O R LD H

unique historic centre, featuring genuine cuisine and a lively cultural atmos- San Cibrao OURENSE de Valdeorras
The Winter Way midday heat and use sunscreen.
MO

betadyne, band-aids, sunscreen,

336 m
Redondela das Viñas de Allariz
IT
E

E
R

AG I
N

E O
•
PA T R I M

Arzúa
phere. This new Santiago is closely linked to nature and leisure, centring on Baños · Exercise caution when crossing roads if they have a hearing im-
Organización Caminos de Santiago de Compostela:
Taboadela
· Drink water frequently but make sure and a needle and thread to treat
de las Naciones Unidas Camino Francés y Caminos del Norte de España
para la Educación, inscritos en la Lista del Patrimonio Mundial
de Molgas
its poetic rivers, the Sar and Sarela, and the gentle mountains which protect Mos PONTEVEDRA pairment and, in the case of pilgrims with visual impairments,

280 m
la Ciencia y la Cultura en 1993

Vigo Allariz Xunqueira Vilar The Route of the Sea of Arousa and
de Barrio Vilariño it is suitable for drinking; it is not ad- blisters, nail scissors, Vaseline, Arca
them. The new walkways along the Sar River – to the east of the city in an Nigrán O Porriño
de Ambía de Conso River Ulla always be accompanied when walking, due to crossings, de-
Sandiás Sarreaus
Laza A Gudiña visable to drink from streams, rivers, mosquito repellent, antihistamines
area known as As Brañas do Sar – open up before you, near the trails running tours and difficulties in the terrain.

253 m
Baiona The Fisterra and Muxía Way
Tui Xinzo Castrelo springs or fountains that are not certi- for allergy sufferers and aspirin.
upwards through the new Bosque de Galicia Park. This newly created 24-hec- de Limia Trasmiras A Mezquita
Oia do Val fied. A minimum daily intake of 2 litres

Herrería de Seoane (Ferrería de Locay),
Folgoso do Courel
Compostela
Santiago de
tare space occupies the slopes of Mount Gaiás, presided over by the Cidade Verín Riós
O Rosal IF TRAVELLING WITH ANIMALS: of water is recommended to prevent
da Cultura (City of Culture). To the west, on the other side of town, Mount Cualedro Monterrei
A Guarda Vilardevós · Make sure that animals are vaccinated and have been de-wormed dehydration. Isotonic beverages are
Pedroso offers what is perhaps the best panoramic view of the historic city. Oímbra and that their obligatory health cards are up-to-date. ideal, as their sodium and potassium
It can be reached by following an old Way of the Cross , which runs beside a
Devesa da Rogueira, Folgoso do Courel content will enable pilgrims to remain
large park known as A Granxa do Xesto. · Plan and adapt the route and the stages to include accessible
hydrated.
accommodation.