CAMINO FRANCES

SARRIA TO SANTIAGO
 SARRIA
TO FERREIROS: PAGE 10

FERREIROS
TO PORTOMARIN: PAGE 13

PORTOMARIN
TO VENTAS DE NARON: PAGE 18

VENTAS DE NARON
TO PALAS DE REI: PAGE 21

PALAS DE REI
TO MELIDE: PAGE 24

MELIDE
TO ARZUA: PAGE 27

ARZUA
TO A SALCEDA: PAGE 30

A SALCEDA
TO A RUA: PAGE 32

A RUA
TO LAVACOLLA: PAGE 34

LAVACOLLA
TO SANTIAGO: PAGE 37

SANTIAGO DE
COMPOSTELA
2
 GENERAL INFORMATION

THE FRENCH ‘CAMINO’ DISTANCES AND SERVICES

FROM SARRIA TO SANTIAGO

On average, these stages that travel from

INFORMATION ON Sarriá to Santiago have at least one town
THE CAMINO FRANCÉS with some form of service/amenities (a
bar or grocery store) every 5.6 km.
THE FRENCH WAY ‘CAMINO FRANCES’
This is a very important fact, as it
The French Way (Camino de Santiago indicates that we are going to pass
Francés) is the most travelled Jacobean through many towns, both big and small,
pilgrimage route to Santiago, becoming where we can eat, drink and sleep.
even busier the closer we get to the city
of Santiago de Compostela, as almost Whoever has done the Via de la Plata
all of the other routes that cross Spain route will definitely smile when reading
end up merging with this route at one about these “terrible” distances without
point or another. any services or supplies.

The Arles Way was the original route

starting in France that crosses the
Pyrenees mountain range through the STARTING THE CAMINO IN SARRIA
Somport Mountain Pass in the province
of Huesca, known as the Aragonese
Way (Camino de Santiago Aragonés) or Sarria is a municipality in the province
of Lugo and from where we can start
the French-Aragonese Way.
the Camino to Santiago de
Compostela.In fact, between the two
A JUNCTION POINT cities, there is a distance of 100
kilometres.
Three of the main pilgrimage routes in
France, the Via Turonensis, the Via This distance has a special meaning
because with it we can get the
Lemovicensis and the Via Podiensis,
Compostela that credits us as
come together at Saint Jean Pied de accomplished pilgrims.
Port and cross the Pyrenees through
the Roncevaux Pass. Therefore, it is a very practical and
affordable route for those looking for a
few days alternative and simple to do.
Once in Spanish territory, it crosses over
the northern Peninsula to the western Also, this route is ideal for practising
end, and picks up other pilgrims along with children and for older people
the way who are travelling other thanks to the low-level difficulty that it
Camino de Santiago routes from all implies.
different parts of Spain. 3
GENERAL INFORMATION

TIPS AND ADVICE FOR THE CAMINO

● Start the day early ● Always dry your shoes

● Have a good breakfast ● Do not use new shoes, use double
● Carry energy-dense food for the socks and prevent foot sweat with
trail talcum powder, this will help to
● Have your main meal after finishing avoid blisters
the day’s stage ● Wear your backpack correctly
● Pay attention when travelling on ● Keep your phone’s battery charged
the road ● Protect yourself from the sun and
● Watch your valuables stay hydrated

BAGGAGE:

4
GENERAL INFORMATION

HISTORY

The origin of the Camino Frances began

with the discovery of the remains of Santiago
the Great, the apostle, in the 9th century.

According to the traditional account, the

discovery was made by Bishop Teodomiro,
from the diocese of Iria Flavia, in the year
813.

In the place where the remains of Santiago

the Apostle were found, the Asturian monarch
Alfonso II the Chaste ordered a church to be
built, which today has become the Cathedral
of Santiago de Compostela.

From that very moment, many Christians

decided to travel on pilgrimage to Santiago
de Compostela to pay their respects to the
Saint.

This devotion caused people from all over the

world to travel through the lands surrounding
the heart of Galicia.

The Codex Calixtinus helped to increase its

popularity by describing its main routes and
encouraging not only the European working
classes to follow this route in order to fulfil
promises and penances, but also great figures
from all walks of medieval society.

Nowadays, the Camino Frances a Santiago is

the most popular route.

5
 TYPICALLY,
FROM SARRIA
‘TETILLA’ CHEESE
This famous Galician cheese has Protected Designation
of Origin, as it is made from the milk of the "Rubia
GASTRONOMY

Gallega" cow, typically found in this part of Galicia.

HAKE
Enjoy the flavour of
this typical Galician
fish. Hake "a la
gallega" is boiled in

What you shouldn't miss about Galician cuisine:

salted water together
with potatoes.

LAMB CHOPS
A typical Galician meat
SARRIA IS dish.
FAMOUS FOR ITS
HIGH QUALITY
COLD MEATS.

Festa do Porco Celta

Two weeks before Carnival,
FESTIVALS AND
this gastronomic fair is
GASTRONOMIC FAIRS
held in Sarria around the
EASTER CAKES
typical pork meats found in
Festa do Porco Celta If your trip coincides
this area.
with the Easter holidays,
Feira de San Isidro The “Cerdo Celta” - Celtic
don't hesitate to try this
Labrador delicacy.
Pig - (hence the name of
the fair), an autochthonous
Tapicheo variety of Celtic origin,
stands out. 6
 TYPICAL OF THE
CAMINO FRANCES TASTE HIGH QUALITY
On this first stage of the Camino Frances, CHEESES!
you will be able to sample the best of the
typical cuisine found in the French Basque
Country and Navarre.

IT'S ALL ABOUT DRINK!

GASTRONOMY

One of the highlights of this stretch of the

Camino Frances is the variety of drinks with

What to taste in Basque-French and Navarran gastronomy?

a long tradition of artisan production: don't
miss Navarre wine, pacharan or cider.

OSSAU-IRATY
WINE This famous Pyrenean
cheese has a Protected
Navarre (D.O.) was known Designation of Origin
(D.O) because it is made
above all for its rosé, but
from the milk of specific
now it is also known for its breeds of sheep: The
extensive range of wines. Manech and
Vasco-Bearnesa breeds.

PACHARAN IDIAZABAL
Another
Fruity liqueur made from Basque-Navarran D.O
macerated blackcurrant. cheese with a spicy, but
not a bitter taste.

CIDER

Obtained from apples, this

drink is typically from the
Basque Country and the
French Basque Country.

RONCAL
Also made from raw
sheep's milk, this cheese
comes from the Roncal
Basque Gateau Valley in the Navarran
Don’t miss the Pyrenees.
delicious Basque
Gateau, filled with
cream!
7
 SANTIAGO CAKE
This almond tart is usually eaten in summer, as 25th MEAT
July is the feast day of Santiago Apostle. Roast veal
The most important detail is the cross sprinkled with
Lamb chops
sugar.
Grilled steak
Free-range chicken,
GASTRONOMY

either stewed or
roasted
Bacon with turnip
greens

FISH AND SEAFOOD

What to try in Galician gastronomy?

Baked monkfish
Baked hake
Galician Style or
TYPICALLY, Baked Codfish

FROM SANTIAGO Fish (white tuna, sea

bass, hake, etc.)

GALICIAN-STYLE OCTOPUS Galician style

octopus
Conger eel
Shellfish (barnacles,
spider crab, crab, etc.)
Caldeirada (Fish
stew)
Octopus, cockles and
codfish empanadas
(pasties)

DESSERTS
The star dish Filloas (Galician
Galicia is famous for its exquisite seafood. pancakes)

Santiago de Compostela is an ideal place to Almond cake

discover seafood restaurants and places Easter cake
specialising in octopus. Cream biscuits

8
 SARRIA
This is the capital of the county that bears the same name, and the largest city of
the entire French Way in Galicia, apart from Santiago de Compostela.

The old town, with narrow medieval streets, is located in the upper part next to
the Castle of Sarria (14th century), only a tower and part of the wall remain.

The most important monuments in the city are: The Romanesque Church of
Santa Marina (13th century), fully restored; The Church of El Salvador (11th cen-
tury), with a Romanesque structure and a Gothic portal; the Magdalena
Monastery (on the Camino trail at the exit), with a Gothic-style church; and, lastly,
the four-eyed Romanesque bridge called Ponte Aspera (13th century), over which
we cross the Pequeño River (also called Celeiro) at the exit.

Sarria has become an important starting point for the Jacobean route, since it is
located just over 100 kilometers from Santiago, the necessary distance to be able
to receive the “Compostela” pilgrim certificate.

9
 SARRIA - FERREIROS

ROUTE MAP

FERREIROS
SARRIA

STAGE PROFILE

FERREIROS

SARRIA

PLACES OF INTEREST ON THIS STAGE

An interesting stage without any specific difficulties worth noting: there are many
hills, however they are moderate. Today we travel through rural Galicia, among
meadows and leafy forests of oaks and chestnut trees, making our way through
numerous small villages.

Today it will be easy to find supplies; we will find bars and restaurants in numerous
villages throughout the stage.

Some guides talk about Barbadelo as if it were a village or town: it is actually a

parish that is made up of several “places” or villages, each with their own names.

10
 SARRIA - FERREIROS
ROUTE

0,0 km Departure from Sarria

We take the Calle Mayor street up to the

Hermitage of San Salvador where we turn
right, then afterwards we follow a paved
road in the direction of Barbadelo, with the
Monastery of la Magdalena (and pilgrim
hostel) on our right.

Chapel of San Salvador in Sarria

1,1 km Ponte Aspera

We cross over the Pequeno River on the

medieval bridge, Ponte Aspera. Then we
pass under the viaduct of the
Lugo-Monforte road and go over a railway
crossing.
We will start off with a beautiful climb,
where we will get to enjoy the view of some
impressive oak trees.

2,5 km Vilei (Barbadelo)

This village has a rest area with vending

Monastery of La Magdalena in Sarria machines for soft drinks and snacks, as well
as a proof-of-passage stamp.

We continue in the same direction; shortly

after we will leave behind the Church of
Santiago de Barbadelo.

4,2 km O Mosteiro (Barbadelo)

We follow the asphalt path.

Old quarter in Sarria

11
 SARRIA - FERREIROS
5,2 km Rente

Once we arrive at this small township with 12

residents, we continue along the same path.

5,9 km A Serra (Bar-Store)

We cross the road and continue straight.

Further ahead we will pass by a fountain
decorated in rather bad taste, and shortly after
we will arrive in front of the entrance to the
Fortress in Sarria Molino de Marzan.

7,3 km Molino de Marzan

We turn right on another dirt path.

0.6 km C-535 Road; we cross the road and
continue straight.

8,2 km A Pena (Belante)

We continue on the same path.

9,1 km Peruscallo
Pilgrims on foot in the Parish of
Barbadelo between Sarria and
Ferreiros
We cross the village without changing
direction.

10,1 km Cortiñas

We continue on in the same direction along a

peaceful country.

11,3 km A Brea

We follow the same path.

12 km Morgade (Bar)
Camino Frances between Barbadelo
and Ferreiros We continue along the same path; here we
will find the 100 kilometer marker.

12,9 km Ferreiros (Bar) 12

 FERREIROS - PORTOMARIN

PORTOMARIN
ROUTE MAP

FERREIROS

STAGE PROFILE

FERREIROS

PORTOMARIN

PLACES OF INTEREST ON THIS STAGE

Between and Ferreiros we pass the 100 kilometer marker: this is the distance
we have left before reaching the tomb of the apostle Santiago. Up until the
beginning of 2016, this marker was in A Brea.

In Portomarin you don’t have to pass through the town’s center in order to
continue on the Camino: past the reservoir we follow the road to the left, and 200
meters further down, we will find the well-marked exit for the Camino.

The medieval town of Portomarin disappeared in 1963 under the water of the
Belesar reservoir. Buildings of the most important historical value were moved
to the modern city: the robust Church of San Nicolas, the Las Nieves Staircase
and Chapel (at the entrance), etc.

13
 FERREIROS - PORTOMARIN
ROUTE
0,0 km Ferreiros (Bar)

We pass by the Casa Cruceiro hostel and

continue straight, downhill. The parish of
Ferreiros and the town of Paradela both owe
their name to the blacksmiths in the town that
nailed the shoes of pilgrims and repaired
horseshoes.

The Church of Santa Maria de Ferreiros was

brought to Mirallos stone by stone around
1790, and is a humble temple with a beautiful
A Granary (unofficial symbol of Galicia) in
Ferreiros Romanesque doorway that rests on two lion
head recesses.

0,6 km Mirallos (Bar)

Leaving behind Ferreiros and descending on

an asphalted path, we will find the cemetery
and Church of Santa Maria on our left.

We continue on in the same direction and,

shortly after, we will head to the left of the
road.

Asphalted road in Ferreiros

1,1 km A Pena (Bar)

We continue on parallel to the local road.

1,9 km As Rozas

At the exit we take a dirt path to the right of

the road.

3,3 km Moimentos

Pilgrim walking towards Portomarin We come out at a local road and soon head off
to the left.

14
 FERREIROS - PORTOMARIN

4,0 km Mercadoiro (Bar)

We follow a dirt path in the same direction,

then turn left next to a small road. A few
meters later we abandon the road to the left
heading downhill.

5,6 km A Parrocha
Courtyard in Mercadoiro
At the exit we head off on a path to the right,
going downhill, reaching Vilacha; nearby
(away from the path) are the remains of the
Monastery of Loio (the pre-Romanesque
church still remains), where the most
important Order of Santiago was founded in
the twelfth century with the noble intention
of protecting the pilgrims.

6,9 km Vilacha (Bar)

At the exit we cross a local road and, a little

further on, we take a path on the left that Sunrise on the way to Portomarin
brings us down to the LU-613 road: we follow
it to the left where we will then cross a long
bridge over the Belesar reservoir.

For those who wish to stay on the Camino,

once the reservoir has been crossed, they
must take the road on the left and follow it
for 200 meters, then cross one of the
reservoir’s tributaries on the path leading
out.

The others will climb the stairs of the old

medieval bridge and pass under the chapel
of Las Nieves: we then follow the Rua do
Peregrino street and turn left on the Calle Bridge in Portomarin
Diputación street to reach the Church of
San Nicolas.

15
FERREIROS - PORTOMARIN

9,1 km Portomarin (All services)

The old city of Portomarin disappeared in

1963 when it was flooded by the waters of
the Belesar reservoir, which fell victim to
the construction of a hydroelectric power
plant.
Chapel of Las Nieves in Portomarin
The modern city was built at the
beginning of the sixties and the buildings
with the most historical value were
fortunately moved: the solid and robust
Church of San Nicolas (12th century),
built by the Order of Malta; the
Romanesque gateway (12th century); the
staircase of the medieval bridge and the
Las Nieves Chapel; and, lastly, the
traditional Berbetoros country house
(17th century).

Rose window of the Church of San

Nicolas in Portomarín

Aerial view of the village of Portomarin

16
 PORTOMARIN
A TOWN REBORN

Despite having 2000 years of history,

Portomarin is younger than many
pilgrims. Why?

Very easy, this charming pilgrim town

was for centuries situated on the
banks of the River Miño.

However, in 1963, the construction of

the Belesar Reservoir, in the locality of
Chantada, forced flooding in the zone
in which Portomarin was located.

The village moved, since then to the

hillside, on which it is currently
located. This is why it is said that this
millennial village is only 50 years
old. However, not everything is new in
Portomarin.

During the construction of the new

Portomarin, the people of this town
moved the most emblematic
buildings, stone by stone.

It was laborious work, but they saved

from many of its buildings of historical
value from flooding, like, for example,
the Church of San Nicolas, that of
San Pedro, the stairway or the
Chapel de las Nieves, the Manor of
Count Maza and that of Dos
Pimentales.

At present, when the marsh level falls,

from the beautiful bridge that gives
access to Portomarin you can still see
the remains of the old town.
Something like Atlantis!

It is because of the above, that in

Santiago Ways, we like to refer to
Portomarin as a town reborn: a
charming place that re-emerged
17
from its stones.
 PORTOMARIN - VENTAS DE NARON

ROUTE MAP

VENTAS DE NARON

PORTOMARIN

STAGE PROFILE

VENTAS DE NARON

PORTOMARIN

PLACES OF INTEREST ON THIS STAGE

Today the route follows the same pattern as yesterday, moving through rural areas
and crossing small villages. All the hills are generally moderate, and in the first half
of the stage we will make our ascent from 350 to 750 meters of altitude.

Gonzar, almost 8 km from Palas de Rei, is the first halfway town with restaurants:
there is a bar-restaurant. Many of the villages we will pass through after will have
at least one bar.

18
 PORTOMARIN - VENTAS DE NARON
ROUTE

0,0 km Portomarin (All services)

In front of the Church of San Nicolas, we

make our way down the beautiful Rua de
Compostela street with its arches, we then
follow the Chantada Avenue and, at the end,
we turn left on the C-535 road: we follow it for
a few meters until crossing a bridge over one
of the reservoir’s tributaries. We turn to the
right and and begin to make our way up a nice
path.
Church of San Nicolas in Portomarin
We continue 2.8 km along the C-535 road
until reaching a factory: we cross the road and
walk parallel to it. Later on, we cross the road
again.

Walking another 1.9 km we find ourselves in

Toxibo: a tiny village, without any services,
which will be to our left. To the right of the
path we can find a beautiful granary (“horreo”)
with a stone base and a wood enclosure with a
cross on the front.

Pilgrims leaving Portomarin 4,7 km Toxibo

We continue straight, heading uphill; later on

we will once again end up next to the C-535.

7,9 km Gonzar (Bar)

We continue straight on a dirt path, uphill;

later we will come out on a local road and
follow it to the left.

Views of the village of Gonzar

19
PORTOMARIN - VENTAS DE NARON

9,2 km Castromaior (Bar and guest houses)

Now we face a steep uphill climb of

Pre-Roman fort, Castromaior
approximately 700 meters along the C-535
road. We continue parallel to the road and
later we will abandon it to the left.

In 1.6 km we will arrive at Hospital da Cruz,

village of the parish of San Mamede de O
Rio, also belonging to Portomarin.

11,5 km Hospital da Cruz (Bar)

At the exit we take the bridge on the C-535

that passes above the N-540 national road.

Aerial view of Castromaior

13,0 km Ventas de Naron (Bar)

Young pilgrims on the Camino

20
 VENTAS DE NARON - PALAS DE REI

ROUTE MAP

PALAS DE REI

VENTAS DE
NARON

STAGE PROFILE

VENTAS DE NARON

PALAS DE REI

PLACES OF INTEREST ON THIS STAGE

At the exit of Portos, 200 meters from the village, we have the option to take a
detour on the right to visit the interesting Monastery of Vilar de Donas (2.3 km off
the path). It belonged to the Order of Santiago. A neighbor has the keys and acts
as a guide.

21
VENTAS DE NARON - PALAS DE REI

ROUTE
0,0 km Ventas de Naron (Bar)

We exit Ventas de Naron on a path that

runs parallel to a local road.

We will arrive at Previsa in 2.1 km: a tiny

village, without any services. We follow the
same path.
Recovered chapel in Ventas de Naron

0.6 km Lameiros: this is another tiny village,

without any services. Here we can find the
original stone cross of Lameiros (“cruceiro
de Lameiros”), next to an impressive oak
tree, which dates back to the 17th century.
We continue straight and in 500 meters we
arrive at Ligonde.

3,2 km Ligonde (Bar)

Ligonde is a parish belonging to the Spanish Monastery of Vilar de Donas

municipality of Monterroso, in the province
of Lugo. It is part of the Ulloa region.

There is evidence of its existence in pilgrim

itineraries and guides dating back to the
tenth century.

The most remarkable site is the Pilgrim

Cemetery. We have records of a Hospital
that existed up until 1753.

We continue straight on the same local road

and shortly after we head off to the left.
Village of Ligonde

22
 VENTAS DE NARON - PALAS DE REI

4,1 km Airexe (Bar)

We get back on the usual path next to the

local road.
1.1 km We cross the LU-P-3301 road.

6,2 km Portos (Bar)

We continue straight along the local road.

Stone marker before arriving at Palas

de Rei 6,8 km Lestedo

We continue along the local road. | 0.9 km Os

Valos: a tiny village, no services.

8,9 km A Brea (Lestedo)

We continue to the left of the N-547 national

road.
1.3 km O Rosario: this is a small village, no
services. We descend on a path to the left of
the national road. In Palas we head downhill
and cross the Ourense and Compostela
avenues.
Young pilgrim on the way to Palas de
Rei

11,8 km Palas de Rei

Of pre-Roman origin, it became an important

enclave for helping pilgrims during the Middle
Ages. One of the highlights here includes the
parish Church of San Tirso, with a
Romanesque doorway from the 12th century.

Aerial view of Palas de Rei

23
 PALAS DE REI - MELIDE

ROUTE MAP

MELIDE

PALAS DE REI

STAGE PROFILE

PALAS DE REI

MELIDE

PLACES OF INTEREST ON THIS STAGE

Today’s stage will be full of uphills and downhills, especially once we leave Melide,
due to the numerous streams that run across our path. We follow the axis of the
N-547 national road, which we will cross several times.

We will find restaurants every few kilometers. In O Coto we will enter the last
province of the Camino de Santiago: A Coruña.

24
 PALAS DE REI - MELIDE

ROUTE
0,0 Palas de Rei (All services)

From the Pilgrim’s Crossing, in the lower part

of the town, we cross the N-547 national road
and make our way into an alley: 250 meters
farther down we cross the N-547 again on a
crosswalk and, soon after, we continue on
parallel to the road.

Aerial view of Pambre Castle in Palas de Soon we turn off on a path to the right, we
Rei pass through Carballal, and we cross the
national road once again before heading off to
the left and leaving it behind.

3,4 km San Xulian do Camiño (Bar)

We continue on in the same direction on a

beautiful “corredoira” (the old routes that
connected villages). At the entrance to Ponte
Campaña we cross the Pambre River.

4,4 km Ponte Campaña

High cross in Palas de Rei
We continue along the same “corredoira” path.

5,6 km Casanova (Bar)

We continue on in the same direction, along a

beautiful forest path: We arrive at O Coto, next
to the N-547, on a small local road.

Pilgrims near Palas de Rei

25
 PALAS DE REI - MELIDE

8,4 km O Coto (Bar, store)

We take a dirt path up ahead, with the

national road off to our right. Inside the village of Palas de Rei

9,0 km Leboreiro

At the exit of Leboreiro we cross a beautiful

medieval bridge over the Seco River. We
continue straight on a dirt path; later on we
will cross an industrial park, with the N-547
to our right. We take the Old Bridge (“Ponte
Velha”) into Furelos.

13,0 km Furelos (Bar) O Coto

We cross through Furelos and continue

uphill on a path that will take us to Melide;
once in the city we will end up on the N-547
and follow it to the left.

14,4 km Melide (All services)

Furelos Bridge, Melide

26
 MELIDE - ARZUA

ROUTE MAP

ARZUA

MELIDE

STAGE PROFILE

MELIDE

ARZUA

PLACES OF INTEREST ON THIS STAGE

Today’s stage will be full of uphills and downhills, especially once we leave
Melide, due to the numerous streams that run across our path.

In Melide, located halfway through the stage, a tradition of pilgrims and tourists is
to try the excellent Galician octopus, paired with the authentic Ribeiro wine, served
in the well-known “Pulperia Ezequiel” restaurant and the “Pulperia A Garnacha”
restaurant. Both are centric and on the way.

The Primitive Way (“Camino Primitivo”) joins up in Melide; and, in Arzua, the
Northern Way (“Camino del Norte”) also merges with our route.

27
MELIDE - ARZUA
ROUTE
0,0 km Melide (All services)

At the roundabout in the center of Melide we

turn right to take the narrow Calle San Pedro
street. We leave Melide, cross the N-547
national road and, a little further on, we turn
right, passing by the Romanesque Church of
Santa Maria (12th century).

Then we continue on through a thick forest of

View of the village of Melide oaks, pines and eucalyptus trees, walking up
and down several hills.

3.4 km N-547 national road: without crossing

the road, we continue parallel to it for 150
meters until leaving it behind to the left.

5,6 km Boente

We take a street to the right of the national

road and proceed along a dirt path.

0.9 km N-547 national road: we cross the road

Church of Santa Maria de Melide on an underpass. Later on, a steep hill will take
us to the next village.

7,9 km Fraga Alta (Castañeda)

0.7 km O Rio: there is a rest area here. We turn

left; later on we will cross a bridge over the
N-547 and descend into the beautiful valley of
the Iso River.

Fountain in Boente

28
 MELIDE - ARZUA

11 km Ribadixo da Baixo (Bar)

Continuing in the same direction, on a

steep climb, we cross the N-547 national
road via a tunnel and turn on a street to our
right that will take us along the same
national road: walking parallel to the street,
we arrive at Arzua.

In the middle of the city, where the

Cross in Fraga Alta courts are, we take the Cimo do Lugar
street to the left, which runs
parallel to the road.

14,1 km Arzua (All services)

Here the Northern Way, coming from Irun,

joins the French Way.

In the old town we find the Convent of La

Magdalena (14th century), an old inn for
pilgrims, which is currently in ruins.
Bridge over the River Iso, Ribadiso da
Baixo Located nearby is the modern parish
church, under the patronage of Santiago.

Family on the road to Sarria, suitable for

all ages

29
 ARZUA - A SALCEDA

ROUTE MAP

A SALCEDA
ARZUA

STAGE PROFILE

ARZUA

A SALCEDA

PLACES OF INTEREST ON THIS STAGE

A comfortable stage that is relatively flat: we travel on long wooded trails, crossing
through forests and over prairies.

We will find restaurants in all villages that are of a reasonable size.

For those who are anxious to see more, the stage can be extended to Monte do
Gozo, or even to Santiago de Compostela, although in this case it’s an extra 38.7
kilometers.

30
 ARZUA - A SALCEDA

ROUTE
0,0 km Arzua (All services)

We leave Arzua on the Do Carmen street:

we continue along on a dirt path, heading
downhill.

2,1 km Preguntoño
Arzua

When leaving Preguntoño we cross the

N-547 national road on an underpass.
1.0 km A Peroxa: we cross the tiny village
and make our way into a beautiful forest of
oaks and chestnut trees.
1.8 km As Quintas: another tiny village.

5,7 km A Calzada (Burres)

We continue on in the same direction.

Path through the A Peroxa Forest

7,5 km Outeiro (Boente)

At the exit we take a dirt path on the right

hand side of a road.
1.6 km Boavista: we go straight across the
small village.

When we reach Salceda, we come out next

to the N-547.

11,3 km A Salceda (Bar, pharmacy 500m

away)

Pilgrim on a wooded path on the Way

of Sarria

31
 A SALCEDA - A RUA

ROUTE MAP

A SALCEDA

A RUA

STAGE PROFILE

A SALCEDA

A RUA

PLACES OF INTEREST ON THIS STAGE

This stage is short, and practically all of it is downhill.

The quickest route is to follow the National road (N-547), on which we will pass
through the villages of A Brea and Santa Irene.

If you don't like walking on the road, at the A Salceda exit, you can turn off towards
El Cabo and follow secondary roads and paths between crops, although this
option is a slightly longer distance.

There is a picnic area just before reaching A Rua.

32
 A SALCEDA - A RUA

ROUTE

0,0 km A Salceda (Bar, pharmacy 500m

away)

Upon leaving Salceda, we head to the right

of the national road.

0.5 km We cross the N-547 national road

where there is an agricultural machinery Fountain, Santa Irene
workshop.

1.1 km We cross the N-547 national road

once again.

2,0 km A Brea (O Pino)

As we exit A Brea we head back to the

N-547 national road; walking parallel to it
uphill.

1.6 km O Empalme (Alto de Santa Irene): we

can find restaurants here. We take a path on The scallop shell, typical of Galician
waters and symbol of the Camino de
the right side of the national road.
Santiago

1.0 km Santa Irene: the village is to the left

of the national road (off the route).

4,6 km Santa Irene

1.2 km We cross the N-547 on an underpass.

6,4 km A Rua (O Pino) (Bars, guest houses,

cottages)

Group of pilgrims in a wooded section of

the Camino to Sarria

33
 A RUA - LAVACOLLA

ROUTE MAP

A RUA

LAVACOLLA

STAGE PROFILE

A RUA LAVACOLLA

PLACES OF INTEREST ON THIS STAGE

A comfortable stage that is relatively flat. Upon our arrival to O Pedrouzo, we end up
on the N-547 national road: to continue on the Camino de Santiago, we cross the
road and continue straight; to go to O Pedrouzo we take the road to the left.

Getting a good night’s sleep tonight will put us in a good position to wake up early
and arrive tomorrow in time for the Pilgrim’s Mass, which is officiated every day at
12 o’clock in the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral.

On a side note, regarding the name: O Pedrouzo is a town in the parish of Arca and
the municipality of O Pino. It is also the capital of the municipality.

34
A RUA - LAVACOLLA
ROUTE

0,0 km A Rua (Bars, guest houses, cottages)

We pass straight through A Rua.

0.6 km N-547 national road: to continue on the

Camino, we cross the road and continue
straight, or to go to O Pedrouzo we take it to
the left.

Chapel in O Pedrouzo

1,6 km O Pedrouzo (O Pino) (All services)

From the national road, we turn right onto the

Rua Concello street (past the O Pedrouzo bar)
and, when we reach the soccer field, we turn
left on a dirt path.

1.0 km San Anton: a tiny village that we will

cross without changing
direction.

4,9 km Amenal

Forest path in O Pedrouzo We cross the N-547 on an underpass and

continue straight. We pass through the forest
where there was a plan to build the O Pino
industrial park, something that was very
controversial at the time: it didn’t end up
being built because the developer went
bankrupt. Later on we come out on a trail and
turn right.

We continue for 2.5 km until we reach a

roundabout: we don’t enter the roundabout
but instead turn left, without getting off the
dirt path. Parallel to the N-634 we walk along
the Santiago de Compostela Airport (the
biggest in Galicia), until taking a local road on
our right.

Hotel Amenal
35
 A RUA - LAVACOLLA

8,8 km San Paio (Bar)

Upon exiting San Paio, we cross the SC-21

highway via a tunnel: we continue straight,
first on a wooded trail and after on an
asphalted road. Later we pass by the
Church of Lavacolla, before heading
downhill next to the N-634 national road.
Path leading to San Paio

11,1 km Lavacolla (Bar, store, pharmacy)

Bar in San Paio

Church of Lavacolla Views of Santiago de Compostela Airport

36
 LAVACOLLA - SANTIAGO

ROUTE MAP

LAVACOLLA

SANTIAGO DE
COMPOSTELA

STAGE PROFILE

LAVACOLLA
SANTIAGO DE
COMPOSTELA

PLACES OF INTEREST ON THIS STAGE

This stage is relatively flat; the climb to Monte do Gozo is only moderately steep.
We will find restaurants in almost all of the towns.

In the Pilgrim Reception Office (rua Carretas, 33) near the Cathedral, we will be
given the Compostela certificate for pilgrims, once our credential stamps are
used to verify that we have completed the last hundred kilometers on foot, or the
last two hundred if we have travelled by bicycle.

37
 LAVACOLLA - SANTIAGO
ROUTE
0,0 km Lavacolla (Bar, store, pharmacy)

We cross the N-634 national road and take a

local road in the direction of Vilamaior: we
immediately cross a bridge over the Sionlla
River and continue on the asphalted road
uphill.

1,3 km Vilamaior: We continue on in the same

direction, going uphill.

1.6 km Galician Television broadcasting center.

Shortly after, we walk (left-right turn) in front
Pilgrim in Lavacolla
of the RTVE broadcasting center.

We finally end up on a road, which we will

follow to the right for a few meters before
turning left onto San Marcos street.

5,0 km San Marcos (Bar, store)

We continue in the same direction, downhill;

the Monte do Gozo complex is on the left.

5,5 km Monte do Gozo (Bar, store, ATM)

Monte do Gozo and in the
background, the Statue of the We continue straight ahead and go down a
Pilgrims few stairs until reaching the Ponte de San
Lázaro road/avenue. Going across several
bridges, we cross over the AP-9 highway, the
train tracks and the bypass.

After the last bridge, we continue straight for

one kilometer on the Rua de San Lazaro street,
in the neighborhood that has the same name.

Statue of the Pilgrims pointing the way

38
 LAVACOLLA - SANTIAGO

continuing on from Monte do Gozo

2.1 At a semi-roundabout with a monolith with

four lights, we make a slight left turn on the
Rua do Valiño street and, in the same
direction, we follow the Rua Fontiñas street
and then the Rua da Fonte dos Concheiros
street, we cross Lugo Avenue and continue
along the Rua dos Concheiros street and the
Rua de San Pedro street, which then places us
at the gates of the Historic Quarter.
Aerial views of the Plaza de Obradoiro
Square From here we continue straight on the Rua
das Casas Reais street and, once in the
Cervantes Square, we turn right on the famous
Rua da Acibecheria street.

There is a lot of intense emotion after so many

kilometers and hard work, and now there is
nothing that can spoil our triumphal entry
into the Obradoiro Square.

The ritual climb of the Cathedral’s steps will

put an end to what has probably been one of
the most intense and unforgettable trips of
our life. A true turning point.
Pilgrim resting, with Santiago Cathedral
in the background
9,9 km Santiago de Compostela

Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela

39
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
End of the journey
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA it is located in the province
of A Coruña, one of the four provinces in the autonomous
community of Galicia.

Born and raised around the tomb of the Apostle, it is one

of the three holy cities, along with Jerusalem and
Rome.

The Historic Center of Santiago de Compostela is one of

the best preserved in Europe. In the Plaza del Obradoiro
we find the Pórtico de la Gloria, a Spanish Romanesque
masterpiece.

The cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, begun during

the 11th century, is an all in all monumental building, and
it protects the saint's tomb in the same place where a
shepherd discovered it in 813.

40
There are several traditional ancient - Attending the Pilgrim’s Mass at 12
noon.
rituals that the most dedicated
pilgrims must follow, which include:
- Placing a hand on the base of the
mullion of the Portico of Glory in
the cavity that has been carved for
this purpose, representing a
symbolic union between all pilgrims
throughout history. In order to
preserve the monument, this rite is
no longer permitted, but it is part of
the tradition.

- Embracing the image of the

Apostle in the High Altar.

- Going down to the crypt where the

tomb of the Apostle is kept.

41
 WHAT TO SEE IN SANTIAGO
The essence of the city is truly felt by wandering through its Historic Quarter,
where we will discover countless churches, evocative squares, beautiful hidden
corners and ancient streets of old manor houses, with each day full with life
thanks to the numerous tourists and pilgrims. Discovering the charms of the city
and visiting the most interesting sites will require a stay longer than one day.

Plaza del Obradoiro

The Plaza del Obradoiro is the most
important in the Galician capital.

The square welcomes all pilgrims in

their last steps before reaching the
monumental Cathedral of Santiago
de Compostela.

The Portico de la Gloria of the Pórtico de la Gloria of the Cathedral of

cathedral is an architectural jewel of Santiago
enormous value and unsurpassed
beauty; a Spanish Romanesque
masterpiece (12th century).

There is the ritual of placing your hand

at the base of the mullion, the column
that supports the weight of the lintel in
the center, making a wish or thanking
you for having arrived.

The Botafumeiro
The Botafumeiro is a large mobile
censer located in front of the High Alter
that is part of the liturgy and is a sight
worth seeing.

It is performed on specific solemn

occasions or when someone interested
in seeing it in operation requests it and
pays for it. Fortunately, there is almost
always someone who has previously
requested that it be used during a
service.

42
 WHAT TO SEE IN SANTIAGO

In addition to the Cathedral, there are other places (churches, convents,

monasteries, civil buildings...) that are also worth visiting, such as: the Hostel of
the Catholic Monarchs (15th century), the former royal hospital founded by
these kings; the Palace of Gelmírez (12th – 13th centuries); the Monastery of San
Martín Pinario (11th century); The School of San Jerónimo (16th century); the
Fountain of the Horses (18th century); the Puerta de Platerías (12th century),
the square bearing the same name; and the Palace of Roxoi (18th century).

The Parador de los Reyes Católicos, Parador de los Reyes Católicos

in Galician ‘Hostal dos Reis Católicos’
is also located in the Plaza del
Obradoiro.

It was built under the order of the

Catholic Monarchs after their visit to
Santiago, in order to help sick
pilgrims.

The University of Santiago de

Compostela has more than 500
years of history.

It was founded in 1495, by Lope

Gómez de Marzoa.
University of Santiago de Compostela

43
 OUR CLIENTS’ REVIEWS
I highly recommend this company ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“If you are planning a Camino pilgrimage I highly

recommend this company. Very professional yet
personable. The accommodations they arranged for me
across Spain on my Camino were very good. They are
reliable and provide good vale. I would use them again if I
plan my next Camino”.
Jerry Campbell

Excellent experience ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Excellent experience with Santiago Ways team,

all that was promised accomplished to the last
detail, the transportation, the hotels choices, the
path segment choice, the information provided,
the luggage transfer just a perfect vacation”.

Thamir Shemer

4,9/5 Google Reviews

5/5 Tripadvisor
44