Ourense is ideally located on both banks of the Rio Mino, a major Galician river. The city’s old quarter is home to the dominant 12th Century cathedral, the main square and its arcades, and pedestrian streets with many bars and restaurants that will suit anyone’s taste.

As we leave Ourense by crossing the Puente Viejo, we use a 12th Century bridge over Rio Mino. Then we follow a main road for a few kilometres, keeping the river to our right. After Cachaxuas, we start one of the steepest uphill parts of this section but there are some great views all along the climb up. We then continue along natural shady paths through the countryside, walking through the village of Cea before getting to Monasterio de Oseira. We will arrange the sShort transfer to your beautiful ‘casa rural’ in Casarellos.

In the morning, we arrange the transfer back to Monasterio de Oseira. We start the day with a climb to the top of a hill where the views over the agricultural valleys are a nice reward. Then, the Camino runs up and down through farmlands, passing through hamlets such as Gouxa or Vidueiro. However, after Castro Dorzon, it meets up several times with the busy N-525 road over a couple of kilometres. We will then be back to the countryside to reach Estacion de Lalin.

Today is a short stage made up of mainly gentle ups-and-downs through farmland, woodland, and small villages. As we leave Estacion de Lalin, we start the day by a climb to Botos and we then continue to walk through several other villages. At the end of the walk we enter Silleda, a modern town with all the facilities you should need.

This day first starts with an easy stroll towards Bandeira, a town well-known for its empanadas (Galician pasties). As the day goes on, the Camino continues downhill through farmlands and villages. Just before descending to Ponte Ulla, the old castle is worth a visit. In Ponte Ulla, have a closer look at the Iglesia de Santa Maria de Magdalena and its very detailed Romanesque facade.

Today is special, not only because it is the last day of this section, but also because it is the finishing line of the whole Camino Mozárabe route! As you leave Ponte Ulla, we first walk up towards Pico Sacro with its Ermita de San Sebastian and wonderful scenic views. The last kilometres to Santiago reflect the rural atmosphere of Galicia and it is sometimes difficult to believe you are so close to such an attractive city. Finally you reach Santiago De Compostela and its world-famous cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

After breakfast, we bid you farewell.
If you wish to stay in the area, we recommend that you:
– Take your time and visit the magnificent historic centre of Santiago.
– Continue with us along the wild Camino Fisterra (Finisterre Way), and stay overnight at the hotel in the lighthouse!
– Or take a bus to Fisterra to visit the unspoilt sandy coves and beaches of the west coast. With very few tourists, you are guaranteed a very special experience. Buses depart from Santiago Bus Station at 9am and 10am. Buses return to Santiago at 4:45pm and 7pm. The journey takes 3 hours.