Villalba to Santiago

Before you begin your walk, try to experience what Vilalba has to offer, including seeing the Church of Santa María and learning about regional history in the Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology. For cheese lovers, you must try the famous San Simón smoked cheese!

As you leave Vilalba, you will pass the famous Church of Santa Maria and cross onto a dirt track. From there, you will cross highways, alternating between dirt tracks and minor roads, before getting to San Xaon de Alba and its 14th Century church. Going along more dirt tracks and minor roads, you will pass Ferreira before reaching the town of Baamonde.

Today’s walk is short, and while not the most spectacular, is emblematic of typical quiet Galician countryside. At Raposeira (a well-known pilgrim stop) you can get a mid-morning coffee or snack, though this is one of the only places to get supplies before reaching Miraz. Miraz offers accommodation run by the British Confraternity of St James organisation.

The first 4km out of Miraz offers some of the most scenic parts of the Camino del Norte. You will also climb to a steady 710m, the Northern Way’s highest point, in this time. Your stop for the night is the town of Sobrado dos Monxes and its stunning monastery of the same name.

By the end of the day, the Camino del Norte links with the Camino Frances in Arzua. To start, you will depart Sobrado dos Monxes and follow minor paved roads through small towns such as Vilarchao and Castro. From there, you will pass from gravel to paved roads and back as you make your way south west, passing Boimil and Boimorto, before a slight ascent as you make your way into Arzua. Prepare to meet many more pilgrims than you’ve seen so far!

This shaded section of the Camino will pass through woods, along streams, and through sleepy villages. Take your time and visit the chapel of Santa Irena, with its unique statues of Santiago. The rest of the way to Rua-O Pino is on a quiet country road. Rua (at an elevation of 310m) is one of the less crowded stopping points before Santiago de Compostela.

You’re nearly there! The next stage will be Lavacolla, where pilgrims traditionally washed in the river before reaching Santiago de Compostela. Tall eucalyptus trees line your way to Monte del Gozo, or Mount of Joy. From here, you can see your goal – the Cathedral of Santiago! After a descent to the city you’ll be able to witness this UNESCO World Heritage Site up-close. Marvel at the architecture and relish the wonderful atmosphere in this cultural and spiritual mecca, and contemplate all you’ve experienced on your amazing journey.

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.