Walking the Camino is an incredibly memorable and unique experience. A positive energy and warm sense of community can be felt all along the Camino, allowing you to meet like-minded people and build new friendships.
The history in the Galician region is perhaps the most interesting in all of Spain. Known as the seventh Celtic nation, it is home to ancient relics, pagan folklore, and a colourful living history unlike anywhere else. Galician’s are proud of their Celtic routes, and along the trail, you may be surprised to see Celtic symbols or hear the sound of traditional Galician gaita (bagpipes).
The Romans also left quite a mark on the region, having official claimed Galicia as a part of the Roman Empire in 218AD. They left behind stunningly preserved landmarks like bridges, towers, walls, and aqueducts. Of course, walking the Camino itself is like taking a step through time, as you weave in and out of medieval hamlets past centuries-old churches and farmhouses.
Trip Start: Madrid
Trip Ends: Santiago De Compostela
Arrive in Madrid & overnight at hostel.
Travel by road (2.5 hours) to Ponferrada and relax before enjoying dinner and getting an early night to be fresh to start our trek the following morning.
Transfer from Madrid to Ponferrada via Santiago. Cross the region of Bierzo, a sunken plain nestled within a ring of mountains. It is a fertile land, whose agreeable climate allows the cultivation of many types of fruit and vegetables. In Villafranca, enjoy the garden of the “Iglesia de Santiago”.
A challenging day with ascent of 1000m. Pass through narrow valley of River Valcace before tackling ascent of O Cebreiro. Situated between ranges of “Los Ancares” and “La Sierra do Courel”, this stage involves a steep climb in the course of only a few kilometers.
From O Cebreiro trail passes through “Sierra de Ranadoiro” (Ranadoiro Mountains) and, after crossing the Alto doPoio, it descends into the valley to the village of Triacastela.
The “San Xil” Camino offers scenery will uplift our spirits and encourage us on our way. It has many “Corredoiras” (narrow forest routes) with paved pathways cutting through typical Galician oak woods. We may wish to visit Samos, passing through the narrow valley of the river Ouribio, mostly following the road.
Peaceful walk in shady oak woods and pretty villages on quiet country roads. Barbadelo Village (580m) has a beautiful Romanesque church to visit. The next significant village is Ferreiros, then continue to Portomarin (550m), where we can relax on the terraces of the main plaza.
Cross the River Minho and climb steadily uphill. Continue to Gonzarand with opportunity to visit the Romanesque Church of Santa María, Castromaior, the calm and peaceful Galician Cemetery in Ligonde and Romanesque portal of church in Eirexe, featuring a sculpture of Daniel and animals, as well as a statue of Santiago de Peregrino. Arrive in Palas de Rei (565m).
Trek slightly downhill, passing the villages of Casanova and Leboreiro. Snack break at Melide (454m), before following forest track and crossing several streams to Boente with its church of Santiago. Continue to medieval village of Ribadiso, and finally Arzua (389m), with two churches that we can visit, Santa María and La Magdalena.
Trek this morning through shady woods, along streams and through sleepy villages. We have plenty of time to visit chapel of Santa Irena, with unique statues of Santiago. Continue to Rua-O Pino (310m), one of the less crowded stopping points before Santiago de Compostela, on quiet country roads.
Our last day! Trek to Lavacolla where pilgrims traditionally washed in the river before reaching Santiago de Compostela. Continue to Monte del Gozo (368m), or Mount of Joy, providing our first sight of the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Cathedral of Santiago. Marvel at the architecture and relish the wonderful atmosphere in this cultural and spiritual mecca.
After breakfast, we bid this beautiful village farewell.
