The first stage of the Camino del Norte in Galicia. You set out from Ribadeo, a town and port on the ría, with a rich medieval and modern heritage, and follow an old route, perhaps of Roman origin, to Vilanova de Lourenzá. It is long, with demanding climbs.
Map and elevation profile
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The route, section by section
- Ribadeo – Vilela6.7 km · high difficulty · 1 h 35 min
Via Ove and Cubelas, and after a slope, you reach Vilela, among villages of traditional life.
- Vilela – A Ponte8.3 km · high difficulty · 2 h
Via Celeiros and O Vilar you reach San Pedro de Arante, with the chapel of Nuestra Señora de las Virtudes, from the 15th century, where there was a pilgrim hospital.
- A Ponte – Vilamartín Pequeno2.2 km · high difficulty · 30 min
A climb along forest paths to the municipality of Barreiros.
- Vilamartín – Gondán4.2 km · high difficulty · 1 h
After the church of San Xoán Degolado you pass through Vilamartín Grande to Gondán.
- Gondán – Lourenzá6.8 km · high difficulty · 1 h 40 min
You reach Vilanova de Lourenzá, which grew up around the Benedictine monastery founded in the year 969 by the “Holy Count”, Osorio Gutiérrez.
What to see
- The historic centre of Ribadeo and its ría.
- The chapel of Nuestra Señora de las Virtudes in Arante.
- The monastery of Vilanova de Lourenzá.
Tips for this stage
- It is a tough stage: set out early and carry water.
- Lourenzá is famous for its faba beans; its festival is held on the first Sunday of October.
From Ribadeo to Santiago de Compostela there are about 190.7 km left. If you start here, the distance is enough for the Compostela when you add the 25 km of the Vía de los Andes (minimum 75 km in Spain). In the last 100 km it is advisable to stamp your credential at least twice a day.
Before you set off
- Check the condition of the path and the albergues for the day; services change with the season.
- Carry water, sun protection and something to eat, especially on stretches without villages.
- Stamp your credential at albergues, parishes or shops along the way.
Distance, difficulty and duration data: official Camino de Santiago in Galicia website (Xunta de Galicia). Texts by the Círculo Chileno.
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