This is the approximate starting point for those who add the Vía de los Andes. The stage climbs from the Miño and passes through Gonzar, Castromaior and Ligonde, where it is said Charles I and Philip II stayed, before entering the lands of Palas de Rei, whose name recalls an old royal palace.
Map and elevation profile
Loading the stage map…
The route, section by section
- Portomarín – Gonzar8.2 km · medium-high difficulty · 1 h 35 min
You leave by crossing the reservoir on a pedestrian walkway, and a long climb begins, beside the road, up to Gonzar.
- Gonzar – Vendas de Narón5.2 km · medium difficulty · 1 h 20 min
Through Castromaior, with its Romanesque church and the remains of a castro, and then through O Hospital, to Vendas de Narón.
- Vendas de Narón – A Eirexe4.2 km · medium difficulty · 1 h 05 min
You pass through A Previsa and Os Lameiros, with the chapel of San Marcos among oak trees, and through Ligonde, which has few services, to A Eirexe, where there is an albergue.
- A Eirexe – Lestedo2.6 km · medium difficulty · 40 min
A section between villages. Off the route lies Vilar de Donas, a former priory of the Order of Santiago that is worth the detour.
- Lestedo – Palas de Rei4.9 km · medium difficulty · 1 h 15 min
Through A Brea and beside the road you reach the Os Chacotes area and the centre of Palas de Rei, passing the church of San Tirso.
What to see
- The castro and the church of Castromaior.
- The chapel of San Marcos in Os Lameiros.
- The church of Vilar de Donas, of the Order of Santiago (with a detour).
Tips for this stage
- The climb out of Portomarín is long: set out early and carry water.
- If you start here with the Vía de los Andes, remember to bring your stamped Credencial Chilena del Peregrino.
From Portomarín to Santiago de Compostela there are about 92.8 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.
← Sarria – PortomarínPalas de Rei – Melide →
Back to the French Way (Camino Francés) · Versión en español