This is the approximate starting point for those who add the Vía de los Andes via the Primitivo. A long stage, with Romanesque churches and the sierra de O Careón, which ends in Melide, where the Primitivo joins the Camino Francés.
Map and elevation profile
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The route, section by section
- San Romao da Retorta – Augas Santas11.5 km · medium difficulty · 2 h 55 min
Next to the church of San Romao a Roman milestone was found, proof that the Primitivo follows an old Roman road. Via O Burgo, Vilacapide and Pacio you reach A Ponte Ferreira, with its medieval bridge, already in Palas de Rei.
- Augas Santas – Vilouriz8.5 km · medium difficulty · 2 h 10 min
Via As Seixas and Casacamiño you cross the sierra de O Careón (798 m), a place of great ecological value on the boundary between Lugo and A Coruña, to Vilouriz, in Toques.
- Vilouriz – Vilamor1.7 km · medium difficulty · 25 min
Via Arnade to Vilamor. Nearby, off the route, is the Romanesque church of Santo Antoniño de Toques, from the 11th century.
- Vilamor – Melide6.8 km · medium difficulty · 1 h 40 min
You reach Melide, where the Primitivo joins the Francés; from here about 53 km remain to Santiago.
What to see
- The church of San Romao da Retorta and its milestone.
- The medieval bridge of A Ponte Ferreira.
- The sierra de O Careón.
Tips for this stage
- It is a long stage with an ascent at O Careón: carry water and something to eat.
- If you start here with the Vía de los Andes, it is about 82 km to Santiago.
From San Romao da Retorta to Santiago de Compostela there are about 81.5 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.
← Lugo – San Romao da RetortaMelide – Arzúa →
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