A gentle stage, with mild ups and downs, passing through Boente and Castañeda to Arzúa, the cheese town. Here, pilgrims coming along the Camino del Norte join the Francés.
Map and elevation profile
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The route, section by section
- Melide – Boente5.8 km · medium difficulty · 1 h 25 min
A path in good condition along dirt and stone tracks and small roads between villages.
- Boente – Ribadiso5.5 km · medium difficulty · 1 h 25 min
From the fountain and cruceiro of Boente you reach the Iso river. In Ribadiso, next to the bridge, is one of the most beautiful hostels on the Camino, in restored houses on the riverbank.
- Ribadiso – Arzúa3.2 km · medium difficulty · 50 min
A stretch beside the road to Arzúa, a town with all services, the chapel of the Madalena and the church of Santiago.
What to see
- The bridge and the hostel of Ribadiso.
- The church of Santiago in Arzúa.
Tips for this stage
- From Arzúa the route is shared with those arriving by the Norte: there will be more people and it is wise to secure accommodation.
From Melide to Santiago de Compostela there are about 53.1 km left. This distance is not enough for the 75 km minimum for the Compostela with the Vía de los Andes. To reach it, start at least from San Romao da Retorta. 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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