Vía de la Plata from Ourense to Santiago

Ourense is known for its thermal baths. The thermal water has numerous health-promoting properties. In addition, we must not forget that it is also a city with a wide variety of art and cultural heritage. The indispensable visit to the cathedral is one of them. Also worth mentioning is the great gastronomic offer. Arrival of the pilgrims on their own.

Accommodation in Ourense.

Difficulty level: medium.

We start the stage from the Roman bridge of Ponte Vella in Ourense across the Miño river, one of the best preserved bridges in Spain. We start with a steep climb. Today we can choose two routes: the traditional one through Tamallancos or the alternative one through Canedo. With the latter, the stage is shortened by 1 km, but is much more paved. The stage ends in San Cristovo de Cea, world famous for its homemade bread.

Accommodation in San Cristovo de Cea.

Difficulty level: high.

Today we walk along one of the greenest, most mountainous and rural stages and we fully enter the typical Galician landscapes. The most intrepid have the possibility of extending the stage even more by taking a detour to see one of the jewels of this day, the Oseira Monastery. The views of the climb to Oseira are unmatched. We continue towards O Castro to enter the region of the capital of Galician stew.

Accommodation in O Castro

Difficulty level: easy.

We leave O Castro and at the height of Lalín we will meet the pilgrims who come from the Winter Way to head towards Bandeira. The terrain is smoother, with little unevenness. We pass through Deza, a well-known agricultural region, and cross the river with the same name. Before reaching Silleda is the beautiful forest of Trasfontao.

Accommodation in Silleda.

Difficulty level: easy.

We head towards Ponte Ulla, where we find an asphalt descent without great difficulties, since the surface is good throughout the route, alternating the road with some sections of paths. The stage is placid and comfortable in general. Crossing the river Ulla we enter the province of A Coruña and, along its path, the quiet town where we will spend the last night before arriving in Santiago.

Accommodation in Ponte Ulla.

Difficulty level: easy.

We gradually leave the rural surroundings of the villages and forests to move to a much more urban environment as we approach Santiago. It only takes us a few kilometers from our destination. We enter the city via Ponte do Sar and walk towards Plaza do Obradoiro, where we can admire the magnificent Santiago Cathedral.

Accommodation in Santiago.