The Camino de Santiago from Ourense
The Via de la Plata owes its origin to a set of Roman roads, which linked the south west with the north west of the Iberian Peninsula. The devotees of Santiago were those who followed the roads on their pilgrimage to the tomb of the Apostle.
The denomination “Silver” was created and which could be an evolution of the word “balata” whose use in Arabic means stone path, and nothing to do with the precious metal.
During the tour of just over 100 kilometres, we will enjoy the landscape of the Camino de Santiago from Ourense to Santiago. Its thick oak and eucalyptus forests stand out, as well as the cultivated lands that stretch along La Coruna.
The signaling, with yellow arrows seen on the whole route, is good in general and following it does not present special difficulties.
Ourense
Ourense is the starting point of the Via de la Plata. This beautiful city is located in the southeast of Galicia and is crossed by the River Mino. You will love the thermal water sources and the cultural and architectural richness of its old quarter.
Overnight: Ourense
From Ourense to Cea
The day begins at the Roman bridge over the River Mino. You will cross paved roads until get to the Chapel of San Marcos. Also, do not forget to visit the Church of Santa Maria in Tamallancos. In Cea, do not forget to try its famous artisan bread.
Length: 22 km
Overnight: Cea
From Cea to Casarellos
This is the shortest stage of the Via de la Plata on its last section to Santiago. It runs between Cea and Casarellos and is just under 9 km long. Visit the Clock Tower located in the middle of the Plaza Mayor.
Length: 8 km
Overnight: Casarellos
From Casarellos to Lalin
The Camino continues through the green mountains of Galicia. You will cross small parishes and beautiful places, on a long day, with frequent but moderate climbs. We recommend that you visit the Church of San Salvador built in limestone in Castro Dozon; and the Lalin Town Hall.
Length: 8 km
Overnight: Lalin
From Lalin to Silleda
This stage is short. The Rua da Ponte will be the road on which we will leave Lalin. Without excessive climbs, we will arrive in Silleda, passing through the beautiful Trasfontao Forest.
Length: 15 km
Overnight: Silleda
From Silleda to Ponte Ulla
We start the day walking through pleasant landscapes. We will have some frequent, but moderate descents, except for the descent to the River Ulla Valley. We will cross farmland and beautiful towns: San Fiz and Bandeira.
Length: 22 km
Overnight: Ponte Ulla
From Ponte Ulla to Santiago de Compostela
The last stage of the road runs through forests, rural areas and villages. The arrival to Santiago is on a pleasant stretch. If we start the route early, we can arrive before 12 noon at the Cathedral, in time for the pilgrim’s mass.
Length: 22 km
Overnight: Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela
We recommend visiting the centre of Santiago de Compostela before returning home, so please feel free to ask us about additional nights or day trips through the city’s historic quarter. Day trips to Finisterre or the Cies Islands are also recommended.
End of our services.
General information
All the rooms you book with Santiago Ways to do the Camino de Santiago have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure your complete comfort.
Our team checks on site the quality of all the accommodation offered in order for pilgrims to live a comfortable and unforgettable experience on the Camino de Santiago.
Availability
When working with quality accommodation with limited capacity, the exact name of the accommodation will be provided 30 days before the start of the Camino.
All accommodation on the Camino de Santiago is subject to availability. In case we can’t offer any of them due to lack of capacity, we’ll accommodate you in one of equal or better quality.
Single rooms
Single rooms are subject to availability. Reservations must be made in advance and come at an additional cost.
Where am I going to stay?
All our accommodation has been selected to ensure tranquillity, rest and enjoyment during your Camino de Santiago:
Ourense
Cea
Casarellos
Lalín
Silleda
Ponte Ulla
Santiago de Compostela
Included Services
Accommodation in Hotels and Country Cottages.
Rooms with private bathroom.
Meal plan of your choice.
Baggage transfer between stages.
Complete route itinerary.
24 hours Telephone assistance on route.
Assistance vehicle in case of emergency.
Information pack for the Camino de Santiago.
VAT.
Additional Services
Additional single room: 168€ per person.
Extra night in Santiago: 60€ per person.
Transfer from Santiago (includes airport) to Ourense: 140€.
Travel assistance insurance: 21€ per person.
Cancellation insurance: 21€ per person.
In order to resolve pilgrims’ doubts, here we answer the questions that are most frequently asked when we receive your enquiries.
If you have any other questions, you can contact us and we will be happy to help you resolve all your queries.
General Information
What is the best time to do the Camino de Santiago?
The Camino de Santiago can be started on any day of the year, always taking into account the weather and the season in which you want to travel, so that your clothes are the right ones.
How do I get to my starting point on the Camino?
The best way to get to the starting point of your Camino de Santiago is to arrive at the airport, train station or bus station nearest to the town from where you will start walking.
Once you confirm your Camino, you will send us the arrival information for your flight, train or bus and, from there, we organize a private transfer to the town where you should start your Camino.
Can I travel alone?
Yes, you can. All the routes on the Camino de Santiago are suitable for pilgrims to travel solo.
Also, whether you are travelling alone, or travelling accompanied but want to sleep in a single room, Santiago Ways offer this option to you.
We can book all your nights of accommodation in single rooms at an additional cost. We suggest you book well in advance since they are usually in high demand.
On the Camino de Santiago, you will find hundreds of pilgrims walking on their own. Many of them may have come to the Camino alone; others have probably moved away from their fellow travellers for a few hours because of the difference in speed when walking.
In any case, all the routes on the Camino are very well signposted, so you will have no problem if you go on your own.
Am I going to have an accompanying guide on el Camino de Santiago?
Most routes on the Camino de Santiago are done in a self-guided mode. Thus, each traveller has the opportunity to advance on their own and at their own pace along the routes marked on the complete itinerary of the route, which is sent one month before starting the Camino.
However, we also offer organized groups with accompanying guide on the stretch from Sarria to Santiago. We have specific dates already established, and we carry them out in groups of up to 15 people, with guaranteed departures. The guides in charge of these routes speak English and Spanish.
We already have all the dates published until 2021, so you are encouraged to reserve your place before the groups are filled.
What does the complete route itinerary consist of?
The complete route itinerary of the route is a guide that we prepare for you with information about the maps, route profiles and places of interest, kilometre by kilometre on each of the stages that you will go through on the Camino de Santiago.
The travel distances and travel times indicated for each route on both the website and the itinerary we send you are based on reference values. It depends on each pilgrim exactly how they carry out these times and distances, according to the speed at which they progress.
When do I get the complete route itinerary?
You will receive it by email one month before starting your Camino along with all the documentation for the trip: accommodation reservations, baggage transfers, among others.
How many kilometres should I walk on each stage?
In Santiago Ways, we adapt each stage to the needs of our pilgrims, so that they can travel according to their physical capability and the number of days available.
On average, a stage of the Camino de Santiago has 15 to 20 km. On most routes, however, we can organize your Camino so that you walk fewer kilometres, dividing some stages into two parts, depending on what is most comfortable for you.
Advice
What should I consider to prepare physically?
Both sedentary people and those who regularly exercise should physically prepare for doing the Camino de Santiago.
Sedentary people can start with moderate activity and continue progressively. They should start by taking small 20-minute walks, two or three times a week. It is suggested to increase the time until you reach walk about 4 or 5 kilometres every hour.
People with regular physical activity can start by walking from 45 to 60 minutes a day and increase the amount of time and kilometres they travel in the same span of time.
Generally, it is recommended to start training for about three months before starting the route.
How far in advance should I make a reservation?
There is no minimum number of days in advance to book, although on certain dates the occupancy of the accommodation is higher, especially in high season, and in dates of religious interest such as the San Fermin Festivals in Pamplona, from 7th to 14th July, or the Feast of Santiago the Apostle, on July 25th.
Therefore, in order to guarantee availability in the best accommodation, we suggest you book as much in advance as possible, so that we can meet all of your needs.
What clothes and hiking equipment are indispensable?
For any of the Caminos, we suggest you to bring the following items: light and fast drying clothing, waterproof jacket and trousers, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a pair of shoes suitable for hiking, trekking poles, a pair of shoes to rest in, a jacket that doesn't take up much space and a bottle to carry water.
Depending on the time of year in which you make the route, these items may vary.
Remember that with Santiago Ways, you have included a baggage transfer service between stages, so we will take your backpack from one accommodation to another so that you only worry about walking (maximum 1 piece of 20 kg per person).
For this reason, we suggest you prepare a second backpack, much smaller, that you can carry with you every day with water, sunscreen, cap, sunglasses, documents, some food and cash.
How does the baggage transfer between stages work?
Every day, at 8:00 am, you must bring your luggage, properly labelled, to the reception. One of our carriers will pick it up and take it to the place where you are going to stay on your next stage.
Delivery time varies according to the distance between stages and the carrier's delivery route. Usually, delivery is made before 4 p.m.
Should I take out travel insurance?
To complete any of the routes on the Camino de Santiago, it is advisable to have travel insurance with all the necessary coverage, especially emergency evacuation and medical care.
To do this, we suggest you take out the Travel Assistance Insurance and Cancellation Insurance that we offer you in Santiago Ways. If you want more information about it, we will be happy to answer your questions.
Accommodation
Do all rooms have a private bathroom?
Yes, all rooms you book with Santiago Ways to do the Camino de Santiago have a private bathroom.
Can I sleep alone in a room?
Yes. We offer accommodation in single rooms and double rooms, according to the requirements of each pilgrim.
Single rooms have a special surcharge and are subject to availability according to the location.
When will you tell me where I am going to stay?
We work with multiple accommodations in all locations which allows us to guarantee the best quality rooms for our pilgrims, provided that they are booked well in advance.
The name and exact location of each hotel is sent about one month before the start of the Camino with all the documentation related to the trip.
Am I going to share a room with strangers?
No. All the accommodations we book for our pilgrims have private rooms with private bathrooms in order to guarantee all the comfort needed torest properly.
Is the accommodation close to the route that I should follow?
All the accommodations that we book are in the centre of the towns or villages. In any case, depending on availability, if any accommodation is somewhat far from the centre, most of them are accessible on foot.
When necessary, Santiago Ways could offer a round trip transfer so that the pilgrim can reach their accommodation in the most comfortable way possible and return the next day to the point on the route from where he must continue the Camino.
What type of accommodation do you reserve?
All the accommodation that we book in Santiago Ways offers the necessary comfort to rest after long days of walking.
We work with hotels, traditional Galician homes, country cottages, and charming hostels, always a room with a private bathroom.
Next, we want to talk about one of the most interesting alternatives of all that the Camino de Santiago offers us. We refer to the route of the Camino de Santiago from Ourense.
It is one of the most attractive on offer for several reasons that are precisely what we want to talk about in this guide. In addition, we will give you all the necessary information to do this route with every guarantee.
The Via de La Plata is one of the oldest routes on the Camino de Santiago. In fact, it is part of the so-called Camino Sanabres, also known as Camino Mozarabe. It is a good alternative for those who want to start to have an adventure on the Camino de Santiago. We encourage you to have an unforgettable experience with us on the Camino de Santiago from Ourense.
Why choose the Camino de Santiago from Ourense?
1.- Secular character: The Camino de Santiago from Ourense is a beautiful route that connects the city of Santiago through the natural extension that is made from the Via de La Plata. This is a pilgrim route that arrives in Santiago de Compostela from the south of the peninsula . This route is, in fact, an ancient Roman road.
2.- You will get to know a great deal of Galician culture: the Camino de Santiago from Ourense is fully immersed in Galician culture. In fact, all of its route passes through this autonomous community and allows us to know its customs, culture and history in depth.
3.- The gastronomy you’ll find along the way: as we will specify later, in the section “places of interest on the route of the Camino de Santiago from Ourense”, one of the most important attractions that this route has is its gastronomy. For example, it is obligatory to stop in the town of San Cristovo de Cea to taste the wonderful bread they make.
4.- The environment we pass through is a real marvel. The routes we pass through are a series of natural paths surrounded by some scattered villages. Without a doubt, it constitutes the type of traditional Galician settlement.
5.-It is not crowded: The Camino de Santiago from Ourense is little travelled so we will not suffer crowded routes, lack of space for bookings or overcrowding. In this sense is one of the most peaceful that is offered and allows us to fully enjoy the experience of the Camino de Santiago more.
Information about the Camino de Santiago from Ourense
The Camino de Santiago from Ourense has a total distance of 100 kilometres, corresponding to what is known as the Camino Sanabres. Therefore, and to continue precisely the Via de La Plata, it is the final meeting place for pilgrims with whom we can share experiences and make great friendships.
The starting point is the city of Ourense. You leave this city by Ponte Vella, above the River Mino. This is the oldest bridge in the city that will lead us directly to the Camino de Santiago. This route from Ourense has a total of four stages that we’ll detail later.
The quietest routes of the Camino de Santiago from Ourense
The Camino from Ourense has only one alternative. It is part of the route of the Camino Sanabres. It is also called the Camino Mozarabe for a number of reasons that we will explain in the section about its origin.
It is always possible to start from further away, as in addition to being connected to this route is the emblematic Via de la Plata. Being divided into four stages (each for one day), it has an estimated duration of four days and three nights.
With Santiago Ways, you will have the guarantee that the places where you stay are the best chosen in terms of quality and comfort. This point is especially important because this route does not have an accommodation infrastructure as extensive as that of other routes.
There is then, the possibility of making your plan for the Camino de Santiago on any of the existing routes with us throughout the year. In this plan, you will be able to include the options of only just having breakfast or choosing breakfast and dinner.
Route of the Camino de Santiago from Ourense
Maps of the Camino de Santiago from Ourense
To continue completing the information necessary to undertake the Camino de Santiago from Ourense, we would like to offer you the following maps. They are excellent allies both before and during our pilgrimage.
Profile of the Camino de Santiago from Ourense
To develop the profile of a route, we must look at several criteria. The first of these is the altitude of the different stages. The second is its duration which, in large part, is conditioned by that other criterion. We also consider the difficulty of the terrain to elaborate with all this a profile that tells us the overall difficulty of the Camino, in this case, from Ourense.
According to the information of the whole route that goes from Ourense to Santiago, we can say that it is very simple. It has hardly any climbs and is, in fact, especially suitable for those people who seek to start on the Camino de Santiago as an adventure. It is also indicated, for this very reason, for any age group.
Stages on foot
We want to show you what are the main stages on foot that exist in the Camino de Santiago from Ourense. It’s fundamental to be able to establish good planning.
Stage from Ourense to Cea
Stage from Cea to Casarellos
Stage from Casarellos to Lalin
Stage from Lalin to Silleda
Stage from Silleda to Ponte Ulla
Stage from Ponte Ulla to Santiago de Compostela
How long does the Camino de Santiago from Ourense take?
As we have said, the Camino from Ourense has a planned travelling time of about four days. In fact, on each one of them, you will make a stop, and on the fourth day, you will arrive in Santiago so you can complete the entire route after three nights. Still, as we always say in Santiago Ways, everything can depend on other factors.
In some cases, the time that it takes depends on the greater or lesser rate each person decides to take. In others, it’s about whether the climatic conditions are kind or not. Finally, there is always the real possibility that we want to stay in a place to take pleasure in the scenery . It wouldn’t be the first time it will have happened.
The best time to do the Camino from Ourense to Santiago de Compostela
The truth is that when choosing the best time of the year to do the Camino de Santiago, the most prudent answer is that it “depends on your taste “. That’s right: Each season has its own benefits that in fact add a special charm to the Camino de Santiago from Ourense in particular and to each Camino de Santiago in general.
Still, below we offer you more detailed information so that you can know what strengths and weaknesses each season of the year has.
Spring
Spring has a benign climate in its favour. However, it is also true that sometimes it can behave in an unstable manner.
In spite of everything, and if we plan ahead, the Camino de Santiago from Ourense can be completed during this season. With this, we will benefit from the explosion of colour that surrounds all the wonderful environment that we can find for ourselves along the way.
Summer
Summer is the pilgrims’ favourite time of the year to complete their route. This is because there are more daylight hours and because that is the time of year when we have enough time to do so.
It is inconvenient, precisely, that according to the route and the planning that we have we can find problems of overcrowding. This can be avoided by travelling during another time or by choosing a service like Santiago Ways so that everything will be planned for us.
In any case, do not worry about the heat during the summer of northern Spain: doing the Camino de Santiago from Ourense , or from any of its variables, will be a good way to escape the heat that is found in the rest of Spain.
Autumn
Autumn can offer us a dream spot during our pilgrimage from Ourense to Santiago de Compostela. Everything will be tinted in greens, yellows and browns that will accompany us until our arrival in Santiago. The downside is that the weather can be more unstable during this time and will require us to go well prepared.
Winter
There are many people who prefer the winter season to do the Camino de Santiago. This is because they avoid overcrowding and also enjoy a landscape that seems to adopt its most striking notes during this season.
It is, however, it is very important that you know that you must go well prepared to make the Camino de Santiago from Ourense, or from any other point, during a season characterized by low temperatures.
Guide to the places that you cannot miss on the Camino de Ourense to Santiago
We have also prepared some small tips and guidelines about places of interest and places to eat that we recommend for this stretch. At the same time, we will tell you about the chosen accommodation.
Places of interest
From Bandeira to Ponte Ulloa
It’s one of the most rewarding walks on all of the Camino. It passes between Pine trees and Eucalyptus trees in an absolutely spectacular atmosphere. It will be one of those moments when you are glad to have chosen to complete the Camino de Santiago.
Outeiro
It is a small village in the most classic Galician style, with its granaries and typical buildings. It is located in a beautiful spot that will delight everyone. You can’t leave without tasting their local empanadas (pies) with different fillings.
Where to sleep – The best lodgings
In Santiago Ways, we select the best accommodation to take care of you and that you can rest as you deserve after a long stage. We also take care of all aspects of your location to give you experiences that you never forget.
Where to eat – The best restaurants
A Taberna: Located in Ourense, this tavern is one of the most popular in the city thanks to the quality of its elaboration and the unmistakable traditional character of its Galician cuisine. You can’t leave Ourense without going to make a visit.
We encourage you, as we have said before, to ask about the bread in the village of Cea and buy some. It will be able to accompany you for several days on the route thanks to its totally natural production process.
Origin of the Camino de Santiago from Ourense
The origin of this road is in the nature of its union. That’s right: The Camino de Santiago from Ourense is part of what we call the Camino Sanabrés or Mozarabe. It is a road that acts as a node between different points of Spain that began during the time of the Reconquista.
Pilgrims from all parts of Spain came up to go and see the Tomb of Santiago the Apostle. They usually did it to ask for something or to fulfil a promise . It is also a very important centre that had to do with the celebration of pilgrimages, as well as the enclave of monasteries that were settling according to Arab repopulation.
In fact, it received the name of the Camino Mozarabe for that reason: by the number of visitors from other parts of Spain under Muslim domination that attended it and ended up populating the area.
So then, the most well-known figure of the Camino, who is the apostle, accompanies the image of sobriety that many of the pilgrims had at that time. It is not necessary to think any less that this route of the Camino de Santiago from Ourense was strictly religious.
It was, in fact, an artery of communication for various purposes, including, of course, trade. Nor should we think that at the time of which we spoke religious uniformity was a fact: many pagan hermits who travelled these ways worshipped their own gods .
The very presence of Santiago would make these beliefs disappear at a later date.
The Camino de Santiago from Ourense with Santiago Ways
Ideal footwear for the Camino de Santiago from Ourense
Other users’ opinions about the Camino de Santiago from Ourense
Also, it is very important that you know the opinion of other users who have already tried to complete this route with us. You may see yourself reflected in your own experiences and you end up becoming another lover of the Camino de Santiago from Ourense.
Photos and videos of the Camino de Santiago from Ourense
The Camino de Santiago with Santiago Ways
Other Caminos de Santiago
- Camino Frances
- Camino Portugues
- Camino Portugues coastal route
- Camino del Norte
- Camino de Finisterre
- Camino Ingles
- Camino Primitivo
- Camino Lebaniego
- The Way of Lighthouses
- The Via de la Plata
Here you can see all the stages of the Camino de Santiago.
In Santiago Ways, we will advise you on which route of the Camino de Santiago is the best fit for you.
Other ways to complete The Camino de Santiago
- The Camino de Santiago in an organized group
- The Camino de Santiago with a dog
- The Camino de Santiago on bike
- The Camino de Santiago as a couple
- The Camino de Santiago at Easter
The quietest Caminos de Santiago
