Today is our last day, at least on this tour of the Camino Portugues. We have shared many kilometres; the tedious departure from Lisbon is now behind us, also emblematic cities such as Santarém, Coimbra or Oporto. On this stage, we will enter our final destination, Plaza del Obradoiro and the Catedral de Santiago, with the tomb of the Santiago the Apostle.
Some started with us from the first stage in Lisbon, others incorporated in Santarém or Coimbra. Some others chose points closer to Santiago, such as Oporto or Tui. To all of them, thank you for sharing this adventure with Santiago Ways!
Let’s continue on the Camino Portugues!
On this last stage, we are also accompanied by the national road N-550. Much of the journey of today runs along the asphalt, through urbanized areas. We can feel the proximity of Santiago de Compostela.
If you are thinking about walking the Camino de Santiago from Tui tell us what your plans are for the Camino de Santiago and we will contact you to advise you on everything you need.
Itinerary stage Padrón – Santiago de Compostela
Padrón (Km. 0). Beginning of stage
Practical tips for this section: If you did not take advantage of yesterday afternoon to visit the Collegiate Church of Iria Flavia, we recommend that you make a stop. Buen Camino!
We start the day heading to the Church of Santiago, where we take Calle Murgadán. Soon after, turn right on Rúa Corredoira da Barca and then, Rúa Dolores.
Straight ahead, leaving the bus station on our right, we cross the river again to reach the national road N-550. We cross it, by a pedestrian crossing, and pass by the Collegiate Church of Iria Flavia (km 1).
Then we go back to the border of the national road and cross the lanes. At Pazos, we return to the N-550 road, where we cross with great caution. We pass by Hotel Scala and after a left turn, we go through the streets of Romarís, Rueiro and Anteportas (km. 3.8).
We leave Anteportas at the 19.595 km marker stone to Santiago de Compostela and take a paved line that leads us to the nucleus of Tarrio, in the Parish of Santa Maria de Cruces. From here, we continue to the centre of Vilar and return to the N-550 road in Esclavitude.
Esclavitude (Km. 6).
Practical tips for this section: We recommend a visit to the Sanctuary of Esclavitude and its Holy Fountain. Buen Camino!
We Cross the village, passing by a sanctuary of Baroque style and the Paideia Foundation, from where we ascend to the Church of Santa Maria de Cruces. We make several turns to reach a level crossing without barriers and we go into Anguiera de Suso (km. 8.1).
A long bower shelters us until the arrival at Areal. Then we go to Picaraña (km. 9.2), retaking the company of the N-550 road.
After the centre, we walk along the hard shoulder 800 metres and leave the road by a detour to the left, which leads us to Faramello (km. 10.1).100 metres later, the pilgrim path deviates to the left and the stage becomes a bit harder. Passing several ramps, we arrive at Rúa de Francos (km. 11.3).
After the Bar-Restaurant Carboeiro we descend and then start a climb on an asphalt track to Osebe. At the road CP-0205, we cross the road to reach Casalonga. We continue on the right and then turn left on the Road to Riotinto. After crossing a stream, we enter the nucleus of Pedreira (km. 13.5).
Pedreira (Km. 13,5).
Practical tips for this section: In this section, you will face an altitude of 130 metres, for your effort on the Camino de Santiago, you are rewarded with a nice view of the Galician capital. Buen Camino!
At the exit of the village, we continue along a comfortable footpath surrounded by oaks, which has a slight ascent. We go past some groups of houses, known as Lame and Areia, and after crossing a track and through a sawmill, we reach A Grela.
From here, the pilgrim path continues to ascend the route of the road to the crossing of Porto, which welcomes us to O Milladoiro (Km. 17.3). We tour the town following the Rúa do Esquio and passing by an electrical substation.
What comes now is, perhaps, the hardest part of today’s stage: The Ascent to Agro dos Monteiros, the highest elevation on the Camino Portugues in Galicia, located at an altitude of 262 metres. From there we obtain a first panorama of Santiago de Compostela and the towers of its cathedral (km. 18.8).
We descend by an asphalted track and taking several paths that divert on the way, we arrive at Rocha Vella, of the parish of Conxo. Taking a small detour, we cross the railway and head to Ponte Vella, where we cross the River Sar (km. 20.8).
Ponte Vella (Km. 20,8).
Practical tips for this section: This stretch can be a little frustrating because we see the towers of the cathedral on the horizon and seem to be very close. Buen Camino!
From here, we go back up to cross several centres in the Parish of Conxo. In Torrente, by Rúa da Benefica, we continue to the Church of Santa María (km. 22.7).
At this point, and given the proximity of the Cathedral of Santiago, the arrows begin to disappear.
We continue along the Rúas Sánchez Freire and García Prieto and the Avenida de Villagarcía de Arousa, to reach the avenue of Rosalía de Castro and continue through to Juan Carlos I. We continue next to the Alameda Park and after a pedestrian crossing we arrive at Porta Faxeira, one of the entrances to the historic centre of Santiago de Compostela.
To get to the cathedral, take Rúa do Franco. So we arrive at the end of today’s stage and our journey of the Portuguese Way. Before our eyes open the Plaza del Obradoiro and in it stands our goal, the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
Santiago de Compostela (Km. 25,2). End of the Portuguese Camino
Practical tips for this section: The excitement of reaching our goal, the rituals associated with the arrival in Santiago and the beauty of the city require more than a day’s stay in the Galician capital.
Congratulations Pilgrim! You have completed the Camino Portugues! You have reached the end of your adventure, but like all finals, it is also just a beginning. See you soon!
In the Plaza del Obradoiro we can finally take off the backpack that has accompanied us during our journey and the satisfaction of having finally reached the tomb of Santiago the Apostle takes over.
Little by little, pilgrims arrive at the Plaza with whom we have shared kilometres on the route. Kisses, hugs and tears of emotion flood the place.
After the intense initial moments, we discover the multitude of details of the western façade of the cathedral and, little by little, we become aware of the intense experience experienced. Even if you have travelled a lot, few trips will mark us as much as we the one we have just finished.
One of the rituals performed by most pilgrims when they arrive in Santiago is to embrace the figure of the Apostle. To do this, you must go up the steps of the cathedral and join the long line that forms by the Main Altar (from 9:30 to 13:30 and from 16:00 to 19:30). From there we can go down to visit the tomb of Santiago the Apostle (from 7:00 to 20:30).
Other classical rituals are: go to the Pilgrim Mass at 12 o’clock or tap the head the statue of Maestro Mateo because they say that this increases our intelligence.
A ritual that was performed in the past, but which is currently forbidden, was to put the hand in a chiselled cavity of the base of the mullion of the Portico de la Gloria. The act was supposed to represent the unity among the pilgrims of all time.
Some prefer to deal with administrative matters rather than anything else and, as they arrive, they go to the Pilgrim’s Office in search of the Compostela. This is located in the Rúa das Cartas, 33, next to the Hostal de Los Reyes Católicos.
To get the coveted certificate, we will have to wait our turn, sometimes they form long lines, and fill out a form. At the counter, they will check our Pilgrim’s credentials, add a final stamp and give us the Compostela: An official document certifying that we have completed the Camino de Santiago (a minimum of 100 kilometres must have been travelled, if it is done on foot, and 200, if by bicycle.
We can obtain exclusively the Compostela, which is free, or to acquire the certificate of distance, which indicates the day and starting point, the kilometres travelled and the day of arrival. This certificate costs 3 euros.
If you plan to leave Santiago de Compostela on the same day, you can store your backpack in the Campus Stellae Office, next to the Clock Tower or Berengaria, located in the Plaza de las Platas (Cost: 2 euros).
From here, you can also manage shipments of material to all Spain or Europe. If you make the tour with us, remember that we also take care of these last logistical details so that you can enjoy without worrying about Santiago de Compostela.
Comments stage Padrón – Santiago de Compostela
Here are some recommendations for you to enjoy the last stage of the Camino Portugues.
Precautions stage Padrón – Santiago de Compostela
This is not a very demanding stage, but it does have some ascents, such as that of Agro dos Monteiros. However, the route can be completed without difficulty by both cyclists and people with reduced mobility.
Gastronomy stage Padrón – Santiago de Compostela
Fish, octopus and shellfish are the kings of Galician cuisine, so Santiago de Compostela is a good place to taste them. However, we must not leave Galicia without enjoying its exquisite meats.
- Many of the pilgrims celebrate their arrival at the tomb of Santiago the Apostle with a seafood platter. Some choose the specialized restaurants that are located next to the Cathedral, however, these places are more expensive than those located in other parts of the city.
- Octopus , Galician style
- Any type of fish dish.
- Galician Beef.
- Ham with Turnip Tops.
- Tarta de Santiago, made with eggs and almond flour.
- Liqeurs, made of coffe or herb.
- Queimada. (Hot Galician Liqeur)
- Ribeiro wine and better still if you drink it from the traditional cup and in traditional taverns.
Services stage Padrón – Santiago de Compostela
Meet the main health care services, cafes, ATMs, restaurants and are in this stage of the Portuguese Way of St. James.
Map stage Padrón – Santiago de Compostela
Consult the map with the route, points and towns along the stage.
Profile stage Padrón – Santiago de Compostela
Consult the profile of the stage: altitude and degree of difficulty of each section.
What to do stage Padrón – Santiago de Compostela
The best plans and visits in Santiago de Compostela you will find here, in the ‘ What to do ‘ tab.
