Whether you are one of those pilgrims who, having travelled hundreds of kilometres along one of the Camino de Santiago routes, you have arrived at the Plaza del Obradoiro and have not been able to contain your impulse to continue walking, as if you have decided to start your journey from Santiago de Compostela, thank you for sharing this adventure with us.
Let’s start on the Camino de Finisterre!
The extension of the Camino de Santiago to Finisterre has been a reference for pilgrims throughout history.
The stone rock that is immersed in it, once known as ‘The End of the Earth’, remains the epilogue that tries to close off our open reflection during the pilgrimage; the last chance to find the answers that the earlier kilometres have not been able to answer.
Leaving the city of the apostle is a route of great beauty, full of charming villages and mountains full of eucalyptus and pine trees.
Crossing the Roman bridge of the River Tambre, we will enter the town that concludes the first stage of the Camino de Finisterre, Negreira.
If you are thinking of doing the Camino de Santiago from Compostela to Finisterre or Muxía, tell us what your plans are for the Camino de Santiago, and we will contact you to advise you on everything that you need.
Itinerary stage Santiago de Compostela – Negreira
The first stage on the Camino de Finisterre is a 21-kilometre route from the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela to Negreira. The path has frequent but moderate slopes.
The biggest challenge is the climb to the Alto do Mar de Ovellas pass, with an ascent that starts in Augapesada. The 215-metre slope is crossed in just two kilometres of travel.
Santiago de Compostela (km. 0). Beginning of Camino de Finisterre
Practical tips for this section: The exit from the Plaza del Obradoiro is not well signposted. In Rúa das Hortas there are some yellow arrows, but they are worn out and it is easy for them to go unnoticed.
Remember, you have to follow that street straight ahead. If you have doubts, the reference you must ask for is the Carballeira de San Lorenzo, there you will find the first marker.
The good news is that the exit of Santiago de Compostela, unlike the entrance, is found quickly and comfortably. Buen Camino!
We start the Camino de Finisterre from the place that saw us arrive sweaty and excited, in front of the silent witness of thousands of hugs and tears, the majestic Cathedral of Santiago.
From there we take the Rúa das Hortas, between the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos and the Pazo de Raxoi.
We descend the street, passing next to the Church of San Fructuoso and continue by its extension, Rúa Campo das Hortas.
We cross over a pedestrian crossing and continue straight on by Rúa do Cruceiro do Galo, which then transforms into Poza de Bar and then San Lourenzo. This one takes us to Carballeira de San Lorenzo, immersed in an oak wood.
Next we find the first pilgrim stone marker that announces the distances to Fisterra (Finisterre) and Muxía. By one of the walks through the oaks, we reach Costa do Cano and go down to Ponte Sarela, to cross the river.
A narrow path leads to a track that goes to Sarela da Baixo (km. 2,3), from where, if the day is clear, we can again delight in the image of Santiago Cathedral.
Sarela da Baixo (km. 2,3).
Practical tips for this section: The viewpoint in Quitáns is a good point to make a stop, before saying goodbye to the Council of Santiago. Buen Camino!
At the 86,722 marker we turn right and continue advancing along a path that runs under some eucalyptus. The path leads to single-family homes in Moas de Abaixo (Km 3.6), in the Parrish of Santa María de Figueiras.
We leave the small village by a track on the left and continue on asphalt to Carbadall (km. 4.5), in the Parish of Villestro.
We leave the town by a path uphill, stony first, and a dirt track afterwards, dotted with eucalyptus.
We descend along a paved track and, at the marker 82,306, we enter the village of Quintáns (km. 7.1), with colourful houses and a great viewpoint over the valley.
After several changes of direction, we leave the centre and over a straight asphalt road, we reach the medieval bridge over the River Roxos.
We immediately enter Alto do Vento (km. 8.8). In this place we leave behind the Council of Santiago and enter that of Ames.
Alto do Vento (km. 8,8).
Practical tips for this section: The ascent to Alto do Mar de Ovellas faces 215 metres of elevation. It should be done little by little, especially at the beginning of the climb, which is the hardest part.
Since this initial section does not have good terrain, cyclists are advised to make the climb following the road layout. Buen Camino!
We follow the pavement on the AC-453 road and in next to no time, we find ourselves in the neighbouring village of Ventosa, the first place in the Parish of Covas. We leave the road to cross the town. Later we cross it and then return to it, in Lombao.
Following the AC-453 road, we ignore the detours to Bertamirans, Ameixenda and Castelo, and we are descending. We leave the road, we then pass next to the bridge over the Rego dos Pasos, and we arrive at Augapesada (km 11.6).
After crossing the CP-0204 road, and following the route of the Camino Real, we start the big ascent of the day, the ascent to Mar de Ovellas, which has an elevation of 215 metres. We advance on a climb surrounded by oaks, following a path.
Reaching a water tank, we go out onto the road. We follow the route of the road for 800 metres until we reach the Alto do Mar de Ovellas pass (km 13.8). By the same road we go down to Carballo (km. 14,2) and Trasmonte (km. 15).
Trasmonte (km. 15).
Practical tips for this section: There are a few kilometres left to the end of today’s stage, in this section you will find various places of interest, don’t be in a hurry to arrive and don’t hesitate to stop. Buen Camino!
Shortly afterwards we cross the centre of Reino (km. 15.5) and Burgueiros (km. 16.2). The asphalt leads us to Ponte Vella, over the River Tambre, which divides the town of Ponte Maceira in two and marks the separation between the Council of Ames and that of Negreira.
On the other side of the bridge, we find the Chapel of Carmen (or San Brais) and on your right the Pazo de Baladrón. We leave behind the village of Ponte Maceira (km. 17), by a wooded path that runs close to the river.
We go onto the AC-450 road through which we enter Barca (km. 19,1).
We leave the road by a detour on the left and go up a track to the hamlet of A Chancela (km. 20,2). We continue straight ahead and we immediately reach our destination today, Negreira (km. 21).
Negreira (km. 21). End of stage
Practical tips for this section: Be sure to visit the Town Hall in search of the local coat of arms that reflects the legend of Ponte Maceira. See you tomorrow!
Negreira is an almost obligatory stop for all those who make their way to the End of the World. There, you will find all kinds of services and some attractions, such as the Pazo de Cotón and the Chapel of San Mauro.
It is also advisable to visit the Town Hall, where you can observe the shield that gathers the legend about the transfer of the remains of Santiago the Apostle, which occurred in Ponte Maceira.
The pilgrim monument, the emigrant monument, as well as the river walk are also of interest.
Comments stage Santiago de Compostela – Negreira
Here, we tell you how to get to Santiago de Compostela, in case you start your journey from there, and we give you some recommendations for the first stage of the Camino de Finisterre.
How to get to Santiago de Compostela – Negreira
Santiago de Compostela has both a train and bus station, both of which have regular lines linking the Galician capital with the main Spanish cities.
There are also several lines linking the heart of Galicia with European countries, such as Germany, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Holland, Portugal and Romania.
Another option to arrive in Santiago de Compostela is to take a flight from your airport.
It is the most important terminal in Galicia, so it has frequent connections to both Spanish cities and international destinations.
Remember that if you don’t want to worry about travel and accommodation during this mystical tour, you can get in contact with us and we will organise everything for you.
Precautions stage Santiago de Compostela – Negreira
The beginning of the Camino de Finisterre can be somewhat confusing, as the signals in Rúa das Hortas are worn out and are easy to go unnoticed.
The first marker appears in the oak trees by the Carballeira de San Lorenzo. If you get lost, ask for this place and you’ll have no trouble finding your way from there.
Regarding the route, the first stage of the Camino de Finisterre does not present great difficulties, except for the ascent to the Alto do Mar de Ovellas pass that has an altitude of 215 metres.
The first part of the climb is the hardest, then the path merges with the road layout and the asphalt helps to cope with the slope.
Cyclists are advised to make this ascent on the road, especially in rainy weather, when the ground may be muddy.
Although people with reduced mobility can complete the ascent along the route described in this itinerary, in case of finding mud on the path, it is safest to advance on the asphalt to avoid falls.
Food stage Santiago de Compostela – Negreira
We suggest some dishes to enjoy the gastronomy in the Councils of Ames and Negreira.
- Roast Beef
- Baked Monkfish
- Lamb Chops
- Empanadas
- Baked hake
- Grilled meats
- Free-range Chicken, Stewed or Roast
- Cod, Galician Style or Baked
- Octopus, Galician Style
- Almond Tart
- Easter Cake
- Cream Biscuits
Services stage Santiago de Compostela – Negreira
Get to know the main healthcare services, cafes, ATMs and restaurants that are located on this stage of the Camino de Finisterre.
Map stage Santiago de Compostela – Negreira
Check the map with the route and locations that the stage runs through.
Profile stage Santiago de Compostela – Negreira
Find out about the profile, altitude and degree of difficulty on each section.
What to do on the stage Santiago de Compostela – Negreira
Here we provide you with some information about the places of interest that will come your way on this first stage of the Camino de Finisterre.
Ponte Vella o Ponte Maceira
Ponte Vella, or Ponte Maceira, is located between the Councils of Ames and Negreira, very close to Santiago de Compostela.
The complex consists of the so-called A Ponte Vella, with the Pazo de Baladrón, the Chapel of San Brais, several granaries and stone mills.
Between the 12th and 14th centuries, at the wish of the Mitra Compostelana, a new bridge was erected over the foundations of the original bridge, which, in the 18th century, was renovated.
This new passage over the river consists of five arches made of stone and others slightly smaller, with a pointed vault and a width of three metres.
The Chapel of Brais dates back to the 17th century. With regard to the mills, it is worth noting that these were used by the local people from surrounding places.
For their use, it was necessary to obtain authorization, by paying a fee to the miller. Today, one of the mills hosts a restaurant.
Pazo de Albariña
El Pazo de Albariña is located on the banks of the River Tambre, near Ponte Vella. The Pazo is also known as Pazo de Chancela or Casa do Capitán.
The construction has an L-frame and features a tower in good condition. The building was rehabilitated and a gallery was added that gives greater visibility to the garden.
Negreira
The town of Negreira has a population of almost 7,000 inhabitants and is within the metropolitan area of Santiago de Compostela, in the region of La Barcala.
The town of Negreira is a getaway for all those who work in Santiago de Compostela, looking for a nearby residence, on the outskirts of the city.
The village is quite marked by the presence of the River Tambre and the Camino de Santiago.
In fact, on its shield, which can be seen at the front of the current Town Hall, appears the image of Ponte Maceira, split in half, a clear reference to the legend collected in the Codex Calixtinus.
In the village, you can visit the Town Hall, separate monuments to the pilgrim and the migrant, as well as the river promenade. You can also see the Pazo de Cotón and the Chapel of San Mauro.
Pazo de Cotón y Capilla de San Mauro
The Pazo de Cotón rises next to the San Mauro road, on the old Camino Real.
The date of its construction is not known exactly, given the large number of renovations that the construction has undergone, to which several subsequent elements have been added. However, it is known to date back to medieval times.
Regarding its architecture, the pieces embedded to the cylindrical-shaped towers, from the 18th and 19th centuries, which can be seen in the central part of the Pazo, all stand out.
Access to the Stone Gallery, located at the top, is via a Baroque-style staircase.
The Chapel of Mauro is a temple from the 18th century, and which opened in 1860. Its structure consists of three naves, separated by pillars.
Inside, it houses an altarpiece, in neo-Gothic style, dating from 1940, and images of San Amaro and Santa Lucia.
Next to the Pazo de Cotón and the Chapel of San Mauro, a travelling fair, which dates back to the 18th century, is held every Sunday of the year.
Edificio consistorial
At the front of the Town Hall building you can see the coat of arms of Negreira, which refers to a myth from the Roman era.
According to this legend, as told in the Codex Calixtinus, the disciples who moved the remains of Santiago the Apostle had to ask the governor for permission to cross the passage.
He denied them clearance and ordered their arrest. The prisoners managed to escape with the help of an angel.
It is said that, being chased by the soldiers, as they passed Ponte Maceira, they were about to be captured.
However, the miracle was worked when, after crossing the bridge, it sank, and with it, dragged down all the soldiers who were chasing them.
Monumento al caminante
The monument to the walker in Negreira is a homage to all pilgrims who cross the town, heading for the End of the World.
Monumento al emigrante
The monument to the emigrant is located next to the Pazo de Cotón, in Negreira. The work was completed as a tribute to all those who were forced to emigrate.
It refers to the difficulties encountered by all those locals, who were forced to abandon both their families and their land, in search of a better life.
Paseo fluvial
The Negreira River Promenade is a route of almost two kilometres that connects the town with the Refugio de Covas. The promenade consists of a pedestrian path and several paths over the dams.
The creation of the promenade was accompanied by the restoration of some of the mills found in its vicinity, such as Os Castros or Vilachán.
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