Camino del Norte Stage 5 - Ribadeo to Santiago

Arrive early enough to explore the nearby beach of As Catedrais or within the city itself, the Plaza de Espana.

You will begin your varied walking day at the historic Plaza de España. Soon, you will leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind you and immerse yourself in quiet residential neighbourhoods and open landscapes. The route winds through small villages such as Cubelas and Vilela, providing a peaceful experience away from the busier coastal areas.This stage is not particularly demanding physically, but its secluded location makes it a particularly tranquil and reflective experience.

En route, you will encounter classic Galician landscapes of rolling hills, scattered farmhouses and long stretches of tranquil countryside. The stage ends in Vilamartín Grande at the small chapel of the Virgen del Carmen, which is the perfect place to end the day. Here a transfer will pick you up and bring you back to Ribadeo. 

Ascent: 585m (1,919ft) / Descent: 297m (974ft)

A transfer will take you back to Villamartin-Grande before you head even further into the mountains. Initially, you will walk through quiet rural areas, passing fields, rolling hills and scattered farms. The route mostly follows small country roads and easily accessible paths, passing through villages such as Gondán and Lourenzá, where you will encounter glimpses of traditional Galician life.

Lourenzá, in particular, with its monastery and old houses, is the perfect place to take a short break. As you approach Mondoñedo, you will notice a gradual transition to a more urban environment, though the rural charm remains. The crowning glory of this stage is arriving in the square in front of Mondoñedo Cathedral, a quiet and dignified place that exudes history.

Ascent: 472m (1,548ft) / Descent: 673m (2,208ft)

Today's walk takes you from the historic town of Mondoñedo, home to an impressive cathedral, out into the green, gently undulating Galician countryside. After climbing through narrow alleyways and quiet side roads, you arrive in a rural area dotted with small villages nestled amongst meadows, fields and forests. The idyllic Valiñadares valley comes into view repeatedly, and sometimes you can hear the gentle babbling of the river.

En route, you will pass through charming villages such as Lousada, San Xusto and Gontán, where life seems to move at a slower pace. Once you arrive in Abadín, a small town with Galician charm greets you, and you will feel closer to reaching your destination. Here your taxi awaits you and bring you back to Mondoñedo.

Ascent: 573m (1,879ft) / Descent: 198m (649ft)

A morning transfer will bring you back to Abadín where you continue your Camino. You will walk along narrow paths and quiet country roads, passing through forests, meadows, and small hamlets that offer a glimpse into rural life in this region. 

The route is mostly quiet and pleasant with no major climbs, making it ideal for enjoying nature and pausing for a moment. You will also come across old stone bridges, small chapels and lovingly tended front gardens along the way. As you approach Vilalba, the surroundings become increasingly urban until you finally reach the historic centre and the Plaza de Santa María.

Ascent: 175m (574ft) / Descent: 232m (761 ft)

As you walk along quiet paths, you pass traditional houses and green fields, and you may find yourself passing through small forests. The path crosses the country road several times and winds under motorway bridges, yet it never loses its rural tranquility. En route, you pass the small church of San Juan de Alba and finally arrive in the charming village of Baamonde.

After crossing the clear River Parga, the pretty Chapel of San Alberte provides the perfect spot for a short break. The final section winds through shady forest paths to an idyllic rest area in Seixón, from where it is a short distance to Seixón de Abaixo. There, you can catch the transfer to Friol, which provides a relaxing end to a scenically varied and peaceful stage.

Ascent: 310m (1,017ft)/ Descent: 306m (1,003ft)

After a short transfer in the morning from Friol, your walk begins in the small hamlet of Seixón de Abaixo, right next to the rural restaurant O Cruceiro. From here, the trail initially follows a quiet country road before leading you along an idyllic path through meadows and sparse forests towards Miraz. In Miraz, you will see traditional Galician stone houses and experience the peaceful way of life in a village that has welcomed pilgrims for centuries.

The route continues along small roads and country lanes through gently undulating countryside with sweeping views of green valleys. Shortly before reaching your destination, the view opens up to reveal the serene Lagoa de Sobrado, a natural paradise and oasis of tranquillity. The final section leads to the historic village of Sobrado dos Monxes, where the impressive Cistercian monastery of Santa María de Sobrado awaits, providing the perfect conclusion to this stage of the journey.

Ascent: 416m (1,364ft) / Descent: 414m (1,358ft)

Your day starts at the impressive Cistercian monastery in Sobrado. After leaving the town behind, you will soon find yourself immersed in rural tranquillity, walking past small hamlets, dense forests and wide meadows. En route, you pass the village of Boimorto, where you can take a short break.

With every step, you get closer to the busier town of Arzúa, a popular destination for pilgrims on the more famous Camino Francés route. The transition from quiet seclusion to lively pilgrimage is what makes this stage so special. Finally, the Church of Santiago de Arzúa awaits you in the heart of the town.

Ascent: 241m (790ft)  / Descent: 357m (1,171ft)

The journey from Arzúa to Rúa is a scenic and short stretch, blending natural beauty with rustic charm. This peaceful segment of the Camino Francés winds through forests and villages, building anticipation for the final walk to Santiago. Along the way, visit the medieval shrine of Santa Irene, dedicated to a Portuguese martyr, and admire its baroque fountain said to have healing waters. This tranquil walk is a soothing and inspiring part of your pilgrimage.

Ascent: 259m (849ft) / Descent: 390m (1,279ft)

The stage from Rúa to Santiago is the last stage of the Camino Francés, taking pilgrims from the village of Rúa, through wooded landscapes to the “Mount of Joy” of Monte do Gozo, from where the towers of Santiago Cathedral come into view.

First the Camino leads to San Paio and Lavacolla, where it was traditional for pilgrims to wash themselves in the river before reaching Santiago. The final kilometres of your walk take you through the beautiful streets of Santiago before you arrive at the Plaza del Obradoiro, where the majestic cathedral welcomes pilgrims at the end of their spiritual and physical journey.

Ascent: 328m (1,076ft)/ Descent: 359m (1,177ft)

Book an additional night in Santiago to enjoy this wonderful city and spectacular cathedral and also enjoy the Pilgrims mass. Or head back to the airport for your flight home.