Overview Pilgrimage in Galizia Ourense to Santiago de Compostela Camino PR18-710: Ourense - San Cristovo de Cea - O Castro - Silleda - Ponte Ulla - Santiago de Compostela Type of travel: Individual - 7 daysDistance/difficulty: ca. 107 km, easy - mediumFare: from 530 EUR per person The Via de la Plata from Ourense to Santiago de Compostela is the final stretch of one of Spain's most captivating pilgrimage routes. This segment of the journey, covering approximately 100 kilometers, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and spiritual fulfillment. Starting in the thermal city of Ourense, known for its healing waters and impressive Roman heritage, pilgrims embark on a path that winds through the heart of Galicia. In Spanish, Via de la Plata means “Silver Road”. However, it was not the Romans who gave the road its name. The name has its origins in the folk etymology of the more recent Moorish term Bal'latta, the word for “wide paved path”. The route takes you through picturesque villages like San Cristovo de Cea, famous for its artisanal bread, and O Castro, where the green Galician landscapes truly come to life. Along the way, you'll encounter the serene Deza region, cross ancient bridges, and walk through tranquil forests like the beautiful Trasfontao. The journey culminates in the vibrant town of Santiago de Compostela, where the majestic cathedral awaits, marking the end of your pilgrimage. This section of the Via de la Plata is ideal for those seeking a shorter, yet deeply enriching pilgrimage experience, offering a perfect balance of moderate walking, historical intrigue, and the timeless tradition of the Camino. Itinerary Pilgrimage in Galizia Ourense to Santiago de Compostela Day 1: Ourense Ourense is renowned for its thermal baths, which offer numerous health benefits. However, the city also boasts a rich array of art and cultural heritage. A visit to the impressive cathedral is a must. The city is also celebrated for its excellent gastronomic offerings. Pilgrims arrive independently. Day 2: Ourense - San Cristovo de Cea (approx. 22.3 km / 5 hours) Difficulty: Medium We begin the stage at the Roman Ponte Vella bridge in Ourense, crossing the Miño River—one of Spain’s best-preserved bridges. The day starts with a steep climb. Pilgrims can choose between two routes: the traditional path through Tamallancos or an alternative route via Canedo, which shortens the stage by 1 km but involves more paved sections. The stage concludes in San Cristovo de Cea, famous for its homemade bread. Day 3: San Cristovo de Cea - O Castro (approx 18 km / 5 hours) Difficulty: High Today’s journey takes us through one of the greenest, most mountainous, and rural stages, immersing us in the quintessential Galician landscape. Adventurous pilgrims can extend the stage with a detour to visit the Oseira Monastery, a highlight of the day. The views during the climb to Oseira are spectacular. We continue to O Castro, entering the region known for being the capital of Galician stew. Day 4: O Castro - Silleda (28 km approx. 7 hours) Difficulty: Easy Leaving O Castro, we meet pilgrims from the Winter Way at Lalín and head toward Bandeira. The terrain is gentle, with minimal elevation changes. We pass through Deza, a renowned agricultural region, and cross the river of the same name. Just before reaching Silleda, we traverse the beautiful Trasfontao forest. Day 5: Silleda - Ponte Ulla (19.7 km approx. 5 hours) Difficulty: Easy We journey toward Ponte Ulla, where an asphalt descent awaits us, with no major challenges as the surface is good throughout. The route alternates between roads and some paths, making the stage generally pleasant and comfortable. Crossing the Ulla River, we enter the province of A Coruña and arrive at the tranquil town where we will spend our last night before reaching Santiago. Day 6: Ponte Ulla - Santiago de Compostela (20.9 km/ approx. 5 hours) Difficulty: Easy Gradually leaving the rural villages and forests behind, we transition into a more urban setting as we near Santiago. With only a few kilometers left to our destination, we enter the city via Ponte do Sar and proceed to Plaza do Obradoiro, where we can admire the magnificent Santiago Cathedral. Day 7: Santiago de Compostela FAQ Frequently asked questions about the Camino in France, Spain & Portugal + What services are included in this Camino Frances? Services included: Accomodation with breakfast (in either single resp. double room with shower/wc in simple to medium category)Pilgrim´s Starter Kit (Pilgrim's Guide, Pilgrim's Pass, Pilgrim's Shell, description of stages)Luggage transportation service (exclusion of luggage transport upon request)Typical galician cheese tasting in the old town of Santiago de Compostela24h emergency numberTransfers Dates: From the beginning of April until the end of October.Add-on: Camino Finisterre afterwards within about 3-4 additional days. + How long does the Camino de Santiago take? The classic "Camino Francés" in its entire length starts in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France and ends in Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Pilgrims need around 34 days to walk the approx. 780 km. We are also happy to divide your individual Camino into smaller sections, depending on your wishes. The Spanish coastal path "Camino del Norte" leads from San Sebastián along the Atlantic coast to Santiago de Compostela. We plan 39 days for the approx. 800 km. On the original "Camino primitivo", you will walk for 15 days for approx. 300 km from Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela. You can walk the last 114 km from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela in 8 days in a guided group. The Portuguese Camino from Porto to Santiago de Compostela takes 15 days and is approx. 260 km long. + Can I walk the Camino de Santiago with my dog? Unfortunately, dogs of any size are only welcome in very few accommodations in Spain. However, you can walk the last 114 km of the Camino de Santiago from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela with your dog upon request, we will be happy to create an an offer for you. + Which Camino de Santiago is best for beginners? The Portuguese Way of St James along the coast, the "Camino portugues de la costa", 15 days from Porto to Santiago de Compostela, or the last 114 kilometres from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela, which pilgrims can walk in 8 days, are both suitable for beginners. + Which on is the nicest Camino de Santiago? For pilgrims who want to walk long distances along the rugged North Atlantic coast, the Camino del Norte.For pilgrims who want to walk short distances and love the sea and beaches, the Portuguese coastal route.For pilgrims who are particularly interested in culture and historic old towns, the Portuguese inland route.For pilgrims who want a challenging Camino, definitely the Camino Primitivo.To experience the true Way of St James feeling, the Camino frances in its classic version. Apart from the coast, the Camino frances has everything to offer: challenges, spirituality, diverse landscapes, mountains, great encounters with other people. In its entirety, the Camino frances represents the real, authentic Way of St James experience. + Can I get lost on the Camino de Santiago? All routes on the Way of St James are well identified with signposts showing the typical shell, so it is very unlikely to get lost. + How fit do i need to be for the Camino de Santiago? Thanks to the many different sections you can walk, there is something for every fitness level. While some of the mountainous sections - like the route from St. Jean Pied de Port across the Pyrenees to Burgos - can certainly be a challenge for your muscles, there are also plenty of more relaxed routes, like the portuguese Camino along the coast. + How far do I have to walk on the Camino de Santiago to get the Compostela? The Compostela is a document issued to pilgrims who have completed the Camino de Santiago, the famous Way of St James that leads to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. This certificate is traditionally awarded to those who have covered at least 100 kilometres on foot or 200 kilometres by bicycle to the shrine Santiago and serves as "proof" of the pilgrimage. The issue of the Compostela is controlled by the Pilgrims' Office in Santiago de Compostela and has become a symbol of the rich cultural and religious heritage associated with the Camino de Santiago. + What should I pack for my Camino Frances? Apparel backpack (incl. rain protection): 35-50 l - max. 2 Kg/ 4.4 lbs2 pair of trekking pants: 1 convertable with zipper & 1 shorts2 shirts (functional material such as merino wool)1 long sleeve (best merino wool)2 pairs of hiking socks (compression socks are also recommended)(possibly also nylon stockings - under the hiking socks against blisters)2 functional underpantshiking boots (no sneakers)1 sweaterflipflops or crocs and/ or sandalsrain jacket & pants (or poncho) - max. 0,5 Kg/ 1.1 lbswind stoppersmall travel towelsun hatposs. swimming gear (for the camino to Fisterra, for the portugese and spanish camino along the coast) Sanitary Articles washbag (or big Zip-Lock-Bag)shower gel (small travel version)toothpaste (small travel version) & dental flosstoothbrushdisinfectant, needle & thread (best to treat blisters) or blister padsdeer cream (to prevent blisters) - 50-100 mlmagnesiumsun cream - 50-100 mldeodorantheadache pills (preferably Ibuprofen 400)razortissuestiger balm Technical Equipment headlampebook-readerphonecamerapocket knife Documents & Money pursecashcredit cardpassport (for non-europeans) or IDtrain ticketshealth insurance ID (or travel health insurance for non-europeans)emergency phone numbers of your insurance and bank Miscellaneous Pilgrim Guide & ItineraryPilgrim’s Credencialdiary & penSt. James's scallopsunglassesdrinking system (e.g. camel bag) - max. 2 lzip lock bags or 10 liter freezer bags (for the modular pack system)first aid kittrekking poles or hiking/ pilgrim stickstone as symbol (especially for the Camino Francés) + How does luggage transportation work on the Camino de Santiago? Luggage must be left at reception by 08.00 in the morning to ensure a smooth collection process. Either simply leave it there before breakfast or leave it at reception the evening before (and keep everything you need, such as a toothbrush, in your small luggage). The deliverers usually have to deliver the luggage to the next accommodation by 15:30 local time. The accommodations we book accept the luggage even if they do not open for pilgrims to check in until later. + What is the pilgrim's starter kit? You will find the pilgrim's starter kit in your first accommodation, it contains the scallop shell, the pilgrim's passport, the luggage tags and brief descriptions of each stage. You can get stamps for the pilgrim's passport in every hotel, but also in the restaurants and cafés along the way. You can get an additional stamp at places that you particularly like. Otherwise, please make sure that you get 2 stamps on every stage of the last 100 kilometres, every day. You need them to receive the Compostela at the pilgrims' office at the end. + What is the best time to walk the camino? We recommend pilgrimage in April, May, June, September and October due to the more moderate temperatures, but you can choose your travel period individually. + Are the stages of the Camino de Santiago fixed? Changes to your camino pilgrimage route according to individual wishes, such as certain stage combinations or shortenings, are possible. We will be happy to create an individual offer for you. + Can I walk the Camino de Santiago spontaneously? We are also happy to receive short notice requests and will do everything we can to make your trip possible spontaneously, although this depends on the availability of the accommodations. Otherwise, please try to book your Camino de Santiago with us 6 weeks before your desired departure date. + Is travel to the departure stage of the Camino included? The arrival at the starting point of the Camino must be arranged by travellers individually. We´d be happy to help you find a suitable train connection. Transfers to/from the train station are not included unless otherwise stated. Upon request, we would be happy to organize a transfer from/to the train station or airport (price for a maximum of 3 people with luggage). Otherwise, we recommend taking a taxi or public transport to your first (or from your last) accommodation. + How do the transfers from the airport work? If you have booked a transfer, the driver will be waiting at the airport with a sign with your name on it as soon as you come out of baggage collection. Notes Please remember to bring your ID or passport. We recommend - depending on the level of difficulty - to ensure that you are in good physical condition. Sure-footed, broken-in mountaineering boots are a must. A head for heights is also advantageous. Please note the current entry and health regulations and recommendations, as well as the health and entry regulations of your travel country. There is no minimum number of participants. The organizer of this trip is SLOWTRAVEL. Packing list Packing list for the classic french Camino, the portuguese Caminos, the Camino del Norte & Primitivo What should I pack for my Camino Frances? Apparel backpack (incl. rain protection): 35-50 l - max. 2 Kg/ 4.4 lbs2 pair of trekking pants: 1 convertable with zipper & 1 shorts2 shirts (functional material such as merino wool)1 long sleeve (best merino wool)2 pairs of hiking socks (compression socks are also recommended)(possibly also nylon stockings - under the hiking socks against blisters)2 functional underpantshiking boots (no sneakers)1 sweaterflipflops or crocs and/ or sandalsrain jacket & pants (or poncho) - max. 0,5 Kg/ 1.1 lbswind stoppersmall travel towelsun hatposs. swimming gear (for the camino to Fisterra, for the portugese and spanish camino along the coast) Sanitary Articles washbag (or big Zip-Lock-Bag)shower gel (small travel version)toothpaste (small travel version) & dental flosstoothbrushdisinfectant, needle & thread (best to treat blisters) or blister padsdeer cream (to prevent blisters) - 50-100 mlmagnesiumsun cream - 50-100 mldeodorantheadache pills (preferably Ibuprofen 400)razortissuestiger balm Technical Equipment headlampebook-readerphonecamerapocket knife Documents & Money pursecashcredit cardpassport (for non-europeans) or IDtrain ticketshealth insurance ID (or travel health insurance for non-europeans)emergency phone numbers of your insurance and bank Miscellaneous Pilgrim Guide & ItineraryPilgrim’s Credencialdiary & penSt. James's scallopsunglassesdrinking system (e.g. camel bag) - max. 2 lzip lock bags or 10 liter freezer bags (for the modular pack system)first aid kittrekking poles or hiking/ pilgrim stickstone as symbol (especially for the Camino Francés) About Cookies This website uses cookies. 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