Camino Primitivo – Final Stretch

Take a walk through Lugo’s beautiful old quarter and along the top of the 3^rd-century Roman walls, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sampling some delicious pinchos (tapas) in the bars and restaurants of the Plaza de Santa María in the city centre is another highlight.

Overnight: Lugo

Leave Lugo through the Porta Miña, the oldest gate in the wall, and head towards the neighbourhood of San Lázaro and the old Roman bridge. Pass Santa Eulalia de Bóveda, a national monument converted into a museum housing some fascinating medieval paintings. Enjoy the rural Galician surroundings and the freshness of the air as you walk to San Román da Retorta and onwards to A Ponte Ferreria.

Overnight: A Ponte Ferreira

As its name suggests, the Camino Primitivo follows very old tracks that still serve to connect small rural villages such as Seixalvo, Xende, Ferreira and Merlan. Your stop for the night is Melide, where the Camino Primitivo joins the French Camino. Melide is famous for the number of “pulperías,” restaurants that serve Galicia’s most traditional dishes, “pulpo a la plancha,” or boiled octopus.

Overnight: Melide

Your shortest stage crosses several streams and follows a forest trail, bringing you to the village of Boente, the pretty medieval hamlet of Ribadiso and finally the town of Arzúa, famous for its local cheese. By now, you will be well used to the rhythms of the Camino, the quiet moments of reflection interwoven with exuberant discussions that so often shorten the journey.

Overnight: Arzúa

After your night in Arzúa, the Camino will take you through hamlets and farmlands, up and down shallow river valleys, and through forests of eucalyptus, pine and deciduous trees. Along these last stages of the Camino, the number of walkers increase, and it is always nice to meet pilgrims from every corner of the world. Follow a mix of country backroads and forest tracks as far as Pedrouzo where you can relax and look forward to your final day of walking.

Overnight: Pedrouzo

Leave Pedrouzo and follow a country wooded track towards the hamlet of Amenal. The Camino continues along quiet roads and rivers until a path lined with rows of tall eucalyptus trees leads you to the pilgrim complex overlooking Santiago de Compostela known as Monte do Gozo (Mount of Joy). Descend through the outskirts of the city, then weave through the narrow streets of the old town until you reach Plaza do Obradoiro and beautiful Santiago Cathedral. Now it’s time to relax and explore this magnificent spiritual and cultural city, the goal of every pilgrim from medieval times right up to today.

Overnight: Santiago de Compostela

Time to relax and enjoy all the things this wonderful city has to offer. You may like to reflect on your journey in the magnificent Cathedral, where you can also visit the shrine containing the relics of the Apostle Saint James. Exploring the narrow cobbled streets of the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sampling some local dishes, and kicking back in a terraza are other popular activities, not to mention a fitting reward for all that walking.

Overnight: Santiago de Compostela

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the end of your Via de la Plata adventure. See you next time!