VIA DE LA PLATA FROM OURENSE ITINERARY
DAY 1 – OURENSE
Today you will travel to Ourense city, the starting point for your Camino de Santiago adventure! It is easily accessible from Santiago de Compostela by train.
Take the opportunity to explore its lovely Old Town and many monuments including Roman bridge and As Termas hot springs. A relaxing session at one of the city’s open air thermal baths is a must; head to A Chavasqueira or Outariz.
DAY 2 – WALKING FROM OURENSE TO CEA – 22KMS
Today you start your Camino de Santiago journey in earnest, walking the Via de la Plata from Ourense, a city in the valley by the River Miño.
From the magnificent Roman ‘Old Bridge’ in Ourense, pilgrims have two options but either way there is an initial steady climb to Castro de Beiro and after a relatively flat stretch, another more gradual climb into the lovely village of San Cristovo de Cea.
Cea is famous for its crusty wholemeal artisan bread and is known as ‘the village of good bread’, a delicious treat after the day’s walk. Interesting fact: there are 20 traditional bread ovens in this village of 2000 people.
In July, the village hosts a festival dedicated to its much loved bread.
DAY 3 – WALKING FROM CEA TO CASTRO DOZON – 19KMS
You don’t have a particularly long walking day ahead but the terrain is quite hilly and with ups and downs most of the day, passing tiny hamlets along the way and the beautiful 12th century Mosteiro de Oseira Monastery.
In Castro Dozon, you will be picked up to spend the night in a lovely country home ‘casa rural’ where you will experience the best of Galicia’s country hospitality.
DAY 4 – WALKING FROM CASTRO DOZON TO ESTACION DE LALIN – 17KMS
After breakfast you will be taken back to Castro Dozon to continue your Camino journey where you left it the day before.
From Castro Dozon, the trail continues across mountainous terrain, sometimes a bit challenging and bare of vegetation; until we start the descent into Pontenoufe down in the valley and then pass a few hamlets with their chapels and farmland on our way to Estacion de Lalin.
Lalin is an important market town and home to an annual food festival dedicated to the hearty ‘Cocido’ dish.
A traditional carnival and winter dish, the main ingredients of ‘Cocido’ are different cuts of pork meat such as ribs and chorizo, served with greens, potatoes and chickpeas; all boiled, seasoned and drizzled with olive oil.
After your walk you will be transferred to your accommodation for the night.
DAY 5 – WALKING FROM ESTACION DE LALIN TO SILLEDA – 16KMS
From Estacion de Lalin to Silleda we have a short walking day of just 16kms, across rolling hills, farmland, through forests and small villages such as A Laxe and Taboada by the River Deza, on our way to Silleda.
The market town of Silleda is known in Galicia as the centre of agricultural and cattle fairs; the biggest of them being the ‘Semana Verde’, or Green Week.
DAY 6 – WALKING FROM SILLEDA TO PONTE ULLA -20KMS
From Silleda to Ponte Ulla you will be happy to know the trail is mainly downhill, through little villages, farmland and green meadows. If you haven’t done so yet, try the delicious Galician savoury pastries, empanada, in Bandeira.
Your stop for the night is Ponte Ulla, named after its bridge. The old castle in Ponte Ulla is worth a visit for its 360-degree panoramic views, Iglesia de Santa Maria da Magdalena and its detailed Romanesque facade.
DAY 7 – WALKING FROM PONTE ULLA TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA – 21KMS
Today it is a very exciting day as you will be walking into Santiago de Compostela! Only 21kms separate the village of Ponte Ulla from Santiago. There is a big climb out of Ponte Ulla, heading for Outeiro but from then on, the trail is quite easy.
You will enter Santiago de Compostela by its famous Sar River. Congratulations, you have made it! Enjoy this special moment as you savour your achievement in the Praza do Obradoiro with pilgrims from all over the world.
Remember to head to the Pilgrims Office to request your Compostela certificate.
DAY 8 – SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
Take your time to explore wonderful Santiago de Compostela, wandering the nooks and crannies of its historic old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Go for a stroll in the Alameda Park, sample Galicia’s delicious seafood and visit the Abastos market, the city’s bustling larder.
For more information and travel inspiration read our TRAVEL BLOG.
It is time to say ‘until next time!’ as you head to the airport for your flight back home.
The Via de la Plata from Ourense self guided tour is completely flexible and can be tailored to your needs, talk to our travel experts for advice.
