Sanabrés Way from Ourense to Santiago de Compostela: 6 stages

Information about the trip: Sanabrés Way from Ourense to Santiago de Compostela: 6 stages

This section of the Camino de Santiago along the final stretch of the Silver Route or Vía de la Plata is probably the most beautiful of all the “last 100km” to Santiago de Compostela.
The Sanabrés Route or Camino Sanabrés is an alternative to do the Saint James Way and is considered as a continuation of the Silver Route.
Upon reaching the town of Granja de Moreruela, near Zamora, pilgrims from Seville and Merida have two alternatives to continue on to Santiago. The first is to continue along the Via de la Plata to Astorga, whilst the second is to leave the Vía de la Plata and turn onto the Sanabrés Route to the province of Ourense.
Make your choice and walk with us.

This itinerary covers the last 100km of the Silver Route. The minimum required to apply for your “Compostela” certificate.

Travel itinerary (Summary)

DAY 1: Arrival to Ourense
DAY 2: Stage 1, Ourense, San Cristovo de Cea 21,2 km 3/5
DAY 3: Stage 2, San Cristovo de Cea, Castro Dozón 14,5 km 2/5
DAY 4: Stage 3, Castro Dozón, Lalín 17 km 2/5
DAY 5: Stage 4, Lalín, Silleda 15,7 km 1/5
DAY 6: Stage 5, Silleda, Ponte Ulla 19,7 km 2/5
DAY 7: Stage 6, Ponte Ulla, Santiago De Compostela 20,9 km 1/5
DAY 8: Return

Travel itinerary (Detailed)

ProgramDAY
1

Arrival to Ourense

109 km/ 68 mi separate the start of this itinerary from Santiago de Compostela, the final destination.
Fill in your pilgrim’s passport and explore this city.
Ourense’s old quarter has a beautiful 12th century cathedral and lively pedestrian streets with many bars and restaurants, where you can sample Galicia’s traditional cuisine and the local wine.
ProgramDAY
2

Stage 1, from Ourense to San Cristovo de Cea

Distance : 21,2 km Difficulty : 3/5

Breakfast and start of the stage. You will start your Camino in the city of Ourense and head towards Cea, a village known for its famous bread, ”Pan de Cea”.
The first stage is the most challenging, with a steady climb.
You will go past the village of Tamallancos with its Church of Our Lady and Baroque ”pazo” (country house). After Sobreira, you will come to the 13th century bridge over the River Barbantiño.
ProgramDAY
3

Stage 2, from San Cristovo de Cea to Castro Dozón

Distance : 14,5 km Difficulty : 2/5

Breakfast and start of the stage. Today you will walk along shaded country paths on your way to the 13th century Monastery of Oseira.
You will then continue along a very quiet country road until you reach the village of Dozón, crossing into the province of Pontevedra.
At the end of the stage, you will be transferred to Cea, staying overnight in a cottage.
ProgramDAY
4

Stage 3, from Castro Dozón to Lalín

Distance : 17 km Difficulty : 2/5

Breakfast and start of the stage. After your transfer back to Dozon, the day starts with a climb to the top of a hill with amazing views.
You will go past farmlands and hamlets on your walk through the countryside until you reach Lalín.
ProgramDAY
5

Stage 4, from Lalín to Silleda

Distance : 15,7 km Difficulty : 1/5

Breakfast and start of the stage. Today is a short stage made up of gentle slopes through farmland, woodland and villages.
As we leave Lalin, the day starts with a climb to Botos before continuing on through several villages. The stage ends in Silleda, a modern town with all the necessary facilities.
ProgramDAY
6

Stage 5, from Silleda to Ponte Ulla

Distance : 19,7 km Difficulty : 2/5

Breakfast and start of the stage. Starting with an easy stroll towards Bandeira, a town famous for its empanadas (Galician pies), the stage continues downhill through farmlands and villages.
Just before the descent to Ponte Ulla, take a visit around the old castle and its 360-degree panoramic views.
ProgramDAY
7

Stage 6, from Ponte Ulla to Santiago De Compostela

Distance : 20,9 km Difficulty : 1/5

Breakfast and start of the stage. The last stage to Santiago approaches the city from one of the quietest directions.
The last few kilometres to Santiago still reflect the rural atmosphere of Galicia and it is sometimes difficult to believe you are so close to such an attractive city.
Finally, you reach Santiago and its world-famous Cathedral.
ProgramDAY
8

Return

Take time to explore this gem of a city, which is small yet vibrant. In Santiago, you will find not only pilgrims but also locals and students, enjoying a few bites and glasses of wine in the many bars, restaurants and cozy cafés.

Included

7 nights in handpicked hotels and inns, all with en-suite accommodation, on a bed and breakfast basis.
Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel: 1 bag max. 20kg/ 44 lbs per person.
Travel insurance.
Credencial (Pilgrim's passport)
Maps and tracks of the stages.
Telephone assistance (English-speaking)