Welcome! Camino Francés guide under development. Please check back regularly!
LEAVING O PEDROUZO
19.7km to Santiago de Compostela
You will experience a wide range of emotions today, from sadness that the Camino is ending to jubilation at reaching Santiago, where you will perhaps be met by waiting friends or relatives. For some, the walk will be done, and it will be time to go home. Others will walk onto Finisterre. Either way, it will be a day for reflection and never more so as you reach Monté Gozo, where you get your first view of the city of Santiago de Compostela and the Cathedral itself. I recommend that you try to enjoy every step today!
Be careful when leaving O Pedrouzo, as many people make the mistake of following the main road. The Camino is, in fact, slightly to the north of the main street, and the easiest way to regain it is to find the Casa de Concello (town hall), keep it on your right and walk north from the main street for a short way on the Rúa de Concello before turning left to regain the walk.
Today, you will walk through leafy lanes and woods while skirting the airport, eventually passing through the outskirts of Santiago and into the old town. It is quite a varied and interesting walk, and as you have come to expect, there are plenty of places to stop for refreshments.
⬇︎3.1km (16.6km) Amenal 🍽️ 🛏️
Here, you pass under the road and start a steady climb up through the forest to the airport's boundary, where you get an interesting view of the runway and any arriving or departing aeroplanes.
- Hotel Amenal , C. Amenal, 12, +34 981 510 431, http://www.hotelamenal.com
⬇︎4.1km (12.5km) San Payo 🍽️ 🛏️
- Last 12km Guesthouse, Lugar San Paio 22A +34 619 904 743
⬇︎2.3km (10.2km) Lavacolla 🍽️ 🛏️
If you walk down the stairs here to visit one of the bars, the easiest way to regain the Camino is to walk back up afterwards. The alternative is to leave by the busy road, which does not have much pavement.
- Albergue A Fábrica, Lavacolla, 55, +34 681 075 647
- Albergue Lavacolla, Lavacolla, 35, +34 638 161 086, http://www.alberguelavacolla.com
- Casa de Amancio, Lugar Vilamaior, 9, +34 981 89 70 86, http://casadeamancio.com
- Hostal San Paio, Lavacolla, +34 981 888 205, http://www.hostalsanpaio.com
- Hotel Garcas, C. Naval, 2, +34 981 888 225, http://www.hotelgarcas.com
- Hotel Ruta Jacobea, Lavacolla, 41, +34 981 888 211, http://www.rjacobea.es/hotel/
- La Concha, Lavacolla, 1, +34 981 88 83 90
- Pazo Xan Xordo, Xan Xordo, 6, +34 981 888 259, http://www.pazoxanxordo.com
- Pension Xacobeo Lavacolla, Lugar Esquipa, 3, +34 608 363 658
- Pensión Dorotea, Lavacolla, 4, +34 619 424 969
⬇︎5.1km (5.1km)San Marcos 🍽️ 🛏️
You now have a 5km walk to San Marcos, up the final hill of any significance, through the small village of Vilamaior and past the Televisión de Galicia (TVG) studios.
- Hotel Akelarre, Av. San Marcos, 37, +34 981 552 689, http://akelarrehotel.com
⬇︎0.4km (4.7km) Monte Gozo 🍽️ 🛏️
Monte do Gozo, which translates to "Mount of Joy" in English, is about 4.7 kilometres from Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain. It is significant as the first place along the Camino de Santiago (the Way of St. James), where pilgrims catch sight of the spires of the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, the final destination of their pilgrimage.
It used to feature a large monument commemorating Pope John Paul II's visit in 1989 when he celebrated Mass there during his pilgrimage to Santiago. Sadly, this has now been removed. However, there is a park, and you will get your first glimpse of the Cathedral. The small Chapel of San Marcos may be the last opportunity to get a stamp.
- Albergue de Peregrinos del Monte do Gozo, Rúa do Gozo, 18, +34 981 558 942
- Gran Hotel Los Abetos, Rúa de San Lázaro, s/n, 15820, https://granhotellosabetos.com/
- Hotel Santiago Apóstol, Costa de San Marcos, 1, +34 981 557 155 http://www.santiagoapostolhotel.com
- Albergue Privado Monte do Gozo, Rua Do Gozo, 18, 15820 Santiago de Compostela, +34 881 255 386, https://www.montedogozo.com/pt/o-albergue/, montedogozo@montedogozo.com
And now, the final walk into Santiago de Compostela.
You pass down the hill, across the motorway on a footbridge, and find yourself on the city's outskirts. The signs are apparent, and you will almost certainly feel a sense of excitement, trepidation and perhaps even fear of what it will feel like to arrive finally.
You enter the old town through the Porta do Camiño, walking through narrow paved streets full of atmosphere. You may hesitate when you reach the Plaza de Cervantes, a busy and almost triangular "square." The arrows are not immediately apparent, but you must turn right.
You will soon pass through the Praza da Inmaculada (Azabachería) with the Cathedral on the left and the seminary and monastery, the Baroque Abbey of San Martín Pinario on the right. This is an excellent place to sit and watch the world go by, but for now, continue underneath the archway ahead, where there is often a welcoming Galician bagpipe (gaita) player adding to the atmosphere and into the Plaza de Obradoiro where the full splendour of the Cathedral awaits. You have reached your destination!
Bien hecho!
⬇︎4.7km (0km) Santiago de Compostela 🍽️ 🛏️ 🛒➕🚌 🚆 🏧
ABOUT SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
ABOUT SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
ABOUT SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA - A BRIEF INTROUCTION
Santiago de Compostela, often simply referred to as Santiago, is the vibrant capital of the autonomous community of Galicia. This historic city traces its roots to the revered shrine of Saint James the Great, now enshrined within the magnificent Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. It serves as the culminating point of the renowned Way of St. James pilgrimage route.
Recognising its rich cultural and historical heritage, the Old Town of Santiago de Compostela was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 1985. This designation acknowledges the city's exceptional preservation of its medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and centuries-old traditions.
At its core, "Santiago" emerges as the local Galician rendition of the Vulgar Latin phrase Sanctus Iacobus, translating to "Saint James." This linguistic evolution embodies the deep-rooted connection between the city and its patron saint, Saint James the Great.
Delving further into the etymology of "Compostela," various theories and legends abound, each weaving a different narrative of its origins. According to one popular legend, "Compostela" traces its roots to the Latin phrase Campus Stellae, meaning "field of the star." However, sceptics question whether this phrase could naturally evolve into the modern "Compostela" through the typical linguistic transformations from Latin to Medieval Galician. Alternative etymologies propose different interpretations of the name's origins. Some suggest deriving from the Latin word compositum, while others point to the local Vulgar Latin expression Composita Tella, signifying a "burial ground." Another theory posits a more straightforward explanation, attributing the name to the Latin term compositella, meaning "the well-composed one."
Roman Catholics believe that the remains of Saint James found their final resting place in Galicia after being lost for eight hundred years. Guided by the celestial glow of a bright star, Pelagius the Hermit, a humble shepherd, stumbled upon the burial site in what was then known as Mount Libredon. His miraculous discovery, swiftly reported to Bishop Theodemir of Iria, set into motion a chain of events that would shape the destiny of Santiago de Compostela.
In honour of Saint James, a magnificent cathedral rose upon the sacred ground where his remains were purportedly unearthed. This legend, steeped in miracles and divine intervention, not only bolstered the Catholic faithful during the Crusades against the Moors but also fueled the growth and prosperity of the burgeoning city.
Today, Santiago de Compostela is a testament to its past, with architectural gems adorning its streets and squares. Along the western side of the Praza do Obradoiro, the elegant 18th-century Pazo de Raxoi stands in silent grandeur, now serving as the city hall. Across the square, the Hostal dos Reis Católicos, founded as a pilgrims' hospice in 1492 by the Catholic Monarchs, offers a glimpse into Santiago's medieval hospitality.
The towering presence of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, with its iconic Obradoiro façade, dominates the skyline and is a focal point for pilgrims and visitors alike. Radiating from the historic centre, narrow winding streets wind through centuries-old buildings, while the newer parts of the city boast modern amenities amidst pockets of traditional charm.
Places to visit include:
- Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela Pilgrim's Mass currently 07:30 am. 9:30 am., 12:00 noon, 7:30 pm. Enter through the door in Praza das Praterías and note that backpacks or large bags are not permitted for security reasons.
- 16th century Baroque Abbey of San Martín Pinario This is the monastery and seminary you pass on your right, just before you pass under the archway and into the square. Visitors entrance to the very far right.
- The Pilgrim's Museum is FREE, very interesting, and has views of the cathedral opposite from the top floor.
- Pazo de Raxoi – city hall and office of the President of the Xunta of Galicia
- The Mercado de Abastos, Santiago de Compostela
- 12th century Colexiata de Santa María do Sar
PRACTICALITIES
Santiago de Compostela boasts a remarkably mild climate. However, its spring, winter and autumn months are often characterised by heavy rainfall due to its proximity to the prevailing winds from Atlantic low-pressure systems.
Pilgrim's Reception Office, Santiago de Compostela
1000-1800 Daily, Except Christmas Day or New Year's Day
It is located on Rúa das Carretas, accessed from the Praza do Obradorio via Rúa Costa do Cristo.
15705 Santiago de Compostela
Tel.: +34 981 568 846
oficinadelperegrino@catedraldesantiago.es
botafumeiro@catedraldesantiago.es
credencialesperegrinos@catedraldesantiago.es
The Pilgrim’s Reception Office is operated by the Cathedral Church of the Archdiocese of Santiago de Compostela and extends a warm welcome to all pilgrims arriving in the city. It is here that you will receive your final stamp of the Cathedral of Santiago on your official pilgrim credencial, as well as your traditional certificate known as the Compostela,
To qualify, you must have completed at least the final 100km on foot or 200km on a bicycle and collected at least two stamps per day for those qualifying kilometres.
The Pilgrim Office gets very busy and has an electronic queuing system. That said, it is very efficient and, in my experience, friendly and welcoming. You can pre-register online here.
https://oficinadelperegrino.com/en/sigle-register/.
English Mass at the Pilgrim's Reception Office:
A Mass in English is said every day (except Wednesdays at 10:30 am in the Pilgrim’s Office Chapel. (To the left as you go through the front door).
Additionally, the Camino Companions caminocompanions@gmail.com
offer a Camino Reflection for individuals or groups after the 1030 Mass. Highly recommended if you are struggling to make sense of your arrival in Santiago or want to share your experience with others.
Airport: Santiago de Compostela Airport is a vital gateway to the region, catering to domestic and international flights. The airport bus service is 6A and offers a regular and reliable service for about €1. Details of the times are here.
Railway: Santiago de Compostela railway station provides convenient access to the city via the Spanish High-Speed Railway Network (book direct or through Trainline). Thanks to the efficient rail connections, travellers can reach the bustling capital of Madrid in just three hours. Porto, a charming city in neighbouring Portugal, is also accessible within a five-hour journey. Passengers can transfer to the Celta train in Vigo to complete the final leg of their journey, enjoying scenic views along the way.
With its well-connected airport and rail services.
Buses: Santiago de Compostela is served by ALSA BUS and MONBUS. The airport bus service is 6A and offers a regular and reliable service for about €1. Details of the times are here.
Santiago de Compostela is the administrative headquarters of the autonomous region of Galicia. With a population of about 100,000 people, every service, taste, and shopping need is catered for!
WHERE TO STAY
ABOUT SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
ABOUT SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
.WHERE TO STAY
- Residencia de Peregrinos San Lázaro, C. San Lázaro,, +34 981 571 488
- Alameda Rooms, Rúa de San Clemente, 32, +34 600 089 495, https://www.gescahoteles.com/alameda-rooms-santiago/
- Albergue A Fonte de Compostela, Rúa de Estocolmo, 172, +34 604 019 115, http://alberguesafonte.com/
- Albergue Azabache, Rúa Acibechería, 15, +34 981 071 254, http://azabache-santiago.com
- Albergue Blanco, Rúa das Galeras, 30, +34 881 976 850, http://www.prblanco.com/
- Albergue Dream in Santiago, Rúa de San Lázaro, 81, +34 981 943 208, http://dreaminsantiago.com/
- Albergue Hotel LoopINN, Rúa de Tras Santa Clara, 2, +34 981 585 667, http://www.loopinnhostels.com/
- Albergue la Estación, Rúa de Xoana Nogueira, 14, +34 981 59 46 24, https://alberguelaestacion.com/
- Albergue La Estrella de Santiago, Rúa dos Concheiros, 36, 38, +34 617 882 529, http://www.laestrelladesantiago.es/
- Albergue Linares, Rúa da Algalia de Abaixo, 34, +34 981 943 253, http://https://www.gescahoteles.com/linares-rooms/
- Albergue Meiga BackPackers, Rúa dos Basquiños, 67, +34 981 570 846, http://www.meigahostel.com/
- Albergue Monterrey, Rúa das Fontiñas, nº65A-bajo, +34 655 484 299, http://alberguemonterrey.es/
- Albergue Mundoalbergue, C. San Clemente, 26, +34 981 588 625, http://mundoalbergue.es
- Albergue O Fogar do Teodomiro, Pl. de la Algalia de Arriba, 3, +34 981 582 920, http://www.fogarteodomiro.com
- Albergue Porta Real, Rúa dos Concheiros, 10, +34 633 610 114, http://https://alberguesdocamino.com/albergues/albergue-porta-real-santiago-de-compostela/
- Albergue Roots and Boots, C. Campo Cruceiro do Gaio, 7, +34 699 631 594, http://www.rootsandboots.es
- Albergue Santiago Km. 0, Rúa das Carretas, 11, +34 881 974 992, http://santiagokm0.es/
- Albergue Santo Santiago, Rúa do Valiño, 3, +34 657 402 403, http://www.elsantosantiago.com
- Albergue Santos, Rúa dos Concheiros, 48, +34 881 169 386
- Albergue SCQ, Rúa da Fonte dos Concheiros, 2c, +34 622 037 300, http://www.alberguescq.com/
- Albergue Seminario Menor, Av. Quiroga Palacios, 2, +34 881 03 17 68, http://www.alberguesdelcamino.com
- Albergue SIXTOS no Caminho, Rúa da Fonte dos Concheiros, 2A, +34 881 067 936, http://www.alberguesixtos.com/
- Albergue The Last Stamp, Rúa do Preguntoiro, 10, +34 981 563 525, http://www.thelaststamp.es
- Carris Casa Da Troya, Rúa da Troia, 5, +34 981 55 58 79, http://carrishoteles.com/en/hotels/hotel-carris-casa-de-la-troya-santiago-de-compostela/
- Casa Anglicana, del Peregrino, Rúa da Porta da Pena, 3, +34 609 876 913
- Deniké, Rúa da Porta da Pena, 4, +34 981 566 287, https://www.denikehotel.com/
- Duerming Sete Artes Hotel, Travesía das Dúas Portas, 2,, +34 881 16 24 87, http://hotelseteartes.com
- Hospedería San Martín Pinario, Pl. de la Inmaculada, 3, +34 981 560 282, http://www.hsanmartinpinario.com
- Hostal Alda Catedral, Rúa do Franco, 22, +34 881 298 000, https://www.aldahotels.es/hoteles/galicia/a-coruna/hostal-alda-catedral
- Hostal Anosa Casa, Rúa de Entremurallas, 9, +34 981 585 926, http://www.anosacasa.com/
- Hostal As Margaritas, Rúa do Pombal, 44, +34 981 067 688, https://www.hostalasmargaritas.com/
- Hostal Bar Restaurante Cafe Pumar, Rúa das Galeras, 28, +34 981 563 521
- Hostal Costa Azul, Rúa das Galeras, 18, +34 602 451 906, http://www.hostalcostaazul.es
- Hostal Mapoula, Entremurallas, 10, +34 981 580 124, http://www.mapoula.com
- Hotel Pazos Alba, Rúa do Pombal, 22, +34 645 312 119, https://hotelpazosalba.com/
- Hostal PR Fornos, Rúa do Hórreo, 7, +34 981 585 130, http://www.fornossantiago.com
- Hostal Reis Católicos (Parador de Santiago) (5*), Pl. do Obradoiro, 1, +34 981 582 200, http://www.parador.es/en/paradores/parador-de-santiago-de-compostela
- Hotel Alda Algalia, Praza da Algalia de Arriba, 5, +34 881 092 980, https://www.aldahotels.es/hoteles/galicia/a-coruna/hotel-alda-algalia
- Hotel Avenida, Rúa da Fonte de Santo Antonio, 5, +34 881 298 001, https://www.aldahotels.es/hoteles/galicia/a-coruna/hotel-alda-avenida
- Hotel Campanas de San Juan, Calle Campanas de San Juan, 6,, +34 981 55 27 37, http://campanasdesanjuan.com
- Hotel Capital de Galicia, Rúa dos Postes, 2915703, +34 981 577 43, http://www.hotelcapitaldegalicia.com
- Hotel Compostela, Rúa do Hórreo, 1, +34 981 58 57 00, http://hotelcompostela.es
- Hotel Herradura, Av. de Xoán Carlos I, +34 981 552 340, http://www.hotelherradura.es/
- Hotel Lux Santiago, Rúa do Doutor Teixeiro, 4, +34 981 554 986, https://www.gescahoteles.com/lux-santiago/
- Hotel Oxford Suites Santiago de Compostela, Rúa de San Francisco, 8, +34 618 917 536, http://www.hotelsantiagodecompostelaoxfordsuites.com/
- Hotel Pazos Alba, Rúa do Pombal, 22, +34 981 57 76 87, http://www.pazosalba.com
- Hotel Praza Quintana, Rúa Conga 9, +34 981 51 57 49, http://compostelanethotels.com
- Hotel San Jacobo, Av. San Lázaro, 101-103, +34 981 580 361, http://www.hotelsanjacobo.com
- Hotel San Lázaro, Rúa do Valiño, 1, +34 981 584 344, http://www.hotelsanlazaro.com
- La Credencial Hostel, Rúa da Fonte dos Concheiros, Nº13, +34 639 966 704, http://www.lacredencial.es/
- Libredón, Praza de Fonseca, 5, +34 981 576 520, https://www.libredon.com/
- Loop INN Hotel Santiago de Compostela, Rúa de Tras Santa Clara, 2, +34 981 585 667, http://www.loopinnhostels.com/
- Meiga BackPackers, Rúa dos Basquiños, 67, +34 981 570 846, http://www.meigahostel.com/
- Nest Style Santiago, Rúa do Doutor Teixeiro, 15, +34 981 56 34 44, http://neststylesantiago.com
- Pensión Acibeche, Rúa da Acibechería, 27, +34 981 587 630, http://pensionacibeche.net
- Pensión Da Estrela, Praza de San Martiño, 5, +34 981 576 924, http://pensiondaestrela.com
- Pensión O Xardin de Julia, Rúa da Virxe da Cerca, 20, +34 981 558 542, http://www.oxardindejulia.com/
- Pensión Pazo de Agra, C. Calderería, 37, +34 981 583 517, http://www.pensionpazodeagra.com
- Pensión Residencia Fonseca, Rúa de Fonseca, 1, +34 646 937 765, https://www.pensionfonseca.com/
- Pensión Santa Cruz, Rúa do Vilar, 42, +34 640 504 828, https://santacruzsc.hottel.es/
- Pensión Santa Rita, R. de Frei Rosendo Salvado, 4, +34 647 951 806, https://www.pensionsantarita.es/
- Pombal Rooms, Santiago, Rúa do Pombal, 12, +34 655 951 345, https://www.gescahoteles.com/pombal-rooms/
- PR Alameda, Rúa San Clemente, 32, +34 981 588 100, http://hostalalamedasantiago.com
- PR Linares, Rúa da Algalia de Abaixo, 34, +34 981 943 253, https://www.gescahoteles.com/linares-rooms/
- San Francisco Hotel Monumento, Campillo de San Francisco, 3, +34 981 58 16 34, http://sanfranciscohm.com
- Smart Boutique Hotel Literario San Bieito, Rúa de San Bieito, 1, +34 981 57 28 90, http://www.hotelsanbieito.com