STAGE 30- PORTOMARÍN TO PALAS DE REI

PALAS DE REI

Palas de Rei has a history closely intertwined with the Camino de Santiago and military culture. Numerous archaeological remains, including dolmens and forts, are scattered throughout the area, evidence of its ancient settlement.

Palas de Rei may have derived its name, "Pallatium regis," from the palace of the Visigothic king Witiza, who ruled from 702 to 710. According to tradition, it was here in Palas that Witiza committed the infamous act of killing the Duke of Galicia, Favila, who was the father of Don Pelayo.

You pass through a park as you walk into Palas de Rei, and the town square is pleasant enough to while away an hour or so. The town has a population of around 3000 people and a reasonable selection of small shops for groceries and essentials.

PRACTICALITIES

1. Accommodation: Palas de Rei offers a range of accommodation options, including albergues, hostels and hotels.

 2. Transportation: Regular buses through Palas de Rei are operated by MonBus.

3. Dining: There are plenty of dining options.

4. Facilities: Reasonable selection of small shops. ATM. Pharmacy etc.

EUCALYPTUS TREES

Known for their tall stature and distinctive aroma, they are common in Galicia, particularly in its rural areas. These trees were introduced to the region primarily for their rapid growth and utility in the timber industry.

The widespread cultivation of eucalyptus trees in Galicia began in the mid-20th century as part of reforestation efforts to meet the growing demand for wood products. Eucalyptus trees are known for their ability to thrive in various soil types and climates, making them well-suited for the Galician landscape.

However, the extensive planting of eucalyptus trees in Galicia has sparked debate due to various environmental and socioeconomic concerns. Critics argue that monoculture eucalyptus plantations can negatively impact biodiversity, soil quality, and water resources. Eucalyptus trees absorb large quantities of water, potentially exacerbating drought conditions and reducing water availability for other vegetation and wildlife.

Furthermore, eucalyptus plantations may contribute to soil erosion and degradation, as their shallow root systems do not effectively stabilise soil. The chemicals released by eucalyptus trees can also inhibit the growth of native plant species and disrupt ecosystems.

On the other hand, proponents of eucalyptus cultivation highlight its economic benefits, including job creation in the forestry sector and revenue generation from timber production. Eucalyptus wood is used in various industries, including papermaking, construction, and bioenergy production.

In recent years, there has been increased awareness of the environmental impacts of eucalyptus cultivation, leading to calls for more sustainable forestry practices and greater diversification of tree species in Galicia. Efforts are underway to promote agroforestry systems that integrate eucalyptus trees with native vegetation and other crops to balance economic development and environmental conservation.

.WHERE TO STAY

• Albergue A Casiña di Marcello, Camiño da Aldeia de Abaixo, +34 640 723 903, http://www.albergueacasina.es
• Albergue Buen Camino, Rúa do Peregrino, 3, +34 982 380 233, http://www.alberguebuencamino.com
• Albergue Castro, Av. de Ourense, 24, +34 982 380 321, http://www.alberguecastro.com
• Albergue de Peregrinos de Palas de Rei, Av. de Compostela, 19, +34 660 396 820
• Albergue de Peregrinos Os Chacotes, C. As Lagartas, +34 607 481 536
• Albergue Mesón de Benito, Rúa da Paz, +34 636 834 065, http://www.alberguemesondebenito.com
• Albergue Outeiro, Pl. de Galicia, 25, +34 982 38 02 42, http://www.albergueouteiro.com
• Albergue San Marcos, Trav. de la Iglesia, +34 982 380 711, http://www.alberguesanmarcos.com
• Albergue-Pensión Zendoira, C. Amado Losada, 10, +34 629 727 605, http://www.zendoira.com
• Casa Carla, C. La Paz, 3, +34 626 518 388
• Casa Leopoldo Camino de Santiago, Rúa da Paz, 2, +34 671 962 666, http://casaleopoldocaminodesantiago.com
• Complejo la Cabaña, C. Doctor Pardo Ouro, 4, +34 982 380 750, http://www.complejolacabana.com
• Hostal Ponterroxán, Av. de Compostela, 109, +34 982 38 01 32, http://www.hostalponteroxan.es
• Hostel O Castelo, C. Cruceiro, 14, +34 618 401 130, http://www.hostelocastelo.com
• Hotel Casa Benilde, C. Mercado, +34 982 380 717 http://www.hotelcasabenilde.com
• Hotel Mica, Rúa Cruciero, 12, +34 689 339 770, http://hotelmica.com
• O Cabalo Verde, Travesia da Feira 2, +34 679 91 11 86
• Pensión Arenas Palas, Av. de Compostela, 16, +34 982 380 326, http://www.arenaspalas.com
• Pensión Bar Plaza, Av. de Compostela, 21, +34 660 875 921, http://www.pensionbarplaza.es
• Pensión Casa Camiño, Travesía Peregrino, 10, +34 982 374 066
• Pensión Casa Curro, Av. de Orense, 15, +34 982 380 044
• Pensión O Cruceiro, Rúa Cruceiro, 13, +34 649 62 97 25, http://www.pensionocruceiro.com
• Pensión Palas, San Tirso, +34 982 380 065, http://www.pensionpalas.es
• Pensión Pardellas, C. Mercado, 13, +34 982 380 181, http://www.pensionpardellas.es
• Pensión Residencia Barcelona, Av. de Compostela, 39, +34 982 374 114
• Pensión Restaurante Casa Camiño II, Travesia del Peregrino No 8, +34 982 374 066