26.5 km | 6-9 hours | +592m / -813m
A long stage through classic Galician countryside, notable for passing through Melide, famous throughout Galicia for its pulpo (octopus). The terrain is rolling with frequent short climbs and descents through eucalyptus forest, farmland, and small villages.
Melide is the traditional place to eat pulpo a feira (Galician-style octopus), served on wooden plates with paprika, olive oil, and salt. Several pulperias compete for pilgrim business. The route also passes through Ribadiso, where a beautifully restored medieval pilgrim hospital sits beside a river crossing.
Arzua is a modest Galician town known for its Arzua-Ulloa cheese, a creamy cow's milk cheese with Protected Designation of Origin status. The town has good services and marks the beginning of the final two short stages to Santiago.
Terrain: Winding forest paths, rural Galician lanes, village cobblestones, some muddy sections
Palas de Rei is a Galician town in Lugo. Its name (Pallatium Regis, Royal Palace) refers to a Visigothic palace of King Witiza here in the early 8th century. A major Camino stop in medieval times, mentioned in the Codex Calixtinus. Has full town services.
San Xulian do Camino is a small Galician hamlet in Lugo west of Palas de Rei. Has an albergue and a bar-restaurant. No shop, pharmacy, or ATM. Most pilgrims walk straight through.
Casanova is a tiny Galician hamlet in Lugo on the Camino between San Xulian and Leboreiro. Has a small albergue and a bar. No shop, pharmacy, or ATM.
Leboreiro is a small Galician hamlet in A Coruna with a 12th-century Romanesque parish church and the ruins of a medieval pilgrim hospital. Has a small albergue and a bar. No shop, pharmacy, or ATM.
Furelos is a small Galician hamlet in A Coruna just east of Melide, with a medieval Romanesque bridge over the river Furelos. Was a Hospitaller commandery in the Middle Ages. Has a bar.
Melide is a Galician town in A Coruna and the meeting point of the Camino Frances and the Camino Primitivo. Famous as the pulpo (octopus) capital of inland Galicia. Has full town services.
Boente is a small Galician hamlet in A Coruna west of Melide. Has an albergue and a bar-restaurant. No shop, pharmacy, or ATM.
38 places to stay between Palas de Rei and Ribadiso
Accommodation at the start of this stage (useful for booking the night before)
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Accommodation at the end of this stage
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