Santiago de Compostela → Negreira

The only Camino route that begins where all others end. Leaving the Praza do Obradoiro heading west, the route follows the Rua das Hortas (where a plaque marks the birthplace of the artist Isaac Diaz Pardo) before reaching the carballeira de San Lourenzo, a grove of magnificent centenarian oaks.

The highlight of the stage is Ponte Maceira, one of the most beautiful bridges in Galicia. According to the Codex Calixtinus, the disciples of Santiago crossed here carrying the apostle's remains, and the bridge was miraculously destroyed behind them to stop pursuing Roman soldiers. The village beside the bridge is one of Galicia's most photogenic.

Negreira has the emblematic Pazo de Coton, a fortified manor house, and the adjoining Capilla do Coton. The Pazo de Chancela at the town entrance bears a coat of arms depicting the legendary destroyed bridge.