The stage from Portomarín to Palas de Rei is one of the best known on the French Way. It combines rural Galician landscapes, small villages full of pilgrim atmosphere and a distance your legs will start to feel.
At around 25 kilometres, this day is often one of many pilgrims' favourites for its natural surroundings and the peacefulness of the path, although it also calls for managing your effort and rest well.
If you are preparing for this stage of the Camino de Santiago, here is a useful guide with the distance, difficulty, tips and recommendations to help you enjoy it much more.
The approximate distance between Portomarín and Palas de Rei is:
The average time to complete the stage is usually:
It is considered of medium difficulty. There are no big climbs, but the profile is uneven, with constant gentle ups and downs that end up wearing you out.
Especially if you have already been walking for several days, the fatigue starts to show.
One of the great attractions of this day is the landscape and the small villages the Camino passes through.
Gonzar is one of the first usual stops for a coffee or breakfast before carrying on.
The Castro de Castromaior is one of the most interesting historical sites on this stage. This ancient Celtic settlement is one of the most important hillforts in Galicia. If you want to know more, we have written a post with all the details: you can read it here.
A small rural village surrounded by nature, with a lively pilgrim atmosphere.
Another of the best-known villages on the route, ideal for resting a few minutes before the last kilometres to Palas de Rei.
Especially in summer, walking in the early morning makes the stage much easier.
Although there are services along the way, some stretches are long and exposed.
It isn't a particularly technical stage, but it is a long one. It's best to walk without rushing and take short breaks.
The Camino doesn't care much for stopwatches.
At this point of the Camino, a small discomfort can easily turn into a nasty blister.
Portomarín is one of the most important stops on the French Way and has plenty of accommodation options: pilgrim hostels, guesthouses, hotels and holiday apartments.
Many pilgrims choose quieter accommodation before tackling this stage, especially if they want a better rest or to travel more comfortably.
In that case, Portohome's holiday homes give you more space, privacy and flexibility on the Camino de Santiago.
If you are looking for a quiet stay before carrying on to Palas de Rei, PortoHome offers fully equipped holiday homes right in Portomarín, ideal for pilgrims and for travellers who want to enjoy the area at a relaxed pace.
👉 See our available homes here and book your stay in Portomarín directly.
It is about 25 kilometres.
It is of medium difficulty because of the distance and accumulated fatigue.
Between 5 and 7 hours, depending on your pace and stops.
Yes. In villages such as Gonzar and Ligonde you will find services for pilgrims.
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