The last 100km of the Ruta de la Plata: From Orense to Santiago de Compostela
1 pax min.
The origin of the Ruta de la Plata dates back to Roman times, as it was one of the Roman roads linking Astorga (Asturica Augusta) in the north with Mérida (Augusta Emerita) in the south of the Iberian Peninsula. Today the route called Ruta de la Plata is the road connecting Sevilla with Gijón and the Camino de Santiago that comes from Cádiz to Santiago de Compostela, joining the Camino Francés in Astorga.
There is an alternative path called the Camino Sanabrés, which branches from the Vía de la Plata and arrives in Santiago de Compostela through the city of Orense in southern Galicia. It is the best known and busy
Viajes Orbis arranges trips along both routes, the variant coming from Orense and the one coming from Astorga. Here we’ll describe the stages covering the last 100 km of the Camino Sanabres, from Orense.
Program
Day 1: Arrival in Orense
Transfer from Vigo, Santiago or O Porto airport. Free time to visit the city, above all the Cathedral and the “Burgas” (hot springs in Orense)
Day 2: From Lourosa to O Porto, 27 km approx.
Passing over the river Miño, we arrive in Cima da Costa, a small village. In the villages of Sobrera and Faramontaos we`ll see the “cruceros” (in Galician “cruceiro”), related to the “Santa Compaña” (a deep-rooted mythical belief in rural Galicia ) Galicia is a land of “meigas” (which means witches in Galician). Later on we arrive in Casanovas and Cea, a village well known by its bread.
Day 3: From O Reino to Lalín, 27 km approx.
there’s the opportunity to pass through Oseira and visit the Cistercian monastery. Then we continue our camino until we reach the villages of Gouxa and Castro Dozón, where we can visit one of the typical churches of this region. The Camino doesn’t pass directly through Lalín but really near, so as long as we have time we can always get there to know the city.
Day 4: From Lalín to Bandeira, 18 km approx.
First we’ll pass by Prado, the landscape in this region of the interior of Galicia is very nice but the climate can be very extreme, with very low winter temperatures and very high summer temperatures. Later on we pass by Silleda where one of the most important trade fair Galicia’s is located. It is mainly related to cattle industry.
Day 5: From Bandeira to Santa Lucía, 27 km approx.
The path runs through fields and eukalyptus forests that will accompany us until we reach our today’s destination. In San Miguel de Castro there is an hermitage dedicated to Santiago. We arrive in Puente Ulla, where cross the river that gives the town its name. This place builds a natural border between Pontevedra and La Coruna. Here we can visit the church of Santa Maria.
By passing near the Pico Sacro, highest mountain in the area, we arrive in Lestedo and later in Saint Lucia.
Day 6: From Santa Lucia to Santiago de Compostela, 9 km approx.
We are getting closer to our destination. If we start our walk early, we’ll arrive at the Cathedral of Santiago before 12 noon; soon enough to attend to the Pilgrim’s Mass which is held every day at this time.
Free day to visit this beautiful city, above all the old town and the Cathedral.
Transfer to the airport.
*There is the possibility to extend the stay in Santiago, if you are interested in it please don,t hesitate to contact Viajes Orbis. When extending your stay, apart from having more time to enjoy the city, we can arrange some excursions.
*It is also possible to combine various trips, e.g. follow the Way of Saint James until Finisterre.
Services we offer