Baamonde → Sobrado dos Monxes
The longest stage of the Galician stretch: 39.8 km through rural, solitary territory up to 710 m, the highest point of the entire Camino del Norte, ending at a Cistercian monastery.
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The Camino del Norte's high point, ending at a monastery
Gronze.com describes this long stage as "rural and solitary" territory, along dirt tracks and stretches of asphalt, with undulating terrain that climbs almost imperceptibly up to 710 metres of altitude: the highest point of the entire Camino del Norte. The landscape is predominantly agricultural, sustained by family-run livestock farms.
The route passes through Carballedo (Santa Leocadia), Seixón, A Lagoa, Miraz, A Roxica, A Cabana and O Mesón before reaching Sobrado dos Monxes. Thanks to intermediate albergues (especially the one in Miraz), this stage can be split into shorter sections if preferred. An alternative variant via As Cruces also exists. The day ends with a unique experience: sleeping in the historic Monasterio de Santa María de Sobrado, of Cistercian origin and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What the terrain is like, kilometre by kilometre
Terrain
A long, demanding stage, with a gradual, almost imperceptible climb up to 710 m, the highest point of the Camino del Norte.
Scenery
Rural, solitary territory, with a predominantly agricultural and pastoral landscape.
Path type
Dirt tracks and stretches of asphalt, with undulating terrain for much of the day.
Villages
Carballedo (Santa Leocadia), Seixón, A Lagoa, Miraz, A Roxica, A Cabana and O Mesón.
Water points
Limited given how rural and solitary the territory is: it's worth carrying enough water and food.
Shade
Variable, with open stretches through farmland and pasture.
Traffic
Very low, typical of a lightly-trafficked rural area.
Key tip
It's the longest stage of the final stretch: consider splitting it over two days using the Miraz albergue if you need to.
What to pack, travel insurance and getting around
One single guide with the recommended gear, useful services (insurance, eSIM) and transport options for the whole Camino.
Accommodation in Sobrado dos Monxes
Sobrado dos Monxes offers a unique experience: sleeping in a working Cistercian monastery. Indicative price per night.
Albergue del Monasterio de Sobrado dos Monxes
An albergue run by the Cistercian community inside the monastery itself, with 98 beds across 8 rooms and up to 20 additional spots on mattresses if full. Has a washing machine, dryer and clothesline. Opens 1pm to 10pm, year-round. No reservations, credential required.
Albergue Lecer
A private albergue in the village itself, a good option if the monastery's is full.
Where to refuel in Sobrado dos Monxes
Sobrado dos Monxes, a small town centred around the monastery, offers basic services for pilgrims.
Simple Galician cooking
The village has enough bars and restaurants to refuel after such a long stage.
The big milestone of this stage
Monasterio de Santa María de Sobrado
A Cistercian monastery of medieval origin, declared a Cultural Heritage Site in 1931 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Caminos de Santiago since 2015. Sleeping within its walls is one of the most special experiences of the whole route.
The 710-metre summit
The highest point of the entire Camino del Norte, reached gradually and almost imperceptibly during this stage.
If time allows, set aside a moment to visit the inside of the monastery before or after dinner: it's a place steeped in centuries of history.
Getting here and getting back
Starting here: Baamonde has a train station on the Lugo-Ferrol line, plus a bus connection.
Heading back from Sobrado dos Monxes: there is a bus connection to A Coruña, Lugo and Santiago de Compostela.
Worth knowing before this stage
It's the longest stage of the final stretch
At 39.8 km, consider leaving early or splitting it over two days using the Miraz albergue.
Carry enough water and food
The territory is rural and solitary, with limited services for much of the day.
Enjoy the Camino's high point
710 m is reached gradually: you barely notice the effort, but it's an important symbolic milestone.
Make the most of the monastery experience
Sleeping at the Monasterio de Sobrado is unique: arrive with time to enjoy it before it closes at 10pm.
Don't ruin this stage
Underestimating the total distance
At nearly 40 km, it's the longest stage of the entire final stretch: plan your timing and rest breaks well.
Not carrying enough water
The rural, solitary territory has limited services for much of the route.
Ignoring the option to split the stage
39.8 km feels too much, the Miraz albergue lets you break the day into two.
Arriving late at the monastery's albergue
It only opens 1pm to 10pm: plan your arrival time carefully.
Everything you wonder before this stage
How many kilometres is it from Baamonde to Sobrado dos Monxes?
Is this stage hard?
Where is the Camino del Norte's highest point?
Can this stage be split?
Where do you sleep in Sobrado dos Monxes?
What makes the Monasterio de Sobrado special?
Browse the stages
Activities and excursions in Santiago de Compostela
Old town walking tour
Small-group walking tour through the old quarter of Santiago with a local guide.
Cathedral and Pórtico da Gloria
Guided visit to the Cathedral with access to the museum and the restored Pórtico da Gloria.
Queimada show and tasting
The traditional flaming Galician spirit, explained in a show designed for pilgrims.
Finisterre, Muxía and Costa da Morte
The three unmissable stops of the "end of the world" in one full day from Santiago.
Our top recommendation
Bonsai Café
You still have stages ahead, but by the time you reach Santiago you’ll have earned a good breakfast. At Bonsai Café, right in the city centre, we’re waiting with weekend brunch, Berraco by Bou specialty coffee, and the best cocktails to toast your arrival.