Ribadeo → Lourenzá
A decisive turn: the Camino leaves the Cantabrian coast behind and heads into rural Lugo, through eucalyptus forests and a demanding climb toward A Ponte de Arante.
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Goodbye to the sea, hello to inland Lugo
This stage marks a turning point on the Camino del Norte: pilgrims "leave the Cantabrian coast behind for good" to head inland, "toward Compostela," picking up mountainous terrain again and entering sparsely populated rural territory among the eucalyptus forests of Lugo province.
The day's main challenge comes leaving A Ponte de Arante: 260 metres of accumulated elevation gain in just 5 kilometres, the toughest climb of the day. Between Vilela and Vilamartín Grande there are also 13 km with almost no services, so it's worth leaving Ribadeo well stocked.
What the terrain is like, kilometre by kilometre
Terrain
A moderate-to-demanding stage: the Camino leaves the coast and returns to a mountainous profile, with the hardest climb of the day after A Ponte de Arante.
Scenery
Eucalyptus forests and rural countryside inland Lugo, very different from the coastal landscape of previous stages.
Path type
Rural tracks and some stretches of local road; a variant via the LU-133 is recommended on rainy days.
Villages
Vilela, A Ponte de Arante, Vilamartín Pequeno, Vilamartín Grande, Gondán and San Xusto de Cabarcos.
Water points
Scarce between Vilela and Vilamartín Grande (13 km with no services): leave Ribadeo with enough water and food.
Shade
Good through the eucalyptus forest stretches, more limited on the open track sections.
Traffic
Low, except at occasional local road crossings.
Key tip
Stock up well in Ribadeo: the Vilela–Vilamartín Grande stretch is the longest without services on the whole stage.
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 Lourenzá
Lourenzá offers several albergue options, from the public Xunta one to private accommodation with more beds. Indicative price per night.
Albergue de peregrinos de Lourenzá
A public albergue run by the Xunta de Galicia, with 22 beds across 3 dormitories. Includes disposable sheets, pillowcase and blankets. No reservations (first come, first served). Open year-round, credential required. Carretera a Recemil, 15.
Albergue Castelos
44 beds in total: 40 across 6 dormitories plus 4 in 2 private rooms. A good option if the public albergue is full.
Food options in Lourenzá
Lourenzá, with full services, is a good spot to refuel after a stage with long stretches without bars.
Inland Galician cooking
The village has enough bars and restaurants for pilgrims, plus grocery shops to stock up for the next day.
Stops with history on this stage
A Ponte de Arante chapel
A small chapel at the point where the stage's toughest climb begins, around km 11.6.
Monasterio de San Salvador de Lourenzá
Founded in the year 947 by Count Osorio Gutiérrez, declared a Historic-Artistic Monument in 1974. It dominates the centre of Lourenzá and is the great architectural gem of this stage.
San Xusto church
A stop with history in the final stretch before reaching Lourenzá, around km 23.6.
Take a moment to admire the facade of the Monasterio de San Salvador: almost a thousand years of history welcome pilgrims to Lourenzá.
Getting here and getting back
Starting here: Ribadeo has a bus connection to Oviedo, Lugo and the rest of Galicia and Asturias.
Heading back from Lourenzá: there is a bus connection to Mondoñedo, Lugo and the rest of the region.
Worth knowing before this stage
Leave Ribadeo well stocked
The 13 km between Vilela and Vilamartín Grande have almost no services: carry water and some food.
Prepare for the A Ponte de Arante climb
260 m of elevation gain in 5 km is the day's toughest stretch.
Consider the LU-133 variant
On rainy days, some pilgrims prefer this road alternative to avoid mud on the rural tracks.
It's the final goodbye to the sea
From here on, the Camino del Norte never touches the coast again: get ready for inland scenery.
Don't ruin this stage
Leaving Ribadeo without enough water or food
The Vilela–Vilamartín Grande stretch is the longest without services on the whole stage.
Underestimating the A Ponte de Arante climb
With 260 m of elevation gain in just 5 km, it's the hardest of the day: pace yourself.
Not checking the weather forecast
In the rain, the rural tracks turn muddy: consider the LU-133 variant.
Arriving late at the public albergue
Lourenzá's albergue doesn't take reservations and works strictly on a first-come, first-served basis.
Everything you wonder before this stage
How many kilometres is it from Ribadeo to Lourenzá?
Is this stage hard?
Where can you stock up on water and food?
Where is the pilgrim albergue in Lourenzá?
What can you see in Lourenzá?
Is this the last stage by the sea?
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.