Vilalba → Baamonde
A short, varied stage along dirt tracks, trails and muddy rural lanes, with very little asphalt, crossing the flat A Terra Chá region.
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A short stage along rural tracks
Gronze.com describes this stage as short but varied, with "dirt tracks, trails, muddy country lanes and very little asphalt" through rural terrain with minimal elevation change. The route passes through San Xoán de Alba and Pedrouzos before reaching Baamonde, in the municipality of Begonte.
It's a quiet day, perfect for resting your legs before the long stage to Sobrado dos Monxes. Those who prefer can extend the day to villages like Carballedo, A Lagoa, Miraz or A Pobra de Parga, though most pilgrims finish in Baamonde.
What the terrain is like, kilometre by kilometre
Terrain
An easy, short stage with minimal elevation change, through the flat interior of A Terra Chá.
Scenery
Quiet rural countryside, with meadows and small groves typical of the region.
Path type
Dirt tracks, trails and rural lanes that can get muddy in the rain; very little asphalt.
Villages
San Xoán de Alba and Pedrouzos, before reaching Baamonde.
Water points
Limited on the rural stretch: it's worth carrying enough water from Vilalba.
Shade
Variable, with open stretches through meadows and others alongside groves.
Traffic
Very low, with barely any asphalt stretches on the whole stage.
Key tip
The rural paths can get muddy after rain: footwear with good grip helps a lot.
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 Baamonde
Baamonde offers a large public Xunta albergue in a restored former stagecoach depot. Indicative price per night.
Albergue de peregrinos de Baamonde
A public albergue run by the Xunta de Galicia with 94 beds, set in a restored former stagecoach depot. Includes disposable sheets, pillowcase and blankets; a sleeping bag is mandatory. No reservations, strictly first come first served with priority for pilgrims on foot. If full, sleeping in the municipal sports hall is an option. Credential required. Av. Terra Chá, 11.
Where to refuel in Baamonde
Baamonde, a traditional Camino del Norte stop, offers basic services for pilgrims.
Simple Galician cooking
The village has enough bars and restaurants to refuel after the stage.
Stops on this stage
Former stagecoach depot
The pilgrim albergue itself occupies a historic stagecoach depot, restored and converted.
San Xoán de Alba and Pedrouzos
Small rural villages that set the pace of this quiet stage through A Terra Chá.
Use this short, easy stage to rest well: the next one, to Sobrado dos Monxes, is one of the longest on the Camino del Norte.
Getting here and getting back
Starting here: Vilalba has bus and train connections to Lugo, A Coruña and the rest of Galicia.
Heading back from Baamonde: the village has a train station on the Lugo-Ferrol line, plus a bus connection.
Worth knowing before this stage
Use it to rest
It's a short, easy stage: a good moment to recover your legs before the final stretch.
Bring a sleeping bag
Baamonde's albergue makes it mandatory, unlike other Xunta albergues.
Watch out for mud
The rural paths can get muddy after rain: footwear with good grip is recommended.
Plan for the next stage
From Baamonde there are two variants toward Sobrado dos Monxes, a long stage: plan ahead.
Don't ruin this stage
Forgetting your sleeping bag
Baamonde's albergue makes it mandatory.
Not accounting for mud on the rural paths
After rain, some stretches get tricky: proper footwear helps a lot.
Underestimating the next stage
Baamonde-Sobrado dos Monxes is one of the longest stages on the Camino: rest well tonight.
Arriving late with no backup plan
If the albergue is full, the municipal sports hall is an option, but it helps to know in advance.
Everything you wonder before this stage
How many kilometres is it from Vilalba to Baamonde?
Is this stage hard?
Do you need to bring a sleeping bag?
Where is the pilgrim albergue in Baamonde?
What happens if the albergue is full?
How does the Camino continue after Baamonde?
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.