Caldas de Reis → Padrón
Centuries-old forests along the Bermaña river and the devotional stop at Santiaguiño do Monte, before reaching Padrón.
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Centuries-old forests to the second-to-last stop
Considered by many the prettiest stage of the Galician section of the Portuguese Way, it leaves Caldas de Reis and enters the Bermaña valley, with centuries-old forests, old mills and Mount Castelo, all bathed by the Valga river. The climb toward Carracedo, with its church of Santa Mariña, is the day's one notable rise.
Shortly after, a path branches off to Santiaguiño do Monte, an early-18th-century hermitage on the slopes of Mount San Gregorio, where tradition holds that Saint James himself preached from the rocks. From there, the Way descends to Padrón, famous for its peppers and for the Pedrón Stone, beneath the main altar of the Church of Santiago, where legend says the boat carrying the apostle's body was moored.
What the terrain is like, kilometre by kilometre
Terrain
Moderate but more frequent elevation changes than the previous stage; the climb to Carracedo is the most notable.
Scenery
Centuries-old forest in the Bermaña valley, with old mills and Mount Castelo — possibly the prettiest stage of the Galician section.
Path surface
Mostly dirt track and forest trail, with some stretches alongside the N-550.
Villages
Carracedo, with its church of Santa Mariña, before the Santiaguiño do Monte stop and arriving in Padrón.
Water stops
Regular services along the stage, plus a fountain right at the Santiaguiño do Monte hermitage.
Shade
Excellent through the centuries-old forests of the Bermaña valley.
Traffic
Generally low, with some stretches sharing the route with the N-550.
Key tip
Don't skip the detour to Santiaguiño do Monte — one of the most unique devotional stops on the whole Portuguese Way.
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 Padrón for pilgrims
Padrón has good accommodation options, being one of the last significant stops before Santiago. Prices are indicative, per night.
Albergue de Peregrinos de Padrón
Public albergue run by the Xunta de Galicia, close to the old town.
Hotels in the centre
Padrón has several mid-range hotel options, a good backup if the albergue is full.
Refuel in Padrón
Padrón is famous across Spain for its peppers — a food stop you can't miss.
The famous Padrón peppers
"Some are hot, some are not" — the popular saying about these peppers, a classic to try right where they come from.
Pilgrim menu
The town centre has a good choice of bars and restaurants used to feeding pilgrims.
Historic stops on this stage
Church of Santa Mariña
In the centre of Carracedo village, after the day's one notable climb.
Santiaguiño do Monte
An early-18th-century hermitage where tradition places Saint James preaching from the rocks; it has a statue, hermitage and fountain.
The Pedrón Stone
Beneath the main altar of the Church of Santiago, said to be where the boat carrying the apostle's body was moored on arrival in Galicia.
None of these stops require booking ahead — visit them freely as the Way passes.
Getting there and back
Starting here: Caldas de Reis has bus connections to Pontevedra and Santiago de Compostela.
Heading back from Padrón: the town has a train station (Vigo-Santiago line) and frequent bus connections.
Good to know before this stage
Take the detour to Santiaguiño do Monte
One of the most unique devotional stops on the Portuguese Way — the short detour is worth it.
Take your time in the Bermaña valley
Many consider this the prettiest stage of the Galician section — don't rush it.
Try Padrón peppers at their source
It's your best chance on the whole Way to try them where they were born.
Visit the Pedrón Stone in the Church of Santiago
It gives the town its name and carries one of the oldest Jacobean legends on the whole route.
Don't get this stage wrong
Skipping the detour to Santiaguiño do Monte
One of the most unique stops on the whole route — don't walk past it.
Not trying Padrón peppers in Padrón
That would be like skipping octopus in Galicia — a unique food opportunity.
Rushing through the Bermaña valley
It's one of the prettiest stretches on the whole Portuguese Way — take it slow.
Not visiting the Pedrón Stone
It's beneath the main altar of the Church of Santiago and is the origin of the town's name.
Everything you want to know before this stage
How many kilometres from Caldas de Reis to Padrón?
Is this the prettiest stage of the Portuguese Way in Galicia?
What is Santiaguiño do Monte?
Why is Padrón famous?
What is the Pedrón Stone?
Where can I sleep in Padrón?
Browse the stages
Things to do in Santiago de Compostela
Old town walking tour
Small-group walking tour of Santiago's old quarter 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 drink, explained and tasted in a show designed for pilgrims.
Finisterre, Muxía and Costa da Morte
The three essential stops of the "end of the world" in a single full-day trip from Santiago.
Our top pick
Bonsai Café
You've only got one stage left, but by the time you reach Santiago you'll have earned a proper breakfast. Bonsai Café is right in the centre, with weekend brunch, Berraco by Bou specialty coffee, and great cocktails to toast your arrival.