Arzúa → O Pedrouzo
Long forest tracks between eucalyptus and oak woodland, with little elevation change, on the way to the second-to-last stop before Santiago.
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A comfortable stage through eucalyptus forests
A stage with little elevation change that progresses along long forest tracks, crossing meadows and oak and eucalyptus woodland between small hamlets such as Cortobe, Calzada, Calle and Boavista. Past Salceda, alongside the N-547 road, the Camino enters a wooded stretch of pines and eucalyptus all the way to Brea, before reaching O Pedrouzo (officially Arca do Pino).
O Pedrouzo is the second-to-last stop before Santiago, with all the services needed to rest well before the final stage. Its Church of Santa Eulalia de Arca, neoclassical in style, is notable for the large scallop shell decorating its main altar.
What the terrain looks like, kilometre by kilometre
Terrain
Little significant elevation change; the route progresses comfortably along long forest tracks.
Scenery
Eucalyptus and oak woodland, with meadows and small rural hamlets typical of inland Galicia.
Trail type
Mostly forest tracks, with a brief stretch alongside the N-547 road in Salceda.
Villages
Cortobe, Calzada, Calle, Boavista and Salceda before reaching O Pedrouzo.
Water points
Moderate services along the way; O Pedrouzo has full amenities at the end.
Shade
Very good, thanks to the long stretches of eucalyptus and oak forest.
Traffic
Generally light, except for the brief crossing alongside the N-547 in Salceda.
Key tip
Make the most of this quiet stage to rest before the final day into Santiago.
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 O Pedrouzo
O Pedrouzo (Arca do Pino) has a wide range of hostels, being the second-to-last stop before Santiago. Indicative prices per night.
Arca do Pino Pilgrims' Hostel
Xunta de Galicia hostel, with check-in from 1pm to 10pm and a pilgrim credential required.
Numerous private hostels
O Pedrouzo has a wide variety of private options, given its status as the final stop before Santiago.
Refuelling on this stage
Services are moderate along the way; O Pedrouzo has the best choice at the end of the day.
Pilgrim menu
The town has a good range of bars and restaurants, perfect for the last night before Santiago.
Stops with history on this stage
Church of Santa Eulalia de Arca
Neoclassical church with a large scallop shell decorating its main altar, one of the town's biggest draws.
Pine and eucalyptus forests
The wooded stretch leaving Salceda towards Brea is one of the most characteristic parts of the stage.
O Pedrouzo is a good base to calmly prepare for the final stage, which passes Monte do Gozo before arriving in Santiago.
Getting there and back
If you are starting here: Arzúa has good bus connections, being a classic Camino Francés stop.
If you need to head back from O Pedrouzo: there are bus connections to Santiago, close to Lavacolla airport.
Good to know before this stage
Enjoy the wooded stretch
The eucalyptus and oak forests offer constant shade, ideal for walking at any time of year.
Book accommodation ahead
Being the second-to-last stop before Santiago, O Pedrouzo can fill up fast in high season.
Take advantage of the gentle pace of this stage
With little elevation change, it is a good day to arrive in O Pedrouzo with energy to spare.
Sort out the logistics for arriving in Santiago
Use the calm of O Pedrouzo to organise the final details before the last stage.
Don't ruin this stage
Rushing because it is a comfortable stage
It is a good moment to enjoy the eucalyptus forest scenery without hurrying.
Not booking accommodation in O Pedrouzo
The town receives heavy pilgrim traffic as the second-to-last stop; it is worth securing a spot.
Not resting well before the final stage
The last day into Santiago deserves to be walked with energy; use O Pedrouzo to recover.
Overlooking the Church of Santa Eulalia de Arca
A neoclassical church with a large scallop shell on its altar, easy to visit before dinner.
Everything you want to know before this stage
How many kilometres from Arzúa to O Pedrouzo?
Is this a hard stage?
What is Arca do Pino?
What can you see in O Pedrouzo?
How far is it from O Pedrouzo to Santiago?
Where can I sleep in O Pedrouzo?
Browse the stages
Activities and excursions in Santiago de Compostela
Old Town walking tour
A small-group walking tour of Santiago's old quarter with a local guide.
Cathedral and Pórtico da Gloria
A guided visit to the Cathedral with access to the museum and the restored Pórtico da Gloria.
Queimada show and tasting
The traditional Galician flambéed drink, performed and explained in a show designed for pilgrims.
Fisterra, Muxía and Costa da Morte
The three essential stops of the "end of the world" in one full day from Santiago.
Our top recommendation
Bonsai Café
You still have stages ahead, but once you reach Santiago you'll have earned a great breakfast. At Bonsai Café we're waiting for you right in the centre with weekend brunch, Berraco by Bou specialty coffee, and the best cocktails to toast your arrival.