Tineo → Pola de Allande
A relentless string of climbs and descents through the mountains that makes this a genuine leg-breaker.
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Almost 30 km of mountains that many pilgrims split in two
A mountain stage with only small villages along the way. From Tineo you climb for around 6 km up to the Piedratecha pass (about 200 m of ascent), then descend past the valley where the Monastery of Obona stands, one of the oldest Benedictine monasteries in Asturias. The profile eases up around La Solana, though in wet weather some stretches that leave the AS-219 road can get muddy.
That is why many pilgrims choose to split the stage over two days, spending the night in Borres, before tackling the final climb to the Lavadoira pass (the border between the Tineo and Allande municipalities) and the descent into Pola de Allande, dominated by the Cienfuegos Palace.
What the terrain looks like, kilometre by kilometre
Terrain
A string of climbs and descents: up to the Piedratecha pass, down to Obona, an easier stretch to La Solana, then a final climb to the Lavadoira pass.
Scenery
Asturian mountains with small villages, woodland, and the monastic setting of Obona.
Trail type
Mountain tracks and paths, with stretches alongside the AS-219 road that can get muddy in wet weather.
Villages
Naraval, Obona, Borres and La Espina (not the one from the previous stage) before Pola de Allande.
Water points
Services are scarce; Borres is the go-to stop halfway through.
Shade
Uneven, alternating wooded stretches with more exposed ones.
Traffic
Light, except along the stretches that run beside the AS-219.
Key tip
Consider splitting the stage at Borres if you are not in top physical shape: it is nearly 30 km of constant ups and downs.
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 Borres and Pola de Allande
If you split the stage, Borres has a public hostel; if you do it in one go, Pola de Allande offers more options. Indicative prices per night.
Pilgrims' Hostel "Santa María" in Borres
Municipal hostel with 19 beds, open year-round, in the former village school building.
Municipal hostel in Pola de Allande
Public hostel with 24 beds; there is also a private hostel and rural hotels in the village.
Refuelling on this stage
Services are scarce along the mountain stretch; Borres and Pola de Allande are the reference stops.
Halfway stop
A small bar next to the hostel, useful as a rest halfway through the stage.
Pilgrim menu
The village has the best choice of bars and restaurants on the whole stage.
Stops with history on this stage
Monastery of San Juan Bautista
One of the oldest Benedictine monasteries in Asturias, right beside the Camino.
Mountain village with a historic hostel
A former school turned pilgrims' hostel, the usual point to split the stage.
Cienfuegos Palace
A 16th-century defensive fortress with three towers, rebuilt on 14th-century foundations, now in ruins but still imposing.
Church of San Andrés and Avellano Chapel
A 16th-century Gothic church and a 13th-century chapel with panoramic views over the village.
The Cienfuegos Palace is in ruins and cannot be visited inside, but it is well worth seeing from the outside.
Getting there and back
If you are starting here: Tineo has regular bus connections to Oviedo.
If you need to head back from Pola de Allande: there is a bus connecting to Cangas del Narcea and Oviedo, though frequencies are limited.
Good to know before this stage
Consider splitting the stage at Borres
With nearly 30 km and constant elevation changes, many pilgrims prefer to spread it over two days.
Watch the trail conditions in wet weather
Stretches that leave the AS-219 road towards Lavadoira can get muddy; in those conditions the road shoulder is safer.
Stock up before setting off
Services are very scarce between Tineo and Pola de Allande, except in Borres.
Rest up for the next stage
After Pola de Allande comes the demanding climb to Puerto del Palo (1,147 m), so it pays to arrive well rested.
Don't ruin this stage
Underestimating the difficulty because of the distance
This is not a flat 28 km walk: the string of climbs and descents makes it harder than it looks on paper.
Not considering the Borres option
If you're not keeping a good pace, splitting the stage avoids arriving in Pola de Allande exhausted.
Ignoring the mud warning near Lavadoira
On rainy days the dirt stretches can be slippery; the road shoulder is the safer choice.
Missing the Monastery of Obona
A place with plenty of Jacobean history that goes unnoticed if you don't know it's there.
Everything you want to know before this stage
How many kilometres from Tineo to Pola de Allande?
Is this the hardest stage of the Camino Primitivo?
Can I split the stage?
What is the Monastery of Obona?
Are there services along the stage?
What can you see in Pola de Allande?
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.