Cycling the Via de la Plata from A Gudina to Santiago last 200km

This trip, cycling the Via de la Plata from A Gudina to Santiago last 200km is the ideal itinerary for cyclists looking for an off-the-beaten-track Camino experience. The Via de la Plata holds a special place in the history of the Camino de Santiago. The full way from Seville in Andalucia is 1000km and is the longest Camino de Santiago. It is considered as one of the original trails as traditionally North African Christians would take this route to make their way to Santiago. The route is also known to have been used by the Romans for the trade of silver, Plata in Spanish.

If you are looking to cycle your way to Santiago through the most stunning countryside in Galicia, our cycling the Via de la Plata from A Gudina to Santiago last 200km itinerary is just what you need. This historic route dating back to Roman times is known as one of the most scenics and authentic itineraries to Santiago pilgrims have ever walked or cycled. The last 200km of the Via de la Plata offers an incredible diversity of landscapes including mountains, rolling hills, and charming sleepy villages. On this itinerary, you will embark on a unique Camino adventure! As you cycle your way to Santiago de Compostela you will discover the most authentic Galicia.

Your 8-day cycling trip will start in the province of Ourense in the village of A Gudiña, located at the Serra Seca mountain range. For the first half of your journey to Santiago, the breathtaking mountainous landscapes will accompany you. From the city of Ourense, the landscape changes as you will cross peaceful forested areas and working farmlands. This lesser-known route to Santiago is a unique opportunity for you to meet local people and live authentic Galician experiences.

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Map of the Via de la Plata from A Gudiña to Santiago Last 200km

This is the most popular itinerary, you may be able to combine or split the distance for each day. Click on get a quote to customize your trip.

A Gudiña

You arrive in A Gudiña.

35 km

Laza

Today, the trail will go up and down through the Galician mountains, with breathtaking views. Laza is famous for its ancient medieval festival called ‘Entroido’, Carnival celebrations.

34 km

Xunqueira de Ambía

Today you will leave the mountains behind and spend the day walking through more modern villages and farmlands. From Bobadela, the scenery alternates between open landscapes, eucalyptus trees and oakwoods before arriving in Xunqueira de Ambía with its 12th century monastery.

22 km

Ourense

Today you leave the quietness of the isolated mountain villages and head towards the city, passing an industrial area before reaching the final destination of this section: the city of Ourense.

Ourense’s old quarter has a beautiful 12th century cathedral and lively pedestrian streets with many bars and restaurants where you can taste Galicia’s traditional cuisine and Ourense’s local wine. Famous for its thermal springs, Ourense is the perfect spot to relax and pamper yourself.

59 km

Lalín

Today is longer than the previous stages as there is no major difficulty. You will pass farmlands and hamlets and continue through the countryside until you reach Estación de Lalín.

36 km

Ponte Ulla

Starting with an easy cycle towards Bandeira, a town famous for its empanadas (Galician pastry pies), the day continues downhill through farmlands and villages. Just before descending to Ponte Ulla, the old castle is worth a visit for its 360-degree panoramic views. In Ponte Ulla, take a closer at the Iglesia de Santa Maria da Magdalena and its very detailed Romanesque facade.

21 km

Santiago de Compostela

Today is special because it is the last of the whole Via de la Plata route! Leaving Ponte Ulla you will first climb up towards Pico Sacro with its Ermita de San Sebastian and breathtaking views. The last couple of kilometres to Santiago are still quite rural and it is difficult to believe you are so close to a city. Finally, you reach Santiago a UNESCO World Heritage site with its world-famous Cathedral. You have arrived in Santiago de Compostela!

Take time to explore this gem of a city, small and vibrant. Santiago de Compostela, UNESCO listed old town will enchant you. Here you will find not only pilgrims but also locals and students, enjoying a few bites and glasses of wine in the many bars, restaurants and cosy cafes.

Superior Collection includes complimentary spa in Santiago.

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Accommodation

Standard Hotel & Guesthouse

We have hand-picked hotels and guesthouses along the Camino for their character and warm hospitality. Up to 3-stars, you will be staying in the centre of town and close to your Camino trail. All rooms are en-suite with bathroom.

For our family packages, we have hand-picked establishments with outdoor space and swimming pools where possible. Where accommodation with private outdoor space is not available, we have selected comfortable hotels with spacious common areas as well as a convenient location close to recreational areas and sights. As your comfort is our priority, we try to book hotels located within walking distance of the Camino. Despite our effort, on rare occasions your accommodation can be located a few kilometers away from the trail, so we organise transportation to/from your accommodation.

Superior Collection

Stay in very special hotels and unique properties along the Camino. We have selected luxurious 4 and 5-star hotels, boutique guesthouses, relaxing country homes and stunning heritage ‘Parador’ hotels so you can feel pampered. Rest assured when you select Superior Collection, you will enjoy the full experience of our best hotels and top guesthouses when and where this option is available, however, bear in mind, that sometimes due to location factors, only our choice of standard collection hotels and guesthouses may be available. All rooms are en-suite.

Access

How to get there

Live information on Rome2Rio. We can also arrange private transfers if you prefer, just ask us.

A Gudiña

Vigo Airport 202km: From Vigo airport you can take a bus to Travesia de Vigo (every 30 min) and then take the direct train with direction Madrid-Chamartin from nearby Vigo Guixar station which stops at A Gudiña (total travel time approximately 3 hours). This direct train runs once a day in the afternoon. Alternatively, you can take the train to Ourense (around 2h) and take a connecting train with direction Madrid-Chamartin, and stop at A Gudiña. The second journey is around 1h30min. See renfe.com.

Porto Airport 203km: There is a train connection between Vigo and Porto-Campanha (main train station) (taking 2h, sometimes with a change in Viana do Castelo). See www.cp.pt. See the above information to reach A Gudiña from Vigo.
The easiest connection between Porto airport and Porto-Campanha or city centre is the metro. The purple line (line E) links them with a frequency between 5-9 minutes. See: www.metrodoporto.pt.

Santiago de Compostela Airport 215km: To reach A Gudiña you must take a combination of two trains. The service is available three times a day. From Santiago train station, take the train to Ourense, a journey which is approximately 40min. In Ourense, change train and take the line with direction Madrid-Chamartin, and stop at A Gudiña. The second journey is around 1h30min. See renfe.com.
There is a shuttle bus from/ to the airport in Santiago, departing every 30min. Bus stops are. e.g., the bus station (Estación de Autobuses), the train station (Estación de Ferrocarril) or the city centre (Plaza de Galicia). See http://www.empresafreire.com

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela Airport 11km: There is shuttle bus from Santiago city centre to the airport, departing every 30min. Bus stops are: city centre (Plaza de Galicia), train station (Estación de Ferrocarril) and bus station (Estación de Autobuses). See: www.empresafreire.com.

Vigo Airport 90km: From Santiago you can take a train to Vigo Guixar (see www.renfe.com) or a bus to Travesia de Vigo (every hour). You should then take a city bus from Travesia de Vigo to Vigo Airport (every 30 min).

A Coruna Airport 70km: From Santiago you can take a train to A Coruña (30 min approximately) and then take a bus from Alfonso Molina (line 4051) to the airport (every 30 min, takes 20 min approximately). Monbus has services from Santiago to A Coruña Airport (every 3 hours), see monbus.es/en for details.

Porto Airport 210km: There is a direct bus connection between Santiago (Estación de Autobuses) and Porto airport once or twice a day (taking 4h or 6h resp.). See www.alsa.es.

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Whats Included

Included: Selected accommodation with private bathrooms, Holiday Pack on your mobile phone (Route ebook and Google Maps) and a 24/7 support number providing assistance during your trip, for instance organising a support vehicle if needed. In 2021 we also offer a Free Postponement with every booking made
Not included: Flights, drinks, city tax, Travel Insurance (Recommended)
Optional: Luggage transfers (On by default. One bag up to 20kg per person), dinners (On by default, where available), bike rental (On by default) and airport transfers, etc…

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Note on Accommodation: We aim to book you into each of the towns listed on the itinerary, however in case of low availability we may book you 2 nights in the same town with provided transfers. If you are booking Superior collection or Country cottages, please note it is subject to availability and therefore cannot be guaranteed. Superior/Country cottage accommodation may be away from the route with included transfers. More details.

Have questions? Read our FAQ pages.

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Via de la Plata Cycling the Via de la Plata from A Gudina to Santiago last 200km

Cycling the Via de la Plata from A Gudina to Santiago last 200km

Map of the Via de la Plata from A Gudiña to Santiago Last 200km

Map of the Via de la Plata from A Gudiña to Santiago Last 200km

Accommodation

Standard Hotel & Guesthouse

Superior Collection

Access

How to get there

A Gudiña

Santiago de Compostela

Whats Included