Via de la Plata

Via de la Plata from Ourense to Santiago (Last 100km)

Rate:
Price: 7 nights from €775
  • Activity Walking or Easy Walking or Cycling or Easy Cycling
  • Distance 116 km
  • Duration 7 Nights
  • Difficulty Moderate
  • Tour Type Self-Guided Caminos
  • Time To Go April to October

Via de la Plata from Ourense to Santiago (Last 100km)

The final 100km of the Via de la Plata, from Ourense to Santiago, is arguably the most scenic of all the last stretches to Santiago de Compostela. It’s perfect for those seeking a quieter, off-the-beaten-path Camino experience.

This stunning journey begins in Ourense, renowned for its natural thermal springs and charming old town, and ends in the breathtaking Santiago de Compostela. Along the way, you’ll pass through Galicia’s lush, green countryside dotted with beautiful Romanesque churches.

Traversing peaceful forests, farmland, and quaint villages, you’re likelier to meet welcoming locals than many fellow pilgrims, as this route is a hidden treasure. Be sure to try the famous ‘Cocido‘ dish in Lalín, a treat for meat lovers.

The route’s moderate climbs offer spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Upon reaching Santiago, don’t forget to claim your ‘Compostela’ certificate!

Map of the Via de la Plata from Ourense to Santiago Last 100km

Itinerary For The Via de la Plata From Ourense To Santiago Last 100km

Ourense

Stage: Ourense

You arrive in Ourense.

23 km

Cea

Stage: Cea

You will start your day’s walk in the city of Ourense and head towards Cea, a village known for its famous bread: ‘Pan de Cea’. The first stage is the most challenging, with a steady climb. You will pass the village of Tamallancos with its Santa María Church and baroque ‘pazo’ and, after Sobreira, you will cross the XIII century bridge over the Barbantiño River.

19 km

Dozón

Stage: Dozón

Today you will walk along shaded paths in the countryside, on your way to XIII century Mosterio de Oseira. You will then continue along a very quiet country road until you reach the village of Dozón, crossing into the province of Pontevedra. When you arrive, you will have a short transfer to your accommodation (included in price).

17 km

Lalín

Stage: Lalín

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

16 km

Silleda

Stage: Silleda

Today is a pleasant short stage, walking up and downhill through woodlands, farmlands and small villages before entering Silleda, famous for its cattle and agricultural fairs, including the international Green Week (Semana Verde).

20 km

Ponte Ulla

Stage: Ponte Ulla

Starting with an easy path 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

Stage: 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 kilometers 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 cozy cafes.

Accommodation

Standard Hotels

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.

Standard Hotel & Guesthouse

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.

Superior Collection

Access

Ourense

Santiago de Compostela Airport 100km: Both cities are linked with a bus connection, departing 8 times/ day (mon-fri) and 5 times/ day (Sat-Sun) (2h travel time). See horarios.monbus.es.
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 https://www.rome2rio.com.

Vigo Airport 90km: From Vigo airport you can take a bus to Travesia de Vigo (every 30 min) and then take a train to Ourense from nearby Vigo Guixar station (total travel time approximately 2 hours). See www.renfe.com.

Porto Airport 170km: There is a train connection between Vigo and Porto-Campanha (main train station) (taking 2h, sometimes with a change in Viana do Castelo). The way between Vigo and Ourense can be taken by train as well (7 departures/ day, approx. 2h travel time). See www.renfe.com.
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

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: https://www.rome2rio.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.

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.
  • 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…

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.


FAQs: Via de la Plata from Ourense to Santiago (Last 100km)

Q: How long is the Via de la Plata from Ourense to Santiago?
A: The final stretch is 116 km and takes about 7 nights to complete at a moderate pace. Compare with other Camino de Santiago routes.

Q: Will I qualify for the Compostela certificate?
A: Yes, starting in Ourense covers more than the required 100 km to Santiago. See our beginners guide to the Camino for Compostela details.

Q: How difficult is this last section of the Via de la Plata?
A: It’s considered moderate, with some steady climbs, particularly on the first day out of Ourense. Preparing with a Camino fitness plan is recommended.

Q: When is the best time to walk this route?
A: The Via de la Plata is best walked between April and October. For tips across all Caminos, see best time to walk the Camino.

Q: Is luggage transfer included on this Camino?
A: Yes, Camino luggage transfers are included so you can walk light each day.

Q: Can I cycle the Via de la Plata from Ourense to Santiago?
A: Yes, cycling is possible, and we arrange luggage transfers and accommodation to suit cyclists. Check out cycling the Camino routes.

Q: What makes this Camino different from others?
A: It’s one of the quietest last-100km routes, passing Romanesque churches, peaceful forests, and Galicia’s famous food towns such as Lalín. For busier alternatives, see the Camino Frances or Camino Portugues.

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