Padrón
❯Santiago de Compostela
Stage 13 · Portuguese way
Information
The stage between Padrón and Santiago de Compostela is the Portuguese Way’s final day. It has an official distance of 25.2 kilometers, an approximate duration of 5 hours of walking, and low difficulty.
The departure from Padrón leads first to Iria Flavia, a place closely related to Galicia’s and the Way’s own history. It was a Roman city and episcopal seat until the eleventh century.
Later, the route continues through small nuclei of the Sar River valley until reaching A Escravitude, where one of the day’s main monuments is found: the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Enslavement.
From here begins a section of rural landscapes and small climbs leading toward O Faramello and Teo municipality. The Way then crosses Rúa de Francos, Osebe, and other small nuclei before arriving at O Milladoiro.
O Milladoiro marks one of the day’s most anticipated moments. From here begins the descent toward A Rocha Vella and the Sar River. The final kilometers already pass through Santiago’s urban surroundings until reaching Santiago de Compostela Cathedral.
Route map
Recommendation from The Way
Recommendation for Stage 13: Padrón – Santiago de Compostela
Although official difficulty is low, this is a stage of more than 25 kilometers, so it is wise to begin early and reserve energy for the final kilometers.
The first sections combine small roads and rural paths. It is important to follow signage at all times, especially at crossings near the N-550.
After A Escravitude several climbs and descents appear until reaching Teo and O Milladoiro. These are not especially hard ascents, but they accumulate after many kilometers of walking.
At O Milladoiro it is worthwhile stopping a few minutes. It is the last great reference point before Santiago.
After crossing the Sar River there are two marked options to enter Santiago: one via Santa Marta de Abaixo and another via the historic neighborhood of Conxo. Both meet again at Praza de Vigo.
Stage profile
The stage has approximately 25.2 kilometers with low overall difficulty. The profile presents several modest climbs, particularly between A Escravitude and Teo, but these are gentle. The highest elevations do not exceed 200 meters.
The terrain varies throughout the day. The first section features rural paths and small roads along the Sar valley; the middle section uses country paths and small roads; the final section incorporates urban paths approaching the city center.
Estimated walking time is about 5 hours of effective walking, though with stops for visiting monuments and the city, the day easily extends to 6 or 7 hours. This being the final stage, many pilgrims reserve additional time to absorb the arrival experience.
Itinerary
Km 0
· Padrón
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· Iria Flavia
Shortly after you reach Iria Flavia, an ancient Roman nucleus and episcopal seat until the eleventh century. The main monument is the Church of Santa María la Mayor de Iria Flavia.
Beside the temple is found the Cemetery of Adina, where Camilo José Cela is buried, and opposite the church is located the foundation dedicated to the writer.
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· Sar River Valley
Km 6,4
· A Escravitude
At A Escravitude is found the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Enslavement, one of the day’s most recognizable religious buildings. The ensemble stands out for its two towers and great staircase.
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· A Escravitude – Angueira de Suso
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· O Faramello
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· Teo
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· Rúa de Francos
At Rúa de Francos is found a Gothic-style cruceiro and one of the municipality’s main Jacobean points. The route also crosses the Carballeira de Francos.
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· Osebe and A Casalonga
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· O Milladoiro
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· A Rocha Vella
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· Santa Marta or Conxo
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· Entry to Historic Center
From Praza de Vigo, the Way continues toward Porta Faxeira and Rúa do Franco, a street historically related to pilgrim arrival and reception.
Km 25,2
· Santiago de Compostela
The stage and the Way end in Santiago de Compostela. Portuguese Way pilgrims access the Cathedral surroundings via Praza das Praterías.
The current Cathedral began construction in 1075. During the following centuries it was enlarged and transformed, and among its principal works is the Portico of Glory, created by Master Mateo.
Arriving here concludes all stages of the Portuguese Way by the Coast begun in Portugal.
What to See
Santa María la Mayor de Iria Flavia
Camilo José Cela Foundation
Sanctuary of A Escravitude
Cruceiro of Francos
O Milladoiro
Porta Faxeira and Rúa do Franco
Praza das Praterías
Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
Localities
District: A Coruña
Padrón
District: A Coruña
Iria Flavia
District: A Coruña
A Escravitude
District: A Coruña
Teo
District: A Coruña
O Milladoiro
District: A Coruña
Santiago de Compostela
Route map
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