Pontevedra → Caldas de Reis

A mix of tarmac and soft forest tracks through Galician wine country — granite posts holding up the vines — with gentle gradients and no hard climbs, ending at the thermal-spring town of Caldas de Reis.

Stage map & GPX track

Distance and difficulty

The stage is about 21 km with roughly 200 m of ascent — rated moderate mostly for length, as the gradients are gentle and there is no hard climb. The surface is a pleasant mix of tarmac and soft forest track. Five to six hours is typical. It is an easier walking day than the previous Redondela stage, and the reward at the end is the thermal water of Caldas de Reis.

Route and variants

Soon after Pontevedra, at Pontecabras (about 3–4 km in), the waymarked Spiritual Variant (Variante Espiritual) branches left toward Combarro and the sea, rejoining the main route further north by boat or on foot over several extra days. This guide follows the main Central line, which continues straight through the wine country. A short optional detour later visits the Río Barosa waterfall and its restored mills — pretty when the water is high, modest when it is low.

The stage, section by section

Leaving Pontevedra past the Virxe Peregrina, the route climbs gently away from the city and reaches the Pontecabras junction, where the Spiritual Variant splits off. Staying on the main line you pass the church of Santa María de Alba and the hamlet of San Amaro, then walk on through vineyards and woodland. The optional Río Barosa detour comes near Briallos; from there the path continues through Tivo and drops the last couple of kilometres into Caldas de Reis.

Arriving in Caldas de Reis

Caldas de Reis is a small spa town built on hot springs that have been used since Roman times — its name literally means the baths of the kings. There is a free public outdoor spot to soak your feet in warm spring water, a welcome ritual at the end of the day; note that the ornamental town fountains are not for bathing, and locals are protective of them. The town has a relaxed riverside centre with bars and restaurants and is a pleasant overnight before the run to Padrón.

Where to sleep and eat

Caldas de Reis has a good spread of pilgrim accommodation, from a public-style albergue to guesthouses and spa hotels — names that recur in current guides include the Albergue As Pozas Termais, the Pensión de Peregrinos La Moderna, and spa hotels such as the Hotel Balneario Dávila. Book ahead in high season, as it is a popular stop. The riverside has bars and restaurants for an evening meal; stock up for the next stage, which passes through smaller villages.

Stage logistics at a glance

Distance about 21 km; difficulty moderate, mostly for length; gentle gradients on a mix of tarmac and forest track; five to six hours for most. The key decision is early: whether to take the multi-day Spiritual Variant at Pontecabras or stay on the main line. The next stage, Caldas de Reis to Padrón (about 18.9 km), brings you to the town of the Pedrón stone.

Frequently asked questions