Arzúa: The Cheese Capital of the Camino de Santiago

Arzúa and Its Famous Cheese

Arzúa is a market town about 39 km from Santiago de Compostela, and it is where the Camino Francés, Camino del Norte, and Camino Primitivo all converge. For a broader look at the region's gastronomy, see our Galician food guide. But the town is best known for its cheese: Queso de Arzúa-Ulloa, a creamy, mild cow's milk cheese with Denomination of Origin (D.O.) status.

About the Cheese

Arzúa-Ulloa cheese is made from raw or pasteurised cow's milk from Galician breeds, primarily Rubia Galega and Friesian cows. It has a soft, buttery texture and a mild, slightly tangy flavour. The rind is thin and edible.

You can buy it at:

• The local market in Arzúa (Monday mornings)
• Small shops and delis in the town centre
• Directly from farms in the surrounding Ulloa region

There is also a Cheese Festival (Festa do Queixo) held every year in March, attracting thousands of visitors.

What Else to See

Chapel of A Magdalena

A small Gothic chapel on the Camino route, just outside Arzúa. It belonged to an old pilgrim hospital.

River Walk

Arzúa sits at the confluence of several small rivers. A pleasant riverside path makes for a relaxing evening stroll.

Market Day

Monday is market day. Local farmers sell cheese, bread, vegetables, honey, and cured meats in the town square.

Eating in Arzúa

• Queso de Arzúa-Ulloa: — buy a wedge and eat it with bread
• Queso de tetilla: — another Galician D.O. cheese shaped like a breast
• Filloas: — thin Galician crepes, often filled with cream
• Carne ao caldeiro: — boiled beef with potatoes, a traditional local dish

Transport

Arzúa is two walking days from Palas de Rei and one from Santiago. If you need to get to Arzúa directly from Santiago airport or want luggage transport, Taxi Castro covers the entire route. Call +34 659 99 31 39.