Arzúa to O Pedrouzo Stage: Complete Guide (19 km)

The Arzúa – O Pedrouzo Stage

After the 29 km of the previous stage, the Arzúa to O Pedrouzo stage is a welcome relief. At 19 kilometres over gentle terrain, it's a recovery day before the excitement of the final stage: the arrival in Santiago de Compostela.

Stage data

• Distance: 19 km
• Ascent: 250 m
• Descent: 280 m
• Difficulty: Low
• Estimated time: 4-5 hours
• Terrain: Forest tracks and paths through eucalyptus and oak

The character of this stage

This is a transitional stage. The landscape is quintessentially Galician: green, damp and rural. You walk through eucalyptus and oak forests, crossing small hamlets that seem frozen in time. There are no major monuments or tourist stops, but it has a peacefulness that many pilgrims appreciate after intense days of walking.

It's also a reflective stage: you know that tomorrow you arrive in Santiago. Many pilgrims use it to think back on the journey so far.

The route step by step

Leaving Arzúa (km 0)

Before setting off, have a good breakfast. If you didn't try the Queso de Arzúa-Ulloa yesterday, grab some at a café in the centre. You leave the town on a road and quickly join forest tracks.

Calzada (km 3.5)

First hamlet after Arzúa. Small, with basic services. The path continues through eucalyptus with very gentle ups and downs.

Calle (km 6)

Another quiet hamlet. From here the path enters denser woodland.

Salceda (km 10)

Midpoint of the stage. There's a pilgrim monument and a fountain. You'll find a bar and café for a break. Good spot to rest before the second half.

Ras and A Brea (km 12-14)

Small rural clusters. The path continues along well-signposted forest tracks. Straightforward terrain.

Santa Irene (km 16)

Chapel of Santa Irene with a fountain that according to tradition has healing properties. There's a well-rated hostel here. Some pilgrims prefer to stop at Santa Irene (16 km) rather than continuing to O Pedrouzo, shortening this stage and the following day's walk to Santiago.

O Pedrouzo / Arca (km 19)

The official name is Arca, but everyone knows it as O Pedrouzo. It's a modern town that lives off the Camino. It has everything you need: restaurants with pilgrim set menus, pharmacies, supermarkets and good accommodation.

What to do in O Pedrouzo

Don't expect a monumental town. O Pedrouzo is functional, not touristy. But that's exactly what you need the night before Santiago:

• Have a good dinner: The town's restaurants offer complete pilgrim set menus. You need energy for tomorrow
• Check your gear: Pack your bag the night before. Have everything ready for an early start
• Rest: Go to bed early. If you want to reach the Pilgrim Mass at 12:00 in Santiago, you need to leave around 6:00-6:30

Preparing for the arrival in Santiago

The O Pedrouzo – Santiago stage (20 km) is the last and the most thrilling. These are the key points to plan the night before:

The Pilgrim Mass

It takes place at 12:00 in Santiago Cathedral. To attend on the day you arrive, leave O Pedrouzo before 6:30 and reach the Cathedral at least 30-45 minutes early. In summer it fills up fast.

The Compostela certificate

It's collected at the Pilgrim Office, Rúa das Carretas 33. See how to obtain the Compostela certificate for more details. It operates with a numbered ticket system. In high season there are queues, so allow plenty of time.

The Botafumeiro

The famous giant incense burner does not swing at every Mass. It's used on feast days: 25 July (St. James's Day), Holy Week, Christmas and other special dates.

Tips for this stage

• Don't be overconfident because it's short. 19 km with a backpack is still 19 km

• Carry a rain jacket even if it's sunny in the morning. This is Galicia

• If you have any niggles (blisters, sore knees), don't push it. Tomorrow is the last day and you want to arrive in good shape

• Eucalyptus trees can make the path slippery after rain

• Stay well hydrated. Even on an easy stage, hydration affects how you'll feel tomorrow

Transport alternatives

If you prefer to shorten this stage or go straight to Santiago, we offer transfers from any point:

• Arzúa – O Pedrouzo: For those who want an extra rest day
• Arzúa – Santiago: If you prefer to head straight to Santiago without stopping
• O Pedrouzo – Santiago: For those who can't walk the final 20 km
• Santiago – [Finisterre/Muxía](/en/blog/fisterra-muxia-after-santiago): Many pilgrims continue to the "end of the world" after Santiago

Fixed price, no surprises. Book in advance.