CSan ROUTE 1. Puebla de Sanabria to Ourense

Starting in Puebla de Sanabria, a charming town with medieval architecture and narrow streets, the route gradually ascends into the mountains. We pass through quiet forests, where the shade of the trees offers some relief from the sun. The trail then leads through a few small villages, each with its own unique charm and traditional Galician architecture, before reaching the town of Padornelo.

This part of the Camino Sanabrés provides a moderate level of challenge due to some uphill sections, but it is a rewarding journey, allowing us to connect with nature and experience the serenity of the rural landscape.

Padornelo is a small village located at the foot of the mountains, offering us a peaceful stop for rest and reflection. It marks the end of this stage, where we can enjoy the sense of accomplishment before continuing our pilgrimage.

Leaving Padornelo, the route gradually ascends, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. We will walk through dense forests of oak and pine, which provide welcome shade during the warmer months. The path also passes through small hamlets, where we can observe traditional rural life and architecture. The journey is peaceful, allowing for moments of reflection as we connect with the natural beauty of the region.

The town of A Vilavella marks the end of this stage. During the Roman era, the region known as La Mezquita was governed from its capital, Municipium Bracara Augusta (modern-day Braga, Portugal). In the medieval period, the land was under the control of the Counts of Monterrei and the Pimentel family, with A Vilavella serving as the administrative and noble center of the estate.

A Vilavella is a small settlement that offers a quiet stop for us to rest and refresh. This stage is often considered a serene and rewarding experience, allowing us to appreciate the simplicity and tranquility of the rural Galician landscape. It serves as a perfect transition toward the more bustling stages that lie ahead, making it a reflective and peaceful part of the Camino Sanabrés.

Starting from A Vilavella, we walk through the rural Galician countryside, passing through small hamlets and villages that give a glimpse into traditional local life. The path continues through forested areas and agricultural land, providing a peaceful atmosphere and beautiful views of the rolling hills.

A Gudiña, a small town, marks the end of this stage. Situated at the foot of the mountains, it serves as a rest stop for us. One of the main attractions in A Gudiña is its rich historical and cultural heritage. The town is known for its traditional Galician architecture, with charming stone houses and narrow streets that reflect the region’s rural character.

Our destination for today is the place Venta de Bolaño. This stage is notable for its natural beauty and the peaceful environment, offering us a moment of tranquility before the next part of our journey.

Leaving Venta de Bolaño, we walk to the North through Laza, which is a more mountainous leg. The journey includes stretches of forested areas, rolling hills, and charming rural scenery, making it a peaceful and scenic walk.

Along the way, villages like Campobecerros and Portocamba offer opportunities to rest and enjoy the local atmosphere. The final descent into Laza is steep but rewarding, leading to a welcoming town with essential services for us.

Laza is known for its strong Galician identity, friendly locals, and famous Entroido (Carnival) celebrations. Situated in a broad valley shaped by the Río Támega and its tributaries, and encircled by mountains reaching up to 1,550 meters, Laza was historically an important transit point to and from Portugal until the construction of modern highways. The discovery of Roman ruins nearby confirms that this area once served as a stop along a secondary Roman road, the Vía do Támega.

One of Laza’s unique culinary specialties is the bica blanca, a sweet cake that is exclusively produced in the area.

This stretch between Laza and Vilar de Barrio offers a mix of demanding ascents, peaceful countryside, and traditional villages, making it both a physically challenging and rewarding experience for us.

Leaving Laza, the route begins with a steep ascent towards Alto de Alberguería, one of the toughest climbs on this section of the Camino. Along the way, we pass through forests, small hamlets, and scenic rural landscapes. Alberguería is a unique stop, known for its collection of scallop shells left by pilgrims over the years, creating a symbolic and welcoming atmosphere.

After reaching the highest point, the path descends through more gentle terrain, where we can rest and enjoy the quiet surroundings. The final stretch to Vilar de Barrio is relatively flat, offering a pleasant walk through fields and woodlands.

Vilar de Barrio is a small but well-equipped village, providing essential services such as a grocery store and places to eat. It serves as a good resting point before continuing toward Xunqueira de Ambía and Ourense, bringing us closer to our final destination, Santiago de Compostela.

The journey begins with a gentle descent from Vilar de Barrio, passing through quiet hamlets and farmlands. The path winds through forested areas and along dirt tracks, providing a serene atmosphere for us to reflect and enjoy the natural beauty of the region. As we approach Vilar de Gomareite, the landscape opens up to reveal fields and meadows, offering some stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Along the way, we may pass through several small villages, where we can take a break or stop to admire the local architecture and rural charm. Then the route continues toward Xunqueira de Ambía, a small but historically significant town known for its monastery and peaceful surroundings.

Upon reaching Xunqueira de Ambía, we are welcomed by the Monastery of Santa María la Real, a key landmark on this stage. The town offers a few basic services and places to eat, making it a perfect place to rest before continuing toward Ourense. The peaceful atmosphere and rich history of Xunqueira de Ambía provide a lovely end to this stage of the Sanabres Way.

Starting in Xunqueira de Ambía, the route leads us along peaceful country roads and trails. The landscape is characterized by rolling hills, green fields, and picturesque rural surroundings.

As the journey progresses toward Ourense, the path continues through forests and along the banks of the Miño River. We can appreciate the quiet beauty of the region, with opportunities to enjoy nature and reflect. The section is not particularly difficult, but it does include some moderate ascents and descents, making it an enjoyable challenge for walkers.

Approaching Ourense, we will be rewarded with the opportunity to visit the historic city, which is known for its Roman bridges and thermal baths. The city has a rich cultural heritage, and its landmarks, such as the Cathedral of Ourense, make it a fascinating destination for those following the Camino Sanabrés.

This is the final day of our stage. If we have enough time, it is highly recommended to spend at least a full day in Ourense, the capital of thermalism.

Ourense is a charming city in Galicia, Spain, known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and famous thermal baths.

One of the most notable attractions in Ourense is its Roman Bridge (Puente Romano), a magnificent structure that spans the Miño River. This bridge, built in the 1st century, is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. It’s a perfect spot for a walk, offering picturesque views of the river and the surrounding landscape.

Another key feature is the Cathedral of Ourense (Catedral de Ourense), a beautiful example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. The cathedral is home to impressive art, sculptures, and religious relics. The Portico del Paraíso, a stunning Romanesque portal, is particularly noteworthy for its intricate carvings.

Ourense is also famous for its thermal baths, making it the "capital of thermalism." The city has several hot springs, including the Termas de Outariz, which offer us the chance to relax in natural hot springs with beautiful views of the river. The Termas de Chavasqueira is another popular spot, where we can experience the therapeutic benefits of the mineral-rich waters.

Overall, Ourense is a city that combines historical landmarks, natural beauty, and a relaxing atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination.

After this rest for body and mind, we resume the journey to reach our destination in Santiago de Compostela. We are getting closer and closer!