Camino Portugués: Stage 23

You will start in Plaza da Peregrina square and then crossing Porta do Camiño, it used to be used as the entrance for lots of pilgrims centuries ago. Then you will get to the Plaza de A Ferrrería square and also the Convento de San Francisco convent, then you will get to the Plaza Curros Enríquez square and you will have to go through the Rúa Real street to go through another square, Celso Galcía de Riega square. Here you will have to turn left to go through Ponte do Burgo and leaving behind the old city of Pontevedra. After crossing the Lérez river you will have to cross the train rails. You will see two yellow arrows you should follow the one that indicates to go to the right to go and visit the Iglesia de Santa María de Alba church and also its stone cross.

After walking through the road you will get to Alba and to its chapel, Capilla de San Cayetano chapel After this quick stop, you will leave the asphalted road to enjoy nature and all its beauty. You will walk through a path full of trees and you will get to Pozo Negro, but first you will cross Cerponzons. You should cross the train rails to get to San Amaro, that belongs to Barro and where you could rest for a while and take a break.

A little bit after you will get to A Cancela, and a yellow arrow will indicate you the way to get to A Portela a place where you will find a hostel. Then you will get to an asphalted road that will lead you to a road where you should turn left after a few meters to get to Lugar de Valbón, where you will see its wonderful stone cross. You will continue your way and once you see a farm you should turn right to cross again the national road. After walking through the asphalted road for a while you will get to a path through maize fields and vineyards, you will be accompanied by the Arga river, this river will also welcome you once you get to Portas.

You are near the Barbosa river, the way do not go through this river, but if you want you can get there, it is a wonderful landscape and it also has a waterfall. A little bit after you will leave the road going through the left to cross a village called Barosa, you will get to the road a little bit after to get to Briallos, another small village where you will find a hostel and also a small shop on the other side of the road. Then you will get to the Capilla de Santa Lucía chapel located in Arcos da Condesa and the little bit after you will get to the Chaín river Before getting to the end of today’s stage you will have to cross another village: Tivo that has many pilgrim’s services.

There are just 2 kilometres left to get to Caldas. The Iglesia de Santa María church will welcome you at the entrance of the village. It is a Romanesque church that was built on a primitive church that was destroyed by Almanzor in the 12 century. It is characterized by its external structure and the gothic altarpiece rests inside. After this stop, you will cross the Umia river through a bridge. You will also see the Fuente de las Burgas spring that is from the 19 century.

You will get to the old city going through the Rúa Real street and also crossing a bridge over the Bermeña river, just next to the hostel. These origins of this city are from the Castro Culture and also linked with thermal water and springs. The name of this village has the word Reis that means kings because here is where Alfonso VII of León was born. Moreover, it is also famous due to its Iglesia de Santo Tomás church that is located in a wonderful garden and also due to its Botanic Garden that has approximately 70 different tree species and bushed from all over the world.

Bear in mind

This is an easy stage for everyone. The only problem or dangerous part is the national road, you should be very careful when crossing it. For those doing the Way on bike, it will also be an easy stage without difficulties.