Outdoors
Camino de Santiago Day Walk Hike
You walk the last stage of the French Way through Santo Antón, O Amenal, Cimadevila and San Paio to A Lavacolla, where pilgrims once washed in the stream, then climb to Monte do Gozo (380 m) for the first sight of the cathedral before walking into Santiago.
- Where
- Galicia, Spain
- Distance
- 20.2 km one way
- Time
- About 5 hours
- Difficulty
- Moderate
The route
Camino Francés final stage, Arca (O Pedrouzo, O Pino) to Santiago de Compostela.
The stage starts at the pilgrim hostel in Arca (O Pedrouzo), in the municipality of O Pino, and finishes at the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.
Permits and fees
No permit is needed to walk. To receive the Compostela certificate you must walk at least the last 100 km with a stamped pilgrim credential, so a single day does not qualify.
Before you go
- A Lavacolla, 10 km (about 2.5 hours) in, is a good halfway break.
- There are public pilgrim hostels at Arca and Monte do Gozo, plus cafés and restaurants along the way.
- The route passes near Santiago's international airport before A Lavacolla.
What to bring
- Shoes with grip that you have already worn in
- At least 1.5 litres of water
- Food you will actually want to eat
- A warm or waterproof layer
- The route, saved offline
- Sun cream and a hat
Getting ready for it
If your longest walk lately is under two hours, do a few longer walks first, ideally with some climbing and the pack you will carry.
Step-ups and lunges twice a week make the descents much easier on your knees.
Staying safe
- Tell someone your route and when you expect to be back.
- Turn around if the weather turns or the footing gets sketchy. The trail will still be there.
Route details checked September 30, 2026 against caminodesantiago.gal, caminodesantiago.gal and oficinadelperegrino.com. Rules and closures change, so check before you go.
