Day 1: Ferrol
We begin our journey in Ferrol, a charming harbour town that is steeped in history. Serving as a fishing port in the time of the Romans, Ferrol grew over time both in size and importance. During the 16th century, the Ferrol port was used as a safe harbour for the Spanish Armada and today boasts a large naval port. As the town grew in size, the urban layout of the Esteiro and Magdalena neighbourhoods were greatly influenced by the Enlightenment period.

Day 2: Ferrol – Neda (16,4 km) ↗184m↘174m
In the morning we will start our walk at the dock of Curuxeiras, from Ferrol’s central port at the first stone waymark (km 0), and continue through the centre of town. We pass by one of the oldest access gates to the Military Arsenal. The Arsenal served many purposes for the Navy including shipbuilding, logistics handling, and military control and defence. Continuing along we pass the 12th century monastery of San Martin de Xubia in the midst of beautiful pastoral land surrounding the river inlet. We will see lovely views of the sea and sand where there are often fishermen digging up clams. As we finish our time on the coast, we will pass through a small wood of eucalyptus trees before heading inland toward Neda where we will rest for the night. In the evening we can visit the Santa Maria de Neda parish church or wander around the medieval streets in the town centre.

Day 3: Neda-Pontedeume (13,3km)↗345m↘327m
Once we leave Neda, we will walk through rural countryside lined with traditional haystacks. We will pass through Fene, an industrial shipyard hub that includes the ship repair workshops of Astano (now known as Navantia). Once we pass this industrial area we are rewarded with rolling hills, eucalyptus trees, and water fountains. The final stage of our walk leads us to the beaches of Magdelena and the fabulous pinewood forest of Cabanas, in the estuary of Eume. We complete our walk for the day as we cross the Rio Eume and enter the village of Pontedeume.

Day 4: Pontedeume – Betanzos (20,2 km)↗605m↘608m
This section of the Camino begins a beautiful coastal stretch with lovely views of the ocean. We leave Pontedeume through rolling green countryside and little villages. We will pass by the village of Miño, before reaching the medieval town of Betanzos. As you enter Betanzos, you immediately notice the white galeria balconied buildings around the riverside and the combination of white glass facades and red tiled roofs cutting their way into the hill. Betanzos has no formal town layout, it evolved with no symmetry which helps to give it such unique character and its postcard appearance. In the evening, we have the opportunity to visit the Church of San Francisco and stroll around one of Galicia’s best historic towns.

Day 5: Betanzos – Bruma (26 km)↗743m↘391m
Today will be a quiet walking day through small rural areas of Galicia. We will really be out in nature, passing through the occasional cluster of houses and farm buildings. Part of the day we will walk parallel to a river as well as through a few indigenous woodland areas. We will pass a historically important pilgrim stop for the Camino Inglés at Hospital de Bruma; it is the meeting point between the Ferrol and A Coruña routes.

Day 6: Bruma- Sigüeiro (24 km)↗280m↘433m
On day six of our journey we will pass by many important statues and markers including a little stone church. There is a statue of Santiago in his full pilgrim outfit, erected in the 2010 Holy Year, and standing six metres high. Near the hamlet of Buscas, there is an 18th century statue of San Paio, a child martyr. From here, the route takes a downhill turn. Before we arrive in Sigüeiro for the evening there is an inviting bridge we cross into a lovely park.

Day 7: Sigüeiro-Santiago (16,7 km)↗327m↘302m
We begin our final day by crossing over the Rio Tambre. We will pass by the church of Nosa Señora da Agualda and the village of O Barral. At one point, we will catch a glimpse of the Cathedral de Santiago’s spires and know that we are close to our destination. It is a winding walk through Santiago before arriving at the Plaza del Obradoiro in front of the cathedral. We will attend mass and hope to be “fumigated” by incense in the swinging botafumeiro. For many pilgrims, this ritual is the formal end to their journey. Take the time to walk through the cathedral and touch the image of the Apostle Santiago. After receiving our Compostelas, we will have one last communal meal together.

Day 8: Santiago

After breakfast it is time to say goodbye.

¡Buen Camino!

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