Gontán to Vilalba
A gentle stage along comfortable tracks between green meadows and small groves in Lugo's Terra Chá, crossing the N-634 a couple of times before reaching Vilalba.
Best season: Spring to autumn
Map
- Gontán
- Vilalba
FEAACS track published by IGN. Follow current trail signs.
Source: IGN/CNIG · FEAACS · CC BY 4.0 · Accessed:
Gaps in the source file are preserved; no connections have been added.
The Camino Bonsai Café team · Last editorial update:
From Gontán to Vilalba is 21.6 km along the Camino del Norte. It's stage 29, with 260 m of ascent and 295 m of descent, completed in about 5 h 30 min. Difficulty: Easy.
Flat terrain through Terra Chá on the way to Vilalba
This stage runs along "comfortable dirt tracks or asphalt among green meadows and small groves of native trees, always near the N-634 national road, which we will cross a couple of times." It's a gentle day, with minimal elevation change, through the A Terra Chá region, with rolling terrain and a predominantly pastoral landscape.
After leaving Gontán and passing through Abadín almost immediately, the Camino crosses As Paredes (Castromaior), Martiñán and O Campo do Cristo (Goiriz) before reaching Vilalba, presided over by the Torre de los Andrade, the 15th-century octagonal tower that is the only surviving remnant of the old feudal castle and now serves as a Parador hotel.
What the terrain is like, kilometre by kilometre
Terrain
An easy, flat stage with minimal elevation change, through the rolling A Terra Chá region.
Scenery
Green meadows and small groves of native trees, a predominantly pastoral landscape.
Path type
Comfortable dirt tracks or asphalt, always near the N-634 road, crossed a couple of times.
Villages
Abadín, As Paredes (Castromaior), Martiñán and O Campo do Cristo (Goiriz).
Water points
Good, thanks to the villages passed throughout the stage.
Shade
Moderate, with open stretches through meadows and others alongside small groves.
Traffic
Low, with a couple of occasional crossings over the N-634.
Key tip
Pay attention at the N-634 crossings: they are the only points of higher traffic on the stage.
Accommodation in Vilalba
Vilalba has a good public Xunta albergue, a kilometre from the historic centre.
Albergue de peregrinos de Vilalba
A public albergue run by the Xunta de Galicia with 48 beds (22 for women, 22 for men, and 4 accessible), opened in 2007. Includes disposable sheets, pillowcase and blankets. Heating and hot water, a kitchen with microwave (no utensils), free wifi and bike storage. Opens 1pm to 10pm, no reservations, credential required. Rúa do Castiñeiro, 16.
Where to refuel in Vilalba
Vilalba, a full-service district capital, offers a good variety of bars and restaurants.
Inland Galician cooking
Vilalba's historic centre concentrates the best food options of the stage, right by the Torre de los Andrade.
Stops with history on this stage
Torre de los Andrade
A 15th-century octagonal tower, the only surviving remnant of the old feudal castle of Vilalba. Today it is a Parador hotel and the most important monument in town.
Historic centre
The capital of the A Terra Chá region, with a well-preserved centre around the medieval tower.
Don't leave Vilalba without stopping by the Torre de los Andrade: it's one of the most recognisable postcard images of the whole Galician Camino del Norte.
Getting here and getting back
Starting here: Gontán is easily reached from Abadín, with a bus connection to Mondoñedo and Lugo.
Heading back from Vilalba: there are bus and train connections to Lugo, A Coruña and the rest of Galicia.
Worth knowing before this stage
Use it to rest
It's one of the flattest and easiest stages of the Galician stretch: a good moment to recover your legs.
Take care at the N-634 crossings
These are the points of highest traffic on the stage: cross with attention.
Set aside time for the Torre de los Andrade
Vilalba's great monument is worth a visit on arrival, even a brief one.
The public albergue opens at 1pm
It takes no reservations and works first come, first served: bear the opening time in mind if you arrive early.
Don't ruin this stage
Getting distracted at the N-634 crossings
These are the only higher-traffic stretches: pay attention when crossing.
Arriving at the albergue before 1pm with no plan
It doesn't open until then: plan your arrival or use the time to explore the town.
Rushing past the Torre de los Andrade
It's one of the great architectural milestones of the Galician Camino del Norte.
Forgetting your pilgrim credential
Vilalba's public albergue requires it for access.
What to pack, travel insurance and getting around
One single guide with the recommended gear, useful services (insurance, eSIM) and transport options for the whole Camino.
Work out how much it will cost you
Set the days, route and type of trip, and we give you an estimate of the total cost with a full breakdown.
Everything you wonder before this stage
How many kilometres is it from Gontán to Vilalba?
Is this stage hard?
What can you see in Vilalba?
Where is the pilgrim albergue in Vilalba?
Are there dangerous crossings on this stage?
What region does this stage cross?
Browse the stages
Things to do in Santiago de Compostela
Walking tour of the old town
Small-group walking tour of Santiago’s old town with a local guide.
Cathedral and Pórtico da Gloria
Guided visit to the Cathedral with access to the museum and the restored Pórtico da Gloria.
Queimada show and tasting
The traditional Galician flambéed drink, explained in a show designed for pilgrims.
Fisterra, Muxía and the Costa da Morte
The three unmissable stops of the "end of the world" in a full-day trip from Santiago.
Our top recommendation
Bonsai Café
You still have stages ahead, but once you reach Santiago you will have earned a good breakfast. Bonsai Café is right in the city centre, with weekend brunch, Berraco by Bou specialty coffee and the best cocktails to toast your arrival.
Map
- Bonsai Café
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