Sobrado dos Monxes to Arzúa
A short, easy stage with no orographic difficulties, ending at Arzúa: the point where the Camino del Norte converges with the Camino Francés.
Best season: Spring to autumn
Map
- Sobrado dos Monxes
- Arzúa
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 Sobrado dos Monxes to Arzúa is 22 km along the Camino del Norte. It's stage 32, with 219 m of ascent and 337 m of descent, completed in about 5 h 30 min. Difficulty: Easy.
The Camino del Norte joins the Camino Francés
Gronze.com describes this final independent stage of the Camino del Norte as "short and without orographic difficulties." The character of the route shifts: rural dirt tracks give way to mostly asphalt, with what the guide itself calls "bland and disorderly urbanism typical of extensive areas of Galicia."
The route passes through A Laxe (Vilasantar), Madelos, As Corredoiras, Boimil, A Gándara (Boimorto), Orxal, Sendelle and Casaldoeiro before reaching Arzúa. This is where the Camino del Norte finally converges with the Camino Francés: from this point on, both routes share the same path all the way to Santiago. There is also a signposted variant extending the route toward Lavacolla via Boimorto, designed for those who prefer to delay merging with the busier Camino Francés.
What the terrain is like, kilometre by kilometre
Terrain
A short, easy stage with no significant orographic difficulties.
Scenery
The rural landscape gradually gives way to a more urbanised setting as Arzúa approaches.
Path type
Asphalt predominates over dirt tracks, unlike in previous stages.
Villages
A Laxe (Vilasantar), Madelos, As Corredoiras, Boimil, A Gándara (Boimorto), Orxal, Sendelle and Casaldoeiro.
Water points
Good, thanks to the numerous villages passed along the stage.
Shade
Variable, with open stretches as the surroundings become more urban.
Traffic
Moderate on the asphalt stretches near population centres.
Key tip
From Arzúa on, the Camino del Norte merges with the Camino Francés: expect more pilgrims on the route.
Accommodation in Arzúa
Arzúa, the merging point with the Camino Francés, offers a wide range of albergues.
Albergue de peregrinos de Arzúa
A public albergue run by the Xunta de Galicia, set in a restored stone house that was once an Augustinian hospital. 56 beds in dormitories of 10, 14 and 32 beds. Kitchen (no utensils), microwave, fridge, washing machine and dryer, disposable sheets, wheelchair accessible. Opens 1pm to 10pm, no reservations, credential required.
Where to refuel in Arzúa
Arzúa, a district capital famous for its cheese, offers a wide variety of bars and restaurants.
Galician cooking and Arzúa-Ulloa cheese
The town, with its own protected designation of origin cheese, concentrates the best food options of the stage.
Stops on this stage
Ermita de A Mota
A small wayside chapel in the final stretch of the stage, near Orxal.
Convergence with the Camino Francés
At Arzúa, the Camino del Norte finally joins the Camino Francés for the final kilometres to Santiago de Compostela.
Try the Arzúa-Ulloa cheese, with its own protected designation of origin: one of the most memorable food stops of the whole Camino.
Getting here and getting back
Starting here: Sobrado dos Monxes has a bus connection to A Coruña, Lugo and Santiago de Compostela.
Heading back from Arzúa: there is a good bus connection to Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña and Lugo, being a crossroads of routes.
Worth knowing before this stage
Prepare for more company
From Arzúa on, you join the Camino Francés: the number of pilgrims on the route increases noticeably.
Don't leave without trying the cheese
Arzúa has its own protected designation of origin cheese: a food stop well worth it.
Arrive with margin at the public albergue
It opens at 1pm and takes no reservations: plan your arrival carefully.
Consider the Lavacolla variant
If you prefer to avoid the greater crowds of the Camino Francés, there is a signposted alternative route via Boimorto.
Don't ruin this stage
Expecting the same solitary route as previous stages
From Arzúa on, the Camino merges with the Francés: prepare for more pilgrims.
Rushing through Arzúa
It's a symbolic meeting point between two of the most important Jacobean routes: worth a pause.
Forgetting your pilgrim credential
Arzúa's public albergue requires it for access.
Not trying the Arzúa-Ulloa cheese
It's one of the most recognised food specialities of all Galicia.
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 Sobrado dos Monxes to Arzúa?
Is this stage hard?
What happens in Arzúa?
Where is the pilgrim albergue in Arzúa?
Are there route alternatives on this stage?
What can you eat in Arzúa?
Browse the stages
Make the most of Santiago beyond the Camino
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
Just arrived in Santiago after the Camino? You 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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