Caldas de Reis to Padrón
One of the most beautiful stages of the Galician stretch of the Camino Portugués: centuries-old forests, Romanesque churches, and a Roman bridge before reaching the land of Rosalía de Castro.
Best season: Year-round; the wooded sections offer good shade even in summer
Map
- Caldas de Reis
- Padrón
FEAACS track published by IGN. Follow current trail signs.
Source: IGN/CNIG · FEAACS · CC BY 4.0 · Accessed:
The Camino Bonsai Café team · Last editorial update:
From Caldas de Reis to Padrón is 18.6 km along the Portuguese Way. It's stage 10, with 226 m of ascent and 251 m of descent, completed in about 4 h 30 min. Difficulty: Easy.
Centuries-old forests on the way to Padrón
The stage leaves Caldas de Reis to enter the valley of the Bermaña river, amid centuries-old forests of great ecological value. The path passes by the church of Bemil and begins a gentle climb toward Santa Mariña de Carracedo, one of the most appreciated sections of the whole stage for its natural surroundings.
The route continues toward Casal de Eirigo and O Pino, crossing Monte Albor, until reaching the Solleiros mill, where the path turns gently to reach San Miguel de Valga and then Infesta, already in Pontecesures.
After crossing the Roman bridge of Pontecesures over the Ulla river, the route enters the province of A Coruña, running parallel to the N-550 road until reaching Padrón, the hometown of writer Rosalía de Castro and a place of Jacobean legend, since according to tradition the stone boat that carried the remains of the Apostle Santiago landed here.
What the terrain is like, section by section
Terrain
Moderate but more frequent elevation changes than the previous stage, with no notable climb.
Landscape
Centuries-old forests in the Bermaña valley, one of the most highly regarded natural settings of the entire Galician Camino Portugués.
Path type
Good surface for most of the route, mixing dirt tracks with a stretch alongside a road near Padrón.
Villages
Bemil, Santa Mariña de Carracedo, Casal de Eirigo, O Pino, and Pontecesures before reaching Padrón.
Water points
Good availability in the settlements along the route.
Shade
Plentiful in the wooded sections of the Bermaña valley.
Traffic
Generally low, somewhat higher on the final stretch alongside the N-550.
Key fact
Considered one of the most beautiful stages of the entire Galician stretch of the Camino Portugués: take your time in the Bermaña valley.
Staying in Padrón
Padrón, with a strong Jacobean and literary tradition, has a good range of accommodation.
Albergue Juvenil Padrón
An affordable option in the center of town.
Eating in Padrón
Padrón is synonymous with a very well-known culinary product: the famous Padrón peppers.
Pimientos de Padrón
"Some are hot and some are not": the town's most iconic dish, with its own Protected Designation of Origin.
Restaurants in the historic center
Traditional Galician cuisine alongside the places linked to Rosalía de Castro.
Historic stops on this stage
Centuries-old forests
One of the most highly regarded natural settings of the entire Camino Portugués through Galicia.
Roman bridge over the Ulla river
A construction of Roman origin marking the entrance into the province of A Coruña.
Padrón and the Jacobean legend
According to tradition, the stone boat that carried the remains of the Apostle Santiago docked here; the "pedrón" that gives the town its name is preserved beneath the church altar.
Rosalía de Castro House-Museum
The Casa da Matanza, where the great Galician poet lived and died, now converted into a museum.
Don't leave Padrón without trying its famous peppers: "some are hot and some are not" is the popular saying that sums up the surprise of this dish.
How to get there and back
If you're starting here: Caldas de Reis has a train station, connecting to Pontevedra, Vigo, and Santiago de Compostela.
If you need to return from Padrón: it has a train and bus station, with excellent connections to Santiago de Compostela (just 20 km away) and the rest of Galicia.
What you should know before this stage
Enjoy the Bermaña valley without rushing
It's one of the most beautiful stretches of the entire Galician Camino Portugués.
Save your appetite for Padrón peppers
It's the town's most famous culinary product, with its own Designation of Origin.
Visit the Rosalía de Castro House-Museum
A good cultural addition to the stage, dedicated to one of the great figures of Galician literature.
Don't ruin this stage
Rushing through the Bermaña valley
It's among the most highly regarded stretches of the entire Galician stage: it's worth walking it at a relaxed pace.
Not trying the Padrón peppers
It would be a culinary mistake not to sample the town's most iconic dish.
Ignoring Padrón's Jacobean legend
The "pedrón" that gives the town its name carries deep significance in the Camino tradition: don't miss it.
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 want to know before this stage
How many kilometers are there from Caldas de Reis to Padrón?
Is this stage difficult?
Why is Padrón famous?
What is the Roman bridge of Pontecesures?
How far is it from Padrón to Santiago de Compostela?
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Small-group walking tour of Santiago’s old town with a local guide.
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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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