Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis
A short, very flat stage with a reward at the end: the thermal waters of Caldas de Reis.
Best season: Year-round
Map
- Pontevedra
- Caldas de Reis
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 Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis is 21.1 km along the Portuguese Way. It's stage 9, with 218 m of ascent and 222 m of descent, completed in about 5h. Difficulty: Easy.
21.1 km is the editorial distance, the one guidebooks use for planning. The IGN GPX track below the map measures 22.9 km: it can differ because of route variants, the exact start and end points, and the access paths into villages, which it leaves out. Neither figure is the road distance between the two towns.
A calm stage to the thermal town
About 3 km out of Pontevedra, the Way reaches a fork where the Spiritual Variant splits off — an alternative route to Pontecesures that gains more followers every year. The Central route continues along comfortable dirt and asphalt tracks with very little elevation change, passing small rural settlements.
The reward comes in Caldas de Reis, a thermal town bathed by the Umia and Bermaña rivers, whose hot springs were already used by the Celtic Cilenos and later by the Romans and kings such as Alfonso VII of Castile. The As Burgas fountain, with its stone lions spouting hot water, is the perfect stop for tired feet at the end of the stage.
What the terrain is like, kilometre by kilometre
Terrain
One of the flattest stages on the whole Portuguese Way, with no notable elevation changes.
Scenery
Rural areas and eucalyptus forest, with some stretches alongside the N-550 road.
Path surface
Mostly comfortable dirt tracks and asphalt, easy underfoot.
Villages
Small rural settlements in the Pontevedra area before reaching Caldas de Reis.
Water stops
Regular services along the stage, no long stretches without fountains or bars.
Shade
Variable, with eucalyptus forest sections and other more exposed stretches near the road.
Traffic
The route follows the N-550 in parts, so pay attention at a few crossings.
Key tip
Save some energy to enjoy the As Burgas fountain in Caldas de Reis — the perfect way to end this stage.
Accommodation in Caldas de Reis for pilgrims
Caldas de Reis has an interesting thermal-stay option alongside the usual pilgrim choices.
Albergue de Peregrinos de Caldas de Reis
Public albergue run by the Xunta de Galicia, close to the centre and the thermal baths.
Pensión Caldas
Guesthouse with private rooms a 5-minute walk from the centre, with its own restaurant.
Balneario Acuña
Historic spa on the banks of the Umia river, right in the centre.
Balneario Hotel Dávila
Caldas de Reis's most luxurious spa, between the thermal spring and the Umia river, right on the Camino.
Refuel in Caldas de Reis
Good choice of bars and restaurants in the centre, with a relaxed vibe thanks to the thermal baths.
Bars in the rural villages
Several rest stops along the stage, in the small villages you pass through.
Pilgrim menu
The town centre has a good choice of bars and restaurants used to feeding pilgrims.
Historic stops on this stage
Start of the Spiritual Variant
About 3 km out of Pontevedra, this is where the alternative route to Pontecesures splits off, growing more popular by the year.
As Burgas fountain
A late-19th-century thermal fountain with stone lions spouting hot water — perfect for tired feet at the end of the stage.
Acuña and Dávila spas
Two historic spas on opposite banks of the Umia river, whose waters were used by Celts, Romans and kings like Alfonso VII.
None of these stops require booking ahead — visit them freely as the Way passes.
Getting there and back
Starting here: Pontevedra has excellent train and bus connections to Vigo, Santiago and the rest of Galicia.
Heading back from Caldas de Reis: the town has bus connections to Pontevedra and Santiago de Compostela.
Good to know before this stage
Use the flat stage to find your rhythm again
One of the gentlest stages on the Portuguese Way — a good chance to rest your feet from previous days.
Don't leave without dipping your feet in As Burgas
The thermal fountain water is free and perfect for easing the fatigue of the stage.
Have your Spiritual Variant decision ready
It splits off about 3 km out of Pontevedra — look into it beforehand if you're interested.
Watch the crossings with the N-550
The route follows it in parts, so take care on those stretches.
Don't get this stage wrong
Passing through Caldas de Reis without visiting As Burgas
One of the most unique stops on the Portuguese Way — free thermal water right in the town centre.
Not researching the Spiritual Variant if it interests you
It's a decision made just 3 km from Pontevedra — don't leave it for the last minute.
Being careless at the N-550 crossings
Even on a calm stage, some sections share the road with the main highway.
Not booking a spa in advance
The Acuña and Dávila spas are very popular — book ahead if you want to stay there.
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 kilometres from Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis?
Is this a demanding stage?
What is the Spiritual Variant?
Why is Caldas de Reis famous?
Is the As Burgas fountain free to use?
Where can I sleep in Caldas de Reis?
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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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