Negreira to Olveiroa
The longest stage on the whole Camino to Fisterra: 33.6 km along lonely rural tracks to the small settlement of Olveiroa.
Best season: Spring to autumn
Map
- Negreira
- Olveiroa
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 Negreira to Olveiroa is 33.6 km along the Camino to Fisterra and Muxía. It's stage 2, with 633 m of ascent and 585 m of descent, completed in about 8 h 30 min. Difficulty: Hard.
The longest stage on the whole Camino to Fisterra
At 33.6 km, this is the longest stage not only on the Camino to Fisterra and Muxía, but on the whole site: around eight and a half hours crossing the divide between the Tambre river basin and the Xallas, along lonely dirt tracks through pine, chestnut and oak woods.
Anyone who prefers a shorter day can split it in two, staying overnight in Vilaserío (about 12.7 km from Negreira). The final stretch crosses Monte Aro, with views of the Fervenza reservoir, before descending into Olveiroa, a small rural settlement known for its traditional hórreos and cruceiro.
Being so long, it's worth setting off early, carrying enough water and not underestimating the fatigue built up over previous stages.
What the terrain is like, kilometre by kilometre
Terrain
Moderate but steady climbs and descents over almost 34 km, crossing Monte Aro in the final stretch.
Scenery
Pine, chestnut and oak woods for the first kilometres; more open terrain afterwards with views of the Fervenza reservoir.
Type of path
Mostly dirt tracks, with excessive stretches of asphalt near Monte Aro.
Villages
Vilaserío (a possible halfway stop), Santa Mariña and Ponte Olveira before reaching Olveiroa.
Water points
Scarce for much of the route; carry plenty of water leaving Negreira.
Shade
Good in the first wooded kilometres; more limited in the more open final stretch.
Traffic
Very low, apart from the occasional crossing of a regional road.
Key tip
It's the longest stage on the Camino to Fisterra: consider splitting it into two days, stopping in Vilaserío, if you're not in top shape.
Accommodation in Olveiroa
Olveiroa is a small settlement but with a good range of hostels, geared to the large number of pilgrims arriving after this long stage.
Olveiroa Pilgrims' Hostel
Xunta de Galicia hostel set up in a renovated former school, with 33 beds in the main building plus additional space.
Albergue O Peregrino
Private hostel with its own bar-restaurant and an optional communal dinner, highly rated after such a long stage.
Refuelling on this stage
Services are scarce along the route; Vilaserío and Olveiroa have the best options.
Communal pilgrim dinner
Several hostels in the village offer a shared dinner, a good way to refuel after the longest stage on the Camino.
Stops with history on this stage
A cluster of hórreos and a cruceiro
The settlement preserves an ethnographic group of traditional Galician hórreos and a stone cruceiro, a fine example of rural architecture.
Views of the Fervenza reservoir
The final stretch of the stage crosses this hill with good views over the reservoir, before descending into Olveiroa.
The cluster of hórreos in Olveiroa is a good reason to arrive with daylight left and stroll around the village before dinner.
How to get there and how to get back
If you're starting here: Negreira has regular bus connections with Santiago de Compostela.
If you need to get back from Olveiroa: connections are limited; it's usual to keep walking on to Fisterra or Muxía, or to travel first to Dumbría or Cee to connect with buses to Santiago.
What to know before this stage
Set off very early
With almost 34 km ahead, the more daylight you have to spare the better, especially in autumn and winter.
Carry plenty of water and food
Supply points are scarce until Vilaserío; don't count on finding something open along the way.
Consider splitting it in Vilaserío
If you don't keep a fast pace, sleeping in Vilaserío (about 12.7 km from Negreira) turns this stage into two much more manageable days.
Look after your feet on such a long day
It's the longest stage on the Camino to Fisterra; check your footwear and act at the first sign of a blister.
Don't ruin this stage
Underestimating the distance
At 33.6 km it's by far the longest stage on the Camino to Fisterra; don't treat it like just another day.
Leaving Negreira late
Setting off after 8am can leave you with little light for the final kilometres, especially outside summer.
Not carrying enough water
The stretches between settlements are long and water points are scarce.
Ruling out Vilaserío out of pride
Splitting the stage isn't "cheating": many experienced pilgrims recommend it precisely because of how long it is.
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're wondering before this stage
How many kilometres are there from Negreira to Olveiroa?
Can this stage be split?
Are there services along the route?
What can be seen in Olveiroa?
Where can I sleep in Olveiroa?
Browse the stages
Transparency: this page contains affiliate links. If you book or buy through one of them, Guía del Camino de Santiago may receive a commission. Read our affiliate policy