Santiago de Compostela to Negreira
The first stage towards the Atlantic: you leave the Cathedral behind and, after crossing the historic Ponte Maceira, reach Negreira.
Best season: Year-round
Map
- Santiago de Compostela
- Negreira
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 Santiago de Compostela to Negreira is 20.6 km along the Camino to Fisterra and Muxía. It's stage 1, with 330 m of ascent and 380 m of descent, completed in about 5 h 15 min. Difficulty: Moderate.
The Cathedral is behind you, the road to the end of the world begins
After Compostela, many pilgrims keep walking: this is the first of the 5 stages to Fisterra and Muxía. The route combines rural tracks, eucalyptus woods and the occasional stretch of road, with a gentle climb that eases the transition after the kilometres already walked.
The day's highlight is Ponte Maceira, a medieval bridge from the 13th-14th centuries over the Tambre river, declared a Site of Cultural Interest and considered one of the prettiest villages in Spain. Tradition says pilgrims symbolically bid farewell here to the lands of Ames before entering the Fisterra district.
The stage ends in Negreira, the largest town on the route to Fisterra, with a full range of accommodation and services.
What the terrain is like, kilometre by kilometre
Terrain
Gentle, steady climbs and descents, with no steep sections.
Scenery
Eucalyptus and pine woods, with the Tambre valley and Ponte Maceira as the highlight.
Type of path
Dirt tracks and a stretch of asphalt leaving Santiago.
Villages
Aigrexa, Ventosa and Ponte Maceira before reaching Negreira.
Water points
Frequent services; Negreira has a full range at the end of the stage.
Shade
Good, most of the route is sheltered by trees.
Traffic
Low, with the occasional local road crossing with barely any traffic.
Key tip
Leave with plenty of time: it's the stage with the most pilgrims of the day, since everyone sets off from Santiago at once.
Accommodation in Negreira
Negreira has the widest range of accommodation on the whole Camino to Fisterra.
Negreira Pilgrims' Hostel
Xunta de Galicia hostel with 22 beds, open since 2001, 150 m from the Camino, with a campsite area if it fills up.
Albergue-Pensión San José
Tourist hostel with 50 beds, kitchen, laundry and parking, open since 2010.
Refuelling on this stage
Negreira has the best options of the whole day; services are sparse along the rest of the route.
Pilgrim's menu
The town has bars and restaurants with a pilgrim's menu at the end of the stage.
Stops with history on this stage
Medieval bridge over the Tambre
Built between the 13th and 14th centuries at the request of the Archbishopric of Santiago, with its characteristic pointed arch. A Site of Cultural Interest.
One of the prettiest villages in Spain
The small settlement by the bridge feels frozen in time, with mills and stone houses over the river.
Pazo de Cotón
A former manor house in the centre of Negreira, an example of the region's Galician civil architecture.
Ponte Maceira deserves an unhurried stop: it's one of the most photographed spots on the whole Camino to Fisterra.
How to get there and how to get back
If you're starting here: you set off directly from the centre of Santiago de Compostela, well connected by train, bus and plane.
If you need to get back from Negreira: there are regular buses to Santiago de Compostela in a little over half an hour.
What to know before this stage
You don't need a new Compostela
This Camino doesn't entitle you to another Compostela; keep stamping your credential to get the Fisterrana in Fisterra.
Leave early if you're coming off a long stage
Many pilgrims start this leg the same day they reach Santiago; consider whether you'd rather rest a night first.
Set aside time for Ponte Maceira
It's one of the most photographed points on the Camino; don't rush across it.
Book ahead in high season
Negreira fills up in summer as the natural first stop out of Santiago.
Don't ruin this stage
Thinking you can arrange another Compostela
The Compostela is only issued in Santiago; this Camino leads to the Fisterrana, a different certificate.
Leaving Santiago without supplies
Even though there are services along the way, it's worth setting off with water and some food after the bustle of Santiago.
Walking straight past Ponte Maceira
It's easy to keep going without stopping; it's worth going down to the bridge and the mill.
Not booking a bed in Negreira in summer
It's the most popular stage out of Santiago and fills up fast in high season.
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 Santiago to Negreira?
Can it be done the same day you arrive in Santiago?
What is Ponte Maceira?
Does this stage entitle you to the Compostela?
Where can I sleep in Negreira?
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