Ourense to Cea
A steady climb from the Ponte Vella to Cea, home to Galicia's oldest bread with Protected Geographical Indication status.
Best season: Year-round; consider the 8.5 km extension to the Monastery of Oseira
Map
- Ourense
- Cea
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 Ourense to Cea is 22.3 km along the Vía de la Plata. It's stage 33, with 611 m of ascent and 231 m of descent, completed in about 5h 30min. Difficulty: Moderate.
Climbing toward the land of Cea bread
It's a relatively short stage that starts with a steep climb: from the 115 meters of altitude of Ourense, by the Ponte Vella, to the 525 meters of Cea, a steady ascent throughout the whole route.
Cudeiro, Tamallancos, Bouzas (Boimorto), Sobreira, Faramontaos, Viduedo, Pazos and Casanovas are the many settlements along the way before reaching Cea.
Those with time and energy can extend the stage another 8.5 km to the Monastery of Oseira, one of the great Cistercian monasteries of Galicia. Cea, the main destination, is famous for its artisan bread, with Protected Geographical Indication status and a baking tradition dating back to the Middle Ages.
What the terrain is like, section by section
Terrain
A steady climb from the 115 m of Ourense to the 525 m of Cea.
Scenery
Galician rural landscape on a continuous ascent.
Path type
Rural tracks through numerous settlements.
Villages
Cudeiro, Tamallancos, Bouzas, Sobreira, Faramontaos, Viduedo, Pazos and Casanovas.
Water points
Good, thanks to the many villages along the route.
Shade
Variable in the Galician rural setting.
Traffic
Light, in a predominantly rural setting.
Key fact
There's an option to extend 8.5 km to the Monastery of Oseira if you have time.
Staying in Cea
Cea offers simple accommodation for pilgrims.
Accommodation in Cea
A pilgrims' albergue in the village famous for its artisan Galician bread.
Eating in Cea
Cea is famous for its artisan bread with Protected Geographical Indication status, a must-try product on this stage.
The famous Cea bread
Traditional bakeries that have made this Protected Geographical Indication bread for centuries.
Stops with history on this stage
The Monastery of Oseira
One of the great Cistercian monasteries of Galicia, known as "the Galician Escorial" for its architectural magnificence.
The baking tradition
Cea bread holds Protected Geographical Indication status and a tradition dating back to the Middle Ages.
If you have time and energy, the extension to the Monastery of Oseira is worth it: it's one of the great architectural treasures of Galicia.
Getting there and back
If you're starting here: Ourense has a train and bus station with very good national connections.
If you need to get back from Cea: connections are limited; it's worth planning ahead.
What to know before this stage
Prepare for the steady climb
You gain altitude continuously from Ourense to Cea.
Try the Cea bread
It's one of the great food products of the whole Vía de la Plata.
Consider the extension to the Monastery of Oseira
It's another 8.5 km, but worth it if you have time.
Refill in the many villages
They're a good opportunity to rest during the climb.
Don't ruin this stage
Underestimating the initial climb
You gain over 400 meters of altitude from Ourense.
Not trying the Cea bread
It's one of the great food products of the route, with Protected Geographical Indication status.
Not learning about the extension to the monastery
If you have energy, the Monastery of Oseira is a detour worth taking.
Not buying bread for the road
Take the chance to stock up on Cea bread for the coming stages.
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 from Ourense to Cea?
Is this stage difficult?
Why is Cea famous?
Can you visit the Monastery of Oseira?
What villages are on this stage?
Browse the stages
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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
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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