Xunqueira de Ambía to Ourense
A short stage to Ourense, an ancient Roman city known for its gold mining, with its Ponte Vella and its cathedral.
Best season: Year-round; set aside time to explore Ourense's Roman heritage
Map
- Xunqueira de Ambía
- Ourense
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 Xunqueira de Ambía to Ourense is 21.8 km along the Vía de la Plata. It's stage 32, with 553 m of ascent and 152 m of descent, completed in about 5h 30min. Difficulty: Moderate.
Toward the ancient Roman city of gold
It's a relatively short stage that, over its first two-thirds, follows the OU-102 road, crossing numerous hamlets, most with services: A Pousa, Salgueiros, Penelas, Pereiras, A Castellana, A Zamorana, Reboredo and Seixalbo.
The final third shows the approach to the city, with residential developments and infrastructure typical of a major Galician city.
Ourense, the destination, was an important Roman city thanks to gold mining in the area. Highlights include the Ponte Vella, a bridge of Roman origin over the Miño river, and the Cathedral of San Martiño, one of the great churches on the route.
What the terrain is like, section by section
Terrain
Gentle over the first two-thirds, with an urban approach to Ourense on the final stretch.
Scenery
Numerous Galician hamlets, followed by residential developments as you approach the city.
Path type
Alongside the OU-102 road for much of the route.
Villages
A Pousa, Salgueiros, Penelas, Pereiras, A Castellana, A Zamorana, Reboredo and Seixalbo.
Water points
Good, thanks to the numerous hamlets with services.
Shade
Variable, scarce on the final urban stretch.
Traffic
Present on the stretches alongside the OU-102 and on the approach to Ourense.
Key fact
Ourense is one of the great cities on the Camino Sanabrés: set aside time for its Roman heritage.
Staying in Ourense
Ourense, one of the great cities on the route, offers a wide range of accommodation.
Accommodation in Ourense
A pilgrims' albergue and numerous hotels of every category in the historic center.
Eating well in Ourense
Ourense has a lively dining scene, with its thermal baths and Ribeiro wine as major draws.
Inland Galician cuisine
Numerous bars and restaurants in the historic center, near the cathedral and the Ponte Vella.
Stops with history on this stage
The Ponte Vella
A bridge of Roman origin over the Miño river, a historic symbol of the city.
The Cathedral of San Martiño
One of the great churches on the route, with important Romanesque and Gothic elements.
Roman heritage
The city was an important Roman enclave thanks to gold mining in the area.
Ourense deserves at least an afternoon of visiting: its historic center, the Ponte Vella and the cathedral are among the great highlights of the whole Camino Sanabrés.
Getting there and back
If you're starting here: Xunqueira de Ambía has limited connections; Ourense, the destination, offers much better transport.
If you need to get back from Ourense: it has a train and bus station with very good national connections, being one of the great cities of Galicia.
What to know before this stage
Consider an extra night in Ourense
Its Roman heritage and historic center deserve time.
Try the thermal baths of Ourense
The city is known for its natural thermal waters.
Refill in the numerous hamlets
There are many villages with services on the first two-thirds of the stage.
Don't miss the Ponte Vella
It's one of the great historic symbols of the city.
Don't ruin this stage
Visiting Ourense in a rush
It's one of the great cities on the route, with a rich Roman heritage.
Not booking accommodation in advance
Being an important city, it's worth booking ahead in high season.
Rushing past the Ponte Vella
It's one of the great historic symbols of Ourense.
Not making the most of the thermal baths
They're a unique attraction of the city that many pilgrims enjoy after several days of walking.
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 Xunqueira de Ambía to Ourense?
Is this stage difficult?
What can you see in Ourense?
Why was Ourense important in Roman times?
Is it worth spending an extra night in Ourense?
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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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