The stage, step by step
Start and initial climb
You begin in Xunqueira de Ambía, where you can top up your water and buy something to eat before setting off. Between km 0.8 and 3, you climb 70 m; after that, the profile changes and the long descent towards Ourense begins.
Descent towards the middle section
From km 3 to 14.8, you descend 266 m, with an average gradient of 2.3%. Around halfway, you will find Café-Bar Ruta da Prata and Supermercado Maite-Suso, useful places to stop without waiting until the city.
San Cibrao das Viñas and the final descent
In the San Cibrao das Viñas area, you can find María del Carmen Segura Fernández and, nearby, Sayfe Café Bar, Pis pas Café Bar, Café Bar O Cruceiro and Café Bar O Mesón. From km 15.8 to 21.3, there are still 172 m of descent.
Entering Ourense
The final section brings you into Ourense, where the arrival services are concentrated. Fontenova comes before the city; in Ourense itself, you will find Grelo Hostel, Cafetería Paraxe, Restaurante Adega de San Cosme, Bar Posio 90 and several places to shop.
What to see on stage 32
Xunqueira de Ambía
The collegiate church gives the village its name and is what you will see as you leave, probably still half-asleep. It is also the last quiet point before an almost twenty-kilometre descent to the bottom of the valley.
San Cibrao das Viñas
Here you start to feel that Ourense is close, though not in the most appealing way: the area is industrial and the route loses some of its early charm. You do make good progress, however.
Fontenova
It appears on the approach to Ourense and is a useful place to refill before the urban section. Do not plan to rely on it for all your water for the day: there are still plenty of downhill kilometres to cover.
Ourense
Ourense is a welcome arrival: you get there early, everything is available and the afternoon is yours. Take the opportunity to buy tomorrow's provisions, as the next stage begins with a serious climb and few places to stop.
Where to sleep in Ourense
In Xunqueira de Ambía, you can set off from the Albergue de Peregrinos de Xunqueira de Ambía, the Albergue de Peregrinos or the Fundación Ramón González Ferreiro. The arrival options are in Ourense: the Albergue de Peregrinos de Ourense, the Albergue de Peregrinos Eligio Rivas Quintas and Grelo Hostel. If you want to sleep in the city, this is where booking makes the most sense.
Where to eat and refuel
At the start, you have Bar Café En El Camino, Bar Guede and Autoservicio Fina. In the middle section, you can stop at Café-Bar Ruta da Prata, Casa Toñita, Restaurante Reboredo or A Terraza Pizzería. Ourense has a much wider choice, including Cafetería Paraxe, Café Lateral, Restaurante Adega de San Cosme, Rocko Pizza, Bar Posio 90 and supermarkets such as Mercadona, Gadis and Froiz.
Practical tips for this stage
Do not be fooled by the downhill profile
The stage has only 89 m of ascent, but it includes 494 m of descent. Your knees and quadriceps will feel the effort, especially if you descend too quickly during the longer sections.
Make the most of the start
Buy water and something to eat in Xunqueira de Ambía. There are intermediate points later, but it is unwise to walk assuming the next bar will be open.
Book in Ourense
Ourense has several accommodation options at the end of the day. In busy seasons, confirm a bed before leaving Xunqueira.
Allow time for the approach
The descent continues almost to the end: there are 172 m between km 15.8 and 21.3. Save some energy for the urban arrival and the final section to your accommodation.
Frequently asked questions about stage 32
How long does it take from Xunqueira de Ambía to Ourense?
The stage is 22 km and takes an average of 4.9 hours. Most of the elevation change is downhill, with 494 m of descent.
Is there a significant climb at the start?
Yes, although it is short: between km 0.8 and 3, you climb 70 m, with an average gradient of 3.1%. After that, the profile is predominantly downhill.
Is there anywhere to stop before Ourense?
Café-Bar Ruta da Prata, Casa Toñita, Sayfe Café Bar, Pis pas Café Bar and Café Bar O Mesón appear in the middle section. You will also find Supermercado Maite-Suso.
Is it worth sleeping in Ourense?
Yes, especially if you want more choice. The arrival has Grelo Hostel, Albergue de Peregrinos de Ourense, Albergue de Peregrinos Eligio Rivas Quintas and other accommodation.
