The stage, step by step
Olveiroa and O Logoso
You leave Olveiroa towards O Logoso along rural paths. This first section includes the O Logoso bar, Pensión A Pedra and Albergue O Casteliño, all handy places to sort yourself out before the country opens up.
Descending towards Dumbría
Between kilometres 3 and 8.5, the route drops 204 m at an average gradient of 3.7%. You pass through the Dumbría area, where you will find Albergue de Peregrinos do Conco and the Xacopeo, O Argentino and Suárez bars. This is the last proper concentration of services until Muxía.
The central section of tracks and tarmac
After the initial descent, the route gains height again along rural paths and roads. Between kilometres 14 and 15.8 there is a 50 m climb; Café Bar O Cabanel and Albergue O Cabanel are the last landmarks before you tackle the coastal section.
The final climbs before Muxía
The final part includes another climb between kilometres 24.5 and 26, gaining 76 m at an average gradient of 5.1%, followed by a long descent towards the sea. Fonte de Chorente is already close to the finish, before you enter Muxía and descend towards the shrine.
What to see on stage 3
San Xulián de Moraime
The former Benedictine monastery appears at the gates of Muxía, when you can already smell the sea. Its 12th-century Romanesque church preserves a tympanum with seven figures in the western portico and a Last Supper on the south side; Gothic murals depicting the seven deadly sins were found beneath the northern wall in 1970.
Dumbría
Passing through Dumbría divides the stage in two and marks the change of direction towards the coast. Most of the route's options for resting and staying overnight are concentrated around here; after this, there is little choice.
Pedras da Barca
These natural rocks beside the shrine are shaped like a boat and a sail. Tradition associates them with the Virgin's appearance to the apostle James and attributes healing properties for rheumatism to them.
Santuario de A Virxe da Barca
The shrine stands at sea level, opposite the mouth of the Ría de Camariñas and facing Cabo Vilán. The present building is Baroque with Classicist influences, and it provides the stage's great visual finale.
Costa da Morte
Arriving in Muxía brings you into a place with a deep seafaring and fishing tradition, shaped over the centuries by shipwrecks and Atlantic cliffs. The descent towards the coast lets you watch the scenery change from the inland area around Dumbría to the sea.
Where to sleep in Muxía
At the start, you can stay at Albergue de Peregrinos de Olveiroa. If you want to split the stage, Albergue de Peregrinos do Conco is in Dumbría, exactly where the route turns towards the sea, while Hostel Monasterio de Moraime is already near the coast, within the former monastery complex. Muxía is where you have the widest choice: Albergue de Peregrinos de Muxía, Albergue Muxía, Albergue da Costa, Albergue Muxía Mare, Albergue Bela Muxía and Albergue Arribada.
Where to eat and refuel
At the beginning, you can stop at O Logoso, O Casteliño or Café Bar O Cabanel. In the central section, you will find Casa Rego, Restaurante Casa Carmela, París and Pataca, although services are not continuous and it is wise to carry something in your rucksack. On reaching Muxía, you have Bar Restaurante El Riojano, Parrillada Riamar, A Casa do Peixe, Sondemar, A Furna, Praia das Lanchas and O Chocolate; for supplies, there are Eroski City, Froiz and Casa Cuíñas.
Practical tips for this stage
Set off with water and food
There is a long rural stretch where you cannot count on services being open continuously. Carry water and provisions from Olveiroa; Fonte de Chorente is close to Muxía and should not be your only chance to refill.
Do not mistake descent for ease
The stage loses 637 m of height, but still includes 352 m of ascent. The climb between kilometres 24.5 and 26 comes when you can already smell the sea and feels harder than expected.
Be prepared for tarmac
The terrain alternates between paths, tracks and local roads. This is not a stage of continuous dirt trails, so wear stable footwear and take care on paved sections.
Do not rely solely on your phone
Coverage can be unreliable around Dumbría. Make sure the route is properly marked and do not leave downloading or checking your navigation until the last moment.
Frequently asked questions about stage 3
How long does it take to walk from Olveiroa to Muxía?
It is 32 km, with an estimated average duration of 7.1 hours. The accumulated descent is greater than the ascent, but the tracks, tarmac and final climbs can easily make the day longer.
Where are there services for a break?
O Logoso and Dumbría have the first real options, including O Logoso, O Casteliño and Albergue de Peregrinos do Conco. After that, services become more scattered until you enter Muxía.
Is there water along the route?
Fonte de Chorente appears near the end of the stage. Even so, it is best not to set off with little water, as intermediate refills are irregular and there are long stretches without services.
Is the shrine within Muxía?
Yes. The stage finishes in Muxía, and the Santuario de A Virxe da Barca stands right beside the sea, the great closing landmark of the route.
