The stage, step by step
Palas de Rei, Mato Casanova and As Seixas
Leaving Palas de Rei, you pass through Mato Casanova and As Seixas. The route descends, climbs again and repeats the pattern before settling down. It is a deceptive start: it does not seem extreme, but it steadily builds up the effort from very early on.
Pontecampaña and Leboreiro
After Casanova, the route continues through Pontecampaña towards Iglesia de Santa María de Leboreiro. Fonte de Furelos is in the central section and is a useful reference for planning your next stop. You are still a long way from Arzúa, so do not run short of water or food.
Melide, the worthwhile break
Melide is the natural place to stop. Its range of food, shops, pharmacy and accommodation makes it much more than a passing town. Take the break seriously: Boente, Castañeda and the approach to Ribadiso still lie ahead.
Boente, Castañeda and Ribadiso
After leaving Melide, the profile continues to roll before facing a long descent towards Ribadiso. It is a pleasant section in attractive surroundings, but your legs will start to feel the distance. If you are splitting the stage, Ribadiso is a logical place to stop before continuing to Arzúa.
The final effort to Arzúa
The final section combines a climb, a particularly steep descent and another climb before reaching Arzúa. Fonte da Quenlla appears near the destination. Do not be misled by how close you are: the final elevation change is noticeable after a full day of walking.
What to see on stage 31
Iglesia de San Julián del Camino
San Xulián do Camiño is a small hamlet of just a handful of houses, with its church beside the route in the first part of the day. There is no detour and no need to look for it: it appears directly on the Camino while your legs are still fresh and you still have more than twenty kilometres to Arzúa.
Iglesia de Santa María de Leboreiro
This Romanesque church appears between the Casanova section and the middle of the route. It is a good place for a short break and a chance to look at something other than the Camino signs.
Puente Medieval de Furelos
The medieval bridge lies in the central section of the stage, before Melide. Crossing it is one of those moments when the route becomes more than a succession of tracks and paths.
Iglesia de Santa María de Melide
Melide offers the most complete break of the day, and its church is one of the town’s highlights. You can visit it before setting off again towards Boente.
Where to sleep in Arzúa
In Palas de Rei, you can set off from Albergue Outeiro. If you prefer to stop early, Albergue Municipal do Mato (Casanova) is in the first section. Melide has Albergue de Peregrinos de Melide, while Albergue de Peregrinos de Ribadiso lets you stop closer to the end. In Arzúa, there is Albergue de Peregrinos de Arzúa. The most convenient places for splitting the day tend to fill up, so book if you already know where you want to stop.
Where to eat and refuel
At the start, you can have breakfast or something to eat at Restaurante A Reloxería. On the way to Melide, Parada Casa Nova offers a convenient stop. The best concentration of options is in Melide, where you have Casa Alongos, Pulperia a Garnacha and Pizzería Xoldra. After the town, services become scattered again, so set off with water and some food.
Practical tips for this stage
Make Melide your main break
The stage is long and Melide comes at exactly the right moment for eating, shopping and sitting down for a while. Leave ready for the second half.
Do not save your energy only for the start
The day has frequent changes in gradient and a demanding final descent. Walk at a pace you can maintain after Boente as well.
Look after your feet on the final descent
The section between km 24.8 and 26.3 loses 97 m, with an average gradient of 6.5%. If you are tired, shorten your stride and descend without rushing.
Keep track of the fountains
Fonte de Furelos is in the central section and Fonte da Quenlla is near Arzúa. Do not plan the day assuming that more water points will appear.
Frequently asked questions about stage 31
How long does it take to walk from Palas de Rei to Arzúa?
It is 28.5 km, with an average walking time of 6.3 hours. The route includes 336 m of ascent and 560 m of descent.
Where is it best to take a long break?
Melide is the most practical stop because it brings together food, shops, a pharmacy and accommodation in the middle of the day.
Which is the most demanding section?
The descent between km 24.8 and 26.3 loses 97 m and has an average gradient of 6.5%. There is still a climb to the finish afterwards.
Can I sleep somewhere before reaching Arzúa?
Yes. You can stop in Casanova, Melide or Ribadiso, with options including Albergue Municipal do Mato (Casanova), Albergue de Peregrinos de Melide and Albergue de Peregrinos de Ribadiso.
