The stage, step by step
Leaving Abadín and passing through Gontán
Leave Abadín with water and something to eat. The first climb comes between km 1.8 and 3.5, with 62 m of elevation gain and an average gradient of 3.5%; afterwards, you pass through Gontán, home to the Albergue De Peregrinos De Gontán.
Descent and central section
Between km 3.5 and 6, the route loses 79 m in elevation. A shorter descent follows between km 6.5 and 8.3, then a gradual climb continues to km 12.3. Parrillada A Casilla is roughly halfway through the stage.
Towards Vilalba
The final section gradually draws closer to Vilalba, with Restaurante Montero before the urban approach. Once there, you will find supermarkets, bars, cafés and restaurants such as Lar Os Pios, Mesón do Campo and Mesón As Fontiñas.
Arrival and rest
Vilalba is the natural destination for the day. You can finish beside Vilalba Tower and choose between the Albergue Municipal de Vilaba, the Albergue De Peregrinos De Vilalba and private accommodation such as Pensión A Carballeira or Albergue As Pedreiras.
What to see on stage 31
Torre de Vilalba
This medieval defensive tower is the main landmark on arrival in Vilalba. After a relatively short stage, it is well worth walking over to see it before looking for accommodation or sitting down for a meal.
Gontán
Gontán is one of the first stopping points on the route and is closely associated with the Camino and its pilgrim hostel. It is a good place to settle into your rhythm after the opening climb.
Inland plain towards Vilalba
As you make your way from Abadín, the landscape changes into a flatter area of inland Galicia. The gradual descent towards Vilalba sets this stage apart from the more mountainous sections earlier on.
Where to sleep in Vilalba
Around the start, you will find Albergue Xabarín, the pilgrim hostel in Gontán and Albergue Goas, while Abadín is home to Albergue O Xistral, about five kilometres from the start. There is nowhere to stay in between, so the practical alternative is to continue to Vilalba: accommodation there includes the municipal hostel and private options such as Pensión A Carballeira, Villa Alta, Albergue As Pedreiras and Albergue Privado Villaba. Vilalba has plenty of beds, but it is worth confirming a place if you want to stop in Gontán.
Where to eat and refuel
In Abadín, you can set off after eating at O Valdés or Casa Goás. During the stage, there are Parrillada A Casilla and Restaurante Montero; once you reach Vilalba, the choice is much wider, with Lar Os Pios, Mesón do Campo, Mesón As Fontiñas and plenty of other bars and cafés. Supermarkets such as Gadis, Mercadona, Famila and Dia are also available for supplies.
Practical tips for this stage
Set off with water and food
Fill your bottle in Abadín and do not treat the stage as a string of guaranteed stops. Carrying some food means you will not be relying on an intermediate establishment being open.
Take it easy on the opening climb
An average gradient of 3.5% between km 1.8 and 3.5 is not extreme, but it comes early. Start slowly and save your legs for the gradual climb that continues between km 8.3 and 12.3.
Decide early where you will sleep
If you want to stop in Gontán, confirm a place at the Albergue De Peregrinos De Gontán. If you continue to Vilalba, you will have more options, but arriving late can make the choice more difficult.
Make the most of Vilalba
Vilalba brings together all the services you need on arrival, making it easy to sort out food, shopping, a pharmacy and somewhere to rest. Torre de Vilalba is an easy visit to round off the day.
Frequently asked questions about stage 31
How many kilometres is the stage from Abadín to Vilalba?
It is 20.8 km, with an average walking time of 4.6 hours. The route is undulating, with 151 m of ascent and 174 m of descent.
Where is the most noticeable climb?
The first climb runs from km 1.8 to 3.5, with 62 m of elevation gain and an average gradient of 3.5%. There is also a more gradual climb between km 8.3 and 12.3.
Can I sleep somewhere before Vilalba?
Yes. Gontán has the Albergue De Peregrinos De Gontán, and Abadín has Albergue O Xistral. In Vilalba, you will find more options, including the Albergue De Peregrinos De Vilalba.
Are there services at the end of the stage?
Yes. Vilalba has supermarkets, a pharmacy, cafés, bars and restaurants, as well as accommodation such as the Albergue Municipal de Vilaba and the Albergue De Peregrinos De Vilalba.
