The stage, step by step
Leaving O Pedrouzo
O Pedrouzo is the last convenient place for breakfast and shopping before Santiago. The route begins with a climb between km 0.8 and 2 and a short descent between km 2 and 2.7; the main effort comes afterwards.
The climb before Amenal
Between km 2.7 and 4.8, you gain 110 m at an average gradient of 5.2%. Hotel Restaurante Amenal and Che are within the first few kilometres, but it is best to tackle the climb with water and not rely on stopping precisely when you reach them.
Towards Monte do Gozo
After the intermediate short climbs, the route rises again between km 8.9 and 11.7, gaining 92 m. Fonte dos Pelamios is around km 9.6; further on, you will find Bar Cámping San Marcos and the approach to Monte do Gozo.
San Lázaro and entering Santiago
From Monte do Gozo, the route descends towards Santiago de Compostela. The main descent runs from km 11.7 to 15.8; afterwards, you pass through San Lázaro, with Fonte do Parque de Carlomagno and Fonte de Tabaniscas before tackling the urban approach to the Cathedral.
What to see on stage 36
Monte do Gozo
Monte do Gozo is one of the most moving landmarks of the final stage and announces that Santiago is near. The Albergue do Monte do Gozo is also here, an option if you need to finish before entering the city.
San Lázaro
San Lázaro marks the transition from the rural route to Santiago’s urban approach. You will find the Albergue de Peregrinos de San Lázaro and several services there before continuing towards the centre.
Catedral de Santiago de Compostela
Catedral de Santiago de Compostela is the final destination of the Camino and a Romanesque church recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Reaching it brings both this stage and the Camino del Norte to an end.
Santiago de Compostela
Entering Santiago completely changes the rhythm of the day: you leave the rural paths behind and cross urban territory towards the historic centre. Allow time to arrive without rushing and find your accommodation.
Where to sleep in Santiago de Compostela
O Pedrouzo has a huge range of accommodation spread throughout the town: the Albergue Xunta de Arca do Pino and the Albergue de Peregrinos de Arca for public options, and private hostels such as Albergue Otero, Albergue Porta de Santiago, Albergue Edreira and Albergue Cruceiro do Pedrouzo. If you would rather not enter Santiago late in the day, Albergue do Monte do Gozo is less than five kilometres from the finish and has plenty of beds. In the city, you will find the Albergue de Peregrinos de San Lázaro and, for a stay in the old town, Hospedería San Martín Pinario. Book ahead: arriving in Santiago is not the day to start looking for a bed at seven in the evening.
Where to eat and refuel
Have breakfast in O Pedrouzo before setting off, at Café-Bar Pedrouzo or O Muíño, and buy something at Eroski City if you are leaving in the dark. The first proper rest comes soon, at Hotel Restaurante Amenal; afterwards, you can stop at Mesón Cima das Quintas and Casa de Comidas Porta de Santiago. Near Santiago, Bar Cámping San Marcos is the last peaceful stop before Monte do Gozo. Once you enter the city, cafés appear every few metres — Compostela Dreams Café, Café Bar 73 and Tabaniscas — and in the old town, going hungry is virtually impossible.
Practical tips for this stage
Set off with enough water
O Pedrouzo is the best place to fill your bottle. Along the route, you will come across Fonte dos Pelamios, Fonte do Parque de Carlomagno and Fonte de Tabaniscas, but plan your water supplies without relying on one particular stop being available.
Take the climb seriously
The climb between km 2.7 and 4.8 gains 110 m and has an average gradient of 5.2%. It is the section most likely to disrupt your rhythm: start slowly and do not use up all your energy in the first few kilometres.
Make use of the food stops
Hotel Restaurante Amenal, Che, Mesón Cima das Quintas and Casa de Comidas Porta de Santiago make it easy to organise breaks before Monte do Gozo. It is still advisable to carry something of your own so you are not dependent on opening hours.
Prepare for the urban approach
After Monte do Gozo and San Lázaro, the landscape changes and the route continues through Santiago de Compostela. Allow extra time for the urban approach and to find your accommodation, rather than turning the final kilometres into a race.
Book if you want to sleep in Santiago
Near the finish, options include the Albergue de Peregrinos de San Lázaro, Residencia San Lázaro and Hospedería San Martín Pinario. If you have a particular preference, secure it before leaving O Pedrouzo.
Frequently asked questions about stage 36
How many kilometres is the final stage?
It is 19.7 km, with an average walking time of 4.4 hours. The route is undulating, with 258 m of ascent and 302 m of descent.
Where is the hardest climb?
The main climb runs from km 2.7 to 4.8, with 110 m of elevation gain and an average gradient of 5.2%. There is also another climb between km 8.9 and 11.7, gaining 92 m.
Where can I stop before Santiago?
You can take a break at Hotel Restaurante Amenal, Che, Mesón Cima das Quintas, Casa de Comidas Porta de Santiago or Bar Cámping San Marcos. Monte do Gozo and San Lázaro are clear landmarks on the final section.
What accommodation is there near the finish?
Monte do Gozo has the Albergue do Monte do Gozo; in San Lázaro, you will find the Albergue de Peregrinos de San Lázaro and the Albergue de Peregrinos Residencia San Lázaro. Santiago also has Hospedería San Martín Pinario.
