The stage, step by step
Leaving Ribadeo
Make the most of Ribadeo to have breakfast, buy supplies and fill your pack. The opening section alternates descents and short climbs; between km 4.4 and km 5.7, you descend 63 m before gaining height again.
The first changes in gradient
The route continues stringing together small climbs and descents until km 10.4. There is a 66 m descent between km 9.5 and km 10.4, just before the most demanding section begins.
The central climb
Between km 10.4 and km 14.6, you climb 245 m at an average gradient of 5.8%. This is Galicia’s first major effort: take it steadily and make short stops rather than trying to get it over with all at once.
Descent towards Gondán
After the climb, there is still a short ascent between km 16.4 and km 17.6. Then comes the 159 m descent to km 20.1, bringing you close to Gondán and requiring care if the ground is wet.
What to see on stage 28
Ribadeo
Ribadeo is the last urban centre before the route heads fully inland through Galicia. Leave town with water, food and your accommodation sorted.
Galician transitional woodlands
The stage gradually leaves the coastal atmosphere behind and enters transitional Galician woodland. The change in scenery accompanies the long climb in the middle section.
Gondán
Gondán is the destination and marks the end of Galicia’s first major effort. Arrive with enough time to sort out the night, as the choice at the finish is less obvious than in Ribadeo.
Where to sleep in Gondán
Ribadeo has the clearest options before you leave: Albergue De Peregrinos De Ribadeo, Albergue El Olivo, Río Eo, Albergue A Ponte, Hostel Namor, O Teu Sitio Hostel and Albergue A Pena. There are also Refuxio de Peregrinos de Cabarcos and Albergue Viruxe along the way. As the stage ends in Gondán and there is no equally clear alternative at the destination, have your bed confirmed before leaving Ribadeo.
Where to eat and refuel
Shop and eat in Ribadeo before setting off. You have Kalpa Amodiño, Don Buchi, El Buzo, Cervecería San Roque and Linares there; after leaving town, you do not pass through an intermediate settlement with clearly marked services. Do not leave getting food until the end.
Practical tips for this stage
Start well supplied
Fonte Vella is in Ribadeo and is a useful reference point before setting off, but the central climb means you need to carry enough water. Do not count on improvising a long stop during the ascent.
Pace yourself on the first major climb
The 245 m between km 10.4 and km 14.6 are the main effort of the stage. Keep to a comfortable pace and save energy for the short climb that follows.
Take care on the descent
The descent between km 17.6 and km 20.1 loses 159 m and has an average gradient of 6.2%. If it has rained, pay particular attention to the surface.
Sort out Gondán before leaving
The day ends in an area with fewer services than Ribadeo. Confirm your accommodation and carry enough food so that you do not depend on finding a bar when you arrive.
Frequently asked questions about stage 28
Is this the hardest stage in this section?
It is one of the more demanding days in the Galician section: it is 20.9 km long but includes 551 m of ascent. The main climb gains 245 m between km 10.4 and km 14.6.
Where can I buy food before the climb?
Ribadeo is the right place to do so. You can shop or eat before setting off, with options such as Kalpa Amodiño, Don Buchi, El Buzo and Cervecería San Roque.
Are there services between Ribadeo and Gondán?
You do not pass through any village with services between Ribadeo and Gondán. Set off with water and food, as the route becomes hilly and wooded.
Where is it best to sleep?
The safest option is to book in Ribadeo, where Albergue De Peregrinos De Ribadeo and several private options are located. If you want to sleep in Gondán, confirm your place before starting.
