The stage, step by step
Soto de Luiña: set off prepared
Do not leave your shopping until you are on the way. In Soto de Luiña, you will find Dia, La Tasca de Luiso, Casa Vieja del Sastre and Restaurante Sidrería Valle Las Luiñas; you can also deal with any pharmacy needs at Farmacia Carmen Navarro before setting off.
The first section without major ramps
The first few kilometres are for making progress and saving your legs. The stage does not concentrate its climbing at the beginning, so walk at a comfortable pace and do not turn the start into a race.
The climb from km 8.5 to 12
This is where the real work begins: you climb 209 m in 3.5 km, at an average gradient of 6%. It is a long climb for such a short stage; take it steadily and use Albergue Andén de Novellana as a route landmark.
The final descent to Cadavedo
From km 12 to Cadavedo, the route drops 154 m over 2.5 km, at an average gradient of 6.1%. The finish looks quick on paper, but control your pace to avoid putting too much strain on your knees after the climb.
What to see on stage 24
Soto de Luiña
Soto de Luiña is the starting point and the last clear place to organise your day. You can have breakfast, buy water and food, and sort out accommodation before tackling the climb.
Mountain views towards the coast
The climb leads into a mountainous area with coastal views. This is when the stage stops feeling like a short stroll and reveals its more demanding character.
Cadavedo
Cadavedo marks the end of the day after the descent over the final kilometres. You reach the coast after climbing to the profile's maximum altitude of 620 m.
Where to sleep in Cadavedo
The clearest accommodation options are in Soto de Luiña: La Reguera and Albergue de Peregrinos are very close to the start. On the route, you will find Albergue Andén de Novellana, roughly halfway through. Cadavedo has no pilgrim hostel, so arrange your overnight stay before setting off if you do not want to turn back or continue further than planned.
Where to eat and refuel
Eat in Soto de Luiña or set off with food prepared. You can choose between Casa Vieja del Sastre, Restaurante Sidrería Valle Las Luiñas and La Tasca de Luiso, and shop at Dia. Once the climb begins, do not count on a continuous supply of bars, restaurants or supermarkets.
Practical tips for this stage
Fill your bottles in Soto
The start has the water and shopping facilities, but there is no named fountain along the stage that can be treated as a reliable reference. Carry enough to tackle the climb without depending on finding an intermediate point.
Do not judge the difficulty by the distance
It is only 14.5 km, but you climb 602 m and reach a maximum altitude of 620 m. The climb from km 8.5 to 12 is the heart of the day.
Set off early even though it is short
The average duration is 4.1 hours and the ascent is demanding. An early start lets you tackle the climb in cooler conditions and reach Cadavedo with time to sort out the night.
Control the descent
The final 2.5 km descend 154 m at an average gradient of 6.1%. After the effort of climbing, shorten your stride and do not let gravity dictate your pace.
Frequently asked questions about stage 24
Is it easy because it is only 14.5 km?
No. It is a short stage, but includes 602 m of ascent, reaches a maximum altitude of 620 m and has a 209 m climb between km 8.5 and 12.
Where is the hardest section?
The main climb runs from km 8.5 to 12, with an average gradient of 6%. You then still have to descend 154 m to Cadavedo over 2.5 km.
Where can I eat or buy food?
Do it in Soto de Luiña: you will find Dia, La Tasca de Luiso, Casa Vieja del Sastre and Restaurante Sidrería Valle Las Luiñas. After leaving, the options are very limited.
Is there accommodation in Cadavedo?
On this section, hostel accommodation is concentrated in Soto de Luiña, with La Reguera and Albergue de Peregrinos, while Albergue Andén de Novellana is halfway along the route. It is best to confirm your night in Cadavedo before starting.