The stage, step by step
Leaving Pontevedra
Make the most of Pontevedra’s services before setting off: Café Bar La Catedral, La Estrella de la Estación and supermarkets such as Froiz and Gadis are near the start. The first landmark is Puente de O Burgo over the Lérez River, followed by several more kilometres of streets.
Alba and the climb
After leaving the city, you pass through the Alba area and by Iglesia de Santa María de Alba. Between km 4.1 and km 8.3, the route climbs 97 m at an average gradient of 2.3%; it is a sustained effort rather than a single steep ramp.
Tarmac and occasional services
The stage continues along comfortable paths, but with plenty of tarmac and some sections near the railway and the N-550. Truckstop Cafe restaurant O Castro and Parrillada El Criollo are two useful food stops in the middle section.
Approaching Caldas de Reis
From km 8.3, the route begins to descend and continues generally downhill for much of the stage. Services reappear as you approach Caldas de Reis, with Albergue Vintecatro the first one you reach, and the final section follows the Umia River.
What to see on stage 10
Puente de O Burgo
The historic bridge over the Lérez River is the main monumental landmark when leaving Pontevedra. Crossing it marks the transition from the old city to the route towards Alba.
Iglesia de Santa María de Alba
The Romanesque church appears in the first few kilometres, as the route begins to leave Pontevedra behind. It is a brief stop that fits naturally with the heritage character of this section.
Capilla de Santa Lucía
The chapel in San Mauro is another religious landmark on the stage. It comes on a day when small points of interest help break up the long stretches of tarmac.
Iglesia de Santo Tomás de Becket
Caldas de Reis has Galicia’s only church dedicated to Santo Tomás de Becket. It is an especially interesting place to visit on arrival, before spending the afternoon resting.
Banks of the Umia River
The Umia accompanies the approach to Caldas de Reis and changes the feel of a largely urban, tarmac-heavy stage. It is a good place to ease your pace during the final kilometres.
Where to sleep in Caldas de Reis
Pontevedra is well served at the start: Albergue de Peregrinos de Pontevedra is the municipal hostel, while private options include Aloxa albergue and Albergue Nacama. In between, there is only one proper bed option, Albergue de Peregrinos A Portela, around km 10; if you run out of energy, it is your only way to stop before the finish. In Caldas de Reis, the choice widens again with Albergue Vintecatro, Albergue a Queimada, Albergue Timonel and Albergue Agarimo. In peak season, secure your bed in Caldas before setting out.
Where to eat and refuel
Pontevedra is the best place for breakfast and shopping: Café Bar La Catedral, La Estrella de la Estación and the Froiz and Gadis supermarkets are near the start. Outside the city, options are few and far between: bar Don Pulpo around km 9, followed by A Eira a little further on. There is then nothing until Caldas de Reis, where you will find places such as Tia Maruja, Blue Ice and Número 2 again. Carry something to eat in your rucksack.
Practical tips for this stage
Accept that this is a tarmac stage
The route combines tarmac and comfortable dirt paths, with some sections beside the railway and the N-550. It is not the most natural stage of the route, so wear comfortable footwear and keep your pace steady.
Leave Pontevedra with a full bottle
The main water points, including Fonte de Curros Enríquez, Fontana da Verdura and Fonte dos Tornos, are in the urban departure section. There are fewer clear places to refill in the rural stretches.
Stay alert during the first few kilometres
The first four kilometres are urban and require careful attention to the arrows. If you set out sleepy or in a hurry, this is the section where you are most likely to take a wrong street.
Make the most of the early finish
The average walking time is 4.8 hours and the profile has no major ramps. If you keep a steady pace, you can arrive with time to rest and explore Caldas de Reis’s thermal surroundings.
Frequently asked questions about stage 10
How long is the Pontevedra–Caldas de Reis stage?
The stage is 21.4 km long and the average walking time is 4.8 hours. It includes 152 m of ascent and 145 m of descent.
Is it a completely rural stage?
No. The first four kilometres are urban, followed by plenty of tarmac and sections close to the railway and the N-550. The dirt paths are comfortable, but they do not dominate the stage.
Where can I buy food or water?
Pontevedra has most of the services at the start, including supermarkets such as Froiz and Gadis. Services are more occasional in the middle section, so it is best to set out prepared.
Is it worth reaching Caldas de Reis early?
Yes. The stage has an average walking time of 4.8 hours, and Caldas is known for its thermal waters. Arriving early gives you time to rest and make better use of the afternoon.
