The stage, step by step
Caldas de Reis and the initial climb
Caldas de Reis is a good place to have breakfast and shop before setting off: Caprichos, Cafetería Termas, O Muíño, Froiz and Clemente are near the start. The climb begins at km 2.4 and continues to km 6, by which point you will have gained 94 m.
The first descents and an intermediate stop
After km 6, the route starts losing height. Along the way you’ll find Cafe bar Chenlo, Bar el Cruce, Cafe bar Casa Fariña and Albergue de Peregrinos do Pino. There are enough useful landmarks here that you don’t have to walk all the way to Valga without stopping.
Valga and Pontecesures
Several places to replenish your supplies are concentrated between Valga and Pontecesures, including Merca Express, Eroski and the pilgrims’ hostels in both towns. Fonte de San Miguel is roughly halfway through the second part of the stage.
The final kilometres to Padrón
The route continues descending between km 13.1 and 16.4 before the approach to the finish. In the final section you pass Sol y mar and, in Padrón, Albergue de Peregrinos de Padrón and Farmacia Mayo.
What to see on stage 24
Caldas de Reis
The stage begins in a thermal town, so you can set off after resting around A Burga. It is a good way to face the initial climb with recovered legs.
Valga
Valga is an intermediate town and a useful route landmark. Here you’ll find the pilgrims’ hostel in Valga and places to shop before continuing.
Padrón
Padrón is the destination and gives its name to one of Galicia’s best-known products. Padrón peppers are fried and served with salt, and are famous because some are hot while others are not.
Where to sleep in Padrón
Caldas de Reis has several options at the start, including Albergue Timonel, Albergue As pozas Termais, Albergue a Queimada, Albergue O Cruceiro, Albergue Agarimo and Albergue Albor. Midway along the route are Albergue de Peregrinos do Pino and the pilgrims’ hostel in Valga; further on, there is the one in Pontecesures. At the finish, you can choose Albergue de Peregrinos de Padrón, as well as Albergue Camiño do Sar and Albergue da Meiga.
Where to eat and refuel
Caldas de Reis has most of the options at the start: O Muíño, A Senda, O Loureiro and Mesón Bermaña are among them. During the stage, there are specific stopping points such as Truckstop Cafe restaurant O Castro, Parrillada El Criollo, Cafe bar Chenlo and Bar Pardal. In Valga and Pontecesures, it is worth shopping if you want to carry food, with Merca Express, Eroski and Froiz as useful references.
Practical tips for this stage
Don’t underestimate the first kilometres
The stage is short, but you climb 94 m between km 2.4 and 6. Leave Caldas de Reis calmly and settle into a pace you can maintain afterwards.
Use Fonte de San Miguel as a landmark
Fonte de San Miguel is around km 11.9, after the first major descent. Use it as a reminder to check your water before entering the final section.
Shop before leaving Valga
Food is easier to find in Caldas de Reis, Valga and Pontecesures than between these towns. If you are walking to a tight schedule, buy supplies at Merca Express, Eroski or Froiz.
Book in Padrón if you want to finish there
Padrón is the natural destination and has Albergue de Peregrinos de Padrón, but it is wise to arrange your bed in advance during the busy season.
Frequently asked questions about stage 24
How long does it take to walk from Caldas de Reis to Padrón?
It is 18.6 km, with an average walking time of 4.1 hours. Although it is a short day, the early climb and the subsequent descents require care.
Where is the main climb?
The climb is concentrated between km 2.4 and 6. It gains 94 m at an average gradient of 2.6%; afterwards, the route generally loses height.
Can I stay overnight before reaching Padrón?
Yes. Options include Albergue de Peregrinos do Pino and the pilgrims’ hostels in Valga and Pontecesures.
Is there water along the stage?
The main named fountain is Fonte de San Miguel, around km 11.9. Leave Caldas de Reis with a full bottle and don’t wait until you are thirsty before replenishing it.
