The stage, step by step
Leaving Padrón
Padrón is a good place to have breakfast and shop before setting off: Ruta Xacobea, O Aperitivo e Sagrado, Cafetería Río Sar, Pulpería M. Mata, Gadis, Dia and Froiz are near the start. You can also stay at Albergue de Peregrinos de Padrón, Albergue Corredoiras or Albergue Río Sar.
The first rises
The route gains 37 m between km 5.4 and 7.4. In this area you’ll find Claudio Express, O Lagar de Jesús and Albergue Camiño da Vieira. It still feels like an easy day, but it is worth saving energy for the longer climb further ahead.
The climb towards O Milladoiro
The main ascent comes between km 9.9 and 16.1, gaining 177 m. Along this section you’ll find landmarks such as La Calabaza del Peregrino, Albergue de Peregrinos do Faramello and Casa A Touceda. O Milladoiro is the intermediate town before the descent and the final effort.
The final descent and entry into Santiago
After descending between km 17.7 and 21, the route climbs again to km 24.3, gaining 92 m. In the final section you pass Café-Bar 500 and O Que Dirán, followed in Santiago by the bar Os Mallos. Santiago de Compostela comes after this last climb.
What to see on stage 25
Padrón
Padrón takes its name from the pedrón, the stone traditionally identified as the mooring point for the boat that brought the Apostle’s body, preserved beneath the altar of the church of Santiago. Beginning the final day here gives the journey a sense of coming full circle, as well as bringing you into the land of the peppers.
O Milladoiro
O Milladoiro comes after the long climb, and it helps to know what to expect: a modern commuter town of apartment blocks and wide avenues, with little charm but every service you need. It is the last convenient place to eat or shop before entering Santiago.
Santiago de Compostela
The southern entrance has no viewpoint or Monte do Gozo: you arrive through ordinary residential streets, cross Porta Faxeira and suddenly find yourself on Rúa do Franco, which leads to Praza do Obradoiro. That contrast, from an everyday street to the cathedral, is what everyone remembers when finishing via the Portuguese Way.
Where to sleep in Santiago de Compostela
Padrón offers plenty of options for a good night’s rest, including Albergue D'Camino, Albergue da Meiga, Albergue Camiño do Sar, Albergue O Pedrón, Albergue Murgadán, Albergue Corredoiras and Albergue Río Sar. Along the route, you can stop at Albergue Camiño da Vieira, La Calabaza del Peregrino or Albergue de Peregrinos do Faramello. In Santiago, at the end of the route, there are Hospedería San Martín Pinario and Albergue para Peregrinos e Xente sen Recursos Xoán XXIII.
Where to eat and refuel
Padrón is the best place to have breakfast and leave with food for the route: Pulpería M. Mata, Restaurante Santiaguiño, Pulpería Rial, A Lareira, Gadis, Dia and Froiz are near the start. In the middle section, you can stop at Casa A Touceda and Café-Bar 500; there are also supermarkets such as Neia, A Tenda de Rosa and O Carrabouxo. Options increase again as you enter Santiago, with Os Mallos, News, La Taquilla and Rock Café.
Practical tips for this stage
Set off early
It is the final stage, but it also includes 382 m of ascent. Leave Padrón in good time so you can walk without rushing, take a break in the middle section and enjoy your arrival in Santiago.
Save your legs for O Milladoiro
The climb between km 9.9 and 16.1 gains 177 m over more than six kilometres. Don’t let the excitement of being close to Santiago carry you away: there is still a demanding section ahead.
Carry spare water
Don’t build your day around a particular fountain. Leave Padrón well supplied and use the services in O Milladoiro and along the route before tackling the final climb.
Remember the final climb
Between km 21 and 24.3, you still climb 92 m. This is the section that surprises walkers who expect the approach to Santiago to be entirely downhill.
Frequently asked questions about stage 25
How long does it take to walk from Padrón to Santiago?
The stage is 24.4 km long, with an average walking time of 5.4 hours. There is 382 m of ascent, so allow time for breaks and avoid setting off too late.
Where is the longest climb?
The main climb runs from km 9.9 to 16.1, gaining 177 m at an average gradient of 2.9%. There is another climb between km 21 and 24.3.
Is there accommodation along the way?
Yes. Along the route you’ll find Albergue Camiño da Vieira, La Calabaza del Peregrino and Albergue de Peregrinos do Faramello. Padrón and Santiago have the widest choice.
When can you tell that Santiago is near?
O Milladoiro is the main intermediate landmark. Even then, there is still the descent followed by the final 92 m climb to km 24.3.
