The stage, step by step
Leave Lugo with everything sorted
Lugo is the best place to have breakfast, shop and prepare for the day. You can leave from Albergue de pelegrins Municipal de Lugo or Albergue de Peregrinos de Lugo, with your pack fully stocked before entering the rural landscape.
The gradual morning climb
Between km 1.8 and km 8.3, the route gains 172 m at an average gradient of 2.6%. It is not a difficult ramp, but it is a long climb that you will feel if you set off too fast after the previous day's stage.
Towards San Román da Retorta and Guntín
The middle section runs through green meadows and the small hills of central Galicia. San Román da Retorta and Guntín are the stage's main landmarks; near San Román you will find Albergue O Candido and the pilgrim albergues in San Romao da Retorta.
The descent and finish via Ferreira
The most pronounced descent comes between km 20.8 and km 22, with 91 m of loss at an average gradient of 7.3%. The route then climbs again and continues towards Ferreira, where Albergue Ponte Ferreira is practically at the end of the route.
What to see on stage 10
Lugo
The stage begins in a city with an exceptional concentration of Roman heritage and services for pilgrims. If you were unable to visit the walls or cathedral the previous day, make the most of the morning before setting off.
Guntín
Guntín is a useful landmark on the rural stretch between Lugo and San Romao da Retorta. Reaching it confirms that you have left the urban outskirts behind and are moving through meadows and the small hills of central Galicia.
San Román da Retorta
This small settlement is a transition point on the stage and where many pilgrims choose to finish for the day. Its position, with several nearby accommodation options, lets you adjust the finish without having to continue as far as Ferreira.
Where to sleep in San Romao da Retorta
In Lugo, you can choose between Albergue de pelegrins Municipal de Lugo, Albergue de Peregrinos de Lugo, Shiku, Albergue Casa da Chanca, Albergue Nazaret and Hostel Portón. If you want to finish in San Román da Retorta, there are Albergue O Candido, Albergue de Peregrinos San Romao da Retorta and Albergue de peregrinos de San Román da Retorta. If you continue to the end, you have O Lar de Alecrin, Albergue Cruz Ferreira, Albergue A Nave de Ferreira and Albergue Ponte Ferreira.
Where to eat and refuel
Lugo has all the food options for this stage. For breakfast or supplies, you can use Cafetería Metropol, Panadería Manso, Café Bar Raíña, Roque cafetería, Maty's Café, Egomundi, Cafetería Adarve, Los Soportales, Cioccolato caffé, Froiz, A Pipa da Lúa, Gadis, Día, Piedrafita - Supermercado and Hiper Froiz. There are also restaurants such as Parrillada Os Paisanos, Mesón Lubre and Restaurante A Seimeira. Outside Lugo, do not expect a succession of bars and shops: set off with food and water for the rural section.
Practical tips for this stage
Fill your bottle in Lugo
Do not plan the day around intermediate springs. Leave the city with enough water and do not wait until you are thirsty before rationing it, particularly in hot weather.
Waterproof your pack
Central Galicia is damp and drizzle can appear even when there is no heavy rain. Keep your jacket within reach and protect your clothes and sleeping bag from the start.
Pace the first climb
The climb from km 1.8 to km 8.3 is gradual, but gains 172 m. Setting off too quickly from Lugo can leave you short of energy for the ramps at the end.
Decide where to sleep in advance
San Román da Retorta and Ferreira offer different ways to finish the stage. Book ahead if you expect to arrive late or need a particular bed, as options are much more limited outside Lugo.
Frequently asked questions about stage 10
Is this stage really flat?
The terrain is classed as flat, but that does not mean it is completely level. There are 404 m of ascent and 331 m of descent, including a long initial climb and several ramps in the final section.
Where is the longest climb?
The main climb runs from km 1.8 to km 8.3. It gains 172 m over 6.5 km, with an average gradient of 2.6%, making it more sustained than intense.
Can I find food outside Lugo?
Food options are concentrated in Lugo, and there is no clear chain of bars or supermarkets along the rural section. Shop before setting off and carry enough food until San Román da Retorta or Ferreira.
Where can I finish the stage?
The destination is San Romao da Retorta, 26.6 km away, but you can also sleep earlier in San Román da Retorta or continue to Ferreira, where Albergue Ponte Ferreira is located.
