The stage, step by step
Leaving Salas for Bodenaya
Salas is the last convenient place to have breakfast, buy supplies and prepare for the day. Early on, you can refill your water at Fuente de Paín; afterwards, the route enters the woodland landscape leading towards Bodenaya.
The Bodenaya climb
The clearest ascent comes between km 7.8 and 10: you climb 106 m at an average gradient of 4.7%. Bodenaya lies in this section and is a useful place to catch your breath before continuing towards La Espina.
La Espina and the central rises
In La Espina, you will find services for a break, such as Bar Paris and El Rincón de Vane. The profile drops between km 10 and 11.3, climbs another 68 m to km 13 and then continues with gentler rises.
The final kilometres to Tineo
From km 16.3 to 19, the route loses 74 m and the finish begins to feel closer. In the final section, La Panera, El Forin and Fuente de San Juan appear before you enter Tineo, where the day ends.
What to see on stage 3
Bodenaya
This locality marks the start of a stage dominated by woodland and elevation gain. It is a good place to settle into your rhythm before the climb that begins around km 7.8.
La Espina
La Espina is the main intermediate landmark of the day and offers a chance to pause before tackling the second half. Several accommodation options and some services are concentrated here.
Oak and chestnut woodland around Tineo
The section retains extensive oak and chestnut woodland. The shade is welcome, although there are few panoramic viewpoints and the landscape can become monotonous.
Tineo
Tineo was a medieval administrative centre and held county and judicial jurisdiction from 899. The arrival therefore has its own historical interest, as well as being a good place to recover.
Where to sleep in Tineo
In Salas, you can set off from Albergue de Peregrinos de Salas, Albergue El Rey Casto, Albergue Valle Nonaya or Albergue Casa Sueño. Halfway along the route are Albergue Bodenaya and Albergue Casa Aladino, while in La Espina you have Albergue el Texu and Albergue El Cruce. Tineo offers Albergue Municipal Mather Christi de Tineo and Albergue Palacio de Merás; if you have a particular preference, book ahead because accommodation is concentrated in specific places.
Where to eat and refuel
Salas is the best place to leave after breakfast and with provisions: you have Casa Pachón, Menéndez El Frisuelo, Casa Pacita, Alimerka and La tiendina de Jose. In La Espina, you can stop at Bar Paris or El Rincón de Vane, or buy supplies at la tienda de Sandra and Covirán. Near Tineo, you will find Meson Pajulon, Restaurante Cafeteria Alhambra, La Panera and El Forin; in the woodland, do not expect a continuous supply of food stops.
Practical tips for this stage
Fill your water bottles in Salas
Fuente de Paín appears near the start and Fuente de San Juan near Tineo, but there is a long stretch between the two. Carry enough water from Salas and do not expect services in every village.
Accept that this is a woodland stage
The day includes oak and chestnut woodland and few panoramic views. If you find it monotonous, divide the route mentally between Bodenaya, La Espina and Tineo rather than thinking only about the total distance.
Manage the central climb
Between km 7.8 and 10, you climb 106 m at an average gradient of 4.7%. It is a sustained effort rather than a wall, but it comes after several kilometres, so it is worth saving your legs.
Leave yourself plenty of time
The average duration is 6.8 hours and the terrain is mountainous. An early start gives you time to stop in La Espina and reach Tineo without turning the final kilometres into a race.
Frequently asked questions about stage 3
Is this stage harder than Grado to Salas?
It is shorter, at 20.4 km, but includes 588 m of ascent and mountainous terrain. The effort is concentrated mainly between Bodenaya, La Espina and the rises that follow.
Where is the main climb?
The most notable climb runs from km 7.8 to 10, with 106 m of elevation gain and an average gradient of 4.7%. There is another 68 m climb between km 11.3 and 13.
Are there services in La Espina?
Yes. In La Espina, you can stop at Bar Paris or El Rincón de Vane, buy supplies at la tienda de Sandra or Covirán, and find accommodation at Albergue el Texu or Albergue El Cruce.
How long does it take to walk from Salas to Tineo?
The stage is 20.4 km long and takes 6.8 hours on average. Stops, the accumulated 588 m of ascent and the mountainous terrain may make the walk take longer.