The stage, step by step
Leaving Laza
You begin among Laza’s services, where you can have something at La Picota or Descanso do Peregrino. The first few kilometres prepare the change in scenery from mountain to valley. Carry food and water, as the stops become more spread out afterwards.
The descent towards the Ambía river
The route becomes more demanding between km 12.3 and 16: you descend 289 m over 3.8 km, at an average gradient of 7.7%. This section leads into the Viladerrei area, where you find Albergue De Peregrinos De Viladerrei and several places to stop.
Vilar de Barrio
Around halfway through the stage, you reach Vilar de Barrio. Here you can refuel at Casa Carmiña, Mesón Manuel, Bar Amadeo or Bar Toural, and buy supplies at Supermercado Claudio before tackling the next section.
The final kilometres to Xunqueira
Between km 21.5 and 27.5, the route climbs another 88 m, followed by a further 176 m descent towards Xunqueira. The stage ends near the collegiate church, with accommodation and shopping available at Autoservicio Fina.
What to see on stage 8
Colegiata de Santa María la Real
The collegiate church of Xunqueira de Ambía began as a monastery in the 10th century, while its Romanesque church was built between the mid-12th and early 13th centuries. It also preserves a late Gothic cloister and a 1759 organ.
Río Ambía
The descent towards the Río Ambía is the most marked change of scenery on the stage. After leaving the mountains, the route opens out towards the valley and the landscapes of inland Galicia.
Vineyards and chestnut trees of inland Galicia
Vineyards and chestnut trees appear during the transition between Laza and Xunqueira. It isn't a flat walk: the gentler landscape comes alongside a long day and steadily accumulating elevation changes.
Where to sleep in Xunqueira de Ambía
In Laza, you have Albergue de Peregrinos de Laza for a well-rested start. Halfway along, there are Albergue De Peregrinos De Viladerrei and Albergue de Peregrinos Vilar de Barrio, both logical places to stop if 33.2 km feels too much. In Xunqueira de Ambía, you have Albergue de Peregrinos de Xunqueira de Ambía and Fundación Ramón González Ferreiro. With a stage this long, it's worth deciding where you want to finish and booking before setting off.
Where to eat and refuel
At the start in Laza, you have La Picota and Descanso do Peregrino. The most useful choice is in Vilar de Barrio, with Casa Carmiña, Mesón Manuel, Bar Amadeo and Bar Toural. You can also shop at Supermercado Claudio. On arrival in Xunqueira de Ambía, there are Bar Café En El Camino, Bar Guede and Autoservicio Fina. Don't plan the day as though bars were evenly spaced along the route.
Practical tips for this stage
Set off very early
This is one of the tougher stages in this section: 33.2 km and 581 m of cumulative ascent. An early start gives you more time to reach Xunqueira, especially if you stop in Vilar de Barrio.
Take the descent seriously
Between km 12.3 and 16, there are 289 m of descent at an average gradient of 7.7%. If it has been raining, the ground may be slippery, so wear shoes with good grip.
Restock in Vilar de Barrio
Vilar de Barrio is very well placed for food and supplies. Don't assume you'll find a convenient water source for the rest of the stage; leave with enough water.
Book in Xunqueira
You arrive after another descent between km 27.5 and 31. If you plan to finish the day in Xunqueira de Ambía, secure your bed in advance.
Frequently asked questions about stage 8
Is this a difficult stage?
Yes. It's 33.2 km, takes 7.4 hours on average and includes 581 m of ascent. The 289 m descent towards the Ambía river adds considerable strain.
Where can I stop halfway?
Viladerrei and, above all, Vilar de Barrio offer the clearest options. In Vilar de Barrio, you have Casa Carmiña, Mesón Manuel, Bar Amadeo, Bar Toural and Supermercado Claudio.
Which section may be slippery?
The descents towards Xunqueira can be tricky in wet weather. The main descent begins around km 12.3, with the final one between km 27.5 and 31.
Where can I sleep on arrival?
In Xunqueira de Ambía, you can choose between Albergue de Peregrinos de Xunqueira de Ambía, Albergue de Peregrinos and Fundación Ramón González Ferreiro.
