The stage, step by step
The first climbs from Mombuey
Mombuey is the last convenient place to set off with food and water. The route gains 41 m between km 1.3 and km 3.8, then loses 36 m before gradually entering a more wooded landscape.
The central climb
After the descent between km 10.5 and km 12, the longest ascent begins: between km 12 and km 17.8, you climb 116 m at an average gradient of 2%. Keep to a pace you can sustain here.
Asturianos and Palacios de Sanabria
Asturianos comes roughly halfway through the stage and has Albergue de Peregrinos de Asturianos, Bar Las Vegas and Bar-Mesón El Carmen. Further on, in Palacios de Sanabria, you can stop at Ultramarinos, Mirador or El Cruce.
Descending towards Puebla
The final section links several descents: between km 24.5 and km 27.5, you lose 56 m, followed by another 59 m between km 29.5 and km 32.1. You arrive with all Puebla de Sanabria’s services within reach.
What to see on stage 4
Castillo de los Condes de Benavente
The fortress was built between 1477 and 1482 on the orders of Rodrigo Alonso de Pimentel and María de Pacheco. Its central keep and former drawbridge explain Puebla’s strategic role.
Woodland between Mombuey and Puebla
The forest tracks pass through wooded areas with abundant shade, a valuable help on a stage of more than thirty kilometres. The landscape changes noticeably from the more open sections of the Camino.
Asturianos
The village is the main intermediate break on the stage. It's the right place to check your water and decide whether to take a longer rest before tackling the final kilometres.
Puebla de Sanabria
The town retains the character of a strategic fortress belonging to the Condes de Benavente. On arrival, you'll find a wide choice of food, shopping and accommodation for resting after the day’s walk.
Where to sleep in Puebla de Sanabria
In Mombuey, you have Albergue de Peregrinos and Alojamiento El Pajat. Halfway through the stage is Albergue de Peregrinos de Asturianos. Puebla de Sanabria has more options, including Albergue Casa Luz, Hotel Rural Villa Dos Infantas, La Trucha and Carlos V. If you want to reach Puebla, book ahead, especially during the busiest periods.
Where to eat and refuel
Mombuey lets you set off well supplied with La Ruta, El Destino and El Porvenir. In Asturianos there are Bar Las Vegas and Bar-Mesón El Carmen; in Palacios de Sanabria you have Mirador, El Cruce and Ultramarinos. Puebla offers much more variety, including La Casona de Sanabria, Tierra de Lobos, El Molino de Sanabria, Mesón Abelardo and several bars in the centre.
Practical tips for this stage
Make the most of the shade, but keep moving
The woodland offers good protection from the sun, but the climbs and descents add up. Set off early and save your legs for the ascent between km 12 and km 17.8.
Plan your supplies
Services are concentrated in Mombuey, Asturianos, Palacios de Sanabria and Puebla. There are long stretches without shops between these places, so carry water and a snack.
Take care on the final section
The last descents come after you have already walked more than thirty kilometres. Take it slowly between km 29.5 and km 32.1, especially if the ground is wet.
Frequently asked questions about stage 4
How much elevation does the stage have?
There are 246 m of ascent and 255 m of descent, with a minimum altitude of 861 m and a maximum of 1009 m.
Where is the best place for an intermediate stop?
Asturianos is the main reference point, roughly halfway along. There you have Albergue de Peregrinos de Asturianos and Bar Las Vegas.
Is there shade throughout the day?
Yes, much of the route runs through woodland and shaded forest tracks. Even so, carry water because services only appear at specific points.