The stage, step by step
Leaving Ourense
Ourense gives you the chance to have breakfast and buy everything you need before leaving the city. You have Froiz, Gadis, Mercadona and Eroski City, as well as cafés such as Panatier, Villabús and Café Bar Caypa.
The main climb
The profile dips slightly at first, then begins to gain height clearly between km 6.3 and 9.8. This is 278 m of ascent at an average gradient of 7.9%, so keep your stride short and steady.
Tracks and gentle hills
After the first effort, the route alternates between tracks and rural roads through a landscape of gentle hills. There's a 59 m descent between km 12.8 and 15.3 before the next climb.
Arriving in Cea
Between km 15.3 and 19.7, you still gain 125 m, although at an average gradient of 2.8%. The final kilometres lead you into Cea. Arrive with food and accommodation sorted, as services are more limited than in Ourense.
What to see on stage 10
Ourense
The stage begins in a city with everything you need to prepare for the day. Use the start to buy water, food and snacks before entering the rural surroundings.
Gentle hills of inland Galicia
The central section replaces Ourense’s streets with tracks and small roads through gentle hills. The scenery is rural, but the cumulative ascent means it isn't simply an easy stroll.
San Cristovo de Cea
The finish lies in the area around Cea, where traditional bread has Protected Geographical Indication status. It's made from wheat flour, water, salt and sourdough, following traditional methods.
Pan de Cea
This is the stage’s most distinctive product. It can be kept for several days while retaining its flavour and aroma, which is particularly useful if you want to carry a loaf into the next section.
Where to sleep in Cea
Most of the hostels are at the starting point: in Ourense, you have Albergue de Peregrinos de Ourense, Albergue de Peregrinos Eligio Rivas Quintas and Grelo Hostel. Cea is a small village and its choice is nothing like that of the city, so call ahead and arrange a specific option if you plan to sleep there. Turning up in Cea on a summer weekend without a booking is asking for trouble.
Where to eat and refuel
Do your shopping in Ourense: Froiz, Gadis, Mercadona, Eroski City and O cesto verde - Tenda ecolóxica are all near the start. For breakfast or a meal, choose between Panatier, Villabús, Café Bar Caypa, EL Tajín Mexicano, Domino's, Rocko Pizza or Lemur. Once you leave the city, don't expect a plentiful, regular choice until Cea.
Practical tips for this stage
Shop before setting off
Services become scarce as you move away from Ourense. Leave Ourense with water and food, even though the total distance is only 22.2 km.
Save energy for km 6.3
The climb between km 6.3 and 9.8 is the hardest point: 278 m at an average gradient of 7.9%. Don't tackle it too quickly.
Prepare for rural terrain
The route alternates between tracks and small roads. Wear comfortable footwear and stay alert on sections shared with vehicles.
Book in Cea
Cea has fewer services than Ourense, and the climbs may make your arrival later than expected. Don't leave finding a bed until the last moment.
Frequently asked questions about stage 10
Is it an easy stage because it's only 22.2 km?
Not entirely. Although it's 22.2 km and takes 4.9 hours on average, it includes 506 m of ascent. The main climb gains 278 m between km 6.3 and 9.8.
Where can I buy food?
The most practical option is to shop in Ourense, where you have Froiz, Gadis, Mercadona, Eroski City and O cesto verde - Tenda ecolóxica. The choice along the route is more limited.
What should I try on arrival?
The stage’s local speciality is Pan de Cea, made with wheat flour, water, salt and sourdough and protected by a Protected Geographical Indication.
Where can I sleep if I finish in Cea?
The hostels are concentrated in Ourense, including Grelo Hostel and Albergue de Peregrinos de Ourense. If you want to spend the night in Cea, book an alternative before setting off.