The stage, step by step
From Outeiro to Vedra
Set out from Outeiro with water: A Fonte is available at the start. In Vedra, you can make an initial stop at Spar Express or track down Farmacia Ramón María Varela Barreiro. It's a comfortable start that gets your legs moving before the route begins to gain elevation.
Ponte Ulla and A Ponte Ulla
The route continues towards Ponte Ulla and A Ponte Ulla, a historic crossing of Galician rivers. The private albergue O Cruceiro is in this area, and after the first descent you'll also find several places to eat. Between km 5.8 and 9.8, the route loses 125 m, so it's worth taking the descent steadily.
The central stretch towards Santiago
From the halfway point onwards, the path alternates between descents and climbs. You can refill your water at Fonte de Aldrei and, further on, at Fonte de Angrois. The climb between km 15.5 and 18 is the one you'll feel most; A Casa de Vero and Café Bar Tacón are near this stretch.
Urban approach and arrival
Over the final kilometres, the landscape gradually becomes urban. Between km 19 and 20.3, you face one last 49 m climb and pass Fonte da Capela de San Brais, Fonte da Avenida de Lugo and Fonte dos Capitáns. Follow the yellow arrows carefully and watch out for traffic until you reach Santiago de Compostela Cathedral.
What to see on stage 13
Outeiro
Outeiro is the starting point for the final day of the Camino Sanabrés. From here, the last 20.4 km to Santiago begin, with the city now your immediate destination.
Ponte Ulla
Ponte Ulla is one of the most distinctive crossings on this final day, historically associated with crossing Galician rivers. The area marks the transition from the rural route to the increasingly urban approach to Santiago.
Santiago de Compostela’s urban approach
The arrival in Santiago isn't an abrupt change: the landscape becomes urban gradually as you head towards the centre. On this final stretch, pay more attention to traffic and waymarking than on the open paths earlier in the stage.
Santiago de Compostela Cathedral
The cathedral is the final destination on the Camino Sanabrés and the pilgrims’ finishing point. Its monumental complex, with Romanesque and Gothic elements, brings the route to a close in a city that has welcomed pilgrims since the 9th century.
Where to sleep in Santiago de Compostela
If you would rather not arrive in Santiago exhausted, A Ponte Ulla has the private albergue O Cruceiro, and around km 10 you'll find Albergue Reina Lupa. Once in the city, there's a huge choice, including Albergue do Seminario Menor da Asunción, Albergue La Estación, Albergue Compostela, SIXTOS Hostel, Hostel SCQ and Meiga Backpackers, among many others. For a more traditional welcome, Hospedería San Martín Pinario is just a short walk from the cathedral. This is your final night and Santiago fills up quickly: book ahead, especially from June to September and during a Holy Year.
Where to eat and refuel
Food is available from the start, with Villa Verde and O Cruceiro, and in Vedra you can buy something at Spar Express. Around Ponte Ulla, you'll find Restaurante Bar Rosende, Restaurante Vente Vindo and Parrillada O Breixo. Further on, there's Café-Bar Hermo, Café Bar A Susana, Restaurante Santa Lucía, A Casa de Vero and Café Bar Tacón. On the approach to Santiago, the options include Craft Food Take Away, O Balcón das Brañas, La Pausa, O Quitapenas, Hui Kitchen and Cantón. To buy provisions before the final arrival, you can use Froiz or A Tenda de Mari; once in Santiago, the choice is extensive.
Practical tips for this stage
Fill your bottle before setting out
Fill your bottle at A Fonte in Outeiro and plan your next refill at Fonte de Aldrei. After that, you'll have Fonte de Angrois and several fountains on the approach to Santiago, including Fonte da Capela de San Brais, Fonte da Avenida de Lugo and Fonte dos Capitáns.
Don't be fooled by the flat terrain
Although it's classed as a flat stage, it includes 417 m of ascent. Save some energy for the climb from km 15.5 to 18, with 109 m of ascent and an average gradient of 4.4%, as well as for the final rise into Santiago.
Take care with traffic at the end
The approach to Santiago is urban and requires more attention than the first half of the stage. Follow the yellow arrows, cross carefully and don't consider the stage finished until you reach the cathedral.
Book your arrival
The average walking time is 3.7 hours, but it's worth setting out with plenty of time if you want to walk without rushing and find a bed in Santiago. Book your albergue in advance, particularly during the high season.
Frequently asked questions about stage 13
How many kilometres is the stage from Outeiro to Santiago?
It's 20.4 km, with an estimated average walking time of 3.7 hours.
Is it a completely flat stage?
The terrain is classed as flat, but the stage includes 417 m of ascent and 260 m of descent. The most noticeable climb runs from km 15.5 to 18, with an average gradient of 4.4%.
Where can I refill my water along the way?
You can set out with water from A Fonte and refill at Fonte de Aldrei, Fonte de Angrois, Fonte da Capela de San Brais, Fonte da Avenida de Lugo and Fonte dos Capitáns.
Where can I sleep when I reach Santiago?
Options along the route include Albergue La Estación, Albergue do Seminario Menor da Asunción, Albergue Compostela, SIXTOS Hostel, Hostel SCQ and Meiga Backpackers. Donation-based accommodation such as Hospedería San Martín Pinario is also available.