The stage, step by step
Leaving Xunqueira
You can have breakfast near the start at Bar Café En El Camino or Bar Guede, and set off from Colegiata de Santa María la Real. The first short climb, between km 0.8 and 3, gains 70 m before the long descent begins.
Descending through the countryside
Between km 3 and 14.8, the route descends 266 m through countryside and small rural settlements. Café-Bar Ruta da Prata, Casa Toñita and Sayfe Café Bar provide specific places to stop during this section.
San Cibrao Das Viñas
The route passes through San Cibrao Das Viñas in the central section. Here you'll find a pharmacy, shops and several cafés and restaurants, including Café Bar O Mesón. Take the opportunity to buy supplies if you don't want to arrive in Ourense with errands still to do.
Entering Ourense
The final descent, between km 15.8 and 21.3, loses another 172 m. Fontenova is near km 18.3, but from there you need to pay attention to traffic and scattered houses before entering Ourense.
What to see on stage 9
Colegiata de Santa María la Real de Xunqueira de Ambía
Before setting off, spend a few minutes at the collegiate church, one of the main historic landmarks from the previous section. From here, a much more manageable day towards Ourense begins.
Countryside between Xunqueira and San Cibrao
The first half passes through small villages and open countryside. The continuous descent makes this route feel more restful than the mountainous stages before it.
Ourense
The stage ends in a historic Galician city, in an unmistakably urban setting. The arrival is a clear break from the rural paths and gives you the chance to rest with every service close at hand.
Urban surroundings of Ourense
The final kilometres no longer have the same rhythm as the start. Scattered houses and urban traffic appear, so stay alert until you reach the centre.
Where to sleep in Ourense
In Xunqueira, you can set off from Albergue de Peregrinos de Xunqueira de Ambía or Fundación Ramón González Ferreiro. There's nowhere to sleep along the route, but you don't need it: the stage is only 22 km. The real choice is in Ourense, with Albergue de Peregrinos de Ourense, Albergue de Peregrinos Eligio Rivas Quintas and Grelo Hostel, as well as the accommodation available in a large city. It's a short stage and many pilgrims choose to sleep in Ourense, so don't leave your booking until the last minute.
Where to eat and refuel
At the start, you have Bar Café En El Camino and Bar Guede. Along the route, there are Café-Bar Ruta da Prata, Casa Toñita, Sayfe Café Bar, Pis pas Café Bar, Café Bar O Cruceiro and Café Bar O Mesón. The choice becomes plentiful as you approach Ourense, with Novelty, Lemur, Gastrobar Auriga, Rocko Pizza and Restaurante Adega de San Cosme. You can also shop at Mercadona, Gadis or Froiz.
Practical tips for this stage
Use it as a recovery day
At 22 km and 4.9 hours on average, this is a good day to loosen your legs after the longer stages. There's no need to leave at dawn, but avoid arriving in Ourense during the busiest traffic periods.
Don't mistake descent for an effortless day
Although there's only 89 m of ascent, the cumulative descent reaches 494 m. If you're carrying a heavy pack or have blisters, downhill terrain can still take its toll.
Use Fontenova as a landmark
Fontenova is around km 18.3. From there, the more urban section begins, so make sure you have enough water before entering the city.
Watch the traffic
Scattered houses and an urban environment appear during the final kilometres. Slow down, follow the waymarks and don't consider the stage finished until you're inside Ourense.
Frequently asked questions about stage 9
Is this the easiest stage in this section?
It's the shortest and has the gentlest profile: 22 km, 89 m of ascent and 494 m of descent. The average duration is 4.9 hours.
Where can I stop for food?
There are options at the start, in the central section and, above all, in Ourense. Café-Bar Ruta da Prata, Casa Toñita, Café Bar O Mesón, Novelty and Rocko Pizza are some specific stops.
When does the urban environment begin?
The urban approach becomes clear during the final kilometres. The route is still descending between km 15.8 and 21.3, so you need to combine traffic awareness with care for your legs.
Where can I sleep in Ourense?
You can choose between Albergue de Peregrinos de Ourense, Albergue Municipal and private options such as Albergue de Peregrinos Eligio Rivas Quintas or Grelo Hostel. As a large city, Ourense also has plenty of hotels and guesthouses.
