The stage, step by step
Leaving Padrón
Padrón makes it easy to have breakfast, buy water and set off without rushing. The route begins through a rural landscape and gains 43 m between km 3.3 and 7.3, a gentle climb that gives you a first taste of the day’s total ascent.
The long climb towards O Milladoiro
Between km 9.5 and 17.5, the route gains 202 m at an average gradient of 2.5%. The landscape gradually leaves its agricultural character behind and approaches O Milladoiro; this is where you should keep a steady pace rather than speeding up in the excitement of nearing the finish.
O Milladoiro and the peri-urban approach
O Milladoiro marks the transition to a busier, more urban section. You can find Farmacia Vilas and take a break before continuing; after this, the route loses 42 m between km 17.5 and 19.3.
The final kilometres to the Cathedral
After a brief descent, the route climbs again between km 21.3 and 24.9, gaining 92 m. You enter Santiago along ordinary streets and then cobbles, all the way to the Cathedral and Plaza del Obradoiro.
What to see on stage 4
Padrón
The stage begins in a town strongly associated with Jacobean tradition and Padrón peppers. It is the last convenient place to have breakfast, buy provisions and settle your pace before the long section begins.
O Milladoiro
This suburb of Santiago is an emotional landmark along the route. From here, pilgrims can catch their first glimpse of the Cathedral towers.
Monte de Agro dos Monteiros
The initial climb crosses the Agro dos Monteiros area before approaching Santiago. It is one of the sections where much of the day’s effort is concentrated, in contrast to the final urban approach.
Catedral de Santiago de Compostela
The Cathedral is the destination of the Spiritual Variant and houses the relic shrine of the Apostle Saint James in the crypt beneath the high altar. The complex combines Romanesque features, such as the Platerías façade, with the Baroque Obradoiro façade.
Where to sleep in Santiago de Compostela
Padrón offers several options if you need to sleep before tackling the final stage, including the Albergue de Peregrinos de Padrón, Albergue D'Camino, Albergue da Meiga, Albergue Camiño do Sar, Albergue O Pedrón, Albergue Corredoiras and Albergue Río Sar. In Santiago, there are donation-based options such as Fonte do Convento de Belvís, Hospedería San Martín Pinario and Albergue para Peregrinos e Xente sen Recursos Xoán XXIII. For your arrival, booking early is the safest option.
Where to eat and refuel
Padrón has a convenient choice of places for setting off: you can find Pulpería M. Mata, Restaurante Santiaguiño, Pulpería Rial and supermarkets such as Gadis, Dia and Froiz. The middle section is less consistent; places near the route include Casa A Touceda, Café-Bar 500 and O Que Dirán. The choice becomes abundant again in Santiago, but it is worth carrying some food if you do not want to depend on finding a particular stop in O Milladoiro.
Practical tips for this stage
Leave Padrón with water and breakfast
Padrón is the place to set off properly supplied. Although you will find services later on, it is best not to tackle the first climb without water and something to eat.
Save your strength for two climbs
The main climb runs from km 9.5 to 17.5 and gains 202 m. There is still a final climb from km 21.3 to 24.9, gaining 92 m, just when tiredness usually begins to show.
Take a break in O Milladoiro
O Milladoiro is a good place to rest before the final approach to Santiago. From there onwards, there are more streets, pedestrian traffic and uneven urban surfaces.
Do not speed up just because Santiago is close
The final section mixes outer neighbourhoods, busy streets and cobbles. Set off between 7 and 8am if you want time in hand, and conserve energy for the last few kilometres.
Frequently asked questions about stage 4
How long does it take to walk from Padrón to Santiago?
The stage is 25 km long and the stated average duration is 5.6 hours. The actual time will depend on your stops and pace, particularly during the urban approach.
Where is the greatest effort?
The longest climb is between km 9.5 and 17.5, with 202 m of elevation gain at an average gradient of 2.5%. There is another climb between km 21.3 and 24.9, gaining 92 m.
Can you see Santiago before reaching it?
Yes. O Milladoiro is the landmark from which pilgrims can catch their first glimpse of the Cathedral towers, although several urban kilometres remain before Plaza del Obradoiro.
Where can I sleep on arrival?
In Santiago, there are Fonte do Convento de Belvís, Hospedería San Martín Pinario and Albergue para Peregrinos e Xente sen Recursos Xoán XXIII. Padrón also has several options if you decide to split the route.
