The stage, step by step
From Monforte to the first country lanes
You leave Monforte de Lemos behind on a mix of tarmac, dirt tracks and stone corredoiras. Between km 3.3 and km 8.8, you climb 131 m on a fairly gentle gradient, gradually leaving the valley behind.
A Vide, Moreda and Fonte de Piñeiro
The route continues towards A Vide and Moreda, with another climb between km 9.5 and km 13 gaining 156 m. Fonte de Piñeiro is in this section; afterwards, the church of San Salvador de Moreda becomes one of the route’s landmarks.
The descent towards Belesar
From km 17.5, the longest descent begins, dropping 378 m to km 24.3 at an average gradient of 5.6%. The route takes you towards Belesar and the Codos de Belesar, where the cobbles call for a steady pace, especially after rain.
The final climb to Chantada
After crossing the Miño valley, you have to regain height: between km 24.3 and km 27, you climb 293 m in one go, and your legs will feel it. Save some energy for this final push, then enter Chantada, where you can also visit San Salvador de Asma.
What to see on stage 6
Codos de Belesar
This is the most recognisable section of the stage: a zigzag descent along a roughly 300 m cobbled track. The surface can be slippery in wet weather, but the descent towards Belesar Reservoir is best enjoyed without rushing.
Iglesia de Santo Estevo de Ribas de Miño
This late-12th-century Romanesque church is one of the Ribeira Sacra’s outstanding monuments. Its large rose window is particularly striking, as is its setting in O Saviñao, near Chantada.
Iglesia de San Salvador de Moreda
The church retains the rural Romanesque character of this part of the Camino de Invierno. The fountain and stone cross beside it also provide a small resting place midway through the stage.
Templo de San Salvador de Asma
The former Benedictine monastery dates back to the 12th century and stands in the outskirts of Chantada. It makes a worthwhile final visit before looking for accommodation or food in town.
Terraced vineyards of the Ribeira Sacra
The cultivated slopes above the Miño explain much of the landscape on this stage. Between the reservoir and the terraces, the Belesar section is where the identity of the Ribeira Sacra is most visible.
Where to sleep in Chantada
In Monforte, you can start the stage after spending the night at Albergue Santiago 15. In Chantada, Dpaso Urban Hostel is a practical option on arrival. Do not expect a choice of albergues in between: if you want to split the stage, check the available alternatives beforehand.
Where to eat and refuel
Monforte has much of the food available at the start, including Restaurante O Grelo, Restaurante de Parador and Restaurante Cardenal. Between Monforte and Chantada, do not rely on finding a meal on the way; take something with you if you are setting off late. On arrival, you will find bars such as Pub Mezcal and O Agocho, as well as supermarkets including Cemar and Mercado de Abastos.
Practical tips for this stage
Set off with enough water
Leave Monforte with water and do not assume you will find fountains throughout the day. The only convenient intermediate reference is Fonte de Piñeiro, after km 11; after that, you still have the descent to Belesar and the final climb.
Take care in wet weather
Between A Vide and Moreda, the path can flood during the rainy season. In winter and spring, if the surface is badly waterlogged, consider the recommended road detour for this section.
Descend slowly towards Belesar
The descent between km 17.5 and km 24.3 loses 378 m and leads into the Codos de Belesar. Wet stone is slippery, so wear footwear with good grip and do not try to rush this section.
Save energy for the finish
The climb between km 24.3 and km 27 is by far the steepest of the day. Although the preceding descent may seem like the hardest part, save your legs for the final kilometres and set off early if you want to walk without pressure.
Frequently asked questions about stage 6
How long does it take to walk from Monforte de Lemos to Chantada?
The stage is 29.7 km long and usually takes around 6.6 hours. The total elevation gain is 751 m, with 460 m of descent.
Which is the hardest section?
The climb between km 24.3 and km 27 is the most demanding because of its gradient: it gains 293 m at an average of 10.7%. The descent at Belesar also requires care because of the cobbles.
Is there water along the route?
The main intermediate reference is Fonte de Piñeiro. It is wiser to leave Monforte with enough water and not expect to find another convenient point before Chantada.
Can I stay overnight before reaching Chantada?
Albergues are concentrated at either end: Albergue Santiago 15 in Monforte de Lemos and Dpaso Urban Hostel in Chantada. If you want to split the stage, arrange it in advance.