The stage, step by step
From Quiroga to San Clodio
Leave Quiroga with water and food for a long day. After passing A Botica and Portón, the route enters the main climb between km 1.3 and 9.5, gaining 341 m. Fonte da Plata is near the start, in the area around San Clodio.
Ribas de Sil and the Saá valley
In Ribas de Sil, you can find the pharmacies of María Belén Rodríguez Puente and Dolores Arias Carmona. The route continues through woodland and farmland; after the descent between km 11 and 15.5, you have to climb again to km 21, particularly around Nocedo and Castroncelos.
Towards Alto da Serra
The climb from km 15.5 to 21 gains 187 m and requires you to conserve your energy. The terrain alternates between farmland and dense woodland, with Alto da Serra as the height marker before the descent towards Tierra de Lemos.
Final effort and arrival in Monforte
Between km 21 and 26.8, you descend 148 m, but there is still a 79 m climb between km 26.8 and 28. From there, the final descent of more than seven kilometres leads to Monforte de Lemos and the surroundings of Monasterio de San Vicente del Pino.
What to see on stage 5
Iglesia de San Clodio
In Ribas de Sil, it retains the circular apse of the former Romanesque oratory and the tower of the old abbey. The complex stands beside a river beach and makes one of the most pleasant stops on the stage.
Iglesia de Santiago
Iglesia de Santiago in Castroncelos is built with slate walls and has a large square tower dating from the 13th century. It appears in an area where the route starts climbing again, making it a good place for a break.
Alto da Serra
The climb to Alto da Serra is one of the day’s main efforts and reaches approximately 500 m. From the high ground, you can understand the transition between the Sil valley and Tierra de Lemos.
Capilla Los Remedios
The chapel stands alone on the route towards the Lor river. It is a simple, secluded landmark, particularly noticeable after several hours among woodland and farmland.
Monasterio de San Vicente del Pino
In Monforte de Lemos, the former monastic complex has been converted into a Parador de Turismo. It retains sections of the old walls and the keep of the former castle, providing a monumental end to the stage.
Where to sleep in Monforte de Lemos
In Quiroga, you can start from Albergue Quiroga. Further on, you will find Hostal/Bar Las Vegas near the beginning, Hostal As Viñas later on and, in Monforte de Lemos, Albergue Santiago 15. The options are widely spaced: if you do not want to complete the 35.4 km, plan in advance where to stop.
Where to eat and refuel
Quiroga is the best place for breakfast and shopping: you have Torres, Mesón Parrillada O Ferreiriño, Restaurante Casa Aroza, Eroski, Dia, Covirán and Plenus. Further on, you will find Avenida and Parrillada O' Fogón. On arrival in Monforte, there are Riosol, El cortijo, Restaurante de Parador, Restaurante O Grelo and Il Posto Fisso, along with supermarkets such as Gadis, Mercadona, Lidl and Familia.
Practical tips for this stage
Set off very early
The day covers 35.4 km, includes 616 m of ascent and takes close to eight hours of walking. Setting off at around 6:00 gives you time to tackle the climbs and reach Monforte without rushing.
Carry enough water and food
Fonte da Plata is near the start, but facilities are widely spaced after that. Carry enough supplies for the areas around Nocedo and Castroncelos, where the gradients may slow you down.
Save energy for the second section
Do not use all your energy on the climb to km 9.5. After descending between km 11 and 15.5, you will have to gain another 187 m up to km 21.
The arrival still takes effort
Although the final section descends gently, there is still a 79 m climb between km 26.8 and 28. Save some energy for this final rise before the descent towards Monforte.
Frequently asked questions about stage 5
Is this the hardest stage on the Camino de Invierno?
It is the most demanding stage in terms of distance and elevation: 35.4 km, 616 m of ascent and 592 m of descent. Allow close to eight hours of walking.
Where can I replenish my water?
Fonte da Plata is near the start, in the area around San Clodio. After that, it is best to carry a good supply until you find facilities in Ribas de Sil or further on.
Which climbs should I save energy for?
The first runs from km 1.3 to 9.5 and gains 341 m. Later, there is another 187 m climb between km 15.5 and 21, as well as the 79 m rise between km 26.8 and 28.
Where does the stage finish?
It finishes in Monforte de Lemos, after a final descent of more than seven kilometres beginning at km 28. Monasterio de San Vicente del Pino and its keep mark the arrival.