Day Twenty-Four on the Camino Portugués
~ Magariños (Valga) to Milladoiro, 26.3 Km (16.34 Miles) via the Central Route

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Our day twenty-four on the Camino Portugués was long, yet beautiful and enjoyable, meandering back and forth along the path of the N-550. I did not have the same angst as I did the prior day, but realized I needed to enjoy this time, as our Camino was coming very near to its close.

"As I make my slow pilgrimage through the world a certain sense of beautiful mystery seems to gather and grow." ~ A.C. Benson, English Author and Poet

Today was most definitely the day to take it slow, be present to the experience, hold it dear in our hearts and keep the mystery going!

Map and Stats of Day Twenty-Four on the Camino Portugués

My google map of the day is here, showing plenty of services, many more accommodations, as many more pilgrims walk through this way. Click and zoom to see the location of all that is available on this stage that is getting so close to Santiago de Compostela!

It is all downhill for the first part of the day to the River in Padrón and then a long, steady climb uphill to Milladoiro. The gain is 250 meters (830 feet) but because it was over about 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) I never really minded it. 

Elevation Profile for Day Twenty-Four, Camino Portugués, Valga to MilladoiroElevation Profile for Day Twenty-Four, Camino Portugués, Valga to Milladoiro

There is an additional side trip to the monastery in Padrón, the Santiaguiño do Monte, shown in orange on the map, that is on the west side of town. If you take this worthwhile diversion, it will add 1.24 kilometers to your day and 60 meters of climbing. 

Photo-Rich Travelogue of Day Twenty-Four on the Camino Portugués

We left the Albergue de Valga with full bellies, as we were able to cook our own breakfast from the groceries we had bought the day before. It is always a good start for me when I have a good breakfast. If you chose not to cook, the Trucker’s Bar en route back to the Camino, opens at 5:00 a.m. 

The Camino Portugués started out downhill, on day twenty-four, and it was a lovely, fresh morning. We joined the dirt path we had left on day twenty-three at the 35.2 kilometer waymark.

35 Kilometer Waymark, Valga35.2 Kilometer Waymark on Day Twenty-Four, Camino Portugués

It is a nice walk through the forest to start the day. 

Downhill on Forest PathDownhill on Forest Path

This Galician moss-covered forest was so typical. I breathed it in! When the forests look like this, I know we are getting close to Santiago!

Through the Moss-Covered Enchanted ForestThrough the Moss-Covered Enchanted Forest

The forest path continues for a total of about 1.8 kilometers, then comes to a T-intersection at a paved road, at this picnic ground. The pilgrimage traveler needs to turn right here and head for San Miguel de Valga on a narrow paved road.

Turn Right at Picnic Grove Where Forest Path EndsTurn Right at Picnic Grove Where Forest Path Ends

The narrow paved road passes an old mill, or muiño, called the O Muiño do Xalleiro, on the right. Within about 400 meters, you arrive into town, first passing the inviting Buen Camino café on your right and then the Iglesia de San Miguel de Valga on your left, both pictured below. 

Entering San Miguel de ValgaEntering San Miguel de Valga

In a few meters at the only intersection in this small town, you cross over to your second choice of the Café Bar San Miguel. It was a bustling place, as the next picture shows. 

Café Bar San MiguelCafé Bar San Miguel

About 50 meters after the Café Bar San Miguel, the Camino turns to the left at this intersection, pictured below, and onto a road that quickly turns into a path. 

After San Miguel de Valga Turn Left Here on PathAfter San Miguel de Valga Turn Left Here on Path

The views of the countryside through here were stunning. 

Countryside View in Early Morning Light on Day Twenty-Four, Camino PortuguésCountryside View in Early Morning Light

The path turns to pavement and rounds this high wall and meanders for about one kilometer.

Walk Round This High Wall on Day Twenty-Four, Camino PortuguésWalk Round This High Wall

When the road straightens out and the pavement ends, you cross a street and start a lovely trail system, first on a forest road shown below, then a cobblestone pathway.

Forest Road Toward PontecesuresForest Road Toward Pontecesures

The cobblestone begins after about 4.0 kilometers total thus far, shown below.

Back Into the Forest on Cobblestone Path on Day Twenty-Four, Portuguese WayBack Into the Forest on Cobblestone Path, Day Twenty-Four, Camino Portugués

We caught up to two female German pilgrims with whom Rich chatted, as usual. The cobblestone pathway lasts for about 0.25 kilometers and comes to a T-intersection with another road. We turned right here.

Here is a look-back at the quaint cobblestone path through the vineyards. A rare thing in Spain. For a moment I thought I was back in Portugal!

Cobblestone Path Look-Back, Coming Out of Forest on Day Twenty-Four, Portuguese WayCobblestone Path Look-Back, Emerging From Forest

Walk about 60 meters and join the long straight Camiño Regadio for an additional one-half kilometer to walk into the next town of Condide. There is a sidewalk on the right side of the street, that is helpful for the pilgrimage traveler. 

The Camiño Regadio then walks you into the large urban area of Pontecesures and ends at a T-intersection. Here you turn left onto the Camiño Carreiras, for only about 75 meters, then right to join the Rúa Real. 

Walk 100 meters on the Rúa Real, come to an intersection with the PO-214. Cross over the PO-214 and join the Camiño Infesta and pass the inviting medieval tavern, the Mesa de Pedra on your right.

Wind around on Infesta, climbing up to a picnic area and a viewpoint called the Miradoiro Pino Manso.

In three hundred meters come to the next intersection and walk straight on. Here, the Camiño Infesta becomes the Rúa Castro. If you turn right at this intersection, you will encounter the municipal Albergue de Peregrinos de Pontecesures. You are at almost exactly 6.0 kilometers from the Valga albergue when you encounter the sign for the turnoff for this albergue, pictured below. 

Turn Off for the Albergue in PontecesuresTurn Off for the Albergue in Pontecesures

Next, you walk 30 meters on the Rúa Castro and drop back down the hill and to the left. In another hundred meters turn right onto the Rúa do Pilar. You are now walking through the quaint and narrow streets of the old town. This is a narrow brick road, with high walls on each side. 

Hórreo Along the Narrow Medieval Streets in PontecesuresHórreo Along the Narrow Medieval Streets in Pontecesures

Walk past the Igrexa de San Xulián de Requeixo.

Igrexa de San Xulián de RequeixoIgrexa de San Xulián de Requeixo

Continue on the Rúa do Pilar, down the hill toward the river.

Down the Hill on the Rúa do PilarDown the Hill on the Rúa do Pilar

After a total of four hundred meters, just past the church, the brick road ends. Turn left onto the Rúa Cantilla and walk right by the inexpensive Casa do Hórreo. At this intersection there is an alternative route that goes to the right, if your destination is the Mosteiro and Convento de Herbón and the Albergue de Peregrinos there, a donativo, more than two kilometers off-Camino to the east.  

Otherwise, cross the railroad tracks and walk 140 meters and turn left at this bridge, that goes under the N-550. 

Walk Under the N-550, Day Twenty-Four, Camino PortuguésWalk Under the N-550, Day Twenty-Four, Camino Portugués

Walk under the N-550, turn right to walk up the ramp and back up to the opposite side of the N-550. Cross the bridge over the Río Ulla to walk into Padrón. 

Cross the Río Ulla and Walk into Padrón on Day Twenty-Four, Portuguese WayCross the Río Ulla and Walk into Padrón

Just south of the river, there is another convenient accommodation, the hotel called A Casa Do Rio.

After crossing the bridge, take the second left to pick up the Ponte Aldea, jogging right/left, following the waymarks. Follow the waymarks for about another 1/2 kilometer, into more open areas that feel like you are leaving town. Come to a T-intersection by the River Sar. Turn right onto the riverfront road and walk north, back toward the city of Padrón.

Follow the river through some industrial areas and through parking lots and finally to a nice long park that parallels the river. There are several private albergues along this route, the Albergue Camiño do Sar, the O Albergue da Meiga the Albergue O Pedrón,  the Albergue Pensión Flavia and the Albergue A Barca de Pedra and the inexpensive Ecorooms B&B. They all accept reservations. 

Arrive in the center of town after one-and-a-third kilometers at the Praza Cantón Igrexa, by the Church of Santiago Apóstolo de Padrón and a bridge crossing the river to the left. You are at approximately 8.75 kilometers into the day, here at the center of Padrón.

Igrexa de Santiago Apóstolo de PadrónIgrexa de Santiago Apóstolo de Padrón

Across the river and to the left is the municipal Albergue de Peregrinos de Padrón just beyond the Convento do Carme, see photo farther below. Also across the river, at the base of the monastery, right beside the historic fountain, the Fuente del Carmen (also shown farther below), is the private Albergue D'Camiño.

To follow the Camino, turn right here in the plaza to continue on the Camino, or left and across the bridge to the municipal albergue, or to take the short diversion to the Santiaguiño do Monte, not even a full kilometer out of the way and about a 60 meter climb.

We turned right and walked around the church, turning left onto the Rúa Murgadán, into the Plaza Manuel Rodríguez Cobián where the Albergue Rossol (+34 981 810 011) is, in the photo below. We had our 1st coffee break for day twenty-four on the Portuguese Way, here.

If you come to the Albergue and Café Bar Rossol, you have missed the turn to Santiaguiño do Monte. This is what happened to us. Somehow I got disoriented and thought the turn was farther along. 

Café Bar Rossol in Plaza by the Santiago Apóstolo ChurchAlbergue and Café Bar Rossol in Plaza by the Santiago Apóstolo Church

While I point out the many albergues in Padrón, there are also pensions and hotels, if you dislike albergues. Click here to see many more choices of accommodation in this pilgrim town. 

Side Trip to Santiaguiño do Monte

Legend says that if you go all the way to the top of the mountain, to the sanctuary, taking all 132 steps without stopping, all your sins will be forgiven.

For more information on the Santiaguiño do Monte click on the link to this most historic place tracing its roots as far back as the 3rd century BCE.

Legend also says that Santiago himself preached here and a statue of him stands beside the cruceiro at the top. 

The climb is truly not that difficult and is only a bit more than one kilometer for the round trip. The elevation change as noted above is 60 meters. 

To climb the mountain, short and steep, first cross the bridge in the center of town, with the Carme Convent looming before you, shown in the photo below. 

Convento do Carme and Bridge Across the River Sar in Padrón on Day Twenty-Four, Portuguese WayConvento do Carme and Bridge Across the River Sar in Padrón

Once across the Sar River, look for the fountain, the Fuente del Carmen, shown below. Walk to the right of the fountain and take the first right onto the Rúa Santiago.

Walk 60 meters and look for a stairway between buildings, a "secret passageway," shown next. Turn left up the stairs and start your stair climbing!

Fuente del Carmen in Padrón on Day Twenty-Four, Portuguese WayFuente del Carmen
Stairway to Santiaguiño do Monte in Padrón on Day Twenty-Four, Portuguese WayStairway to Santiaguiño do Monte

Keep climbing on this lovely pathway, following the wall, below.

More Stairs to Santiaguiño do Monte in Padrón on Day Twenty-Four, Portuguese WayMore Stairs to Santiaguiño do Monte
The View Back Down to Padrón From the Stairs to Santiaguiño do Monte on Day Twenty-Four, Portuguese WayThe View Back Down to Padrón

At the top, turn left to continue following the path along this wall, paralleling a road for a short way. 

Pathway to Santiaguiño do Monte in Padrón on Day Twenty-Four, Portuguese WayContinuing Pathway to Santiaguiño do Monte

When you come to the car park at the end of the road, you can see the small chapel ahead, the Hermitage at Santiaguiño do Monte.

I photographed the top part of the chapel only. The angle of the sun was unfavorable for a full shot of the chapel. This high relief depicts the baptism of Queen Lupa by the Apostle James.

Hermatige at Santiaguiño do Monte in Padrón on Day Twenty-Four, Portuguese WayHermitage at Santiaguiño do Monte, Camino Portugués, Day Twenty-Four

Just beyond the chapel is a disordered mound of 10 rocks, placed here for an unknown sacred purpose. The Jacobean tradition re-invented this sacred site for Santiago and built his statue and this cruceiro on top of the rocks.

We paused for photos, taken by the two German pilgrims we met earlier, and for a snack with a view over Padrón.

We felt it was definitely worth the short detour to see this incredibly reverent place. The pilgrimage traveler can definitely feel the energy and the mystery here, the destination of thousands of pilgrims over the centuries since long before Christ.

Cruceiro and statue of St. James at the top of Santiaguiño do Monte in Padrón on Day Twenty-Four, Portuguese WayRich and Elle by St. James at the Cruceiro at the top of Santiaguiño do Monte

Even though we believe that Grace provides us forgiveness, just for the asking, we stayed here, savoring moments of peace and mystery here on this lovely mountaintop. 

Back on the Camino Portugués on Day Twenty-Four

After our coffee break at the Café Bar Rossol, we walked north on the Rúa Murgadán for 60 meters. Along this short stretch you will find the Albergue Murgadán.  After the albergue, we then turned right onto the cobblestone street, the Rúa Corredoira da Barca, past the Albergue Corredoiras Padrón.

Our day twenty-four on the Camino Portugués was getting very hot. I was wearing shorts for the first time in many days.

After 90 meters turn left onto the narrow Rúa Dores, which becomes the Travesía Iría and the road widens as you walk through the north side of town and across the River Sar once again. When you walk by the police station, on your left is the Cafeteria Albergue Sant-Yago and if you turn right, you will encounter the Pensión Restaurante Bar Grilo on the N-550, both economical places to stay on the north side of town. 

Continue on straight as the street becomes very narrow for a few hundred meters, until you come to the N-550. Cross over the N-550 and pick up the Lugar de Pedreda to walk by the Igrexa Santa Maria Iria Flavia. There is a private Albergue Cruces de Iria if you were to turn left on the N-550 at this crossing.

Igrexa Santa Maria Iria FlaviaIgrexa Santa Maria Iria Flavia

It was by this church that I realized that we had missed the Santiaguiño do Monte, so I stopped to ask a gentleman where it was. I actually understood his explanation when he told me that indeed, we had missed it and had to make a decision whether or not to go back to Padrón if we wanted to go there. As you know, from above, we chose to retrace our steps and go back to Padrón. 

After the Santa Maria church, which has a fountain along the front wall, walk down and under the railroad tracks to continue on the Lugar de Pedreda, below, for about 1.0 kilometer total as it winds around, turns left and comes back out onto the N-550. Alas! The diversion off the highway was nice while it lasted. Along this stretch is the Casa Arteleira, a house for three. 

Along the Lugar de PedredaAlong the Lugar de Pedreda

At the juncture with the N-550 is the Casa Iriense, if you desire a comfortable country home for four.

Turn right onto the N-550, and soon pass by the Cafeteria and Hotel Camiño Portugues.

Turn Right onto the N-550Turn Right onto the N-550

In just about a half a kilometer on the N-550, come to a large roundabout, staying left. Pass by the Hotel Scala. You are at about 11.3 kilometers when you reach this hotel landmark. Just beyond the hotel is a very nice sidewalk that runs parallel to the highway which is a more pleasant way to walk along the N-550. 

Sidewalk Parallels the N-550 on Day Twenty-Four, Portuguese CaminoSidewalk Parallels the N-550

In a total of just less than one kilometer on the highway, the Camino takes you left onto a nice side street for about 170 meters. Then take a right onto another quiet road called the Aldea Romarís, another nice diversion to the west of the N-550

Walk on the Aldea Romarís for 300 meters, turning left onto Souro Street.

Walk a few meters more to pick up the Aldea Cambelas. 

Along the Aldea CambelasAlong the Aldea Cambelas

This lovely narrow road winds around and through the village of Porta Dos Mariños on some amazingly narrow tracks. 

The Very Narrow Aldea CambelasThe Very Narrow Aldea Cambelas

Continue on the Aldea Cambelas for a wonderful 1/2 kilometer, then turn left onto the Aldea Anteportas for a few meters, followed by a right onto Tarrío street and toward the town of the same name. 

The Tarrío street is a long straight shot towards the Tarrío river, and another historic muiño. There is a lovely picnic area here if you need a break.

Muiño and Picnic Area in TarríoMuiño and Picnic Area in Tarrío

This town and the last are so attractive to walk through, with side by side hórreos, gorgeous flowers and almost no pilgrims around in Tarrío.

Side-by-Side Hórreos in TarríoSide-by-Side Hórreos in Tarrío

We wandered through the town and onward, on Tarrío Street for almost another full kilometer. 

The Straight Away on Tarrío Street on Day Twenty-Four, Portuguese CaminoThe Straight Away on Tarrío Street

You continue to follow the waymarks to walk another 0.85 kilometer through the next town of O VilarYou are approximately 14 kilometers into the day when you arrive in this town.

The private Albergue O Lagar de Jesús, can be found here in O Vilar, right along the Camino. A few meters off-Camino is also A Casa Da Meixida if you choose to end your day here. 

Walking Into O Vilar on Day Twenty-Four, Portuguese CaminoWalking Into O Vilar

Just beyond Vilar, meet and follow the railroad tracks. 

Follow the Railroad Tracks on Day Twenty-Four, Portuguese CaminoFollow the Railroad Tracks

Where the tracks end, meet the N-550 again, below, in the next town of A Escravitude.

Short Stretch on the N-550 Again on Day Twenty-Four, Portuguese CaminoShort Stretch on the N-550 Again

Walk 1/2 kilometer on N-550, past the church the Santuario da Virxe da Escravitude and come to this sign toward the direction of Cruces by a nice-looking hotel, the Casa Grande da Capellanía.

Turn Right Here in the Direction of CrucesTurn Right Here in the Direction of Cruces

Turn right at the above sign.

After you turn, you see the shady park of the Santuario da Virxe da Escravitude, on the north side, shown below. You can see how in need of repair is the church, with all the moss growing on it. We stopped here to pause and get a brief reprieve from the sun before starting up the hill on the Cruces street. 

Pause in the shade of the Santuario da Virxe da Escravitude in A Escravitude on day twenty-four, Portuguese Camino.Pause in the Shade of the Santuario da Virxe da Escravitude

Pass the Escravitude church, walk up the hill, make a bend around another church, the Igrexa de Santa María de Cruces that comes into view as you climb, below. Enter the town of Cruces and north of the church, pass the turn-off for the private CrucesInn Albergue

Igrexa de Santa María de CrucesIgrexa de Santa María de Cruces

Along the N-550 is also the Hostal Restaurante HK, (+34 981 80 32 10) and the Camiño da Vieira, an albergue with private rooms tooif you choose to end your day here in Cruces. Otherwise, continue walking on narrow, paved country roads, and later a dirt road leading you through the forest, below.

Along the Dirt Aldea Bascuas Toward Picaraña on Day Twenty-Four, Portuguese CaminoAlong the Dirt Aldea Bascuas Toward Picaraña

Over the next 3.0 kilometers from Escravitude, the Camino meanders through quiet roads from where you leave the N-550, paralleling it to the east. 

Pass through the quaint small town of A Angueira do Suso.

Walking Through A Angueira do SusoWalking Through A Angueira do Suso

Walk past the turn-off to another accommodation, the Pensión Rural Areal, a few meters off-Camino, in the next town of O Areal

Meander through the village of O Areal, below.

Meander Through O ArealMeander Through O Areal

Here is the final stretch of pavement as it bends back westward towards the  N-550, below. 

Towards the Juncture with the N-550 in Picaraña on Day Twenty-Four, Portuguese CaminoTowards the Juncture with the N-550 in Picaraña

The Camino joins the N-550 once again at the Pension Residencia Pividal in the next town of Picaraña. We stopped for another coffee break and lunch in Picaraña, at the Café Bar A Milagrosa, in the same building is the Pension Residencia Pividal, after logging in 18 kilometers.

As we sat outside, we saw lots of pilgrims pass by. They must have been just behind us! If Picaraña is your destination for the day, click here for a list of hotels. 

After our lunch break, we started up again and faced what appeared to be a long uphill climb on the N-550, below. Instead, after only a few hundred meters, the Camino turns left, and drops down on a side road for about one hundred meters, then turns right onto a path, to begin the long climb through a nice forested area. 

Another Section on the N-550, Uphill on Day Twenty-Four, Portuguese CaminoAnother Section on the N-550, Uphill on Day Twenty-Four, Camino Portugués

After about 700 meters, you will arrive at an ancient road section in the cool forest. 

Ancient Road to O FaramelloAncient Road to O Faramello

After about 200 meters more on the forested path, you take two sharp bends to climb up to a primary, 2-lane roadway, where you turn to the left. Across the road you will also see this sign for the town of O Faramello at the café O Algandra do Camiño, shown below. This corner looked like a quaint place to stop, better than along the highway, like we did!

Café O Alpendre do Camiño in O FaramelloCafé O Alpendre do Camiño in O Faramello

In about 300 more meters on this primary 2-lane road, we walked by the Albergue La Calabaza del Peregrino in town if you are ready to stop for the day. 

Albergue La Calabaza del Peregrino in O Faramello on Day Twenty-Four, Portuguese CaminoAlbergue La Calabaza del Peregrino in O Faramello

Leave O Faramello and in a few hundred meters turn left, dropping down a hill and onto a narrow side road. If you stay straight on this road, you will find the Albergue de Peregrinos de Teo in a few more meters - see my Google map. You will see the sign for the albergue, at around 19.8 kilometers total for the day. 

Continue walking on this country road for about 1/2 kilometer, entering the next village of Teo, below.

Entering the Village of TeoEntering the Village of Teo

Come to a T-intersection and turn left onto the Rúa de Francos.

Bend around and pass the church, the Capela do San Martiño at approximately 20.4 kilometers for the day.

Capela do San MartiñoCapela do San Martiño

After the church, you turn left onto the Aldea Beca for a few meters, then a right at a Y-intersection to walk by the Casa Rural Restaurante Parada de Francos, another quaint-looking choice for accommodation in a restored farmhouse. It would be a lovely splurge if it is in your cards. 

The Way continues for 300 meters north, from the town church, to the next intersection. Continue straight on and to the next intersection in another 300 meters. Again walk straight on another narrow country road through the countryside, gently but steadily climbing along the way. 

Come to a T-intersection in about another 300 meters, and turn right onto a paved road over a bridge to crossover the railroad tracks. Stay straight on this road for about 280 meters and turn left onto the Camiño Portugués.  

We ran into a fellow peregrina, Lisa, from Germany along this way, that we had met on the Coastal Route, way back in Caminha. It was a wonderful reunion to see her again! Her quiet and contemplative approach to life was welcome to my heart! 

We all walked together on the Camiño Portugués for 270 meters, came to the intersection with the DP-0205, crossed over and went straight onto the Camiño de Riotinto.

Here is the signpost to Riotinto, (Red River) the next town. I had Rich and Lisa pose by an attractive old building in the intersection.

Signpost to Riotinto on Day Twenty-Four, Portuguese CaminoRich and Lisa at Signpost to Riotinto

Walking 300 meters onward, we came to the medieval bridge over the Río Tinto. By the bridge it is a total of 22.3 kilometers for the day!

Medieval Bridge Over the Rio TintoMedieval Bridge Over the Rio Tinto

After the bridge, on day twenty-four of the Portuguese Way, the road becomes the Aldea Pedreira and within steps is the lovely, new Albergue Casa Aldea da Pedreira on your right.

The pilgrimage travelers came to an intersection, and went straight on, where the paved road now becomes dirt. The Camino is still very rural here, following the Rio Tinto river valley, through fields and clusters of homes.

Here is Lisa and Rich walking on a dirt section, that was very hot, dry and long. But I didn't complain! We were so close to Milladoiro, our destination for the day, and to Santiago de Compostela. I relaxed and fell into every step, knowing the pilgrimage was soon to be completed. 

Cobblestone Path on the Way Towards Milladoiro on Day Twenty-Four, Portuguese CaminoCobblestone Path on the Way Towards Milladoiro

Eventually the dirt road goes through a lovely and refreshing wooded area, crossing intersections and staying straight.

Forest Road After RíotintoForest Road After Ríotinto

The Camino eventually comes to an intersection after about 24.4 kilometers total for the day. Here is where you take a left hand turn, at the 9.87 kilometer waymark and head north and up the hill. After about 200 meters, turn left, then a quick right to join the DP-0206 at a large roundabout. Continue through the roundabout and walk over the AC-522.

Come to the second roundabout and continue on straight to stay on the DP-0206 towards A Grela.

Following the DP-0206 on Day Twenty-Four, Portuguese CaminoFollowing the DP-0206

From the second roundabout it is about 1.35 kilometers, to O Milladoiro, onward on the DP-0206. The Camino stays on the highway, where you must walk carefully on the left side, climbing steadily up the long hill into town. This is not a pleasant place to walk, but again, I didn't complain, but just kept walking, enjoying what few moments were left for me on day twenty-four of our Camino Portugués.

Long Climb on the DP-0206 toward Milladoiro on Day Twenty-Four, Portuguese CaminoLong Climb on the DP-0206 Toward Milladoiro

After arriving into Milladoiro, just after the 8.29 kilometer waymark, look for the turn off to the right to the lovely little Capela da Magdalena, where you can rest or go inside to get a stamp.

Capela da MagdalenaCapela da Magdalena

Getting closer to the top of the long hill, when it becomes quite urban-looking, you walk by the 8.06 kilometer waymark, below. And here is Rich, all smiles at making it to Milladouro and almost to Santiago!

Rich at 8.06 Kilometer WaymarkRich at 8.06 Kilometer Waymark

Milladoiro is a brand-new city, ultra modern in every way. It really is a stark contrast to the rest of Galicia with its ancient and hoary heritage!

After only 400 meters more, along the DP-0206, we saw the sign for the Albergue Milladoiro, our destination for the day.

Turn Left at Sign for the Albergue MilladoiroTurn Left at Sign for the Albergue Milladoiro

The Camino goes straight on, but we turned here onto the Rúa Buxo to walk an additional 270 meters to the albergue.

The Brand New Albergue Milladoiro on Day Twenty-Four, Portuguese CaminoThe Brand New Albergue Milladoiro

Indeed, the Albergue Milladoiro was lovely, accommodative and new! 

Sleeping Arrangement at the Albergue Milladoiro on Day Twenty-Four, Portuguese CaminoSleeping Arrangement at the Albergue Milladoiro
Kitchen at the Albergue Milladoiro on Day Twenty-Four, Portuguese CaminoKitchen at the Albergue Milladoiro
Gathering Area at the Albergue Milladoiro on Day Twenty-Four, Portuguese CaminoGathering Area at the Albergue Milladoiro

There are more Milladoiro hotels if this city is your destination for the day. Arriving here makes for a nice easy cruise into Santiago on your final day. 

We arrived in Milladoiro at about 4 p.m. We saw that the neighboring café, the Cafetería Joy, was not closed for siesta, so we took advantage of that fact to go to it immediately after checking in! We were hungry pilgrims!

We ordered two beers and a full pie of tortilla (lovely potato and egg casserole shaped into a pie)! Ha, ha, we did not know what we were ordering. Rich, as usual, in his broken Spanish had asked for a "tortilla gigante" and the proprietress brought out the whole pie! We laughed and laughed and I said, wow, that is huge, in Spanish, and she smiled and said, take it away and eat more later, in Spanish.

And indeed, this is just what we did. We saved 1/2 the pie for our breakfast in the albergue the next morning! It was just as delicious the next day! The Cafetería Joy brought us much joy on that wonderful Spanish afternoon.

Needless to say, we found the fabulously stocked Mercodona, a grocery store in the Centro Comercial, mere meters from the albergue, back on the Camino route, and had only a nice, but hearty salad for dinner. 

We shared our hearty salad with another young, somewhat aimless Swedish pilgrim, who did not know where his journey would take him next. I wished I could be as footloose and fancy-free as this young man, free of any of life's responsibilities, taking each step as it came. 

It seemed appropriate that we would meet this pilgrim on our final day before Santiago, when the boundaries between life and pilgrimage would become blurred.  

It forced Rich and I to ponder ~ what's next for us?

We received a text from our English friend Steve. He had walked on to Santiago and would meet us there. He said the city was full of French pilgrims and we should book ahead. And so we did, with no problem at all. Here is a link to accommodations in Santiago

Reflections on Day Twenty-Four, Camino Portugués

While we took our day at a slower pace than usual and walked out of the way climbing the Santiaguiño do Monte, stopped for longer breaks, relishing the moments, we would ask ourselves, now what? What comes next? How will we face the upcoming days off the Camino?

Can we keep things simple? Can we honor the journey where we are? Can we rest within the Mystery as it slowly unfolds? 

Most importantly, why didn't we treat every day on the Camino Portugués like day twenty-four? 

Salutation

May your own day twenty-four on the Portuguese Camino be filled with the wondrous joy of the moment, the slow unfolding wonder and mystery as your walking journey and your life's journey merge into one!



Downloadable Camino Portugués eBooks in PDF Format ~ Get Your Copy Today!  Don't carry a hard copy guide book to increase your pack weight. Use our digital guides on your next Camino instead. 

The Variante Espiritual is Brand-New, Hot off my writing desk!

The Lisbon to Porto eBook is now updated to include the brand new boardwalk route along the river on the first day out of Lisbon!


And the Journey Continues:

~ Lisbon to Porto

~ Porto to Santiago Via the Coastal Route and/or the Sendal Litoral

~ Porto to Santiago Via the Central Route



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Need suggestions on what to pack for your next pilgrimage? Click Here or on the photo below!




Carbon Trekking Poles

Carbon fiber construction ( not aluminum) in a trekking pole makes them ultra lightweight. We like the Z-Pole style from Black Diamond so we can hide  our poles in our pack from potential thievesbefore getting to our albergue! There are many to choose from!  ( See more of our gear recommendations! )




Gregory BackPack - My Favorite Brand

An ultralight backpack should serve you well for years, like my Gregory has - six Caminos in all! My 28L Women's pack gets a 5-star on Amazon (Ones for Guys too)!




Microfiber Towel Set

Do not forget your quick-dry microfiber towel! 




Booking.com



My absolute favorite book on how to be a pilgrim: