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Stage of the Camino

To Ponte Ferreira at Melide

From A Ponte Ferreira To Melide

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Destination

Melide

Distance

20.00 km

Duration

5.00 h

Difficulty

Media

Ascent

4 m

Stage of the Camino

Stage Description

This is the final stage of the Camino Primitivo as an independent route. It's a journey through a "rocky terrain" that crosses the Sierra do Careón, the last mountainous obstacle. The landscape is of great beauty, with panoramic views from above. After the descent, the path approaches Melide, and the pilgrim starts to notice a significant increase in the number of walkers. Arrival at Melide marks the union with the multitudinous Camino Francés. It's an aching-sweet moment: the end of the solitude of Primitivo and entry into the bustle of the main route. The celebration usually takes place by enjoying the famous pulpo de Melide.
The journey from A Ponte Ferreira to Melide is the last one on which the Primitivo pilgrim walks "alone." The route presents the typical Galician profile of broken stones, with the ascent to the Sierra do Careón as the main challenge. The path traverses a rural landscape, passing through small villages and forests. The climb up to the Sierra do Careón is gradual and offers magnificent views from its summit of the A Ulloa region. This high point marks the border between the provinces of Lugo and A Coruña. The descent leads the pilgrim towards the final stretch. Just before arriving in Melide, in the village of O Coto, one finds the milestone that indicates the official junction of the Primitivo with the French Way. From here on, the atmosphere changes radically. The tranquility and solitude of the original route give way to bustle and a large influx of pilgrims from the French route. Arrival in Melide is a moment of celebration and cultural shock.

Last updated: 12/08/2025

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