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Stage of the Camino

Ciudad Real to Malagón

From Ciudad Real To Malagón

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Origin

Ciudad Real

Destination

Malagón

Distance

23.00 km

Duration

5.75 h

Difficulty

Easy

Ascent

4 m

Stage of the Camino

Stage Description

This is the final stage of the Primitivo Way as an independent route. It's a trek 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 a bittersweet moment: the end of the solitude of the Primitivo and the entry into the bustle of the main route. The celebration usually takes place by enjoying the famous pulpo de Melide.
The stage from San Romao da Retorta to Melide is the last on which the pilgrim of the Camino Primitivo walks "alone". The route has the classic Galician leg-breaker profile, with the climb to the Sierra do Careón as its main challenge. The way crosses rural country, passing small hamlets and patches of woodland. The ascent to the Sierra do Careón is gradual and, from the top, opens up magnificent views over the A Ulloa district. This high point marks the border between the provinces of Lugo and A Coruña. The descent leads the pilgrim into the final stretch. Shortly before reaching Melide, in the hamlet of O Coto, stands the marker showing where the Camino Primitivo officially joins the Camino Francés. From here the atmosphere changes completely. The calm and solitude of the original route give way to the bustle and the great flow of pilgrims arriving along the French route. Reaching Melide is a moment of celebration and of culture shock. The town is a hive of pilgrims of every nationality, and it is famous for being one of the best places in all of Galicia to eat pulpo "á feira". Stopping at one of its pulperías has become an unmissable tradition.

Last updated: 12/08/2025

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