Origin
Destination
Distance
8.80 km
Duration
2.30 h
Difficulty
Baja
Ascent
290 m
Descent
40 m
Stage of the Camino
Stage Description
First section of the classic day's walk between Portomarín and Palas de Rei, here split into a short stage of continuous ascent. The Camino leaves Portomarín by crossing the long bridge over the Belesar reservoir and, after the steep stairways climbing up to the town, heads inland along tracks and oak groves in a sustained climb. It passes beside the hamlet of Toxibo and reaches Gonzar, with its church of Santa María, before the final rise up to Castromaior. The reward is twofold: the Romanesque church of Santa María and, a step away from the route, the imposing Iron Age hillfort that gives the place its name. It is a short but demanding section in terms of profile, ideal as a first half-day to get a feel for the climb towards the Sierra de Ligonde.
The French Way traditionally divides the stretch between Portomarín and Palas de Rei into a single stage of almost twenty-five kilometres; this first segment of around 8.8 kilometres covers its opening half, the most demanding in terms of elevation, gaining nearly two hundred and fifty metres in height from the valley of the Miño up to the heights of Castromaior.
Leaving Portomarín is one of the most photographed moments of the Galician Camino. After descending to the river, the pilgrim crosses the long bridge over the Belesar reservoir and tackles the steep stairway that leads up to the chapel of Las Nieves, a vestige of the old Portomarín submerged beneath the waters. From here the route runs parallel to the road and soon enters dirt tracks flanked by oak groves.
The path climbs steadily between meadows and oak woods, passing through small settlements such as Toxibo before reaching Gonzar, whose church of Santa María and its rest area invite a first stop. From Gonzar, a final rise leads to Castromaior, the hamlet crowning the hilltop.
Castromaior rewards the effort with two gems: the plain Romanesque church of Santa María, from the late 12th century, and above all the Castro de Castromaior, one of the most important Iron Age sites in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula and the only hillfort of significance that the French Way encounters in Galicia. Its enclosures of circular dwellings, just a few metres from the route, offer a pause steeped in history before continuing towards Palas de Rei.
Leaving Portomarín is one of the most photographed moments of the Galician Camino. After descending to the river, the pilgrim crosses the long bridge over the Belesar reservoir and tackles the steep stairway that leads up to the chapel of Las Nieves, a vestige of the old Portomarín submerged beneath the waters. From here the route runs parallel to the road and soon enters dirt tracks flanked by oak groves.
The path climbs steadily between meadows and oak woods, passing through small settlements such as Toxibo before reaching Gonzar, whose church of Santa María and its rest area invite a first stop. From Gonzar, a final rise leads to Castromaior, the hamlet crowning the hilltop.
Castromaior rewards the effort with two gems: the plain Romanesque church of Santa María, from the late 12th century, and above all the Castro de Castromaior, one of the most important Iron Age sites in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula and the only hillfort of significance that the French Way encounters in Galicia. Its enclosures of circular dwellings, just a few metres from the route, offer a pause steeped in history before continuing towards Palas de Rei.
Last updated: 25/06/2026
Where to Sleep
Accommodations in this Stage
Find the perfect place for your rest in Portomarín o Castromaior.
La Casa de Manuel
PortoHouse
Casa Rural Santa Marina
Dulce Mañana
Hotel Portomarín Star
Pousada de Portomarín
Hotel Ferramenteiro
Hotel Pazo de Berbetoros
Vistalegre Hotel y SPA
Pensión Mar
Pensión Portomiño
Albergue Ferramenteiro
Albergue Ultreia
Apartamentos O Caneiro
Apartamentos Pasiño
Apartamentos Portolux
Casa do Aloumiño
Casa do Maestro
Casa San Nicolás
Casa Vimar
Hostal Meson do Loyo
Huellas Albergue-Turístico
Os Arcos - Apartamentos Turísticos
Pension Perez
Pons Minea
PortoHome 1
PortoHome 2
PortoHome Ático
PortoSantiago
PortoSantiago Boutique & Rooms
SLEEPING PORTOMARIN 2
A Fontana de Luxo Apartamentos
Start your adventure
Ready to walk this stage?
We design your personalised Camino de Santiago experience.
Plan your Camino