Camino 2023 - walk from Sarria to Arzúa
Thursday 27-04-2023 - Sarria
A little holiday after all 😜😜!!! We sleep in wonderfully. This accommodation has no breakfast so we walk into town for brunch. After a delicious full breakfast, we set off for Portomarin. Again, a 21-kilometre walk. The first 12 km are uphill. Mountain in my experience then 🤪🤪. We climb about 400 metres. It's about 30 degrees so it's nice and warm!!! The scenery is beautiful again and we have a great time together.
Thursday 27-04-2023 - Paradela
A little break in Paradela - one hundred km to go!!
Paradela is a picturesque municipality located in the province of Lugo, within the autonomous community of Galicia, Spain. Nestled in the comarca of Sarria, Paradela encompasses an area of approximately 121 square kilometres. Paradela got a population of 2,193 residents, comprising 1,101 men and 1,092 women.
One of the notable features of Paradela is its connection to the French Way (Camino Francés) of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. The Camino passes through several parishes within Paradela, including Ferreiros, Mirallos, A Pena, O Couto, As Rozas, Moimentos, Mercadoiro, Moutras, A Parrocha, and Vilachá.
Thursday 27-04-2023 - In the middle of nowhere
Lara unfortunately suffered a painful blister and takes a rest before the finish line.
Thursday 27-04-2023 - Portomarin
After a long walk and a short blister stop, we reach Portomarin. A very nice little town. We take up residence in PortoSantiago Boutique & Rooms.
Friday 28-04-2023 - Portomarin
We decided to spend a day not hiking but looking around and in Portomarin. Also a day of rest for our legs.
Lara walked in 2015 the Camino form Mont Saint Michel in France to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. After two mouth she arrived in Portomarin. In Portomarin Lara took part in recording a movie about the Camino. In this way Lara earned a nice fee and a lot of food to carry in her backpack. And this was just as well since she was completely out of money and food.
However, she never saw the end result. Lara had the quiet hope that with some asking around she would find out the name of the recordings. But no!!! They did remember about the filming but nothing else was known.
We have a lovely relaxing day and towards the end of the day we take a taxi to Palas de Rei where we find our accommodation in pension Acubillo.
Portomarin is a town that has been rebuilt above where it originally stood. The river took over and everyone settled in the upper part. What's striking is that the church was taken away and rebuilt stone by stone.
Lara treats her blister herself!!! Not as I thought, puncturing the blister and putting a second skin plaster on it but with needle and thread. The thread is disinfected and inserted through the blister. By this method, through the thread, the fluid is driven off!!! Crazy Brazilian!!!! But I have to say afterwards that it worked well!!!!
Saturday 29-04-2023 - Palas de Rei
Today's trip is from Palas de Rei to Arzúa. A trip of 19 km, I thought. It's another beautiful day and it's back to enjoying the beautiful countryside to the full.
Palas de Rei is a picturesque municipality located in the province of Lugo, within the autonomous community of Galicia, Spain. Situated in the comarca of A Ulloa, it serves as a notable stop along the French Way (Camino Francés) of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.
The town's name, "Palas de Rei," is believed to originate from "Pallatium regis," meaning "royal palace," as it was purportedly the residence of the Visigothic King Witiza in the early 8th century.
This historical connection adds a rich cultural layer to the town's heritage.
Sunday 29-04-2023 - San Xiao do Camino and Furelos
A little break in San Xiao do Camiño
San Xiao do Camiño, also known as San Xulián do Camiño, is a small village located in the province of Lugo, Galicia, Spain. Situated approximately four kilometres from Palas de Rei, it lies along the French Way (Camino Francés) of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.
The village's history dates back to Roman times, as evidenced by its 12th-century Romanesque church dedicated to San Julián (San Xiao in Galician). This church stands as a testament to the long-standing religious significance of the area.
Pilgrims traveling the Camino Francés pass through San Xiao do Camiño, experiencing its serene atmosphere and historical landmarks. The village's traditional Galician architecture and cultural heritage offer a glimpse into the region's rich past.
For those planning to visit or undertake the pilgrimage, San Xiao do Camiño provides a peaceful stop, allowing travellers to reflect and appreciate the historical and spiritual journey of the Camino de Santiago.
Furelos
Furelos is a picturesque village located in the province of A Coruña, within the autonomous community of Galicia, Spain. It is a parish of the municipality of Melida and is traversed by the French Way (Camino Francés) of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.
One of the village's most notable features is the medieval bridge, Puente de San Xoán de Furelos, which spans the Furelos River. This bridge is considered one of the most beautiful in Galicia and a jewel of civil architecture along the Camino de Santiago.
The bridge is a testament to the area's rich history and is a highlight for pilgrims. In addition to the bridge, Furelos is home to the Iglesia de San Juan, a church known for its uncommon crucifix. The village also offers amenities such as a bar, providing a welcoming stop for those traveling the Camino Francés.
Sunday 29-04-2023 – Melide
Melide is a historic town situated in the province of A Coruña, within the autonomous community of Galicia, Spain. Renowned for its rich cultural heritage and significant role in the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.
Founded in the 10th century, Melide has long been a pivotal stop for pilgrims journeying to Santiago de Compostela. It is uniquely positioned at the convergence of two major pilgrimage routes: the Camino Primitivo (Original Way) and the Camino Francés (French Way), enhancing its historical importance.
The town boasts several notable landmarks:
Church of Santa María de Melide: This 12th-century Romanesque church is famed for its well-preserved frescoes and serves as a testament to the town's medieval past.
Cruceiro de Melide: Considered one of the oldest crosses in Galicia, this stone cross is intricately carved and holds significant cultural value.
Melide is particularly celebrated for its culinary offerings, especially "Pulpo a la Gallega" (Galician-style octopus). This traditional dish is a must-try for visitors and is widely available in local eateries.
29-04-2025 - Ribadiso and Arzúa
When we make a stop at one point, the weather turns in a matter of seconds. It starts blowing very hard and raining cats and dogs! Fortunately, we can immediately take shelter in the café where we just stopped. In the café there are also a number of dead drunk Portuguese. We had already come across them on the way, waddling along. Another way to walk the Camino 🤪🤪. But it is cosy and we are completely absorbed in the banter. At some point, they manage to get the owner PePe crazy enough to start pouring his own brewed wine and, of course, we had to join in. It was very enjoyable. Meanwhile, I had discovered that today's trip was not 19 but 29.5 kilometres. Frankly, I thought a taxi was the only solution. But Lara had no doubts at all and was like, ‘It's only ten kilometres. OK, let's swallow and get going. Who knows whether it was Pépé's wine, but the walk went very smoothly and nicely. In Arzúa we move into pensión Rúa. In the evening we had a delicious meal. A Pilgrim three-course dinner for 13 euros but very tasty! Very good food, sangria for Lara and beer for me.
