Home > Camino Frances Guide > Camino Frances Stages > Stage 33: Ribadiso to O Pedrouzo

Ribadiso to O Pedrouzo : Step By Step Guide to Stage 33 of the Camino Frances

Some of my links may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I might earn a small commission at no cost to you. See our Privacy Policy for details. And this post was crafted with care and occasional typos by Colleen (and not AI)

I called this day the Eve of the End when I first walked. Ribadiso to O Pedrouzo is a relatively gentle walk, bringing you ever closer to Santiago de Compostela.

Today marks your last full day on the Camino Frances; so make it count. It may lack the dramatic landscapes of the mountains or the challenges of earlier days, but nonetheless it is special.

Expect a busier path. The Northern Camino joins today adding more pilgrims, the clatter of hiking poles and longer waits in bars and restaurants. The route follows a main road at times and as always, expect some hills.

But today is still a good day. A day filled with anticipation and laughter and camaraderie, as pilgrims share a communal knowledge that tomorrow we reach Santiago.

O Pedrouzo is a good place to end your stage. There’s no need to sit between stages today. The town is not particularly charming, quite ordinary really, but it has an atmosphere like no other. Whether you choose to walk further or stop short, Santiago is within reach now.

Walking the Camino Frances from Ribadiso to O Pedrouzo

The terrain between Ribadiso and O Pedrouzo continues much like yesterday’s stage; a mix of undulating paths, shaded woodland trails, and stretches of paved roads.

This stage isn’t particularly strenuous or too long, but it will be busy and there are still hills. You’ll cross or follow a main road several times today, which is less than ideal but the route is well-marked, services are plentiful, and the Galician countryside has plenty to offer.

Eucalyptus trees, rolling fields and cows will accompany you today; but there are still quiet corners to explore.

Towns and Villages Between Ribadiso and O Pedrouzo

Today’s route is dotted with well-spaced refreshment stops, with ample opportunities to rest. Each year, new cafes pop up while familiar ones sometimes close.  Stop often, embrace the queues and the chatter; they’re all part of the Camino Frances on this penultimate stage.

Ribadiso

The esteemed Mr. Brierley ends and starts his stage at Ribadiso, and as he’s the expert, I’ve chosen to follow suit.

However, many pilgrims prefer to continue yesterday’s stage to end in Arzua, just a few kilometres up the road. Both choices are equally good, but I have a special fondness for Ribadiso and the river.

If you choose to stay in Ribadiso, there are really only two options I’d recommend :

Leaving the riverside behind, the trail starts with an uphill climb. You’ll pass under the main road and follow the familiar yellow arrows into Arzua. Try to have at least a coffee before you leave as the next few kilometres into Arzua are entirely uphill.

Arzua (3.1 km)

Like many towns along this part of the Camino, Arzua is more functional than picturesque. This is dairy country, with cheese production as a local industry; although Arzua is still very much a pilgrim town.

The Celts were here and the Romans integrated the area into their empire with many roads crisscrossing here.  But there wasn’t really a town in Arzua until much later.  In the 12th century, it was called New Town and gained prominence due to its strategic location on the Camino de Santiago.

There is a lot of accommodation here, and a good scattering of bars and cafes.  If you plan to spend the night, these are my recommendations:

As you leave Arzua, follow the arrows along the main street, which quickly leads off to the left on quieter roads and back onto country trails.

Two things will catch your attention today; cows and eucalyptus trees. Cows are a constant presence, as cheese is one of the region’s biggest industries. Eucalyptus trees were introduced to the Iberian Peninsula in 1865, and now considered invasive but are still farmed.

Preguntono (2.3 km)

The Camino arrows drop you out into Preguntono, a tiny village with no services. Except, you may find a pop-up café with shaded tables which are perfect for a quick break. Once you pass through the village, you’ll return to country trails and forested paths.

If you’re looking for food, partway along here there there’s a great little breakfast stop at A Granxa de Tato. A nice bar with excellent food and services. 

Top Tip: Some guides recommend Albergue Camino Das Ocas, which has excellent reviews. However, be aware that it’s a 10-minute walk off the Camino. While not the most convenient location, it offers a peaceful and comfortable stay.

As Quintas (3.7 km)

As Quintas is a quiet hamlet defined by a cluster of houses and small farms. While there is little by way of services here, it is home to one very special albergue.

Staying here is more than just finding a bed; it’s a wonderful experience.  They open their home and welcome pilgrims as family. It you’re fortunate enough to stay here, your Camino will be richer for the experience.

Calzada (0.9 km)

Calzada is little more than a crossroads, with farms and rural houses built along the road. If you’ve been walking the Camino Frances for some time, you’ll have passed through many places named Calzada. In Spanish, the term means paved road or causeway and is often associated with Roman roads.

As you leave this Calzada, you’ll encounter a very popular cafe. I’m fearful of cows (I may have mentioned that earlier) and this cafe tested my nerves the first time I walked.

There are lots of people walking; a gabble of different languages, a bun fight at the coffee shop, and huge queues for the loo. But it’s OK. It feels like the Camino is in party mood. I wonder if it’s like this every day at this stop?

I even managed not to scream when the cows came trotting down the lane and even got closer to take photos!

This is a great little stop, embrace the mood, expect a queue and if you’re lucky the local farmer will walk his cows down the road for your photo opportunity too!  

Outeiro (1.9 km)

Glorious shady forest trails lead you into Outeiro, sometimes referred to as A Calle, O Outeiro, or even A Calle de Ferreiros. These names are often used interchangeably, as they all belong to the parish of Ferreiros. A Calle translates to “The Street,” while de Ferreiros refers to blacksmiths or ironworks.

There is a church although the current building is modern. However, it’s believed the original structure may have existed as early as the 9th century. You can also spend the night here if you’d like to break the stage :

Boavista (1.4 km)

Back on the country trail, you’ll pass more farms and rolling hills before arriving in Boavista. This small hamlet is home to Bar A Cova da Meiga, a cafe decorated with Galician witches. The name Boavista translates to “beautiful view,” but the word Meiga means “witch.”

Meigas, or witches, hold a special place in Galician folklore. They are a mix of healers and tricksters, deeply rooted in the region’s Celtic past.

As you leave the village, you’ll return to the trail; enjoy this stretch while it lasts. For the remainder of the day, you’ll be weaving in and out near the busy N-547 road.

Salceda (2 km)

The quiet trail ends in Salceda, where the village seems divided by the busy N-547 road.

There are services and accommodations on both sides of the road, but if you continue for a short distance, you’ll find Bar La Esquipa. This is right on the Camino, on your side of the road offers good food and a pleasant garden.

From here, you’ll follow the N-547 until O Pedrouzo. While it’s not a highway, the traffic is fast-moving road, so it requires your attention. Always follow the Camino arrows and only cross where markers indicate. Use good road sense; this section demands extra care.

I’ll admit, I don’t like this part of the stage so much, and I especially dislike crossing the road. Thankfully, for most of the way, the Camino runs on a trail beside the road, keeping you off the tarmac. However, you’ll still need to stay alert when crossing.

A Brea (O Pino) (2.1 km)

A Brea is another small village just off the main road, offering limited services but home to one very special restaurant and a charming guesthouse.

O Empalme (1.7 km)

The name O Empalme translates to “Junction” or “Crossing” in Galician, which feels perfectly apt because the popular Bar O Ceadoiro sits right at the crossroads. It’s a lively spot where you’ll be greeted by a sea of familiar faces.

While there’s little else here besides the bar, navigating the arrows at the crossroads can be tricky.

Stay on the bar side of the road and within metres you reach the crossroad.  Cross once here but immediately after, you must cross again; but this time across the busy main road.  If you look across you’ll see a marker on the opposite side.

It’s easy to miss these markings, I’ve done it myself.  And whilst someway down the road the arrows join, it’s unnerving to lose them and following the arrows takes you away from the road.   And you should also stick with the arrows and forestry work can sometimes divert the trail, making it less predictable.

From here, the trail meanders through Santa Irene, home to a small 18th-century chapel and a Xunta albergue.

After Santa Irene, the arrows lead you back over the road again and onwards to A Rua.  Again stay alert to the arrows as we once missed them and had to walk alongside the road; you should never need to do this! 

A Rua (2.6 km)

If you’d prefer not to stay in O Pedrouzo, there’s a very popular stop just before the town that offers both bunks and private rooms.

O Pedrouzo (1.5 km)

As you approach O Pedrouzo, the trail seems to come to an end where it meets the N-547 road.  It doesn’t of course, you just need to cross the road again.  But there are some confusing arrows and signs (actually lots of them!)

While this is one of the most popular towns along the Camino Frances, it’s not actually on the route. You may feel tempted to walk in via the main road, but if you do, you’ll miss a quieter, shadier path. Instead, cross the road and follow the arrows. But do make a note of where your accommodation is, as the arrows will guide you toward Santiago rather than directly into O Pedrouzo. 

O Pedrouzo is part of the parish of Arca, a name thought to have Roman origins. Despite not being on the Camino, its proximity to Santiago, less than 20 kilometres away, has made it a key pilgrim hub. Over recent years the town has developed many pilgrim services, with much of its accommodation, cafés, and amenities spread along the main road.

There is also a small church in town, Santa Eulalia de Arca, where you can attend mass. And whilst nothing remains of the original Chapel of San Antón, excavations revealed a pilgrim cemetery here, suggesting much older links to the Camino.

And congratulations! you’ve made it to the last stage of the Camino Frances! Tomorrow, you’ll be walking into Santiago de Compostela.

Where to Stay in O Pedrouzo

As you can imagine, there is no shortage of accommodation in O Pedrouzo. While I can’t list them all, I’ll share a few recommendations based on my experiences. Rest assured, you’ll find options to suit every budget, from basic albergues to private guesthouses and hotels.

Potential Challenges Between Ribadiso and O Pedrouzo

You’re a seasoned pilgrim by now and there’s little today that should surprise you. However, a few challenges are worth noting:

Recommended Apps, Books And Websites

When walking any stage of the Camino Frances there are guidebooks and apps that I highly recommend you downloading or purchasing before leaving home; these include :

Final Thoughts on the Camino Frances From Ribadiso to O Pedrouzo

Today is a day of lasts.  It’s a gentle day with no big hills to test you and services nicely spaced. The trail will be busy of course but that is to be expected. Embrace the noise and soak up the beauty of Galicia.

There will be plenty of farms, shady forests, and rural trails today; landscapes that have become familiar companions over the last few days.

Santiago de Compostela is less than 20 kilometres away.  You’re almost on the outskirts and if you’ve been walking for some time, you may very well feel a mix of emotions today.

I remember feeling both pride and excitement. Gerry was driving to Santiago to meet me, tonight we were sleeping under the same sky.  But with that excitement came the bittersweet realisation that this incredible journey; that had carried me from France, over mountains and through cities, to this little corner of Galicia, was almost over.

On my first Camino our little gang of pilgrims had dinner across from the albergue. I was heading back to my table when I mistook a step for a slope and fell. Smack! I went down. My knees hit the cold marble floor and let me tell you it was hard.  For a moment, you could almost hear the collective intake of breath from the other pilgrims with the same thought… “Oh no! 19 kilometers to go and she’s smashed her knees.”

Pilgrims rushed over to help. Thankfully, once everyone realised I was fine, there was an audible sigh of relief. Embarrassed and pride dented, I laughed it off and reassured everyone I was okay. My knees hurt, but I wasn’t about to let it show.

There are challenges everywhere when you’re walking, even in the most unsuspecting of places; like a country restaurant less than 20 kilometres from Santiago.   Almost Journey’s end.

Are You Walking The Camino Frances?

I’ve walked this glorious trail many times and I’m already planning my next visit. If you’re walking from St Jean Pied de Port onwards to Santiago de Compostela, I’ve written a detailed daily walking guides for each stage :

If you’re planning your Camino or already on the trail, I’d love to hear about your experiences. Join our Camino community on Facebook, share your stories, and find inspiration for the road ahead.