Apr 04 -
All Documents
Caldas de Reis
Pontevedra
to
Caldas de Reis
Apr 21,
Stage 11 -
22 km
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Tonight's Accommodation
Interesting Facts
Practical Insights:Easter. This 23km stage traverses gentle countryside on a mix of earthen paths and quiet country roads. During grape harvest (September-October), you'll see traditional vineyard work in action. Caldas de Reis offers several albergues and small hotels. The thermal springs (free public foot baths available) provide welcome relief for foot fatigue. Local specialties include empanada with lamprey and dishes featuring grelos (turnip greens).
Highlights:Leave Pontevedra crossing the medieval Burgo Bridge over the Lérez River. The route transitions to rural Galicia through vineyards, forests, and small farming communities with stone crosses marking the way. Pass the churches of Santa María de Alba with its pilgrim sculptures and San Martiño de Agudelo with ancient pilgrim graffiti. Arrive in Caldas de Reis, a historic spa town known for its thermal springs where pilgrims traditionally soaked weary feet.
Natural Beauty:This stage features the classic Galician rural landscape with small farms (minifundios), vineyards, and forests creating a patchwork pattern. The Umia River valley supports diverse agriculture and natural habitats. You'll see traditional farming methods using hand tools alongside historic stone structures including hórreos (grain storage buildings) designed to ventilate harvests in the humid Galician climate.
Historical Context:Caldas de Reis (meaning 'Baths of the King') was known to Romans as Aquis Celenis for its healing thermal waters. Archaeological evidence shows this route was used since Roman times. The thermal springs attracted royal visitors throughout history, including medieval kings traveling to Santiago. The stone bridges you cross have guided pilgrims for centuries, with some incorporating stones from Roman structures.
Spiritual or Reflective Spots:The numerous cruceiros (stone crosses) along the route mark traditional stopping points for pilgrim prayers. The Igreja de Santa María de Alba contains sculptures of medieval pilgrims with authentic details of historical dress and equipment. Caldas de Reis' thermal springs have been considered healing waters since pre-Christian times. The Umia riverside path provides peaceful spots for reflection, connecting you to centuries of pilgrims who rested in this thermal town.
Highlights
Leave Pontevedra crossing the medieval Burgo Bridge over the Lérez River. The route transitions to rural Galicia through vineyards, forests, and small farming communities with stone crosses marking the way. Pass the churches of Santa María de Alba with its pilgrim sculptures and San Martiño de Agudelo with ancient pilgrim graffiti. Arrive in Caldas de Reis, a historic spa town known for its thermal springs where pilgrims traditionally soaked weary feet.
Practical Insights
Easter. This 23km stage traverses gentle countryside on a mix of earthen paths and quiet country roads. During grape harvest (September-October), you’ll see traditional vineyard work in action. Caldas de Reis offers several albergues and small hotels. The thermal springs (free public foot baths available) provide welcome relief for foot fatigue. Local specialties include empanada with lamprey and dishes featuring grelos (turnip greens).
Historical Context
Caldas de Reis (meaning ‘Baths of the King’) was known to Romans as Aquis Celenis for its healing thermal waters. Archaeological evidence shows this route was used since Roman times. The thermal springs attracted royal visitors throughout history, including medieval kings traveling to Santiago. The stone bridges you cross have guided pilgrims for centuries, with some incorporating stones from Roman structures.
Natural Beauty
This stage features the classic Galician rural landscape with small farms (minifundios), vineyards, and forests creating a patchwork pattern. The Umia River valley supports diverse agriculture and natural habitats. You’ll see traditional farming methods using hand tools alongside historic stone structures including hórreos (grain storage buildings) designed to ventilate harvests in the humid Galician climate.
Spiritual or Reflective Spots
The numerous cruceiros (stone crosses) along the route mark traditional stopping points for pilgrim prayers. The Igreja de Santa María de Alba contains sculptures of medieval pilgrims with authentic details of historical dress and equipment. Caldas de Reis’ thermal springs have been considered healing waters since pre-Christian times. The Umia riverside path provides peaceful spots for reflection, connecting you to centuries of pilgrims who rested in this thermal town.