And there you are: Santiago de Compostela, the end of your Camino. You walk into the city among pilgrims arriving from every direction, with the cathedral slowly drawing closer. But let’s go back a moment: it was a long day, around 24 kilometres from Padrón, with more climbing than descending. Not extreme, but you’ll feel it in your legs.
On this stage you walk together with the Caminho Português Central. It’s the same route and the same albergues, so the path gets busier. Walking between May and September? Then book your bed in Santiago in advance, even if you’ve always slept without a plan until now. That way you can arrive in peace. What you’ll take away from this day are the green hills, the forest paths and the quiet Galician countryside, soft in the late light.