Padrón to Santiago de Compostela is your eleventh and final day on the Central Way. It is 25 km of villages, the last woodland of the Camino and the final climb to the cathedral. Here you have the route, the map, where to sleep and where to eat.

Giant scallop shell, the symbol of the Camino, on the Padrón to Santiago de Compostela stage
  • 25 kmDistance
  • ± 6 hDuration
  • ≈ 410 mTotal ascent
  • UrbanTerrain
  • ModerateDifficulty
Before you set off

What to expect from Padrón to Santiago de Compostela

An arrival stage, with more tarmac than woodland and a long, gentle climb into Santiago.

Lots of tarmac

After the last woodland, much of the route runs beside the N-550 road and crosses built-up areas such as O Milladoiro. Bring comfortable shoes and patience.

The arrival

You will walk into Santiago alongside other pilgrims and the people who live here, straight on to the cathedral and Praza do Obradoiro. Save time for this moment.

Route

Padrón to Santiago de Compostela route, point by point

Five stops that shape the last day. The second half climbs almost all the way, slowly, up to the cathedral.

Elevation profile of the Padrón to Santiago de Compostela stage Rises and falls between 7 and 265 metres above sea level. Starts in Padrón, passes Escravitude, Ponte Velha and the entry into Santiago, and ends in Santiago. 0 m 100 m 200 m A · Padrón B · Escravitude C · Ponte Velha D · Entry into Santiago E · Santiago 6.6 km 13.1 km 1.4 km 2.9 km
≈ 410 m total ascent ≈ 170 m total descent 265 m highest point 7 m lowest point
  1. Padrón

    You head out towards the countryside. Before you go, climb the stairs to the Church of Santiago and take in the view from the top.

  2. Sanctuary of A Escravitude

    A Baroque sanctuary beside the N-550 road, in the village of A Escravitude. Tradition says a sick man was healed after drinking from the spring beneath the staircase. You can get a stamp in your pilgrim passport (credencial) here.

  3. Ponte Velha over the river Sar

    After O Milladoiro you can already see the towers of Santiago in the distance. On the way down you reach the old bridge over the river Sar.

  4. Castro de Abaixo, entering Santiago

    This is where you enter the city of Santiago de Compostela. From here the route goes straight on, through streets that grow older with every step.

  5. Arrival in Santiago de Compostela, the end of the Central Way

    You have reached the capital of Galicia. The cathedral is the big moment, with Praza do Obradoiro full of pilgrims. There is a Pilgrim’s Mass in the cathedral, so check the times on the day. If you arrive early, wander the city and rest in Parque da Alameda.

Photos

Padrón to Santiago de Compostela in photos

Real photos from this final stage of the Central Way.

The last stretch of woodland on the Camino, on the Padrón to Santiago de Compostela stage Ponte Velha over the river Sar, just before arriving in Santiago de Compostela Giant scallop shell, the symbol of the Camino, on the Padrón to Santiago de Compostela stage
Pilgrim Shop

Get your backpack ready

Some of pilgrims’ favourite products, chosen by people who have walked the Camino. Discover them all in our online shop.

Go to the online shop
Map

Stage map

Open the map on your phone before you leave. As you enter Santiago, it helps you follow the route to the cathedral.

Open the map in Google Maps →
Accommodation

Where to sleep from Padrón to Santiago de Compostela

In Santiago de Compostela, at the end of the Camino, or earlier in Teo if you want to reach the cathedral in the morning.

Parish albergue

Albergue Fin del Camino

An albergue (pilgrim hostel) in Santiago de Compostela, a short walk from the historic centre. It has plenty of beds, which helps in the busiest months.

110 bedsOpen 13:00 to 21:0012 €

Find out more →

Before Santiago
Rural stays and apartments

Prices and opening times are a guide only. Always check directly before you set off.

Where to eat

Where to eat along the way

Two places to eat before you arrive: one near A Escravitude and another in O Milladoiro.

Price level according to Google, where available. € budget · €€ moderate · €€€ above average.

Frequently asked questions

Questions about Padrón to Santiago de Compostela

How many kilometres is Padrón to Santiago de Compostela?

It is about 25 km, from Padrón to Praza do Obradoiro in Santiago.

How long does the walk from Padrón to Santiago de Compostela take?

Allow about 6 hours, including stops.

Where do I collect my Compostela?

At the Pilgrim’s Office, near the cathedral. Bring your stamped pilgrim passport (credencial): on the last 100 km you need at least two stamps a day.

Where can I sleep in Santiago de Compostela?

Albergue Fin del Camino has 110 beds at 12 €. There are also plenty of hotels and apartments in the city. If you would rather arrive in the morning, sleep the night before in Teo.

Is there a Pilgrim’s Mass in Santiago?

Yes, in the cathedral. Times can change, so check on the day.

Organised Camino

Just want to walk? We take care of the rest.

If you would rather take the first step with everything sorted, we organise your trip. You only have one thing to do: live the Camino. Choose what you want to add and we build a Camino that fits you.

Included

  • Guaranteed accommodationA bed booked at the end of every stage.
  • Insurance includedWalk with peace of mind, from the first day to the last.
  • WhatsApp supportA direct line to us for the whole Camino.

You can add

  • Luggage transferExtraYour big backpack travels ahead of you. You carry only the essentials.
  • Return transferExtraAt the end of the Camino, we take you back with no worries.
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