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The Caldas de Reis - Padrón stage is, for many, one of the most beautiful of the entire Camino de Santiago de Camino de Santiago. In these final moments of the pilgrimage, it's normal to see more and more people along the routes, more accommodation and, above all, more shops on the roads that take us to the Galician capital.
With a small climb along the way, this journey doesn't present any major difficulties. Even local people walk these routes as exercise for the whole family.
Before you know it, you're in the middle of the Spanish forest, with ancient Roman roads, so you can get into the spirit of the first pilgrims.
As a culmination, Padrón looks like a replica of a city from the ancient empire of Caesar Augustus, with its brown tones and architecture different from the rest of the region. It's time to sit down and order the peppers that take their name from the town - Padrón.
Caldas de Reis, despite being a small municipality, has plenty to visit. Between restaurants and cafés for breakfast, don't miss the church of Santa Maria. Both the interior and exterior are well worth your time.
Once you get past the residential area just after the church of Santa Marina, you'll find a meeting point for pilgrims. With no one there to take care of the space in an organic way, those who make the journey rest there. There is a tap with drinking water and some chairs to sit on.
A few kilometers from Padron, you can see the city from above at the Pino Manso viewpoint. With space for all pilgrims to sit and enjoy the scenery, there are also two drinking fountains where you can refill your canteen.
At the intersection of the Herbón monastery and the road to Padron, you have to choose which route to take. The first adds 3 kilometers to the journey, but gives you the opportunity to stay at the hostel. The second takes you directly to Padron.
Padron is the last major stage before Santiago de Compostela. According to legend, it was the rock below the church of Santiago that the boat carrying the apostle hit. Painted a toasted yellow, today it is known for its iconic chapel, its streets with an architecture unlike any other town we've come across and the Padrón peppers, a delicacy available in every café.
And in the city you can find several restaurants serving this delicacy. This dish, plus a tortilla, is the perfect post-hike meal.
Yes, just cross the bridge and climb the steps. It's one of the great monuments on the Camino de Santiago.