Northern Way from Vilalba

Frequently Asked Questions

• Which Camino is harder: the Primitive or the Northern Way?

  The Primitive Way is harder than the Northern Way because of its short but intense stages, with steep slopes and mountainous terrain. Although the Camino del Norte also presents challenges, it alternates mountainous sections with flatter stages along the coast.

• How many times must I stamp the Credential?

  For the issue of the Compostela, you must stamp the Credential at least twice a day, but you can put as many stamps as you want. You can stamp it in churches, monasteries, all kinds of monuments, associations, shops, lodgings, bars, restaurants, town halls, etc.

• I need to cancel my reservation.

  You can cancel your trip free of charge up to 15 days before the start date, with no need to give any explanation.

  • 15 days or more in advance → refund of 100 % of the amount paid, with no penalty. The refund is processed within a maximum of 7 days.
  • Less than 15 days → Between 15 and 8 days before: 50 % of the total amount. 7 days or less → 100 % of the total amount.
  • No-show → no right to a refund.

  If you have taken out the Cancellation Insurance, you must inform us regardless of how many days' notice you give, but you have to handle the refund process with the insurer yourself.

  Transfer of the booking: if you cannot travel, you can transfer it to another person at no cost; we only need you to let us know far enough in advance for us to arrange it. In that case, payments are settled directly between clients.

  The client is responsible for any additional cost arising from the cancellation.

  ⚠️ IMPORTANT: every cancellation must be notified by email: info@viajescaminodesantiago.com (cancellations are not processed by phone).

  👉 More info: Booking conditions.

• What is luggage transport and how does it work?

  Luggage transport is included in group trips, trips with a dog and VIP trips; on all other trips it is an optional service you can add when booking. With it you can enjoy the Camino de Santiago without the burden of carrying your luggage on your back, knowing that your suitcase will be waiting for you at your next accommodation upon your arrival.   Along with your credential, you'll also receive stickers. Cover these stickers with the requested information and stick them in a visible place on your suitcase.   Upon arrival at your accommodation, we suggest asking at the reception where you can leave your luggage. You'll need to leave your luggage at the designated spot early in the morning for our carrier to pick it up. This ensures that when you arrive at your next accommodation, your luggage will already be waiting for you.

• Does the Northern Way from Vilalba qualify for the Compostela?

  Yes. From Vilalba you walk 118 km to Santiago, above the minimum 100 km the Pilgrim's Office requires to award the Compostela. You just need to collect stamps in your Pilgrim's Credential (included in the trip) along the stages and show it at the Pilgrim's Office when you reach Santiago.

• Why is there an overnight stop in Miraz between Baamonde and Sobrado?

  Because it's over 30 km in one go from Baamonde to Sobrado dos Monxes, and it's better to split the day. So we divide it in two: Baamonde–Miraz (15 km), very green, with the San Alberte oak grove, and Miraz–Sobrado (24.9 km). That way you reach the monastery in one piece. It's the same on the Northern Way from Ribadeo.

• What is the highest point of the Northern Way?

  The Alto da Mámoa, at 710 metres, on the Miraz to Sobrado dos Monxes stage (24.9 km). The climb is gentle. It's a beautiful but very lonely stage, through small hamlets with few places to buy food, so carry water and something to eat. You finish in Sobrado, next to its Cistercian monastery.

• What should I see and eat in Vilalba before starting the Camino?

  Vilalba, capital of the Terra Chá, is a quiet town where you can arrive at a relaxed pace. Visit the Andrade keep, now a parador, and try San Simón cheese, smoked and pear-shaped. In the evening, a mixed grill: the local meat is famous. The next day your Northern Way begins.

• Is the first stage, from Vilalba to Baamonde, difficult?

  No, it's one of the easiest: 18.5 km on flat paths through woods and meadows. You cross the Madalena and Trimaz rivers, and the prettiest spot is the Ponte de Saa, a medieval bridge over the river Labrada. In Baamonde you have the Víctor Corral House-Museum and its thousand-year-old chestnut tree for the afternoon.