The Northern Way

Stage: Ribadeo-Vilanova de Lourenzá

  • Length 28.2 Km
  • Difficulty High
  • Estimated Duration 6h 45min
  • Listen to the stage itinerary

We set off from the historic town and port of Ribadeo. The city stands atop a natural vantage point overlooking the ría. It boasts a noble past and offers a fascinating blend of medieval and modern architecture. The trail follows an old route – perhaps Roman or late Roman – to the end of the stage in Lourenzá.

Ribadeo- Vilela

  • Length 6.7 Km
  • Difficulty High
  • Estimated Duration 1h 35min

The first population centre after Ribadeo is Ove. The route then runs through Covelas and climbs up to Vilela. All of these spots allow visitors to get a taste of local traditional life.

Vilela- A Ponte

  • Length 8.3 Km
  • Difficulty High
  • Estimated Duration 2h 00min

After leaving Vilela, the route passes through Celeiros and O Vilar. We come to the parish of San Pedro de Arante and 15th-century A Nosa Señora das Virtudes Chapel. Beginning in the 16th century, there was a pilgrim hospital in this location.

 

A Ponte- Vilamartín Pequeno

  • Length 2.2 Km
  • Difficulty High
  • Estimated Duration 30min

The route continues upward, following forest trails to the municipality of Barreiros, famous for its fine white sand beaches. The first parish we come to is Vilamartín Pequeno.

A Ponte - Vilamartín Pequeno

Vilamartín Pequeno- Gondán

  • Length 4.2 Km
  • Difficulty High
  • Estimated Duration 1h 00min

Leaving this parish and San Xoán Degolado Church behind, we go through Vilamartín Grande to reach Gondán.

Vilamartín Pequeno - Gondán

Gondán- Lourenzá

  • Length 6.8 Km
  • Difficulty High
  • Estimated Duration 1h 40min

Vilanova is the municipal capital of Lourenzá. It grew up around a magnificent Benedictine monastery, founded by Count Osorio Gutiérrez (known as the ‘Holy Count’) in the year 969. Lourenzá is known for its fabas (fava beans), which have been granted a Protected Geographical Indication. The annual Festa da Faba (Fava Bean Festival) is held on the first Sunday of October in Lourenzá.