Walking the Camino de Santiago: Via de la Plata from Ourense to Santiago de Compostela

The Vía de la Plata or Camino Mozárabe is by far the longest Camino de Santiago route (1000km long) and crosses the whole of Spain from South to North. This Camino route was used by North African Christians on their way to Santiago de Compostela. Starting in magnificent Sevilla with its stunning mix of architecture styles, you will soon be walking among olive and orange groves and bull fighting (behind fences, don’t worry!) in Andalucía. Entering the land of the ‘conquistadores’, you will discover a rarely visited part of Spain, full of medieval churches and wonderful palaces. The Romans also left their mark and along the Vía de la Plata you will encounter some of the best preserved Roman sites in Europe: such as the city of Mérida and Caparra. Extremadura is also home to some of the best bird watching in Europe and home of the exquisite Pata Negra ham. You will also visit the elegant UNESCO-listed cities of Salamanca and Zamora before entering the green and remote mountains of Galicia. After Ourense city, perfect to relax at the famous thermal springs, you will discover THE most beautiful of all the last 100km sections to Santiago de Compostela: across peaceful forests, charming hamlets and lush rolling hills with outstanding views.

The last 100km of the Camino de Santiago along the final stretch of the Vía de la Plata is probably the most beautiful of all the “last 100km” to Santiago de Compostela. It starts in the city of Ourense, famous for its thermal springs, and finishes in gorgeous Santiago de Compostela. Through the green and hilly lands of Galicia, you will have the chance to meet the locals in their day to day life, while passing sleepy villages, hamlets with Romanesque churches and other places of interest. As you reach some altitude (never really challenging) the views of the surrounding countryside are splendid. Don’t forget to claim your ‘Compostela’ certificate when you reach Santiago!