We set off from the historic town and port of Ribadeo. It boasts a noble past, standing atop a natural vantage point overlooking the ría, and preserves 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.

The first population centre after Ribadeo is Ove. Next, after a slope the Way reaches Vilela, a historic place belonging to the parish of Covelas. All of these spots allow visitors to get a taste of local traditional life.

After leaving Vilela, the route passes through Celeiros, O Vilar and San Vicente. We come to the parish of San Pedro de Arante; there we find A Nosa Señora das Virtudes Chapel, from the 15th century, where there was a pilgrim hospital from the 16th century.

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

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.