Stage 32: Arzúa - Pedrouzo

Arzúa, the last large town before Santiago, has a population of about 7,000 inhabitants. Its main attractions are the parish church of Santiago, rebuilt in 1955, and the ruins of the Convent of Magdalena. In the church there are two statues of Santiago, one as a pilgrim and the other as a Moorish slaughterer.

Many pilgrims choose to stay in O Pedrouzo because it has all the necessary services and is closer to Santiago. Some prefer to stay in Santa Irene to avoid the crowds, but there are very few services available.

You can visit the chapel and fountain of Santa Irene at the end of the stage. The fountain is dedicated to the Portuguese saint and is baroque in style. The waters of the fountain are said to have healing powers.

This stage takes you through quiet forest roads with eucalyptus groves between villages. The villages are so small and the houses are so scattered that it is difficult to know where one ends and the next begins. The landscape is one of the most beautiful of the entire Camino. This is a transition stage and you will complete it comfortably. It is short and almost flat. During the second half of the stage, however, you will have to cross the main road several times.

Some things you can do on this stretch are to visit the church of Santa Eulalia or take advantage of your passage through Arzúa to taste its typical cheese. Also, as in the previous days from Sarria, there are many farmhouses and villages along the way where you can get food and water.