Popular stopping point for pilgrims before tackling the climb into the mountains and Galicia. Pilgrims arrive almost immediately at the Romanesque Church of Santiago with its Puerta del Perdón. Pilgrims who made it this far but were too sick or injured to continue to Santiago were, once they had crossed through the ‘door of forgiveness’, granted all the same benefits and indulgences as if they had completed their pilgrimage. The Church of San Francisco has a mudéjar ceiling. If locked keys for both churches are held by the bookshop in the main square.

Church and Mass - Colegiata de Santa María. Mass daily 19:00. Convento de la Concepción (Padres Paúles) - Mass daily 08:30. Convento de San José - Mass daily 20:00. For more information on Mass times: Tourist information: In Alameda Alta, past the Church of San Nicolás (summer only).

It is a long hard climb from here to the village of La Faba on the border of Galicia. Leaving Villafranca, walkers have two options: a largely road-based route; or a high level route (more strenuous, 3.8 km further, but quieter and beautiful). The end of day climb up to La Faba is particularly demanding and less fit walkers may consider spending the night at Las Herreiras. Do not attempt the high level route in bad weather.

Route 1. N6 route (22 km)

When leaving Villafranca, cross the bridge, carry straight on and follow arrows. Follow this road, and turn right at the N6 onto an obvious dedicated yellow painted footpath. The camino follows the N6 or, in places, the old N6. Completion of the new motorway to A Coruña has massively reduced the traffic using the N6 and new barriers at the roadside have improved safety, making this a much more pleasant walk.

Route 2. High level route via Pradela (25.8 km)

Starts directly after you cross the river bridge leaving Villafranca. Almost immediately after crossing you will find yellow arrows pointing between some buildings up a slope on the RH side of the road. Follow these arrows. They lead to a fairly good path which climbs gently initially but becomes quite steep in places. There is no need to enter Pradela. There is a bar here, Bar La Fócara, which may or may not be open. The route out is the tarmac road to Trabadelo, where you pick up Route 1. This route involves a steep climb, with beautiful views, and a steep descent. Avoid in bad weather.