Stage Notes & History

DIRECTIONS: The path through San Cristovo (not on LU633) is on a forested trail most of the way to Samos, but with only a bar (may or may not be open) in Renche (1.7km after San Cristovo). After passing the tiny village of San Martino, you will see a sign welcoming you to Samos. The view gives you a perspective of the Monastery San Xulian.

HISTORY: Church and Mass - The history of the Benedictine monastery stretches back over the ages to the 11th c. and possibly earlier. The buildings show influences of the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. There are 30-minute tours between 09:30-12:30 & 16:30-18:30 for 4€. Vespers 19:30 every day, followed by Mass.

PLAIN: Café Espana, plaza de España , has great cafés con leche and napolitanas. 2 supermercados, one at each end of the village. Better selection at the second one. Farmacia open Monday-Saturday.

DIRECTIONS: 14.6 km to Sarria (via Rio Oribio and avoiding most of the main road). 2 km after leaving Samos, turn right at Restaurant Pontenovo to avoid walking on the road all the way to Sarria. Here you can enjoy the last truly peaceful part of the camino before the number of pilgrims significantly increases in Sarria. There are no services for the 7 km between Pontenovo and San Mamed, when the route connects with the San Xil route from Triacastela.

DIRECTIONS: You pass the Romanesque cemetery Chapel of Santa Eulalia de Pascais, 12th c. shrine near San Frollais and the villages of Fontan, Sivil, A Veiga, and Pieros (Chapel of Virgen del Camino).