The stage from Palas de Rei to Ribadiso da Baixo, covering 25.8 km (16 miles), involves a journey through small hamlets and diverse landscapes, leading to the town of Melide where the Camino Francés meets the Camino Primitivo.

The Camino Francés continues from Palas de Rei, a town with medieval roots, to Ribadiso de Baixo, a small riverside hamlet near Arzúa. This section of the route passes through forests, farmland, and historic villages, with Melide serving as a key stop along the way. Pilgrims arriving in Ribadiso de Baixo are only a short walk from Arzúa, the next major town and departure point along the Camino.

Historical Background

• Palas de Rei: The name suggests a connection to royalty, possibly linked to a Visigothic palace that may have existed in the area during the 8th century. In medieval times, Palas de Rei was an important waypoint for pilgrims, offering shelter and supplies. The Church of San Tirso, with its Romanesque entrance, is one of the town’s notable landmarks.
• Ribadiso de Baixo: This hamlet is known for its medieval pilgrim hospital, one of the oldest surviving structures of its kind on the Camino. The stone bridge over the Iso River, dating back to the 13th century, marks the entrance to the village. Ribadiso is often remembered by pilgrims for its peaceful setting and historic accommodations. Located just 2 km from Arzúa, it serves as a convenient resting point before reaching the town.

The Camino Route

The walk from Palas de Rei to Ribadiso de Baixo is 25.8 km (16 miles) and follows a mix of woodland paths, country roads, and village streets. The terrain includes rolling hills but no major climbs.

• Palas de Rei to Melide (14.6 km): The trail passes through San Xulián do Camiño, a small hamlet, before reaching Melide, a town famous for its pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus). Melide is also where the Camino Primitivo merges with the Camino Francés.
• Melide to Ribadiso de Baixo (11.2 km): The route continues through Boente and Castañeda, crossing several medieval bridges, including the Ponte das Pías and Ponte Furelos. The final stretch leads to Ribadiso, where the Iso River provides a scenic backdrop.
• Departing Melide, the route includes a series of picturesque villages and woodland paths, concluding in the serene hamlet of Ribadiso da Baixo by the Iso River. Despite the length, the stage is fairly moderate in terms of elevation changes.

Alternative Routes

Most pilgrims follow the traditional path, but some take minor detours to explore Melide’s historic sites or avoid busier sections. The main route is well-marked and accessible, with moderate elevation changes that make it manageable for most walkers.

This section of the Camino is long but not overly difficult, with plenty of opportunities to rest and take in the scenery. Pilgrims often find it to be a rewarding stage, offering a mix of historical sites, rural landscapes, and cultural landmarks. With Arzúa less than 30 minutes away, many travelers continue beyond Ribadiso or stop briefly before reaching the town

The previous Camino Francés section is from Gonzar to Palas de Rei .

Route Description: Palas De Rei to Ribadiso De Baixo

A. Detailed Breakdown of the Route

1. Palas de Rei to Melide (14.6 km) Leaving the town of Palas de Rei, you’ll embark on a journey through small hamlets steeped in Galician culture and a variety of landscapes, including forest paths and agricultural fields. As you progress, you’ll reach San Xulián do Camiño, a typical rural hamlet. Continuing, the pathway leads to the significant town of Melide, well-known for its octopus dish, ‘pulpo a la gallega’. Here, the Camino Francés meets with the Camino Primitivo.
2. Melide to Ribadiso da Baixo (11.2 km) Departing Melide, the Camino goes through a series of picturesque villages and beautiful woodland paths. Highlights include crossing several medieval bridges like the Ponte das Pías and the Ponte Furelos. The stage concludes in the picturesque hamlet of Ribadiso da Baixo, situated by the Iso River.

B. Terrain and Elevation

The majority of this stage involves woodland trails and rural paths, providing a peaceful walking experience. The stage has a couple of minor ascents and descents but nothing overly strenuous, making it a relatively moderate stage for most pilgrims.

C. Points of Interest

1. Melide: A significant stop on the Camino for its culinary heritage, especially its famous octopus dish ‘pulpo a la gallega’. Melide also offers historical attractions like the Church of Santa María and the Ethnographic Museum Terra de Melide.

D. Potential Challenges

While the stage from Palas de Rei to Ribadiso da Baixo is not particularly difficult in terms of elevation changes, it covers a relatively long distance (25.8 km). Pilgrims should pace themselves, maintain proper hydration, and take breaks when necessary.

E. Rest Stops

Melide, located roughly halfway, serves as a significant rest stop. Here, pilgrims can find a variety of eateries, including those serving the famous ‘pulpo a la gallega’, and accommodations for resting. Ribadiso da Baixo, while small, provides facilities for pilgrims to rest and refresh, offering a tranquil setting by the river.

Camino Route Map Palas de Rei to Ribadiso

Departure point: Palas de Rei

Embarking on the Camino Francés pilgrimage takes you on an extraordinary journey across Spain’s picturesque landscapes and captivating towns. Among these, Palas De Rei, situated in the province of Lugo, holds a distinctive place with its historical allure and warm-hearted community.

History

Palas De Rei is a town that has gracefully aged with time, narrating tales of its rich past that dates back to the Roman era. It’s a true historical feast for those who relish the past. The iconic Church of San Tirso, with its awe-inspiring Romanesque architectural style, is a cherished stop for every pilgrim in town.

The Journey through Palas De Rei

As you tread from Portomarin to Palas De Rei, the journey gifts you unforgettable moments. You pass through verdant hills, charming old farmsteads, and woodlands infused with the fragrance of eucalyptus. This serene and rejuvenating passage mirrors the spiritual essence of the Camino walk.

Accommodation Options

The town of Palas De Rei presents a range of accommodation options to suit every pocket. From cozy albergues offering shared dormitory-like spaces to comfortable hotels and rustic houses, you’ll find an array of choices. The commendable hospitality of Palas De Rei’s locals is heartwarming, as they go the extra mile to make every visitor feel at home.

Gastronomy

The Camino Francés walk is not just a feast for the eyes, but also a gastronomic delight. The local Galician cuisine of Palas De Rei tempts every palate with traditional delicacies such as ‘pulpo a la gallega’ (octopus in Galician style) and ’empanada gallega’ (a Galician pie). Also, don’t miss the town’s renowned local cheese, ‘queso de tetilla.’

Activities in Palas De Rei

Beyond the walk of Camino, Palas De Rei has much to offer. Whether you fancy a leisurely wander around the town, wish to explore the local markets, or partake in local festivals, there’s something for everyone. The town is lively and vibrant, offering ample opportunities for cultural immersion.

Preparation Tips

While preparing for your journey through Palas De Rei, it’s essential to pack clothing suitable for the variable weather conditions. Sturdy footwear is also critical, considering the terrain comprises paved roads, dirt trails, and occasional rough spots. Being well-prepared allows you to fully enjoy this part of the Camino journey.

Palas De Rei Specific Camino Services

In Palas De Rei, the services available to the Camino pilgrims stand out. With a dedicated Pilgrim’s Reception Centre, luggage transfer facilities, wellness centers for rejuvenating massages, a reliable postal service, and stores selling Camino-specific items, Palas De Rei serves as a comprehensive support hub for pilgrims.

Destination: Ribadiso De Baixo

Among the Camino Francés route’s many stops, Ribadiso De Baixo holds a special place. This peaceful hamlet, situated in Galicia, Spain, is known for its serene setting and welcoming atmosphere.

History: Ribadiso De Baixo

While there may not be grand monuments or notable architectural feats in Ribadiso De Baixo, the town’s simplicity and antiquity tell a tale of its own. It’s a spot that has given respite to numerous pilgrims over centuries, making it a meaningful part of the Camino Francés journey.

Pilgrim Services

Despite its modest size, Ribadiso De Baixo is equipped to cater to the pilgrims’ needs. The town is home to the Albergue de Ribadiso, one of the most cherished hostels along the Camino Francés route. Operated by Xunta de Galicia, this albergue is an ideal spot for pilgrims to rest, replenish, and exchange stories.

In its simplicity and tranquillity, Ribadiso De Baixo offers a much-needed break to the Camino Francés pilgrims. This small but hospitable town serves as a gentle reminder that sometimes, the most humble places leave the deepest impressions. It is worth noting that most pilgrims end their journey at Arzua for this stage of the Camino Francés.

Historic Sites along this Section

There are several historical sites along the route from Palas de Rei to Ribadiso de Baixo. Here are some of them:

• Palas de Rei: This town has a distinctive place with its historical allure and warm-hearted community. There is the Church of San Tirso which has a Romanesque portal and scallop shells decorate a medieval building.
• San Xulián do Camiño: This village has historic links with Saint Julian. There is a small Romanesque Parish Church San Julian do Camino which illustrates the devotion to the saint in this area.
• Melide: A significant stop on the Camino for its culinary heritage, especially its famous octopus dish ‘pulpo a la gallega’. Melide also offers historical attractions like the Church of Santa María and the Ethnographic Museum Terra de Melide.

These sites provide a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the region. Enjoy your journey!

Public Transportation

Although this part of the Camino Francés pilgrimage covers only 25.8 km (16 miles) through hamlets and forests, you may need to travel by public transportation instead. Here are some options:

Bus

You can take the MonBus service from Palas de Rei to Rivadiso, which is close to Ribadiso de Baixo. The bus runs four times a day and takes about 28 minutes. The ticket costs €2 – €3. You can see the bus schedule and book online at MonBus.

Taxi

You can also take a taxi from Palas de Rei to Ribadiso de Baixo, which takes about 23 minutes and covers 26.6 km. The fare is around €30 – €45. You can find taxi services in Palas de Rei at Taxi Palas or Taxi Lugo.

Car

If you have your own car or rent one, you can drive from Palas de Rei to Ribadiso de Baixo, following the LU-633 road. The journey takes about 23 minutes and costs €4 – €7 in fuel. You can find car rental options in Palas de Rei at Car Rental Palas or Car Rental Lugo.

The next Camino Francés section is from Arzua to Finisterre .

Palas De Rei to Ribadiso De Baixo [Video]