STAGE 6: PADRÓN - SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
The stage between Padrón and Santiago de Compostela is the final section of the Portuguese Way and runs entirely through the province of A Coruña. Unlike the previous stages, this route features a continuous, moderate climb, concentrated particularly in the first half, as the route leaves the Sar river valley to reach the Compostela plateau.
The landscape combines stretches of rural paths and woodland with areas of greater urban density and secondary roads, reflecting the proximity to the Galician capital. On leaving Padrón, the route passes through the town of Iria Flavia, home to the ancient Visigothic cathedral, and continues towards the municipality of Teo. Within this municipality lies the area of O Faramello and the climb to Agro dos Monteiros, the highest point of the day’s walk, from where the first views of the cathedral’s towers can be seen.
The final stretch becomes less steep as it enters the municipal area of Santiago de Compostela via the Conxo neighbourhood. From there, the route runs entirely through built-up areas until it enters the city’s historic centre via the Porta Faxeira, formally concluding in the Praza do Obradoiro, opposite the main façade of Santiago Cathedral.