Stroll
Camino Via de la Plata: The Silver Way - Final Stage - 7 Days
Camino de SantiagoCamino Via de la Plata

Camino Via de la Plata: The Silver Way - Final Stage - 7 Days

7 Days
Moderate to Challenging

Camino Via de la Plata: The Silver Way - Final Stage - 7 Days

from £680 / person

Overview

The Vía de la Plata, or Silver Way, is one of the oldest paths of the Camino de Santiago, officially beginning in Sevilla and travelling north through Spain to Santiago de Compostela. This seven-day walk covers the final and less-travelled section of the route, starting in the historic city of Ourense and winding through picturesque valleys, rural villages and significant historical sites on the way into Galicia.

The landscape throughout is quietly compelling, with rolling hills and lush forests giving way to the distinct character of the Galician countryside. The regional food and wine add another layer to the experience, with local specialities worth seeking out at every stage. It is a route that rewards those who choose it with a sense of discovery that the busier Camino paths rarely offer.

Highlights

  • Walk through the cobbled streets of Ourense, exploring its renowned thermal springs and vibrant history.
  • Discover the serene beauty of rolling hills and enchanting forests across Galicia, perfect for reflection.
  • Wander through charming villages and gaze at traditional architecture, including Romanesque churches and ancient monasteries.
  • Savour local dishes, from hearty cocido to the celebrated cheeses and wines of the region.
  • Uncover the rich tapestry of Galician myths and legends that add a mystical layer to your journey.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Ourense

Your journey brings you to Ourense, often called the "City of Burgas" due to its famous thermal springs. Take time to visit the magnificent Cathedral and get lost in the intricate, cobbled pathways of its historic centre.

Accommodation

Hotel in Ourense

What's Included

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights)

Meals

6 breakfasts

Transfers

  • Luggage Transfers

Guidance & Support

  • Itinerary & Walk Notes
  • Walking App for Navigation
  • 24/7 on-trip support

How We Rate This Walk

4

Stroll Walking Grade

Moderate to Challenging

Rated by our team — we walk every route before we recommend it.

Regular hills and varied terrain. These walks involve more challenging sections. Regular walking beforehand is recommended.

View Fitness Guide

5

Days on the trail

17-34 km

Daily distance range

256-349 m

Daily ascent range

5/10

Trail difficulty

Where You'll Stay

You will find yourself in charming, family-run hotels and guesthouses that know their walkers well, each with en-suite rooms and a hospitality that has been refined by years of receiving guests on foot.

Single Rooms

If you are travelling with others but would prefer a single room, we recommend booking as early as possible. Availability can be limited on this popular route and a single occupancy fee applies.

What You'll Eat

Six breakfasts are included throughout the trip, giving you a proper start before each day on the trail. For lunch, the route provides its own opportunities, with local cheeses, cured meats and freshly baked bread available to pick up at villages and stops along the way. Come evening, many properties have their own restaurants drawing on the regional food traditions of this part of Spain, and dinner can be arranged as a supplement for those who would like it included.

Note: Please advise us of any food allergies or intolerances at the time of booking. If you have severe allergies, bringing some of your own snacks is recommended, as specialist ingredients can be harder to source along the way.

More About This Trip

The walk starts in Ourense and finishes in Santiago de Compostela. The most convenient airport is Santiago de Compostela (SCQ), with international connections across Europe, from where Ourense is around 30-40 minutes by train. Madrid (MAD) is a well-connected alternative, with high-speed trains from Chamartín to Ourense taking around 2-3 hours. Bus connections from Madrid are also available, though journey times are considerably longer at around 6-7 hours.

The walk ends in Santiago de Compostela, which has its own international airport (SCQ) a short taxi or bus ride from the city centre. Direct trains back to Madrid take around 3-4 hours. Book Spanish rail tickets in advance through Renfe.

This walk is available from 1 March to 1 November, with no fixed start days.

The final stage of the Via de la Plata runs through Galicia, and the climate here is milder than the southern sections of the full Silver Way, though rain is always possible. March can bring cool, unsettled conditions, but the countryside is fresh and green and the trails are very quiet.

Spring is a lovely time to walk, with wildflowers along the path and comfortable temperatures throughout. May, June and September offer the best balance of mild weather and quiet trails.

Summer temperatures in Galicia are comfortable for walking and rarely reach the extremes found further south on the full route.

Autumn is a particularly fine time, with golden landscapes, quieter paths and crisp, clear days. October is still very walkable, though rain becomes more likely and evenings cool noticeably as the season closes. Throughout the season, regional festivals add colour to the journey, from Galician literature celebrations to the nationwide observances of Semana Santa. Pack waterproofs whatever the month.

Moderate to challenging. Trails are well-defined throughout, following an ancient pilgrim route across varied terrain. Expect rocky paths, farm and forest tracks, and long open stretches of countryside, with sustained climbs to hilltop towns and villages. Some sections run alongside roads, so walkers should remain mindful of traffic at all times. Good walking boots are essential.

Daily walks cover up to 23 kilometres with up to 300 metres of ascent and descent. You should be comfortable with both the distance and the elevation before setting out. An exercise regime of two to three times per week, in addition to regular walking, is recommended in preparation.

The route is waymarked throughout by the iconic scallop-shell markers, and with fellow pilgrims on the trail, navigation is straightforward. Daily walk notes, maps, and GPX tracks are provided.

You must hold adequate travel insurance for your trip, including cover for personal liability and accidental injury and illness. For all trips involving international travel, your policy must also include emergency medical treatment, evacuation and repatriation cover. We strongly recommend your policy also covers trip cancellation and curtailment, and loss of or damage to luggage.

A cancellation fee usually applies if you cancel after your booking is confirmed. Travel insurance with cancellation cover will generally cover this fee, so it's worth arranging your policy at the time of booking.

Full insurance requirements are set out in our booking terms and conditions.

Dates & Pricing

Choose Your Start Date

Pick any available date — this is your trip, your schedule

August 2026

Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
1Out of season
2Out of season
3Out of season
4Out of season
5Out of season
Available
Limited
Unavailable
Out of season

Prices shown are per person, twin/double share basis.

Camino Via de la Plata reviews

Frequently asked questions

Unfortunately, walkers cannot travel with the luggage. The information you are provided with has details for local taxi numbers, bus and train timetables should you wish to not walk on any day. Your accommodation hosts will also have up to date information and advice should you wish to travel to the next destination by local transport. As always, you can call us in the office should you need help during your walk.

We can organise this anywhere along the walk.

Subject to a single occupancy payment, single rooms are available. However, due to the limited accommodation single rooms might not always be available for every night of the tour, but we will let you know your options throughout the booking process.

Of course, we’re happy to discuss your needs. If you feel you would prefer to walk into Santiago, we can add this on at a reduced cost to what is advertised.

Want to Know More?

The Camino Via de la Plata experience

Wonder
Walk the final 100 kilometres of the Via de la Plata, one of the oldest Camino routes
Begin in the historic city of Ourense, famous for its 13th-century cathedral and thermal springs
The Via de la Plata follows a Roman trade road that has crossed the Iberian Peninsula for two thousand years
Wellness
A less-travelled route through Galicia's picturesque valleys, rural villages, and lush forests
Stroll the cobbled streets of Ourense's medieval old town before the pilgrimage begins
Only 1 to 2 percent of all Camino pilgrims walk the Silver Way, making it one of Spain's most quietest routes
Nature
Walk alongside rivers and through woodlands on terrain largely unchanged for centuries
The green countryside of Galicia provides a quiet, restorative backdrop to each day's journey
Oak and eucalyptus forests shade the paths through Galicia on the approach to Santiago