Day 3: Portomarin to Palais de Rei

Palais de Rei – 25km (15 mi) – Pension Casa Camino

After the night in Portomarin, the Camino will cross the river Miño (Galicia’s longest river) and rise uphill steadily towards the Serra de Ligonde. You will pass nice hamlets such as Gonzar and Ventas de Narón. Stop to visit the Romanesque Church of Santa María in Castromaior and the Romanesque church in Eirexe!

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Today, October 9, 2025 CE, was another wonderful day on the Camino for the Tom Avery pilgrims. It was hard to leave our jacuzzi tub and patio overlooking the Rio Mino in Portomarin behind but after an inspiring homily by Rev. Al we set off on the most challenging section to Palas de Rei.

Meandering over 16 miles through the beautiful Galician countryside our fearless collective climbed over 320 meters to Sierra Ligonde before leveling off and gradually descending to our destination for the night.

Along the way our intrepid guide Manuel took us to an active Celtic archaeological dig dating back to the IV century BCE and also the Capela da Magdalena a 13th century Romanesque building originally built by the Knights Templar as a hospital. A kindly old gent stamped our Credencial del Peregrino with the coveted Templar stamps which we will proudly show off to all the Camino wannabes back home.

Once again Steve and Manuel outdid themselves guiding the Avery Pilgrims along The Way towards their ultimate goal of Santiago de Compostela. We could not be in better hands and greatly appreciate you both watching over all of us on our journey.

Your scribe,

Bruce Bryant