Fonfria to Tricastela on the Camino de Santiago

The walk from Fonfría to Tricastela was a refreshing blend of quiet forest trails and gentle mountain landscapes, signaling our deeper entry into Galicia’s lush greenery. Leaving the cozy mountain village of Fonfría behind, we descended through dense chestnut and oak woods, the scent of damp earth and pine filling the air. The path wound softly downward, lined with moss-covered stones and occasional streams that invited brief pauses to rest and soak in the peaceful surroundings. The cooler temperatures and shade were a welcome relief after the long sun-exposed stages earlier on the Camino.

As we neared Tricastela, the trail opened up to rolling fields and small hamlets, where welcoming cafés and albergues offered the chance to connect with fellow pilgrims and locals alike. Tricastela itself exudes a warm, rustic charm with its stone houses and quaint streets. The village felt like a perfect resting point before the final push to Santiago, with a tranquil atmosphere that invites reflection on the journey so far. Our time at the Albergue Astrio in Tricastela was a chance to relax, recharge, and enjoy the simple pleasures of Camino life—good food, friendly faces, and the comforting knowledge that every step brought us closer to our destination.