Palas de Rei, municipality of Spain
Palas de Rei is a municipality in Lugo Province, in the autonomous community of Galicia, in northwestern Spain. It consists of the main village and many small hamlets spread across rolling farmland and wooded hills.
The settlement was recognized as a resting stop on the Way of St. James in the early medieval period, serving travelers heading to Santiago de Compostela. Its name may come from a Visigothic king said to have lived in the area.
Palas de Rei sits on the last stretch of the Camino Francés before Santiago de Compostela, which gives it a particular energy among pilgrims passing through. In the small cafes and bars, walkers from many countries sit together and talk about the road ahead.
The town offers basic services for walkers and travelers, including places to sleep, small shops, and cafes, all found near the center of the main village. Arriving early in the day is a good idea, as beds fill up quickly during the busier months on the Camino.
Palas de Rei marks the start of the last 100 kilometers of the Camino Francés, which is the minimum distance required to receive the official pilgrimage certificate known as the Compostela. This means many pilgrims begin their journey here, giving the town a starting-point character that sits alongside its role as a stopping place.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
