Palas de Rei

Camino Frances

To end of camino
67.4
Altitude
558

Brea

2.80

Palas de Rei

1.60

Carballal

Services
ATM
Yes
Bar
Yes
Bus
Yes
Grocery
Yes
Medical Center
Yes
Pharmacy
Yes
Public Pool
Yes, before town in recreation area

Palas is bisected by a pair of large roads which twist and turn through town. After coming down the staircase, and with the municipal albergue on your left, the road to the right leads to a grocery and back to Portomarin. Straight on to bars and restaurants and albergues and the road out of town.

History

The origin of the name Palas de Rei, ‘Palace of the King’, is owed to the last Visigothic king to rule Spain. Witiza had a brief reign, from 700-709, and he was only 14 when he was anointed. The family ruled all of the Iberian peninsula from Toledo and it wasn’t until 701 that Witiza came to Galicia, likely to Tui; his migration was prompted by both a Byzantine invasion and the spread of the plague from Constantinople. His reign was short lived but his namesake village here on the camino remains. For the record, he was, in fact, a co-ruler alongside his father, but ‘Palace of the Half King’ lacked a certain flair.

The Road

You have now entered eucalyptus territory, and although there are patches of old oak forests to be found this non-indigenous species has taken over the landscape and has become a symbol of Galicia.

City Map

Comments

All Caminos App User (not verified)

A Reloxería is one of the few phenomenal little gems of the Camino. It sits on a side street and up a small hill, easily found on Google maps. They had a wonderful vegetarian lasagna in the afternoon so I went back for the soap del dia at 7:00. It did not disappoint.

All Caminos App User (not verified)

I just ate at A Reloxería, and oh my was it delicious. More expensive than most restaurants, but not insane. I had a choice to order a la carte, 25 euro menu, or 35 euro menu… I chose the 35 because of what I wanted was on that one. But started with a little chorizo/potato bite that I didn’t even order. I got the scallops, a gourmet burger with real roasted potatoes with sauce, dessert and 2 glasses of wine. The service was amazing and I thoroughly enjoyed everything about it!

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

We really enjoyed the lasagna at the pasta restaurant. The price was fantastic and the garlic bread with a salad and carrot cake was delicious. Theater.

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

Couldn't find anything interesting about Palas de Rei.
There is no architectural centre or buildings of interest.
A previous reviewer praised Restaurant Castro, but our experience was the opposite. I've had dozens of Ensalada Mixta as my first course of Pilgrim menus. This one was lettuce, 4 small pieces of tomato, and some onion. When I raised an eyebrow at the waiter and asked, no tuna? He just said, yes on the a la carte version, not the Pilgrim version. The rest of the meal had an equally mean spirited quality.
The atmosphere in Palas is that they are dependent on the Pilgrim business, but they view the pilgrims as unwelcome interlopers, prime for exploiting.
What a contrast to every other town I've stayed in over 2 Camino Frances.

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

Really enjoyed our stop in Palas de Rei. For dinner we ate at a restaurant called pasta where they serve, you guessed it, pasta. It was absolutely delicious and one of my favorite dinners. If you go try the Chicken Alfredo it was bomb... They also had Mac and cheese on the menu I wish I had tried it, I bet it's also amazing and just what a hungry pilgrim needs to get some variety away from the menu del dia!

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

You can get a wax stamp at ‘La Huella’ - a red one with a foot symbol. You can also buy a new credential here. However, the person running the shop was very unfriendly and just wanted to be on his phone.

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

I agree with the other pilgrim - ‘Pasta’ is worth going to! Fresh, delicious pasta (I had the chicken alfredo, yum!) and the owner is very friendly. Located in the heart of Palas de Rei. Pasta costs 9 euro 👌

All Caminos App User (not verified)

“Pasta” the name of the pasta restaurant. It is very good. If you are the pasta lover, you have to try. And they have homemade carrot cake and flapjack.

All Caminos App User (not verified)

Very powerful shower and memory foam mattress.. heaven on the Camino. Not far from the yellow arrows for the next morning too. Visit the Pulporia Nosa Terra - excellent food and vibe!

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

Fantastic bar with lovely outdoor seating and the menu of the day for 10 euros includes main course, bread, a drink and dessert. The lady could not do enough for us and the food was outstanding. Definitely recommend this place.