STAGE 12a Xinzo de Lima - Allariz (Variante)

The exit from Xinzo is via the Celanova road, along a beautiful avenue lined with banana trees. Eight kilometres further on is the Sandiás hostel. This 20.5-kilometre stretch is highly recommended for cyclists.

We continue through the region of A Limia and the land that was once part of the Antela lagoon. Passing through the town of Sandiás, we come across the sand pits and the Lagoa Antela Interpretation Centre, which offers an insight into the past, present and legends surrounding one of the most important lagoons in Spain.

Once past the town hall of Sandiás, we enter the region of Allariz-Maceda and walk through the Arnoia Valley, following ancient paths through native forests, which offer some of the most beautiful stretches of the Galician route until we reach the medieval town of Allariz.

Allariz offers a wide range of hotels and restaurants. Its historic centre is well worth a visit, with its seven churches, six museums, the monastery of Santa Clara, and its shopping arcade with outlet stores. In terms of gastronomy, don't miss the sheep's milk cheeses from ‘O Rexo’ and its traditional Jewish almond cakes. Allariz is also a centre for festivities such as A Festa do Boi, A Festa da Empanada, the festivities in honour of San Benito, etc. We would highlight the Festival de Jardines, which is held every year on the banks of the Arnoia River that runs through the town.