Palas de Rei is a small but functional town that serves as the municipal center for the surrounding area. It has a good range of services: several albergues and hotels, bars and restaurants, a supermarket, a pharmacy, and ATMs.
The Iglesia de San Tirso has a Romanesque doorway. The town sits on a hilltop, and the camino passes through the center along the main street.
The name may derive from Palatium Regis (Royal Palace), suggesting a medieval royal residence. Today it's a practical stopping point rather than a destination, but the food is good and the facilities are solid.
From Palas de Rei, the camino enters its final stretch. Santiago is about 65 km ahead.
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.
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.
16. September 2026 - 18:48
Really good and generous food. Friendly service. Can be warmly recommended.
15. June 2026 - 20:35
The pizza is nice, not mind-blowingly spectacular, but pleasant —at 11€, it does its job. Ice cream is actually very tasty!
However, I would not imagine my experience in Palas de Rei to be the same without having stopped here and meeting Ionut Preda, the owner. He is a former pilgrim and multi-medal paralimpian from Romania. He's been everywhere and has stories beyond imagination. His accolades —photos, diplomas, participation tags, medals— hang from the walls of this place.
Even if it's just for an Aquarius and some talk, it will be a memory you will treasure forever. Walking past Ionut's shop is missing one of the most iconic, kind-hearted characters in El Camino.
20. May 2026 - 14:43
This place is clean and good. For 47 eu I even have a small sitting room with big windows. A grocery store is 200m away. I haven’t tried but downstairs is a restaurant you can eat.
2. December 2025 - 12:12
I’m surprised by all the great reviews, because I had my worst experience on the Camino here. I’ll post a longer review, but it’s open for one more day, so I wanted to save someone the hassle if I can.
3. September 2025 - 21:00
The best massage combo in El Camino. It starts with pressure therapy (legs are encased in tubes that inflate and give a nice lymph massage. Followed by an actual 20 minute massage and then the cold plunge. 90 minute treatment is 40 euros and worth every penny
18. July 2025 - 0:15
Clean, comfortable room with good air conditioning. Breakfast was exceptional.
Restaurant Pasta was the best meal we had on the Camino. Fabulous experience. Early dinner hours, so it was nice not to wait until after 7 pm to eat. We were lucky, as there was no queue for a table.
23. June 2025 - 17:26
1930 Boutique Hotel and amazing experience !
Felt pampered and staff friendly and wonderful breakfast
14. June 2025 - 20:27
Definitely agree with the previous comments about Pasta. Wonderful al dente paste with nice specials (vegan options) in a small quaint atmosphere. Definitely recommend and would go back if not walking tomorrow. 😃
14. June 2025 - 16:38
EIRA Restaurant - (on the camino route) We had an amazing experience at EIRA Restaurant. They are extremely friendly and helpful. The food was amazing !!!! We had the Lasagne and Pesto Noodles. It is definitely worth a visit.
9. June 2025 - 16:39
Beautiful little place. Bed a bit too soft for our liking but the room was spacious, bathroom clean and well equipped. The hostess was very kind. Free coffee. Nice little garden to relax in. Within 5 minute walk from the church and cafes and mercados.
5. June 2025 - 18:18
Lovely hotel- very friendly and helpful staff! The rooms were well decorated with modern touches and original stone and wood beams. Best part? The shower with jets and rain shower head! Very close to laundry, bars and shops! They also had vending with ice packs! A free coffee service machine. And little details like a small pack of leg and foot cream with the towels! Very thoughtful of the weary!
11. May 2025 - 20:56
No tourist menu but excellent spanish food!
24. April 2025 - 13:11
We ate at PASTA and it was the best meal we had on the Camino!
14. November 2024 - 21:31
50m from our hotel - Hotel Trina 20. Very good good. Nice selection, plus specials. Staff was very helpful. I definitely recommend.
13. November 2024 - 9:19
Well located to The Camino, restaurants, etc. Beautiful hotel. Clean rooms. Nice breakfast. Very friendly staff.
I would definitely recommend.
5. October 2024 - 18:25
Pasta Pasta Pasta.
Fantastic place. Great people Great food
Stewart
20. September 2024 - 14:50
Breakfast was good and the people who work there are nice but they said they have no stamp!
25. May 2024 - 21:04
Ate here after needing a break from all those pilgrim menus. Amazing food. English/Irish couple run this. It’s very small so go early and be prepared to wait in their tiny downstairs bar. If you don’t rave about the food you will be the first!
9. May 2024 - 18:11
Dannys café Bar, Rua Amado Losado, just around the corner from Zendoira Hostel. Absolutely the best service og very good food
28. April 2024 - 22:37
Does not take reservations, 1st come 1st serve. Excellent service & food. lasagna, carbonara & meatballs excellent. Dinner comes with a small salad & 2 pieces of garlic bread. Native English speakers. Closes at 9pm
Esta entidad ha sido beneficiaria de una ayuda del Programa de incentivos a la movilidad eficiente y sostenible (MOVES III), gestionado por la Xunta de Galicia a través del Instituto Enerxético de Galicia (INEGA) en el marco del Real Decreto 266/2021, y cofinanciada por la Unión Europea — NextGenerationEU, dentro del Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia.
