A Balsa

Camino Frances

To end of camino
129.7
Altitude
740

A Ferrería

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0.40

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A Balsa

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5.00

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Montán

You will notice very quickly, through both smell and sight, that dairy cows are the primary trade. The light brown color gives them their name, the Rubia Gallega; though you will also see an imported imposter, the Dutch Holstein.

The Road

Between here and San Xil you will pass a large fountain with a large scallop shell with a lot of graffiti and algae. Beyond that by two more kilometers is the Alto de Riocabo. You will also pass through San Xil de Carballo, with no services.

City Map
Accommodation in A Balsa.
Private
Albergue El Beso
13€
16
Booking.com

Comments

14. October 2025 - 22:28

All Caminos App User (not verified)

This ecological albergue rests in a quiet green valley and comes as a very welcome change for anyone looking for some quiet time surrounded by nature! With their down to earth vibes, friendly check in with the Dutch host Marijn, hammocks in the forest, delicious communal dinner (partially sourced from their own garden and) cooked by the delightful Italian hostess Jessica, this place felt like a holiday on the Camino. We are not vegan but the three course meal was super tasty and very filling! They give the pilgrims space to land and be by themselves (or with each other) and only interact when it's time for checking in, dinner or if you have any questions. They're both super warm and helpful people! We arrived, picked a bed, had a lovely shower in the eco-lodge style bathrooms (stone walls with niches), did our laundry and headed straight for the hammocks before we even saw anyone. It felt so comfortable and homey (as opposed to a lot of the very structured albergues). The cool wooden bunks were comfy (nice to feel actual linen as opposed to the plastic sheets!) and they put out a basic self service breakfast for those who want (if you need more, you will find Terra de Luz with a big donativo buffet further up the hill). The location of El Beso is fantastic and the people are lovely so definitely choose to walk the extra 2km for something unique instead of stopping in Triacastela!

31. August 2025 - 13:56

All Caminos App User (not verified)

Stayed here in October 2023. Wonderfully relaxing place with lots of evidence of past recycling, beautiful vegan food, friendly but unintrusive hostess, unhurried exit time etc etc. Would certainly stay here again if I ever do another camino.

23. June 2025 - 19:36

All Caminos App User (not verified)

Just up the road from El Beso auberge is a wonderful surprise… an Art Gallery! The restored building grabs your attention & Arthur’s Camino watercolors are beautiful. You may even get your credential hand painted.

25. May 2025 - 8:49

All Caminos App User (not verified)

Don’t fear the la k of breakfast in Balsa. Pass through Montan and you’ll find the pilgrim rest stop on left with tons of fruit, snacks, juices and such. Run by Australians.

5. May 2025 - 10:52

All Caminos App User (not verified)

This place has it all. Friendly hosts, a delicious pilgrims meal, bunk beds that are funky and comfortable, and a place to relax in the woods out back. Even a trampoline for the kids. We were able to securely store our bikes.

11. September 2024 - 11:04

All Caminos App User (not verified)

We decided to walk slightly further past Triacastela to A Balsa, Albergue El Beso. We had an amazing stay. The albergue is beautiful - timber bunks and great showers, and a hammocks area out the back of the albergue. The owners Marijn and Jessica are vegans (we are not vegan ourselves), and we got served an amazing meal - one of the best we have had on the Camino! Highly highly recommend this as a place to stay.

9. August 2024 - 11:01

All Caminos App User (not verified)

It’s a very laid back albergue with a selection of hammocks in the woods at the back of the albergue.

The albergue had a hippy, chilled vibe with wooden bunks in one room and a smaller room with four beds nearest the kitchen.

We had dinner outside and all the windows and doors were left open - which led to a mosquito invasion once the lights were out. I’ve never experienced so many in one room, as they buzzed about my head, dive bombing me in the dark. I thought I was going to wake up the next morning looking like a well used pin cushion.

Insect dive bombing aside, this rustic hippie enclave should appeal to pilgrims keen to escape the municipal experience

27. May 2024 - 17:23

All Caminos App User (not verified)

This place was a delight. There are thoughtfully placed seating areas outside with gorgeous views of the valley. The owners are a couple who met on the Camino and now live on the Camino, sharing their eco-friendly worldview with pilgrims. Delicious vegan meal. Quiet solid bunks and dark room. One of my best sleeps on the Camino.

10. July 2023 - 11:40

All Caminos App User (not verified)

Très bel endroit, cool, ressemble à un refuge montagnard ! Délicieux repas végétarien.
Je recommande hautement ce gîte.

1. November 2022 - 19:40

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

I stayed here in October. Family-run, home-cooked meal and breakfast options. Pleasant atmosphere creating good camaraderie among the pilgrims.