Overview
Vilalba is a modest Galician town of 13,800 residents that earns its place as a stopover on the Camino del Norte pilgrimage route from the Cantabrian coast toward Santiago de Compostela. The main draw is the restored medieval castle (Torre dos Andrade) now operating as the Parador, offering atmospheric accommodation inside original 13th-century fortifications built by the Andrade tyrants.
Architecture · Budget Travel · History
Before you go
Accommodation
Pilgrim hostels (albergues) near the Parador offer budget beds from €12-20/night. Mid-range hotels at €55-80 B&B. Parador in the castle costs from €120 B&B for a unique experience.
Culture
The town had a 20thth century tradition of radical journalism and publication that Franco suppressed. Modern Vilalba is a quiet light-industrial service town with little tourist development.
Money
Spain uses euro (€). ATMs on Rúa da Pravia. Most restaurants and hotels accept cards, but smaller tapas bars may prefer cash.
Transport
Galicia Region buses run every couple of hours from Lugo to Vilalba (40-60 min). Direct buses from Santiago (2/day) and A Coruña (1/day). Bus station is 1 km northeast of centre with no facilities.
Weather
Vilalba sits at 480m elevation at the confluence of three rivers. Winters are cold and nights can be chilly even in summer. Pack layers and rain gear for any season.