Spiritual Variant Camino Portuguese along the coast
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The Portuguese Coastal Camino de Santiago with its Spiritual Variant is an alternative to the original route and is said to be the very origin of all Caminos.
Wondering if this alternative route is worth it? We’re sure you won’t regret choosing it.
The Spiritual Variant includes three stages before joining the Portuguese Central Camino at Pontecesures. However, to qualify for the Compostela certificate, you must cover at least 100 km, so starting in Redondela is ideal.
Departing from Redondela, you’ll explore iconic sites like Pontevedra and its beautiful historic quarter, Combarro with its striking hórreos, the Cistercian monastery in Armenteira, and Vilanova de Arousa, birthplace of renowned Spanish writer Ramón María del Valle-Inclán.
One unique feature of the Spiritual Variant is that one of its stages is done by boat! Exciting, right?
Known as the Traslatio, this journey from Vilanova de Arousa takes you across the Arousa estuary and up the Ulla River to Pontecesures, allowing you to witness the only river Via Crucis in Galicia.
Since we know you want to enjoy the Camino to the fullest, we organize everything for you. What do you say—are you in?
- 🛌 5 Nights
- 🥾 4 Stages
- 🍂 98 KM (60 Miles)
what is included?
- Accomodation.
- Luggage transfers.
- Paperwork.
- Boat Transfer
- Travel insurance.
- Support telephone number.
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Stages
Your adventure begins in Pontevedra, still along the Portuguese Central Camino de Santiago.
Exploring its charming historic center and tasting its gastronomy are must-dos for every pilgrim!
In this first stage, you’ll leave Pontevedra by crossing the A Barca bridge into Poio. About 4 km inland, you’ll encounter the Monastery of Poio, an architectural complex originally built in the 10th century, boasting one of the largest granaries (hórreos) in Galicia. After visiting the monastery, you’ll head down to the coast and, after about a 3 km walk, reach Combarro, one of Galicia’s most picturesque villages.
Combarro is a beautifully preserved fishing village whose historic center was declared a protected artistic site in 1972. It’s famous for its seaside hórreos and charming fishermen’s houses.
Leaving Combarro, you’ll ascend to the Loureiro viewpoint, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views over the Ría de Pontevedra. After a break, continue uphill to finish the stage in Armenteira, where you can visit the impressive Cistercian Monastery of Santa María de Armenteira with its well-preserved 17th-century cloister.
After resting in Armenteira, you’ll begin the day by walking one of the most beautiful sections of the Spiritual Variant: the famous Ruta da Pedra e do Auga. This stunning natural trail offers a peaceful escape immersed in the historic landscape of the area, with picturesque waterfalls and old mills that reflect its rich cultural past.
Along the way, you’ll pass through charming villages like Meis and Ribadumia, finally reaching Pontearnelas. After completing the Ruta da Pedra e do Auga, you’ll continue through scenic vineyards until you reach the end of this stage in Vilanova de Arousa.
In Vilanova de Arousa, you can visit the House-Museum of Ramón del Valle-Inclán, one of Galicia’s most celebrated modern writers, or the lovely Church of Santa María de Caleiro.
This third stage takes you by boat before reconnecting with the Portuguese Camino in Pontecesures. Departing from the port of Vilanova de Arousa, you’ll embark on the famous Traslatio — a scenic journey along the mouth of the Ría de Arousa and up the Ulla River. On this unique fluvial via crucis (the only one in Galicia), you’ll also see the Viking Towers of Catoira, adding a touch of history to the route.
After arriving in Pontecesures, you’ll continue on foot until you reach Padrón. Known for its literary heritage as the birthplace of Rosalía de Castro and Nobel Prize winner Camilo José Cela, Padrón is also famous for its peppers — some are spicy, and some are not!
In this final stage, you’ll depart from Padrón toward Iria Flavia and A Escravitude. In Iria Flavia, be sure to visit its beautiful collegiate church, and in A Escravitude, you’ll find the sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin of Slavery.
Leaving these towns behind, the path leads through the municipalities of Teo and Ames before reaching the iconic Plaza del Obradoiro in Santiago de Compostela.
Congratulations — goal achieved
Opcional Services
- Extra charge for single room.
- Breakfast.
- Dinner
- Transfers (airport, starting point)
FAQ
The Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Camino is a scenic and historical detour that branches off from the main Portuguese Camino route. It’s an alternative option for pilgrims seeking a unique experience, blending natural beauty with spiritual and historical significance. The Spiritual Variant follows three stages that take pilgrims through quiet countryside, along rivers, and past cultural landmarks before rejoining the main Portuguese Camino in Pontecesures.
The standout feature of the Spiritual Variant is the Traslatio, a boat journey from Vilanova de Arousa up the Ulla River to Pontecesures. This journey commemorates the legendary route that the disciples of St. James took when they transported his body to Galicia. It also includes the only fluvial Via Crucis (Stations of the Cross) in the world, with stone crosses marking the river’s course. Along the way, pilgrims can view historical sites like the Viking Towers of Catoira.
The Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Camino typically spans approximately 97 kilometers. It is divided into three stages before it reconnects with the main Portuguese Camino in Pontecesures.
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