Ruta of Father Sarmiento Camino along Rías Baixas

The Ruta del Padre Sarmiento begins in Pontevedra, a city that blends historic charm with modern appeal. Highlights include the Iglesia Virgen de la Peregrina, an 18th-century church dedicated to the city’s patron saint, the 13th-century Convento de San Francisco, the Plaza de la Leña, the Ruins of Santo Domingo, and the Pontevedra Museum.

Continuing along the coast, we pass through Poio, known for its stunning monastery with one of Galicia’s largest granaries (hórreos), dating back to the 7th century, and Combarro, a fishing village renowned for its granaries and narrow stone streets, declared an Artistic Heritage Site in 1972.

Further along, we come to Chancelas and Raxó, with panoramic views of the Ría de Pontevedra. Here, the historic Isla de Tambo sits prominently, once attacked by Francis Drake in 1589. Moving into Sanxenxo, we reach the A Granxa viewpoint—a perfect spot to admire the Ría. The journey ends in Sanxenxo’s town center, where visitors can relax and enjoy the local cuisine.

The second stage of the Ruta del Padre Sarmiento begins in Sanxenxo, starting at Silgar Beach. After about 2 km, you’ll reach Portonovo, a scenic fishing village now popular with tourists.

From Portonovo, the path heads to Punta Seame, offering views of the Ons, Cíes, and Sálvora Islands in the Rías of Pontevedra, Vigo, and Arousa. As you follow the coast, you’ll pass blue-flag beaches like Montalvo, Paxariñas, the nudist beach Bascuas, Major, and Pragueira. Just after Major Beach lies Punta Faxilda in Noalla parish, a stunning viewpoint over the Ría de Pontevedra, with impressive cliffs and breathtaking sunsets.

Nearby, the route reaches Nuestra Señora de la Lanzada Hermitage and the Castro de la Lanzada, one of Galicia’s oldest Celtic settlements, dating back to the 8th century B.C. Next to it is the well-preserved hermitage from the late 12th century, and the Torre de la Lanzada, a 9th-century tower originally used to signal Viking attacks.

Moving on, the path reaches La Lanzada Beach, over 2 km long and ideal for surfing. About 8 km further, you’ll reach O Grove, the end of this stage, with views over the Umia-Ons intertidal complex, a natural haven for marine birds and flora. O Grove is the perfect spot to rest and sample its famous seafood cuisine.

The third stage of the Ruta del Padre Sarmiento is a circular route of approximately 28 km, starting and ending in O Grove. This stage takes you around the stunning Ría de Arousa, one of the most beautiful rías in Galicia.

We begin in the town center, where you can visit the fish market (lonja) and the Plaza de Abastos. The Plaza de Abastos is a must-see, as it’s where you can interact with locals, learn about their consumption habits, and immerse yourself in the community’s traditions.

Next, we venture into the historic center, where charming fishermen’s houses and narrow streets transport you back in time when fishing and commerce were the main sources of livelihood. Today, tourism also plays a key role in the village’s economy.

Leaving the town behind, the route heads towards Isla da Toxa, renowned for its luxury casinos, hotels, and spa resorts offering healing thermal treatments. Despite its commercial development, the island also has other intriguing sites, such as the Capilla de las Conchas, a 12th-century chapel with a façade covered in thousands of scallop shells, giving it a distinctive white color.

Another fun stop is the Aldea de los Grobits, a quirky children’s park with small houses inspired by the Hobbits from “The Lord of the Rings.”

From Isla da Toxa, the route continues to San Vicente do Mar, famous for its stunning golden sandy beaches and the Monte Siradella. At Monte Siradella, you’ll be treated to one of the most breathtaking views of the Ría de Arousa, with distant views of the Atlantic Islands National Park and its islands: Ons, Cíes, and Sálvora.

In San Vicente, you can also enjoy a slow walk along the Paseo de Pedras Negras, a peaceful trail near the sea where local flora and fauna thrive in perfect harmony. Along the way, you’ll see large rocks with natural shapes that invite your imagination to wander.

The stage concludes with a 3 km walk back to the town of O Grove, completing this picturesque circular route.

In this fourth stage of the Ruta del Padre Sarmiento, we depart from O Grove towards the A Revolta area in Noalla. Here, we take a small trail that crosses the marshes, a ZEPA (Special Protection Area), home to a rich variety of bird species living in harmony.

After a few kilometers through the marshes, we arrive at Dena, located in the municipality of Meaño, where we encounter the famous telleiras. You might wonder, what is a telleira? This intertidal area was historically used for extracting clay, which was then used to produce ceramics, bricks, and tiles. There were once 28 telleiras, spread across the municipalities of Sanxenxo, Meaño, and Cambados, forming a key part of the region’s economy. Today, some of these sites remain in good condition.

As we move on, we begin to see the iconic Albariño vineyards, and we arrive at Castrelo, near Cambados, the capital of Albariño wine.

From Castrelo, we head inland towards the fishing district of Santo Tomé. This historic neighborhood, dating back to the 15th century, is filled with narrow streets and traditional fishermen’s houses, offering a glimpse into the past. The area also features the Pazo de Montesacro, an 18th-century manor house now used as a retirement home, and the Torre de San Sadurniño.

The Torre de San Sadurniño, located on A Figueira Island, has long been thought to have been built during the medieval period to fend off Viking and pirate attacks in the 9th and 10th centuries. However, recent research suggests the tower may have been constructed in the 15th or 16th century for the same defensive purposes. Some even speculate that a similar tower once existed in this location, just as with the towers of La Lanzada or Catoira.

Leaving Santo Tomé, we make our way into the heart of Cambados, a town originally formed by the three villages: Cambados, Fefiñans, and Santo Tomé.

In Cambados, we can visit the Casa Consistorial, built in the 19th century and formerly used as a prison and courthouse, and the Parador de Turismo, an old manor house once belonging to the family of Emilia Pardo Bazán, a famous Galician writer. Another highlight is the Pazo Torrado, an 18th-century manor house now used as an exhibition hall by the town council.

A little further, we enter Fefiñans, with its charming cobbled streets and the impressive Plaza de Fefiñans. The Pazo de Fefiñans, built in the 16th century, was once the market square where agricultural products and wine were sold. It also features an archway connecting to the pazo; originally there were four arches, but three were demolished to allow for easier access by carriages.

The Pazo Fefiñans was built by the Valladares family to defend the town from pirate attacks. The structure, shaped like an “L,” features three circular balconies and what is often mistakenly called the “Torre del Homenaje”. Unlike military castles, this was merely a lookout tower for leisure or showcasing power, not for military defense.

To finish the stage, we visit one of Galicia’s most unique cemeteries, Santa Mariña do Dozo, which is part of the Association of Singular Cemeteries of Europe. The site features the ruins of a Gothic-Marine church built on a Romanesque chapel, dating back to the late 15th century. Though only part of the bell tower and four transverse arches remain, the site is still used as a cemetery.

Nearby, you can also find the Mirador de A Pastora, a great spot to enjoy one of the best views of the Ría de Arousa.

This stage concludes with the opportunity to enjoy the best Albariño wine at the many local wineries and savor the delicious local seafood and gastronomy.

In the first section of the fifth stage, we head along the Cambados promenade towards the A Seca Tide Mill, one of the few remaining tidal mills in Galicia. This mill is remarkable for its engineering, utilizing the rising and falling tides to function efficiently. It was restored and converted into a museum, though it is now somewhat abandoned.

Continuing along the Cambados coastline, a few kilometers later, we reach the over 2 km bridge that connects to the Illa de Arousa.

Following the northern coastline of the island, we come across the O Xufre fishing port. Illa de Arousa is renowned for its beaches and seafood, set in the idyllic Ría de Arousa. The local community primarily relies on fishing, although tourism has been increasingly important in recent years.

A little further, we arrive at the town center, where we can wander through its quaint streets before heading inland to the Mirador do Con or Mirador do Santo. This viewpoint is famous for its Corazón de Jesús sculpture, built in 1962. From here, we can enjoy breathtaking views of the Ría de Arousa, as it is the highest point on the island.

Next, we descend a bit to reach one of the most iconic spots on the island, the Punta Cabalo Lighthouse.

Built in 1852, the Punta Cabalo Lighthouse was first lit in October 1853. After several renovations, it was transformed into a restaurant, though some original elements remain, such as a sun dial carved into stone and a small dock.

From this location, we can enjoy unparalleled views of the O Barbanza region in the northern part of the Ría de Arousa, as well as observe numerous mussel rafts—a testament to the production of the world’s finest mussels. We can also spot Monte de A Curota, located in Ribeira.

Adjacent to the lighthouse, we can visit blue flag beaches such as O Faro Beach and A Secada Beach.

From here, we will follow a wooden boardwalk that takes us to Niño do Corvo, crossing the southern coastline of the island, until we reach the Muelle do Pau, an old pier built in the early 20th century that once served the Goday Canning Factory.

The factory was a significant source of wealth for the town until its closure in 1961. Notably, King Alfonso XII chose the products from this factory to supply the Royal Household.

To conclude this stage, we’ll visit the Canning Museum, located near the Muelle do Pau, offering a deep dive into the island’s rich history of canning and its importance to the local economy.

The sixth stage will begin in the center of Illa de Arousa, but this time, we will head towards the southern part of the island to visit the Carreirón area, a protected zone (ZEPA) (though not declared a Natural Park).

This area of Carreirón belongs to the Umia-O Grove Intertidal Complex, which is also part of the Natura 2000 Network.

We will take a circular walk (3.6 km) around the park to enjoy its landscape in a “slow” and sustainable manner. The park is particularly known for its numerous fine sandy coves and the absence of buildings that could disturb the visual harmony of the landscape. Moreover, it is a paradise for many bird species and native vegetation.

At the end of this short circular route, we will cross the bridge to the area of Vilanova de Arousa and its O Terrón beach.

We will continue along the coast until we reach the center of Vilanova de Arousa, where the Padre Sarmiento Route intersects with the Variant Espiritual of the Portuguese Camino. Through the Translatio, this offers an opportunity to explore the origins of all the Camino routes.

In Vilanova de Arousa, we can visit the Casa-Museum of D. Ramón del Valle Inclán, one of the most famous contemporary writers born in Galicia. This house is a Galician pazo built in the 16th century over an old fortress.

Another notable monument is the Iglesia de Santa María de Caleiro, a Romanesque-style church that still retains parts from when it was built in the 12th century. It also contains parts from the 16th century, such as the Chapel of Cristo de Crespol.

Nearby is the Pazo de Rúa Nova, an excellent construction declared a Historic-Artistic Monument, built during the 16th century. It also features an 18th-century chapel dedicated to San Miguel.

To finish this stage, we will visit the Towers of Cálogo, located in the ruins of the Monastery of Cálogo. These towers are believed to have existed since the 12th century and were used to signal ships.

As a final note, though not part of the Padre Sarmiento Route, I would like to highlight Monte Lobeira and its Mirador das Lúas, an amazing viewpoint offering an unbeatable panoramic view of the Ría de Arousa.

The seventh stage will begin at As Sinas beach in Vilanova de Arousa, following the coastline for a few kilometers until we reach the village of Vilaxoán.

In Vilaxoán, besides exploring its fishing port, we can visit the Romanesque Church of San Martín de Sobrán, a church built in the 12th century. Noteworthy for the checkerboard pattern of its windows, it is considered one of the most beautiful churches in Galicia.

Leaving Vilaxoán, we will continue along the coastline to Vilagarcía de Arousa, where the next stop will be the Pazo and Convent of Vista Alegre, declared a National Historic-Artistic Monument.

The Pazo was built in the 16th century by Álvaro de Mendoza y Soutomaior. Later, in the 17th century, Fernando de Andrade Soutomaior y Caamaño founded the convent and the church of the Augustinian Recollect nuns, which are linked by a large arch.

In the center of Vilagarcía de Arousa, we will find Plaza de España and one of its most emblematic monuments, the Iglesia de Santa Baia de Arealonga. This Baroque-style church was built in the 17th century, although it was constructed on the site of a chapel or church of unknown origin, with a parish existing here since the 12th century.

After leaving the center of Vilagarcía de Arousa, we will head towards Carril via Compostela beach.

Carril is a typical fishing village, famous for its clams and seafood, which are the main sources of income for the local population.

From Carril, we can visit one of the lesser-known islands of the Atlantic Islands National Park, Cortegada Island.

Cortegada Island was used as a camping area and disembarking port for Norman and Saracen pirates during the 10th and 11th centuries. The infamous Norman pirate Olaf, later proclaimed King of Norway and now a saint and patron of the country, constantly raided until he was defeated by Alfonso V and sent back to his homeland.

In addition, the island boasts the largest laurel forest in Europe. Through its two interpretative routes, visitors can learn about the island’s history.

After visiting Cortegada, this stage will conclude. It will be time to relax and enjoy Carril’s famous clams, renowned worldwide.

The eighth stage will begin in Carril, following the coastline of the Ría de Arousa and entering the mouth of the Ulla River, offering a stunning natural landscape of marshes and forests. This section of the route, leading to Catoira, will allow us to enjoy a wild and untouched environment.

Catoira is an ancient town, believed to have been inhabited since the 2nd century BC, with a Castro settlement. Later, in the 9th century, King Alfonso III established the first significant settlement in the area, during which the Torres del Oeste (West Towers) were built as part of a defensive fortress.

The Torres del Oeste (National Monument) are remnants of a large fortress, initially constructed in the late 9th century to protect Santiago de Compostela and surrounding areas from Viking, Saracen, and Norman invaders. The fortress originally had seven towers, but only two towers and a pre-Romanesque chapel remain standing today.

In commemoration of these historic invasions, every year on the first weekend of August, the Viking Pilgrimage is celebrated. The event reenacts Viking raids using authentic Viking boats and period costumes, with local inhabitants from Catoira fighting against participants from Frederikssund, Denmark, a long-time twin town.

After learning about these battles and invasions, we will head inland towards the Ulla-Deza river system, passing through Portas, until reaching our next stop, Pontecesures.

To enter Pontecesures, we will cross a bridge that spans the Ulla River and also separates the provinces of Pontevedra and A Coruña. This Roman bridge was built in the 1st century and later renovated in the 12th century by the famous architect Master Mateo.

In the town, we will visit the Church of San Xulián de Requeixo, built in the 12th century by Archbishop Xelmírez. The church is particularly notable for its impressive bell tower.

Another notable building is A Factoría, or Casa de Alfolí, a 18th-century structure that once stored tobacco, salt, and sulfur.

In Pontecesures, the Ruta del Padre Sarmiento intersects with the Portuguese Way of St. James.

Leaving Pontecesures, we will follow the path of the Portuguese Way, close to the Río Sar, until we reach Padrón.

Padrón is famous for being the birthplace of prominent writers such as Rosalía de Castro and Camilo José Cela, winner of the 1989 Nobel Prize for Literature.

The Portuguese Way takes us through the narrow streets of Padrón’s old town, passing the Plaza de Abastos, a local market square. Every Sunday, there is a lively fair held outside the market, where visitors can buy various products.

As we continue along the route, we will reach the Riverside Walk of Espolón, where we will find two significant statues. On the southern side stands the statue of Camilo José Cela, while the northern side is home to a statue of Rosalía de Castro, one of the leading figures of the Rexurdimento (Galician literary renaissance).

At the end of the promenade, we will arrive at the Church of Santiago, a Neoclassical-style church, known for housing the Pedrón, a Roman altar dedicated to the god Neptune. According to legend, this is where the disciples of St. James tied the boat that carried his remains from Palestine.

After visiting this small church, we will head to one of Padrón’s most iconic spots: Mount San Gregorio and the Santiaguiño Hermitage.

On this hill, near the hermitage, are sacred rocks where St. James is said to have preached. With his staff, he miraculously made a clear spring of water emerge from beneath an early Christian hermitage once located here.

Each year, on St. James’ Day, the town celebrates the Romería del Santiaguiño, a traditional pilgrimage declared of Tourist Interest.

Back in town, we should also visit places such as the Botanical Garden, the Palace of Quito, or the Rosalía de Castro House-Museum, dedicated to the writer who led the Rexurdimento movement in 19th-century Galicia. Her most famous works, Cantares Gallegos and Follas Novas, remain her lasting legacy.

With all this, we conclude this penultimate stage of the journey. It will be the perfect time to sample Padrón peppers, which are famous for their unpredictable heat — some are spicy, others not so much!

In this final stage, we begin in Padrón and head towards Iría Flavia, following the route of the Portuguese Way.

Upon arriving in Iría Flavia, our first stop will be the Church of Santa María la Mayor, one of the oldest churches in Galicia. Although its exact origin is uncertain, it is believed to be pre-Romanesque. Surrounding the church is a cemetery where 28 bishops are buried, underscoring the historical significance of this site.

After visiting the church and its cemetery, we will head to the Camilo José Cela Foundation, a complex spanning more than 11,000 m², where we can find private collections, manuscripts, and personal belongings of the famous writer. The foundation also houses a library and a pinacotheca with over 700 original paintings.

Leaving Iría Flavia behind, we get closer to Santiago de Compostela, passing through small villages such as A Escravitude, Cruces, and A Picaraña. We will then travel through the municipalities of Ames and Milladoiro before reaching the city.

Our entrance to Santiago de Compostela will be through Rosalía de Castro Street, leading us to the Alameda area, where the historic center begins.

We will enter the old city through the iconic Porta Faxeira, cross Rúa do Franco, and finally arrive at the final destination of our pilgrimage: the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

After 9 stages and more than 180 km, we will have reached our goal, following in the footsteps of Padre Sarmiento in 1745. A unique and unforgettable pilgrimage, culminating in the arrival at this city full of history and religious significance.