Camino Portuguese Spiritual Variant
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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 significance of the Camino de Santiago lies in its deep-rooted history as a Christian pilgrimage to the tomb of Saint James in Santiago de Compostela. It offers a journey of personal reflection, inner growth, and connection with the divine, providing pilgrims an opportunity for contemplation, prayer, and self-discovery. The physical challenges of the walk symbolize life’s struggles, while the arrival in Santiago represents spiritual fulfillment. Along the route, sacred landmarks and the hospitality of fellow pilgrims deepen the sense of community and shared spirituality, making the Camino a transformative journey for all who undertake it.
The Spiritual Variant of the Camino de Santiago (also known as the Variante Espiritual) is an alternative route that follows a path closer to the sea, offering a more introspective and spiritually focused experience. It was traditionally considered the origin of all Camino routes and is marked by its peaceful and serene surroundings, encouraging personal reflection and connection to nature.
This variant includes a section where pilgrims travel by boat (the Traslatio), crossing the Arousa estuary and the Ulla River, symbolizing the journey of Saint James’ body to Galicia.
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