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This short stage from Vigo in Spain offers the opportunity to walk on the Coastal, Central and Spiritual variant of the Portuguese Camino paths. Enjoy the wealth of history and natural landscapes as the trail heads north through small hamlets, past eucalyptus and pine woods, over ancient bridges and along stunning coastal scenery. From Pontevedra you'll join the Spiritual variant, marveling at the Ruta da Pedra e da Auga (Route of Stone and Water) and relaxing on a boat trip through the Arousa estuary. Throughout the journey there are ample reminders of past pilgrims and the route offers many insights into the religious significance of the Camino. Walking the last 100km to the holy city of Santiago ensures you qualify for the Compostela certificate upon your arrival at the cathedral.
The Spiritual variant is an officially recognized route, including the boat ride from Vilanova de Arousa to Pontecesures (you can even get a stamp onboard).
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Day 1
Arrive Vigo
Make your own way to Vigo (in Spain) and the joining hotel. Vigo is a typical Galician town with a wide sandy beach. Its old quarter Casco Vello is home to the neoclassical Church of Santa María. Nearby is the archaeological site of Castro de Vigo, on the slopes of O Castro Mountain. Time permitting you can explore its nature trails and climb to the top, where there are the remains of the old walled city and lovely views of the Vigo estuary. We can assist with booking pre-tour accommodation on request, please ask our team.
Meals: D
Day 2
Walk on the main Portuguese Camino to Arcade (5-6hrs)
The route as you leave Vigo is mainly uphill and will reward you with spectacular views as you enter the Senda da Auga (water trail). Continue to Redondela, where you will join the main Portuguese Camino route, and on to the small town of Arcade, which is known for its oysters. Overnight in Arcade. Distance 23km/14.4mi
Meals: B,D
Day 3
A shorter walk to Pontevedra (3-4hrs)
You start the day by walking over the beautiful old bridge at Ponte Sampaio. From here there’s a steep uphill stretch following ancient stone paths before the path descends to the provincial capital of Pontevedra. There are some interesting sites to be explored in Pontevedra including the Santuario da Peregrin chapel and the Convento de San Francisco. The Medieval town centre is a maze of cobbled laneways with tapas bars and cafes. Overnight in Pontevedra. Distance 13km/8.1mi
Day 4
Walk the Spiritual Variant to Armenteira (4-5hrs)
Today you leave the main Portuguese Camino and join the Spiritual variant, walking to Armenteira. From the Sanctuary of the Pilgrim, in the heart of Pontevedra's historic centre, on leaving town you'll cross the Lérez River via the Burgo Bridge and gradually enter a rural area. Continue along secondary roads and some well-trodden dirt tracks that will lead you to the Monastery of San Xoán de Poio. From here, the path descends to the charming fishing village of Combarro before heading uphill to the Mirador do Loureiro viewpoint. Enter a predominantly rural area, passing through small forests with the sound of the Armenteira River in the background. The final section up to Armenteira is the most demanding part of the stage, with a fairly steep ascent. The stage ends at the peaceful Monastery of Santa María de Armenteira. Distance 21km/13.2mi
Meals: B
Day 5
Continue to Vilanova de Arousa (5-6hrs)
From the Armenteira Monastery the trail descends through forests, past mills and small waterfalls along the Ruta da Pedra e da Auga (Route of Stone and Water). This is one of the most beautiful sections of the Spiritual Variant. From Barrantes, you'll pass vineyards and small villages. In Pontearnelas, you'll reach the Umia River estuary and soon arrive at the Arousa Estuary. Pass the Illa de Arousa (Island of Arousa) in the middle of the estuary and, continuing along the path to Playa del Terrón (Terrón Beach), you'll reach the Vilanova de Arousa Marina. Overnight in the capital of the Arousa Estuary and the natural port of Santiago de Compostela. Distance 24km/15mi
Day 6
By boat to Pontecesures, continue on foot to Ames or surrounds (3-4hrs)
From the Marina in Vilanova you'll travel by boat (approx 15 nautical miles, 1.5hrs) along the Arousa estuary, passing mussel rafts and Cortegada Island, part of the Atlantic Islands Marine-Terrestrial National Park. This boat takes you into the Ulla River estuary, where you'll see the markers indicating the route of the world's only Maritime-Fluvial Way of the Cross. You'll pass through Catoira, in front of the iconic Torres de Oeste (West Towers), and continue along a stretch of river surrounded by vegetation until you reach the Pontecesures dock. Here you'll disembark to continue on foot through Padron towards Santiago. Our usual accommodation is an old farmhouse with pool in the small town of Ames. To Ames approx 16km/10mi, ascent +200m/656ft, descent 30km/98ft approx
Day 7
Through typical Galician landscape to Santiago (3hrs)
The last day on the Camino takes you through small villages, meadows, fields, and forests. Typical Galician landscapes will guide you along paved roads and well-trodden dirt paths. At the end of the day you walk into the outskirts of Santiago. You'll pass through O Milladoiro and, leaving the Alameda de Santiago behind, enter the cobbled streets of its historic centre and soon reach the Plaza del Obradoiro, where the imposing Cathedral of Santiago stands. Overnight in Santiago. Distance approx 10km/6mi, ascent +230m/656ft, descent -170m/558ft
Day 8
Trip concludes Santiago de Compostela
Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast. We can assist with booking extra nights on request.
What's included
What's not included
During the trip you will be accommodated in comfortable hotels and guesthouses with ensuite facilities.
GRADE 3 - Daily walks are between 12-24km (7.5-15mi) on well marked trails over diverse terrain –from relatively flat to hilly. The trail takes you along quiet rural roads, occasionally on the verges of roads with traffic. Some of the route is on walking trails away from the road and there are often alternative routes available. Route finding is reasonably straight forward following the yellow arrows and granite pillars (showing distance to Santiago), however you still need to be vigilant as markers from other trails can be confusing (refer below for further details on self guided adventures). However our notes include hints and pointers to help you navigate the route. The route will inevitably cross main roads close to cities and towns, although the majority is on side roads and walking trails. The main areas to concentrate on route finding are arriving and leaving towns and cities. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.
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Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.
Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.
With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love.
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