Spiritual Variant

Every great journey begins only with dreaming about it.

Discover the Spiritual Variant

A variant of the Central Portuguese Way or Portuguese Coastal Way is the Spiritual Variant that branches off in Pontevedra. It passes through the majestic monasteries of Poio and Armenteira and heads to Vilanova de Arousa, following the Stone and Water Way, lined with fountains, chapels, and beautifully flowing streams, known as one of the most beautiful ways in Galicia. In Vilanova de Arousa, at the foot of the estuary that bears its name, we will embark to Pontecesures to continue the way by sea, following the same way that the remains of Apostle Santiago took on their journey to Compostela. We will sail through a natural landscape of great beauty and enjoy the only maritime-fluvial Via Crucis in the world, where we can contemplate seventeen centuries-old crosses, as well as the spectacular Torres del Oeste, which identify this Way of Saint James as the Translatio, the origin of all the ways.

Safety and Peace of Mind

Our rates include travel insurance and vehicle assistance in case of emergency, for your safety and peace of mind.

Customized Way

If you want to cover fewer kilometers per day, we can design this route with more days of duration (suitable for older people or families with children).

Special Discounts

Discounts available for groups starting from 4 people. Inquire. (Not combinable with other discounts)

More details

Origin

Vigo
Direction Arrows

Destination

Santiago de Compostela
Direction Arrows

Duration

8 days / 7 nights / 6 nights
Direction Arrows

Total Kms

108,8
Direction Arrows

Price / person

Consult

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services

Services

Full and customizable services for a worry-free experience on the Wey of Santiago.

Services Included

Accommodations in Hotels, Rural Houses, Hostels

Special breakfast

Travel assistance insurance in Spain

Emergency roadside assistance vehicle

Informative digital dossier on the road

On-way Telephone Assistance

Luggage transfer on the stages

✓ 1 suitcase per person, maximum 20Kgs

Transfer by boat from Vilanova de Arousa to Pontecesures.

Special gifts, including the Pilgrim's Credential, the Pilgrim's Scallop and a typical Galician product.

No cancellation fees

✓ Up to 10 days before starting the Camino

IVA

Optional Services

Transfer from Santiago Airport

1 day excursions (Bus)

✓ Finisterre (Costa da morte) and/or Rias Baixas.

Extra night in Santiago

✓ Consult Rate.

Single room supplement

✓ Consult

Additional baggage

✓ Consult rate if you bring more than 1 suitcase per person

Cancellation Insurance

Remember that the cost of the optional services chosen will be added to the base price of your route. We are committed to making your pilgrimage an unforgettable and carefree experience. Welcome to the Wey!

Stages

Discover the Wey of Santiago towards the majestic Santiago de Compostela.

Welcome to the beginning of your journey. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

  • Duration: 6h
  • Difficulty: Low

Breakfast and start of the stage.

Once we leave Vigo, the Way runs parallel to the coast until reaching Arcade.

We will follow this stage, along the Senda da Traida das Augas, from the start at Vigo, until we reach the halfway point of the stage, practically, with our sights set on the Cíes Islands in the distance, as well as the Rande Bridge and the San Simón Cove.

From Redondela, the way joins the one that links up with the Central Portuguese Way. From here, we walk towards the town of Cesantes, with permanent views of the Vigo estuary, and after 4 km, we reach Arcade, famous for its famous oysters and excellent restaurants where you can taste its seafood, putting an end to today’s stage.

Arrival in Arcade. Lodging.

  • Duration: 3h 15m
  • Difficulty: Low

Breakfast and start of the stage
We highlight the medieval bridge of Pontesampaio, which is located at the exit of Arcade, famous for an important battle in the War of Independence, where the French troops were defeated and meant their withdrawal from Galicia). We have to be careful, because before entering Pontevedra, we have to take the fluvial way do Rio do Gafos, just after the chapel of Santa Marta, a pleasant walk that will put us at the door of Pontevedra.
Arrival in Pontevedra. End of the stage. Lodging

  • Duration: 6h
  • Difficulty: Medium

Breakfast and start of the stage
Starting from the Plaza de la Peregrina, in Pontevedra, after crossing the city, following the Portuguese Way and after 2 km we turn off the Central Portuguese Way, heading towards the region of Salnes, with its spectacular landscapes.

Once in the town of Poio, we will find the Monastery of Poio, which has the largest hórreo (granary) in Galicia. After visiting the Monastery of Poio, we head towards the coastline and through the Praia de Padrón we arrive at Combarro, a beautiful little fishing village famous for its arcades and hórreos (raised granaries).

From Combarro, we leave the coastline and head inland. We arrive at the Loureiro viewpoint, which offers spectacular views of the Pontevedra estuary. And we will continue until we finish our stage at the impressive Armenteira Monastery.

Arrival at Armenteira . End of the stage. Lodging

  • Duration: 5h 30m
  • Difficulty: Low

Breakfast and start of the stage
This stage begins by following the suggestive “Ruta da Pedra e da Auga”, a way along the small river Armenteira, where we find old water mills resting on the banks of the river, with small waterfalls and bridges.

It continues in a northerly direction, passing through Ribadumia and Pontearnelas, to reach the coast at Vilanova de Arousa.

In Vilanova de Arousa, you can visit the house-museum of Ramón del Valle Inclán, one of the most famous Galician-born contemporary writers in Spain, or the beautiful church of Santa María de Caleiro.

Arrival in Vilanova de Arousa. End of the stage. Lodging

  • Duration: 5h 30m
  • Difficulty: Low

Breakfast and start of the stage
Transfer by boat from Vilanova de Arousa to Pontecesures and then walk from Pontecesures to Padrón (2,5 kms).

On this day, we will perform the “Translatio”, emulating the transfer that the remains of the apostle made on their final journey to Galicia, where they rest today. We will embark on a crossing of the Arousa estuary and the river Ulla, an itinerary marked by 17 crossroads, which constitute the only maritime-river Way of the Cross that exists, as well as the West Towers, which gave protection to Santiago from invasions coming from the North. We disembark in Pontecesures, where we continue on foot to Padrón, linking up with the central Portuguese Way, where today’s stage ends.

Arrival in Padrón. End of the stage. Lodging

  • Duration: 6h
  • Difficulty: Low

Breakfast and start of the stage.
After our stay in Padrón and Iría Flavia, places of great Jacobean evocation—according to legend, here is where the boat carrying the remains of the Apostle, coming from Palestine, ran aground on a “Pedrón” stone, which is preserved in the cathedral of that city—we head towards the end of our Way.
This stage is not as spectacular as the previous ones, as there are many asphalted tracks, and the villages are no longer as bucolic.
Despite this, we are in an area where a large part of the legend of the Apostle’s “translatio” to Santiago de Compostela took place.
Arrival in Santiago de Compostela and the end of our Way of Saint James from Vigo. Lodging.

¡Llegamos al último día de tu viaje! Disfruta de un desayuno y concluye esta inolvidable experiencia con nosotros. Thank you for being part of this adventure!

This itinerary will take you through the most popular stages, allowing you to experience the beauty and culture of the Wey of Santiago. Be sure to book accommodation in advance, as it can get crowded, especially in the high season.
Safe travels and buen Wey!

Lodging

In our constant effort to provide the best experience to our customers, we want to assure you that we are committed to your rest and comfort. The accommodations we offer have been carefully selected and provide private rooms with private bathrooms, along with all the necessary services to make the most of your stay. It is important to note that we will never put you up in hostels.

Since these accommodations have a limited capacity, we will provide you with the exact name once you confirm your reservation and we verify availability on the dates of your choice. Your satisfaction is our priority!

Frequently Asked Questions
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