The Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Camino
The Spiritual Variant or Variante Espiritual is an optional route of the Portuguese Camino de Santiago from Pontevedra to Padron (Pontecesures). This route is one of my favorites out of 10 Camino de Santiago routes that I've done. The name spiritual comes from the fact that the route follows the last part of the journey of the remains of the Apostle St.James. This variant goes past some amazing towns on the Portuguese Way.
I've done the route twice the first time as a part of our walk on the Portuguese Camino from Lisbon and the second time as a separate route and both times really liked it.
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Spiritual Variant PDF file
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Our YouTube video of the route
Spiritual Variant route overview
- Total distance - 74 km/46 mi; 46 km/28.5 mi walking and 28 km/17.3 mi by boat
- Number of days - 3 days
- Starting point - 3 km north of Pontevedra on the Central route of the Portuguese Camino.
- Finishing point - Padrón
- Total ascent - 781 m
- Total descent - 779 m
- Walking surface - 22 km/13.6 mi on asphalt/cobbled and 24 km/15 mi on footpath/gravel road
- Route marking - yellow arrows painted on sidewalks, fences, and poles as well as small wooden poles with metal tops with a carved Camino shell, and arrow.
What is the Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Camino?
The Spiritual Variant is one of the routes of the Portuguese Camino de Santiago. This coastal route is often called La Traslatio (sometimes spelled as Translatio) or the Ulla River Route referring to the last stage that is done by boat. The route follows the last part of the journey of the remains of the apostle Saint James (Santiago in Spanish) from Jerusalem to the Iberian Peninsula.
The last stage which is a boat ride from Vilanova de Arousa to Pontecesures is the most important part of the Variante Espiritual route. The 74-kilometer route splits from the Central Route of the Camino Portugues after Pontevedra and joins it again in Pontecesures.
The origins of the route
The Spiritual Variant is sometimes called the origin of the Camino de Santiago. Apostle Saint James or James the Great was one of the first disciples of Jesus. The apostle was executed by decapitation.
According to the legend, the beheaded body of St.James was transferred by the sea in a boat. After reaching the banks of the Ria de Arousa the journey continued inland on the Ulla River to Iria Flavia, modern Pontecesures. From there the remains of Apostle Santiago were carried on land and buried in the area nowadays known as the city of Santiago de Compostela. St.James is the patron saint of Spain.
How long is the Variante Espiritual?
The Spiritual route of the Portuguese Camino is 74 km/46 mi in total; 46 km/28.5 mi of which you walk and 28 km/17.3 mi you go on a boat. It takes 3 days to complete the route from Pontevedra to Padrón.
Where does it start?
The Spiritual route splits from the Central Route in the forest 3 km/1.8 mi outside Pontevedra. There is a well-marked route split; the left route across a small bridge is the Spiritual variant and the right route through the forest is the main route of the Camino Portuguese. All pilgrims walk out of the city of Pontevedra following the same route and after 3 km/1.8 mi when you get to the split you can switch. You can take this route even if you walk only the last 100 km on the Camino from Tui.
Where does it merges with the main Portuguese Camino?
The Spiritual Variant merges the Central way of the Camino Portuguese in Pontecesures, a town on the Camino 2 km/1.2 mi south of Padrón. From there you walk the final stage of the Camino to Santiago de Compostela. Pontecesures was called Iria Flavia in the past.
Spiritual Variant vs the main route
I've walked the Spiritual Variant twice and I like it a lot. Which route to choose is up to you. if you want to have a special experience on the Camino the Spiritual Way is a not-to-miss route.
The Spiritual Way is a bit longer than the Central Route. From Pontevedra to Pardon on the Central Route is 40 km/24.8 mi or 2 walking days compared to 74 km/46 mi or 3 walking days from Pontevedra to Pardon on the Spiritual Way. The actual walking distance on both routes is pretty much the same because, on the Spiritual Route, you walk only 46 km/28.5 mi, 28 km you do by boat.
What I like about the Spiritual route is that it doesn't go through any industrial areas, near busy roads, or cities. It's a picturesque quiet trail with spectacular scenery and charming small towns.
There are fewer pilgrims on the Spiritual route compared to the main Camino Route. If you want to have a quiet couple of days on the Camino it's a good option.
The boat ride from Vilanova de Arousa is an experience on its own. The scenery is beautiful and very peaceful. It enriches the Camino experience regardless of whether you walk the Central Route, the Coastal Route, or the Litoral Way.
One thing to consider is a steep and long ascent (600 m) on the first day and a long descent (400 m) on the second day. This route is more challenging than the main (Central) route of the Portuguese Camino.
Is the route well-marked?
Yes, the Spiritual Variant is marked like any other Camino route. You can see yellow arrows painted on sidewalks, walls, and poles. As well as wooden poles with metal shells and arrows. It's easy to follow but sometimes you do have to pay attention, especially walking through the forest.
A boat ride (Traslatio) on the Spiritual Variant
A boat ride from the port of Vila Nova de Arousa to Pontecesures is a part of the route and is one of the highlights of the Camino. You can book your ticket online or buy it at the ticket office in Vila Nova de Arousa. The company office is on the Camino route on the opposite side of a long pedestrian bridge (Pasarela de O Terron) that you cross to get to the town 200 m from the pier. You can find it on Google.maps as Ruta Translatio. The office is open daily from 8 am to 7 pm.
How does it work?
- Boats depart from the port of Vila Nova de Arousa every morning. Departure times vary depending on the tide. Usually, it's between 7 am and 8 am. In the summer months, there might be two daily departures. You can check the times online. It's recommended to confirm the departure time a day before as due to weather conditions it might change.
- The journey takes 1h30min.
- The price is 30 euros per person.
Besides the big boat La Barca del Peregrino, there are small speed boats between Vila Nova de Arousa and Pontecesures. They are operated by A Mare Turismo Nautico. The price is the same, 32 euros per person. The duration of the ride is about the same but small boats go faster. If you decide to take a speed boat keep in mind that it's an open boat with no roof. Take a jacket with you in case it gets cold or rainy.
Between April and October, it's almost guaranteed that the boat will go. Outside of the season, it depends on the demand. If there are pilgrims they will go otherwise they won't. I asked on the boat about their season and they told me that sometimes they go out even in December if there are people.
In the 2026 season La Barco del Peregrino (the big boat) operates from the 16th of March. Small boasts have regular departures from the 10th of April.
Will I get the Compostela if I do the boat ride?
Many pilgrims are concerned about getting their Compostela certificate if they take a boat. In short words, YES. The boat ride is the official part of the route. You're supposed to take a boat between Vilanova de Arouse and Pontecesures. They even give you a stamp that confirms that you did the boat ride as a part of the Spiritual Variant.
We've walked the Spiritual Variant twice and the first time we didn't take a boat and decided to walk from Vilanova de Arousa to Pontecesures to check out the route. It wasn't a good experience. The route is poorly marked we had to walk next to the railways and along busy roads. In total, we walked more than 30 km/18.6 mi that day. The boat ride is a lot better. It's quite nice for a change to sit on a boat and enjoy the scenery after walking for days.
Luggage transfer service on the Variante Espiritual
It's possible to use a luggage transfer service on the Spiritual route. Correos and Tui Trans offer luggage delivery door to door on the Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Camino. The average price is 7 euros per backpack per stage.
Spiritual Variant walking stages
The walk consists of 3 stages: two walking stages and a boat ride + a short walk.
Stage 1. Pontevedra to Armenteira, 21 km/13 mi
- Distance - 21 km/13 mi
- Time - 5-6 hours (moving time)
- Ascent - 606 m
- Descent - 358 m
- Walking surface - 9 km/5.5 mi footpath/gravel road; 12 km/7.4 mi asphalt/cobblestones.
It was a beautiful and challenging walking day with several highlights. You'll notice significantly fewer pilgrims on the Spiritual variant compared to the Central Route of the Portuguese Camino which is a nice thing if you walk it in the peak season.
You can split the day into two parts to make it easier as the ascent in the second half of the day is quite tough especially if you do it in summer. On the first day, you walk 11 km/6.8 mi from Pontevedra to Combarro. Spend a night in Combarro and the next morning walk 10 km/6.2 mi from Combarro to Armenteira with a 400-meter ascent to the top of the steep hill.
Combarro is a charming unique coastal town. We spent there a couple of days and enjoyed it. We stayed at Casa Noelmar, a great place located in the heart of the historical centre.
Challenges
- Several short ascents and decent in the first half of the day between Pontevedra and Combarro.
- A steep and long ascent, 400 m in the second half of the day from Combarro to Armenteira. After conquering the hill by the end of the day you're quite tired.
Highlights
- The historical centre of Pontevedra
- The monastery of Poio
- The beautiful old town of Combarro
- A pleasant walk through the forest between Combarro and Armenteira
- The Monastery of Armenteira
Stage 1 route description
From the historical centre of Pontevedra (Church of Virxe Peregrina) follow the Camio signs that will lead you out of the town across the Ponte do Burgo Bridge. for the first 3 km, you follow the Central Route of the Portuguese Camino out of the town through the forest.
At 2.5 km/1.5 mi there is a water fountain
At 3 km/1.8 mi at the bridge, there is a split. The left route is the Spiritual Way which goes across the bridge towards the coast, and the right route (the main route) continues straight towards Caldas de Reis.
At 5.5 km/3.4 mi you get to the small town of Cabaleiro where you can find a couple of hotels and restaurants.
Between 6 km/3.7 mi and 8 km/5 mi, the Camino goes through the forest and small villages.
At 8.5 km/5.2 mi you walk past the beautiful monastery of Poio. You can stay at the hotel located in one of the complex buildings.
9 km/5.6 mi you get to the town of Poio where you can find a couple of bars.
At the roundabout after Poio turn left. The Camino goes away from the road towards the coast.
At 11 km/6.8 mi you get to a small beach and the town of Combarro. It's a perfect place to stop for rest and lunch in the middle of the day before the steep ascent. The route doesn't go through the historical center it just touches it but it's so small that walking around it will hardly add much distance to your walk.
If you want you can stop for the night in Combarro and continue the walk the next day.
- Mid-range | Casa Mariñeira | Hotel Xeito |
- High-end | Apartamentos Casa Mucha |
At 11.5 km/7.1 mi after crossing the main street in Combarro you start the steady climb that continues for the next 9 km. So make sure you have enough water.
At 13.5 km/8.3 mi there is a small kiosk where you can buy snacks and water but it was closed when I walked by.
At 15 km/9.3 mi (at a wooden board with a route map) don't miss a fantastic lookout point on your left.
At 19 km/11.8 mi there is a split that is not marked well don't turn off the main road (keep right). In the last part, there will be several splits but you just stick to the main route unless there is a yellow arrow indicating the direction.
At 20 km/12.4 mi the ascent is over and you start a descent on a footpath which gets quite steep just before you reach Armenteira.
At 21 km/13 mi you'll arrive at the Armenteira Monastery.
Places to stay in Armenteira
- Budget | Municipal albergue de Armenteira | Albergue Turistico En Armenteira A Fragua do Ferreiro |
- Middle price | Hospedaria of the Monastery |
- High-end | Pousada Armenteira |
Stage 2. Armenteira to Vilanova de Arousa, 23.6 km/14.6 mi
- Distance - 23.6 km/14.6 mi
- Time - 5-6 (moving time)
- Ascent - 170 m
- Descent - 417 m
- Walking surface - 15 km/9.3 mi on a footpath/gravel road; 8 km/5 mi on asphalt, 500 m/0.3 mi on a quiet road
The first part of the day through the beautiful forest is my favorite part of the Spiritual Variant. The Camino follows the trail that is called the Route of Rock and Water (Ruta de Pedra e da Agua). Overall it's a very nice walking day through the forest and along the river for the first 15 km/9.3 mi. After that, you walk through quiet towns and neighborhoods till you reach the coast.
Challenges
- It was a relatively easy walk with no particular challenging parts besides the downhill walk at the beginning but it wasn't steep more of a gradual downhill.
Highlights
- A beautiful walk through the lush green forest along the river with small waterfalls and big boulders
- A quiet walk through a beautiful natural area along the river and between the vineyards
- A walk along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean on the last 3 km before Vilanova de Arousa
Stage 2 route description
The first 5 km/3.1 mi on a footpath through the forest. Right at the start once you get to the footpath there are two trails one goes on the right side of the river and one crosses the bridge and follows the river on the left. I took the right trail. It goes closer to the river and more through the forest. The left trail goes through more open parts and is a bit further from the river. Both trails merge a couple of kilometers later at the road where you'll see a Camino sign.
If it rains a lot the right trail might get muddy and a bit slippery as it goes sometimes over rocks. Several forest paths cross the route just stick to the main trail till you get to the road where you'll see Camino signs again.
At 5 km/3.1 mi you're out of the forest. You have to cross a couple of roads before you can get back on a footpath that goes along the river. There is a big restaurant on the right just 50 m away from the Camino.
Between 5.5/3.4 mi km and 13 km/8 mi, you walk mostly along the river and vineyards. It's a nice and peaceful walk.
At 6.5 km/4 mi there is a restaurant right on the Camino route.
At 10 km/6.2 mi a the bridge there is another restaurant. The Camino route goes across the bridge and down to the river on the other side of it.
At 13 km/8 mi you get to the town of Ponte Arnelas where you can find hotels and restaurants.
Between 14 km/8.6 mi and 15 km/9.3 mi, you walk 500 m on a road with not much traffic. There are two bars on that stretch.
At 15 km/9.3 mi just after a turn off from the road, there is a small chapel where you can get a stamp.
At 16 km/10 mi another restaurant. After the first 5 km, there will be plenty of opportunities to stop for rest and food.
At 19.5 km/12.1 mi there is a bar.
At 21 km/13 mi you get to the coast. You have around 2 km to Vilanova de Arousa. From there on there will be a restaurant/cafe every km or so.
The Camino goes along the coast for the last 3 km offering spectacular views.
At 23 km/14.2 mi you get to a long pedestrian bridge that you cross to get to the town of Vilanova de Arousa.
After crossing the bridge on the left, you'll see a glass building and a pier. Pilgrims' boats to Pontecesures leave from there.
Places to stay in Vilanova de Arousa
- Budget | Municipal albergue of Vilanova de Arousa | A Corticela hostel |
- Middle price | Hotel Bradomin | Guest house SAL E PEDRA |
- High-end | Arco da Vella apartamentos |
Stage 3. Vilanova de Arousa to Padrón. The Translatio Sea Route, 30 km/18.6 mi
- Distance - 30 km/18.6 mi; 28 km/17.3 mi by boat + 2.3 km/1.4 mi walking (from Pontecesures to Padrón)
- Time - 2 hours, 1h30min. - boat ride, 30 minutes - walking
- Ascent - 5 m
- Descent - 4 m. The walking part of the last section is very flat
- Walking surface - 2.3 km on asphalt
The last day of the Variante Espiritual is a short stage. In total, it takes around 2 hours to get from Vilanova de Arousa to Padron. This means you have plenty of time to continue walking past Padron to get closer to Santiago de Compostela to make the final leg of the Portuguese Camino shorter.
The boat ride (Traslatio)
The pilgrims' boat usually leaves at 8 am. They ask you to be at the pier 15 minutes before. If you buy your ticket online you don't have to print it showing it on the screen of your phone is enough. In fact, they didn't even check the tickets just asked for people's names and found them on their list.
Our boat was full. We left at 8 am on the dot. You sit inside the boat where you're protected from wind and rain. If you want you can stay on a deck. The Traslatio route starts at the Arousa Sea and continues along the River Ulla which is one of the major rivers in Galicia.
The boat makes several stops most of them at stone crosses. The captain tells you a bit of history and points in the direction of crosses. They give you tea and a pastry on the boat which was great because everything in the town was still closed when we left.
17 stone crosses along the river banks indicate the route. I counted 10 crosses the rest of them were probably too far to notice. The boat journey had a meditative effect on me. It definitely can be described as one of the highlights of the Portuguese Camino. Besides ancient crosses on the way you see other monuments e.g. Torres do Oeste (two old watching towers).
The walk to Padrón
After 1h30min. the boat arrives in Pontecesures where you get off and start walking along the river bank and then across the bridge towards Pardón following the Camino arrows. The end of the stage is 2 km/1.2 mi on foot. If you decide to stay in Padron there are several private albergues as well as one public.
The town is known for the traditional dish called Padron Peppers one of the must-try dishes on the Camino de Santiago.
Padrón is 24 km/15 mi from Santiago de Compostela. After the boat ride you arrive in Padrón before 11 am so instead of staying there you can continue walking towards Santiago and stop at one of the places in between to make your last day shorter.
From Padron you continue on the main Portuguese Camino route to Santiago de Compostela.
Places to stay in Padron
- Budget | Municipal albergue of Padrón | Albergue and Rooms Murgadán | Albergue O Pedrón |
- Middle price | Primavera | Ecorooms Padron |
- High-end | Hotel Pazo de Lestrove |
Questions or Comments?
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The pretty half of Stingy Nomads, responsible for all our land adventures (hiking, climbing, walking the Camino) and following them write-ups. Alya loves walking since she was a child, she prefers to walk 1000 km with a backpack rather than to do a 10 000 km road trip (actually any road trip). Alya is a big fan of Latin America, the Spanish language, and dancing. Every time we go away she desperately misses our dog Chile.
Hi! I am keen to do this but wondering what your thoughts were on how busy 2027 will be? I am more than happy to have people around me, but I don't want "Disneyland". Or will there be certain pinch points (like July) which can be avoided? Things I read seem to indicate there is no "quieter" time anymore? Thanks in advance (or can you recommend an alternative which might be quieter for the most part (I accept Santiago will always be busy))
Hello Lisa. Thank you for the comment. Judged by the fact that people already book accommodation for next May, September I will be definitely busier than the normal year. April and second half of October will be quieter than the period between May and September. The Litoral Way from Porto is a bit quieter than the Coastal and Central routes. The start and the end of stages are pretty the same on the Litoral and Coastal but you will see fewer people during the walk. As an alternative you can walk the first half of the route from Lisbon to Porto. There are very few pilgrims in that part but the infrastructure for pilgrims is quite limited (very few albergues, greater distances between the towns, etc.). I hope it helps.
Buen Camino
Hi, we are planning the spiritual stage to our coastal route starting from Vigo. To avoid the steep 400m ascent, are there any public transport that goes from Cambarro to Armentiera? Would we still qualify to get the Compostela certificate if we take this option?
Is stopping at Parada de Francos a good choice, or is Milladoiro better?
Thanks
Hello. Thank you for the comment. I don't think you can skip any stage of the route if you start in Vigo. As an options you can do the standard route and skip the Spiritual Variant if you don't want to do the ascent. As far as I know there is no public transport from Combarro to Armenteira. You could take a taxi though but as I said you already walk the required minimum for getting the Compostela certificate and can't really skip stages.
Milladoiro is a bigger town with more accommodation options. I suggest you base your decision on the distance. If Milladoiro is too far for you then stop at Parade de Francos (Teo) if you can walk to Milladoiro then walk there so your last stage is short and you arrive in Santiago early.
Buen Camino!
We finished Stage 1 today and the signs around 19k are much better. You should be able to navigate easily
Hello Mark. Thank you for your update. It's great to know they're improving the route. Enjoy the last days of the walk and Buen Camino!
Hello, we want to add spiritual stage to our coastal route, especially the boat from Villanova, but we don't have enough days. So I have an idea to go from Vigo to Arcade instead of Redondele, and next day have lunch in Ponteverde and go to Combarro (or Armentiera pls advise) and next day go from Combarro (or Armentiera) to Villanova.
Google maps says its about 25 km, but when i read your description its much longer, more than 30, which can be too much. Also google map says Ponteverde - Villanova is 27-28 km, but some piligrim's website says about 45 and I can not find that anyone goes directly. Why so big difference in km and what can you recommend us?
Hello Ekaterina. Thank you for the comment.
If you don't have enough time you can always skip a stage of two e.g. take a bus from Baiona to Redondela and continue from there. It's not against the rules and even if you skip stages you can still get the Compostela certificate as long as you walk at least 100 km on the Camino.
google map doesn't know the Camino route it shows the shortest way of getting from one place to another. The Camino is not always the shortest route so you can't rely on the distances you get from Google for walking the Camino. I walked the route with a GPS watch and the distance from Pontevedra to Vilanova on the Spiritual Variant is 44 km (21 km from Pontevedra to Armenteira and 23 km from Armenteira to Vilanova).
Buen Camino
Thank you for all the great information. I am thinking of doing the ferry and then walking all the way to Santiago in one day. Is this doable? Advisable?
Thanks. Mike
Hello Mike. Thank you for the comment. It's possible to walk from Pontecesures to Santiago in one day, the distance is around 27 km. The boat leaves early in the morning you'll have enough time to walk to Santiago.
Buen Camino
@Stingy Nomads, I am wondering the same. Wanting to see some of Padron but is it worth the time? The 3rd stage of Spiritual involving the boat ride at 7am, leaves one in Padron too early but it is a push to Santiago. What is the schedule that you have traveled and recommend?
Hello Alan. Thank you for the comment. Milladoiro is a goo place to stop after the boat ride. I suggest this stage in my combined itinerary for the Portuguese Camino which you can find here https://stingynomads.com/portuguese-camino-combined-route/#Stage_12_Spiritual_Variant_Central_Route_Vilanova_de_Arousa_to_Milladoiro_195_km12_mi
It's a 20-kilometer walk from the boat to Milladoiro. The historical center of Padron is small you can stop there for coffee or snack, walk around a bit and then continue walking to Milladoiro. It's about 17 km from Padron. Then you have only 8 km to the Cathedral in Santiago left for the last day.
Buen Camino
Hi, I love your website. Thank you so much!
Do you have any recommendations about a nice place to stay between Padrón and Santiago after we arrive on the boat trip from the Spiritual variant?
Kindly,
Ruth
Hello Ruth. Thank you for the comment. I suggest Milladoiro, it's a biggish town 17 km from Padron, 8 km to Santiago. It has a private albergue, hotels, restaurants, etc.
Buen Camino
Good Afternoon-LOVE your site! Will any of the transfer services take a bag directly from Porto to Santiago? We will have packs but thought about a suitcase so we can be comfy once we get to Santiago. Thank you!
Hello Christina. Thank you for the comment. TuiTrans offers direct luggage transfer from Porto to Santiago de Compostela. You can contact them to inquire the cost.
Buen Camino
Hi! I'm planning the Camino with my Mom in April of this year. We have nearly everything booked with a lot of help from you and your sites; THANKS!
I'm wondering if you have any suggestions for places to stay after the boat ride on the spiritual variant? We are looking to go further than Padron, but the selection in Teo is quite limited, and I'm unsure if the spaces that are available would accommodate luggage transfer services. Do you have any recommendations for any other little towns or districts we could search?
Thank you again for all your wisdom!
Kristen (From Newfoundland, Canada)
Hello Kristen. Thank you for the comment. I suggest walking to O Milladoiro, it's around 19 km from Pontecesures (the boat ride) and 8 km to Santiago de Compostela. It's a bigger town with many restaurants, shops, and supermarkets. The last time I walked to Santiago from Padron I though it would be a good place to stop. B&B Hotel Santiago Milladoiro has very good reviews. I think they should accept luggage delivery since most of their guests are pilgrims.
Buen Camino
@Kristen,
I hope to spend 3 mos in Portugual/Spain beginning in April. Isn't this a good site to find?
The luggage transfer was a piece I hadn't worked out yet. I LIKE a light pack, but I am 77 and staying a longer period. I still hike, but carrying weight is hard. I have been hiking with our local Camino group: they help with actual experience and support. Bet you will have a blast.
Thank you for all this wonderful and detailed information! We only have 5 days to complete the journey and would like to take the Spiritual Variant in early October. Do you think the following itinerary would work and would it qualify for the Compostela certificate?
Day 1 Pontvedra-Combarro
Day 2 Combarro-Armenteira
Day 3 Armenteria-Vila Nora de Arousa
Day 4 Villa Nora de Arousa-O Milladoiro
Day 5 O Milladoiro to Santiago de Compostela
Hello Sashi. Thank you for the comment. Your itinerary looks good but I don't think you'll be eligible for getting the Compostela for the walk if you start in Pontevedra. The last 100 km on the Portuguese Camino start in Vigo (Coastal route) or in O Porriño (Central route). If you have only 5 days and don't walk to walk long distances you can either skip the Spiritual Variant and walk the standard route or do the Spiritual Route but not get the Compostela for it.
Buen Camino
Hello,
I am planning my first Camino for the end of May 2025, and your blog has been incredibly helpful in narrowing down the route I want to take.
I’ve decided on the path from Valença traveling on the Spiritual Variant including the boat ride.
My question is, would this qualify me to receive the Compostela certificate?
I am also planning to arrange my own accommodations and luggage transport. However, would it be better to book through an agent?"
Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Hello Susan. Thank you for the comment. You can get the certificate if you do a boat ride on the Spiritual Variant. It's an official route approved by the Pilgrim's Reception Office in Santiago. The boat ride is a part of it.
We have never used a company to plan our Camino. You can find PDF files with walking stages and places to stay for the route from Tui here https://stingynomads.com/portuguese-camino-from-tui/#Walking_stages_and_places_to_stay_on_the_Camino_from_Tui_PDF_file
There are many companies that offer luggage delivery service on the route. It's easy to book it through their website. Find more info here https://stingynomads.com/portuguese-camino-from-tui/#Backpack_delivery_service_on_the_Camino_from_Tui
Most places (except public albergues) can be booked through online booking service.
Buen Camino
@Stingy Nomads,
THANK YOU!!!
Sorry, spelling mistake. I did not mean communist I meant Camino’s.😎😎
I’ve been researching so many of the communists. I want to do something beautiful, not crowded and within seven days. I’m drawn to Vigo to via the spiritual variant to Santiago de Compostela .
Through reading your blog and information guide the only scary part is the first day in the descent. I have never walked up mountains or even a descent that high. My wife and I have been training and we will be up to training of 20+ kilometers a day by the time we leave. I don’t like pain. 😊😊😊
However, I do like challenges.
Also, I would really love to go and sunny cooler weather as we have a flexible schedule. Any ideas on the last week of June? Weather and crowds? Thank you so much.
Hello Fred. Thank you for the comment. The ascent is quite steep but it's not extreme. You can split the first day into two walk from Pontevedra to Combarro and then from Combarro to Armenteira. The ascent is quite steep from Combarro to Armenteira but if you take your time and rest every time you need it you'll be fine.
It's usually nice in June not too hot and no rain. I walked the Spiritual variant twice once in May and once in June and the weather was good. Otherwise the first half of October is usually nice too.
Buen Camino
Hi we are trying to finalize our plans for walking the Camino Portuguese route from Vigo and taking the Spiritual Route - we are considering going a little past Padron on that day we arrive there on Sunday Oct 13th (since we take the boat and walk very little to Padron) then that would shorten our last day of walking on Oct 14th to Santiago -However we are very interested in visiting and touring the monestery at Herbon (outside of Padron) , but we understand the tour and mass are at night. Which would mean we need to stay in Padron. Since we arrive there on a Sunday the 13th we thought there may be a mass at the monastery earlier in the day, and if so we could go to the mass earlier and leave to go past Padron. Cant find much info on this. Wondering your thoughts on this?
Hello Leslie. Thank you for the comment. All I can find is the old information that from April to October they do daily tours at 6 pm, and the mass starts at 8 pm. There is a phone number 981 811 779 that you can phone. Otherwise try sending an e-mail to turismo@padron.gal (the tourism office of Padron), they should have updated information.
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We will be walking to Santiago de Compostela for the second time. In 2018 we started in Sarria but because of the restoration to the cathedral, we couldn't see the wonderful Portico. We also missed going down to the catacombs of the cathedral due to time constrains. We are walking from Porto this time and taking the Spiritual Variant. One of our goals was to visit the catacombs and all the wonderful layers of arquitecture in the bowels of the cathedral but we can't find how to do that. Would you know how we could accomplish this? Thanks
Hello Nancy. Thank you for the comment. As far as I know you can visit the Cathedral, the Sepulchre of Saint James the Apostle, the Library, and the Pórtico de la Gloria. I'm not sure if the catacombs were open for public in the past but now I can't find any information on the official website about the possibility of visiting them.
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Hi, many thanks for the wealth of info on the Spiritual Variant.
Does walking from Pontevedra to Santiago qualify for a Compostela?
From your numbers given, it doesn't add up to 100 km even when includes the boat ride:
Pontevedra to Armenteira 21 km
Almenteira to Vilanova de Arousa 23 km
Vilanova de Arousa to Padron 30 km
Padron to Santiago 24 km
Total 98 km
Any clarification would be much appreciated.
God Bless.
Joachim
Hello Joachim. Thank you for the comment. No, the nearest to Santiago de Compostela point from where you can start walking to qualify for the Compostela certificate is Porriño on the Central Route or Vigo on the Coastal Route. If you start in Pontevedra you won´t qualify for the Compostela. I do not think I say it anywhere that you can start walking in Pontevedra and get the certificate.
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Walked solo Burgos-Leon and Sarria-Santiago May, 2023. Seriously considering Porto-Santiago May, 2025 walking Spiritual Variant. Have a religious Catholic spiritual mindset more than historical tourist. Appreciate your wonderful sharings! Blessings, D
Hello Deborah. Thank you for your generous comment.
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