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 |
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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.
Hello, thank you so much for this wonderful website, with great useful and handy information - got me all excited to dive in with my planning for the Camino Portuguese via the Spiritual variant.
I have - for now - 2 questions, hoping you can assist please:
1) how late in October is ok to start from Porto? How early in April is ok to start Porto? (I walk 15-20k a day).
2) the elevation climb from Combarro to Armenteira: I see on the Mapy.cz App (topography and the Camino is all marked) that the highest point is not even 450m above sea level, just before Armenteira. but in your chart of elevations of that day it seem like reaching higher then 600m above sea level. I'm not sure what to make out of it...
Thank you so much!
Tal
Hello Tal. Thank you for the comment.
1. It's better if you finish the walk by mid-October. We've walked 3 Camino routes (including the Portuguese route) in late September-early October. The weather is usually good the first 2 weeks of October and then it changes overnight it becomes rainy and chilly. As for April it's still quite cold and rainy in northern Portugal and Spain. Weatherwise May (from the second week of May) is a better time. We wanted to walk a part of the Coastal Route in April this year but the weather wasn't great we could start only in the second week of May.
2. Thank you for letting us know about the elevation graph. It shifted by accident when I enlarged it. The total ascent and descent for the day is right but the graph shifted two bars up. We'll fix it.
Buen Camino
This is the best! Thank you!!!
Love the information you provide!
Thank you so much for all the information
Are you able to help me plan my route please starting in Porto, walking under 20km per day, ideally around 16km, Litoral, switching to Central ?Vila do Conde, then Spiritual. Timeline 3 weeks ish 🙂
Hello Chrissy. Thank you for the comment. We currently don't offer route planning services. It's a lot of work to make a customized itinerary. We are working on a tool which will be able to do so. It might be ready in a month or so. It'll be on our site.
Buen Camino
Hello Campbell and Alya,
Thanks a lot for all the great information.
We are planning the following route for September but not sure if its accessible or if there are the trails. Any comments or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Total distance 101.3km
1. Vigo to Redondela (coastal route) – 16.3 km
2. Redondela to Pontevedra (coastal route) – 21 km
3. Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis – 21 km
4. Caldas de Reis to Padrón – 19 km including boat ride
5. Padrón to Santiago de Compostela -- 24 km
Thanks,
Lenka
Hello Lenka. Thank you for the comment. I think you're confusing the Spiritual Variant and the Central Route (the main route) of the Portuguese Camino. The first two stages are right but from Pontevedra if you want to walk the Spiritual Variant (the one that has a boat ride) you should follow the itinerary provided in this post: Pontevedra - Armenteira, 21 km; Armenteira - Vila Nova de Arousa, 23 km; Vila Nova de Arousa - Padron, 30 km (28 km on the boat). And then from Padron to Santiago again on the main route.
Your itinerary doesn't include the Spiritual Variant, it's the itinerary for the Central Route. There is no boat ride between Caldas de Reis and Padron. The only boat ride on the route is between Vila Nova de Arousa and Padron on the Spiritual Variant.
Buen Camino
Hi! THANKS for this information! Do you have any recommendations regarding places to stay that are a bit past Padron?
Hello Susan. Thank you for the comment. You can find a PDF file with a list of places to stay on the Portuguese route in this post https://stingynomads.com/camino-portugues-stages/. There are several places between Padron and Santiago many pilgrims.
Buen Camino
Hello, thank you for all your detailed notes and tips on the camino. I used your blog last year for the camino frances and had such a wonderful time!
I'm planning on going from Tui to Santiago via the spiritual route this year, in mid July. I was wondering if you think that booking in advance is required?
Thank you!
Hello Alex. Thank you for the comment. I'd suggest booking accommodation in advance on the Spiritual Variant unless you're planning to stay in public albergues (there are two on the route in Armenteira and Vila Nova de Arousa). July is the busy time in the coastal area of Northern Spain many tourists not only pilgrims. As for the rest of the route you should be fine without advanced booking. Maybe it's better to book something in Santiago as well if you want to stay in a private room near the center.
Buen Camino
This is exactly what I was looking for! Thank you so much for this useful information! My son and I leave in less than 2 weeks! OMG!
Hello Hollie. Thank you for the generous comment. I'm sure you'll enjoy the Spiritual Variant it's spectacular.
Buen Camino
Bom guia, muito fixe! Obrigado!
Thanks so much for the detailed information re: Variant Espiritual. I have completed the Frances & Norte/Primitivo. Loved them so much!
I only have 8 walking days in April 2024. Want to connect to the Espiritual. No need to get to Santiago. Thoughts on where to start/end? Want to avoid industrial areas (Flying into Porto.)
Really appreciate !
Best,
Hello Kate. Thank you for the comment. You can start walking in Tui on the Central Route to Pontevedra from there switch to the Spiritual Variant get to Padron and then continue on the Central Route to Santiago. It'll take around 7-8 days to complete the route. There will be a part from an industrial area on the way from Tui though.
Buen Camino
Thank you so much for putting this together for new pilgrims like myself ~ very helpful information! We are doing the Portuguese Way with the Variente Espiritual option August 23-September 10. My question is about the taking train from Santiago back to Porto at the end where we will be flying home from. I've heard conflicting reports; some saying that the train transfers are very difficult and that we should plan an extra day to make that happen. I think we'll be short on time, any thoughts?
Hello Char. Thank you for the comment. We live in the south of Portugal and when we want to get to the airport in Lisbon we always use buses. We tried using a train a couple of time but it's always late. To get from Santiago to Porto by train you'll have to do a couple of switches it's not the most convenient way. I'd rather take a direct bus from Santiago to Porto especially if you're tight with time. It might be even faster than by train since you don't have to switch.
Buen Camino
Thinking of doing the Camino de Santiago Portuguese coastal route and spiritual way, from Porto, do you think that's doable in two weeks? Would going from Vigo be better? I wish I could take a whole month to go, but unfortunately, I would only have two and a half weeks at most. I've always been drawn to the sea, and to the Comino, so this seems to be the perfect blend. Any suggestions would be great! 🙂
Thank you!
Hello Becky. Thank you for the comment. 2 weeks is enough for walking the Coastal Route and the Spiritual Variant if you follow the standard itinerary. If you want to walk shorter days e.g. under 20 km then it might be not enough. I'd suggest looking into the standard itinerary to decide if it suits you or not. If you start in Vigo you will walk only a short stretch along the coast till Redondela.
Buen Camino
If someone has to walk/boat 100km to get a certificate, where would we begin? This route is only 74 km with the boat ride. What would be the closest airport?
Hello Brian. Most people who want to walk the last 100 km on the Portuguese Camino start in Tui which is 119 km from Santiago. You can start in Porriño as well, the next town which is 102 km from Santiago.
Buen Camino
Hi, I love your website and all the great information! I am wondering if you could do The Spiritual Variant in the reverse direction; ie from Padron to Pontevedra , and from there, catch the train on down to Porto. I am thinking of doing the Camino Primitivo from 21 September, then the Camino de Finisterre, and then finishing off with the Spiritual Variant. I think this would given me a good mix of rural and coastal trekking and seeing some of the best of the Camino de Santiago with hopefully not too many crows and in the limited time I have. Am I on track here or do you think my plans could be improved?
Hello Cate. Thank you for the comment. The walking part of the Spiritual Variant can definitely be done in the opposite direction. The route is marked but mostly with blue arrows (the route marking for the Camino de Fatima that goes from Santiago south towards the town of Fatima in Portugal). I did see some pilgrims on the Spiritual route walking in the opposite direction. As for the boar part it'll be better to contact the companies directly. I believe it's possible as the boats have to go back from Pontecesures to Vila Nova de Arousa. You can find the contact details of both companies in this part of the post https://stingynomads.com/spiritual-variant-portuguese-camino/#Taking_a_boat_the_Traslatio_water_route_on_the_Spiritual_Variant_of_the_Portuguese_Camino
Keep in mind there is no direct train from Pontevedra to Porto. A bus will be a better option.
I'd suggest not booking anything on the Spiritual Variant in advance and see if you still feel like walking after completing the Primitivo and Finisterre routes.
Buen Camino
Thank you so much for this detailed article! I wanted to ask if its OK not to reverve accommodation ahead, I'm traveling next week.
Hello Noa. Thank you for the comment. Yes, in October you don't have to book accommodation in advance it's not the peak season there will be beds available.
Buen Camino
Thank you for the great guidance on this trip. We will be there in early October. Do you have any guidance on route from Padron to Santiago.
Mil gracias!
Hello Jean. Thank you for the comment. We have a detailed post on the Portuguese Camino where you can find walking stages for the part from Padron to Santiago https://stingynomads.com/camino-portugues-stages/.
Buen Camino
Thank you for your very useful information on The Spiritual Variant. It will definitely be my pick in October - and so looking forward to it 😀
Hello Elizabeth. Thank you for the comment. The Spiritual Variant is a beautiful route, it's my favorite part of the Portuguese Camino.
Buen Camino
Thank you so much for a beautiful description of the Spiritual variant. No book or website I used got me as excited to choose this route as your description. I am in Armenteira and so enjoying it , tomorrow I will continue the journey supported by your guidance .
Hello Yaffa. Thank you very much for the feedback. Enjoy the last day of the Spiritual Variant and the Camino de Santiago.
Buen Camino
Thank you. This information is very detailed and helpful.
I plan to fly from Adelaide, South Australia to Lisbon to start my Camino Portuguese in the first week of August. Still fine tuning my path.
Hello Colleen. Thank you for the comment. I'm sure you're used to heat in Australia but I just want to warn you that in August it gets very hot in that part of Portugal especially inland. We walked the Lisbon to Porto part beginning of May and it was already hot. The problem is that sometimes towns are quite far apart. I don't know how much time you have but starting the walk from Porto and going all the way to Finisterre might be a better option for that time of the year. It doesn't get that hot especially if you walk the Coastal Route in the north and there is more infrastructure for pilgrims along the route. Incorporating the Spiritual variant is a good idea as well.
Buen Camino
Thankyou Alya for a very apt description of the spiritual variant. Before I found your blog I took 2 hours to find the correct website for the boat, and your link to me straight to it! Great description and information which I found very helpful and shared with several others. Have just attended the pilgrims blessing at Armenteira. Looking forward to the last few days. Thanks again. Lynne from Australia.
Hello Lynne. Thank you for the comment. I'm glad that you've found our information on the Spiritual Variant helpful. Enjoy the boat ride, it's a beautiful experience.
Buen Camino