Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Way
The itinerary travels through Poio and Combarro towards the Monastery of Armenteira, then descends along the magical “Ruta da Pedra e da Auga” to Vilanova de Arousa. From there, the pilgrimage continues by sea across the Arousa estuary and the Ulla River on the emblematic “Traslatio”, before rejoining the Portuguese Way in Pontecesures.
What does this route consist of?
153 kms
8 nights
7 stages
€/pax.
Included Services
- Accommodation in hotels and rural houses
- Rooms with private bathroom
- Boat trip from Vilanova de Arousa to Pontecesures
- Travel insurance
- Welcome Pack with Credential
- 24 hour assistance
- Complete route itinerary
- Vehicle available for emergencies
- Free cancellation up to 15 days before
Optional Services
- Breakfasts
- Transfer to the starting point
- Luggage transport
- Airport transfer
- Garage in Santiago
Gallery
Stages of the Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Way
Day 1
Tui
Night at Tui
One of the first things you should do when you arrive in Tui is to visit its famous Gothic cathedral and stroll around the historic town centre.
Tui is located on the banks of the Minho River – the natural border between Spain and Portugal – it has spectacular views of both banks. On the other side of the river, you can visit the Portuguese town of Valença do Minho and see its famous fortress.
Day 2
From Tui to Porriño
Night at Porriño
16,1 km
4 horas
In stage two, you will leave Tui through its historic streets to start climbing towards the north, which is followed by a descent that will take you into O Porriño. Be sure to try this town's famous bread, because it is oh-so delicious.
Day 3
From Porriño to Redondela / Arcade
Night at Redondela / Arcade
15,5 km
4 horas
Once you leave O Porriño behind, you will continue down into the Val da Louriña and from there you will start climbing towards Redondela, from where you can gaze out upon the stunning views of the Ría de Vigo.
Then you will descend again to finish this stage in the famous village of Redondela.
Day 4
From Redondela / Arcade to Pontevedra
Night at Pontevedra
19,6 Km
5 horas
Leaving Redondela you will cross the Roman bridge of Ponte Sampaio, known for the battle that was fought there against the Napoleonic invasion.
You should reach Pontevedra a few hours later, a city with a fascinating historic town centre and several places of interest worth visiting, such as the Plaza de la Peregrina (Pilgrim Square) and the Basilica of Santa María la Mayor.
Day 5
From Pontevedra to Armenteira.
Night at Armenteira
23 km
7 horas
You will depart from Pontevedra following the Portuguese Way until you reach the turnoff that leads to the Spiritual Variant. The route will take you through Poio and Combarro, with their historic centres full of granaries and stone crosses. The stage ends in Armenteira, where the monastery, a true gem of Galician Romanesque architecture, awaits you.
Day 6
From Armenteira to Vilanova de Arousa
Night at Vilanova de Arousa
24 km
7 horas
One of the most beautiful stages of the Spiritual Variant begins at the monastery of Armenteira: the Ruta da Pedra e da Auga (Route of Stone and Water). Passing mills, waterfalls and lush forests, you will enter the heart of the Salnés Valley before reaching Vilanova de Arousa, where the Way opens up to the Atlantic in a lively seaside atmosphere.
Day 7
From Vilanova de Arousa to Padrón
Night at Padrón
30 km
4 horas
From the port of Vilanova de Arousa, you will set sail on a unique journey, known as the ‘Traslatio’, travelling along the world's only maritime-fluvial Way of the Cross, to Pontecesures. Here, the Way rejoins the traditional Portuguese Way, at the gates of Padrón, where the last stretch to Santiago de Compostela begins.
Day 8
From Padrón to Santiago de Compostela
Night at Santiago de Compostela
24,3 km
6 horas
Shortly after starting this stage, you will reach the village of A Escravitude, with its ornate and beautiful Marian sanctuary. The trail continues to climb as it winds towards Santiago, and you'll soon spot the towers of the cathedral. Enter into the historic city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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