Spiritual Variant of the Camino Portuguese from Baiona
Spiritual Variant of the Camino Portuguese from Baiona
Begin your journey in the historic seaside town of Baiona, where the Atlantic breeze and echoes of ancient voyages welcome you. From this privileged corner of the Galician coast, the Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Way unfolds before you as a unique route that intertwines spirituality, landscape, and tradition.
Along this remarkable path, you’ll reach sacred places like the Monastery of Armenteira and discover the magic of the Traslatio—the legendary boat journey along the Arousa estuary that recalls the voyage of the Apostle James’s body. The experience culminates at the majestic Cathedral of Santiago, capturing the purest essence of Galicia.
- Feel a deep connection with history and spirituality, from the coast to the heart of Galicia.
- Admire the serene beauty of places like Pontevedra and Vilanova de Arousa, each with its seafaring charm and rich cultural heritage.
- Walk through landscapes that blend lush green countryside with the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Savor the most authentic Galician cuisine: fresh seafood, homemade empanadas, Albariño wine, and traditional pulpo a feira that delights all the senses.
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Baiona
Enjoy the first day of this charming walking holiday in Baiona, a beautiful fishing village famous for having been the first port in Europe where, with the arrival of La Pinta, and the discovery of America, was announced.
There you can visit places that precisely refer to this event as are the Monument to the Encounter between Two Worlds or the Pinta Caravel Museum.
Overnight in Baiona
El Mosquito
Located in the charming town of Baiona, this accommodation is within walking distance of several beaches.
It offers rooms equipped with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 2 - Baiona to Vigo 16,2 miles | 26 km
Today, you will have the freedom to choose the route that best suits your tastes and needs.
After crossing the Romanesque La Ramallosa bridge, dating back to the 13th century, and crossing the River Minor, you can continue along the coast and, why not, enjoy a little of the beach in Nigran. Another possibility is to walk inland, where you will also have the option to choose to go through O Freixo, a town in the municipality of Outes.
Whatever your decision, you can enjoy the incredible views of the Bay of Vigo and the Cies Islands, a beautiful archipelago located in the province of Pontevedra, in the northwest of Spain.
When in Vigo, you can walk through its charming streets and get to know the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria, a construction dating from the early 19th century, or the house of Estanislao Duran, an architectural jewel of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Ascent: 217m (712ft) / Descent: 223m (732ft)
Overnight in Vigo
Hotel Compostela
Enjoy a pleasant night in this comfortable hotel located in Vigo. All rooms have private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Vigo to Arcade 14,3 miles | 23 km
After leaving Vigo behind, you will enter the Bay of Vigo, pass through Sete Fontes and later you can make a stop in Redondela, known as the village of the viaducts, as you will find the Madrid and Pontevedra viaducts there, both from the 19th century. In addition, in this municipality, the Camino Portugues Coastal Route and the Camino Portugues Interior Route converge.
Later, on your way to Arcade, the Galician oyster and seafood capital of the world, you can enjoy the incredible views over the Vigo Estuary, one of the deepest geographical features in the Rías Baixas in Galicia.
Ascent: 482m (1,581ft) / Descent: 439m (1,440ft)
Overnight in Arcade
Hotel Duarte
This family hotel offers rooms equipped with a private bathroom, TV and free Wi-Fi.
The accommodation has a restaurant and a nice bar.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Arcade to Pontevedra 7,5 miles | 12,1 km
Today will be a short walk. You will start by crossing the River Verdugo over Ponte Sampaio, a medieval bridge recognized for having been the scene of the last battle in Galicia against Napoleon's army, where he was defeated.
Then you will continue along a cobbled path until you encounter several towns and you will have charming panoramic views of the Bay of Vigo. Later you will continue to Pontevedra, a city that is definitely worth knowing. Enjoy a walk through its historic quarter and take advantage of its exquisite gastronomy.
A must-see is the Shrine of the Virgin Pilgrim, one of the most emblematic buildings dating from the 18thcentury and where Our Lady, the Virgin Pilgrim is venerated.
Ascent: 64m (209ft) / Descent: 76m (249ft)
Overnight in Pontevedra
Hotel Avenida Pontevedra
Located in Pontevedra, this accommodation offers rooms with private bathroom, TV and free Wi-Fi access.
Enjoy its cosy bar and a delicious buffet breakfast.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - Pontevedra to Monasterio de Santa Maria de Armenteira 14,4 miles | 23,2 km
You will start the day leaving the enigmatic city of Pontevedra to enter the beautiful region of O Salnes. On your way to the Monastery of Santa Maria de Armenteira, you will come across the baroque church of San Pedro de Campaño, which dates back to the Middle Ages and was rebuilt in the 18th century.
You will continue to the beautiful parish church of San Xoan de Poio, which has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest since 1971. You will then continue to the coastal town of Combarro, where you can visit the beach of Padron and the horreos (raised granaries) located on the seashore.
You will end your journey at the Monastery of Santa Maria de Armenteira, a building with more than 800 years of history. It is currently inhabited by Cistercian nuns.
Ascent: 453m (1,486ft) / Descent: 203m (666ft)
Overnight in Armenteira
Casa Carballo de Prado 1900
This charming accommodation stands out for its family atmosphere and natural surroundings. It has cozy rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
You will start the day with a filling breakfast and you can also enjoy its garden and bar.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 6 - Monasterio de Santa Maria de Armenteira to Vilanova de Arousa 14,1 miles | 22,7 km
Today, you will walk along the outstanding "Ruta da Pedra e da Auga", a route that runs along the banks of the Armenteira River. You will see several water mills, some wholly abandoned and others restored. Further on, you will come across the Umia River, one of the most important tributaries of the province of Pontevedra, which you will follow for a long stretch.
You will leave its banks at the village of Ponte Arnelas. Once there, you will head towards the coast in the direction of Vilanova de Arousa. In this small coastal town, you can visit the Casa Museo de Valle Inclan, declared a National Historic Monument in 1976, and enjoy its beautiful beaches: O Terron and Castelete.
Ascent: 105m (344ft) / Descent: 356m (1,167ft)
Overnight in Vilanova de Arousa
Hotel Leal La Sirena
Located in the coastal town of Vilanova de Arousa, has comfortable and bright rooms, private bathroom, TV and free Wi-Fi.
You can enjoy a complete breakfast and taste traditional dishes in its restaurant.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 7 - Vilanova de Arousa to Padron 1,2 miles | 1,9 km
You will start the day with an included boat transfer from Vilanova de Arousa to Pontecesures. This boat tour will allow you to contemplate the Ulla River, one of the most outstanding rivers in Galicia.
Arriving at Pontecesures, you will take a short walk along the banks of the Sar River until you reach Padron, a village in the province of La Coruña, famous for its peppers.
In Padron, you can stroll through its charming streets and visit the Convent do Carmen, built in the 18th century, or the Church of Santiago, built just a few meters from where the disciples of Santiago moored the boat in which they transported the body of the Apostle.
Ascent: 187m (613ft) / Descent: 109m (357ft)
Overnight in Padron
Casa Antiga Do Monte
Casa Antiga do Monte offers its guests an authentic and quality rural tourism.
The rooms are warm and fully equipped, with private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 8 - Padron to Santiago de Compostela 16 miles | 25,7 km
Start the route by crossing the small and characteristic villages until you reach A Escravitude, where you can pause to visit its sanctuary and the fountain at the bottom, which has curative powers according to the story.
Later, you continue along a path of oak trees until you start a 0,14 miles ascent, which takes you to Agros dos Monteiros, the highest point of this hiking route. Afterward, you will pass near the Castle of Rocha Forte or Churruchaos, which in ancient times was a symbol of feudal oppression over the inhabitants of the region.
Gradually, the arrows that indicate the way will disappear, giving you a sign that you are close to reaching the culmination point of this unforgettable pilgrimage route. You will enter the old quarter of the city, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, through Porta Faxeira. As you take Rua do Franco, the excitement will begin to take hold of you. You will be just a few steps away from the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where the remains of the apostle Santiago lie.
If you prefer, you can divide this stage into two, staying overnight in Parada de Francos.
Ascent: 226m (741ft) / Descent: 140m (459ft)
Overnight in Santiago de Compostela
Hospedería San Martin Pinario
This historic monastery is the perfect place to relax in the heart of Santiago de Compostela, combining Galician tradition with maximum comfort.
Enjoy its rooms with private bathroom, free Wi-Fi and a good breakfast.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 9 - Santiago de Compostela
Itinerary Map
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Services
Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms
- Breakfasts
- Luggage transfers between accommodations
- Camino de Santiago pilgrim credential
- Tickets for the boat trip from Vilanova de Arousa to Pontecesures
- Information dossier with maps and routes
- 24-hour telephone support
- Assistance vehicle in case of emergency
- Travel insurance
- Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
- Taxes
Extras
- Cancellation insurance
- Additional nights
- Dinners
- Picnics
Accomodation
General information
The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available. Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip. The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip. We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible. The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.
Room types
It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms. All rooms have private bathrooms.
Travel & Transfers
We recommend flying to Santiago Airport (SCQ). From Santiago, you can take a bus to Vigo, usually operated by the company "Monbus". Once in Vigo, you can take a taxi to Baiona, which takes only 25 minutes. If you prefer, you can take a bus that goes directly to Baiona, the local buses on this route are XG883014, XG883013, XG883022, XG883036, and XG883027, operated by “Transporte Público de Galicia”.
If you can not find flights to Santiago, your second option is to fly to Vigo Airport (VGO), a local airport that receives domestic flights.
At the end of your trip in Santiago de Compostela, we recommend flying from Santiago de Compostela airport, which is only 15 minutes from the city center. As there is always a big choice of taxis and bus lines running every 10 minutes to the airport, you will be able to return easily.
FAQs
Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
Absolutely! Each traveller has included 1 piece of luggage that we will transfer between your accommodations. It's important that this piece of luggage meets the following criterias:
- Maximum weight of 45 lbs (20 kg).
- Must be only 1 piece of luggage without any attachments or accessories.
- Should not contain valuables, fragile items, food or medications.
- Must be correctly identified (booking reference of your trip and the full name of the trip holder).
The approximate luggage delivery time will be at 4:00 PM.
What is the best time of year to do this trip?
You can visit the Camino de Santiago at any time of the year. To choose the time that best suits your needs and tastes, you only have to take into account the season and the weather conditions.
How far in advance should I book my trip?
We recommend that you book as soon as you are sure about your dates, as accommodation can fill up very quickly in this area.
What equipment do I need to bring?
Once you make your reservation we will send you all the detailed information about the specific equipment you need for this route, considering recommendations for shoes, boots, clothes and a day-to day backpack.
Do I need to take out travel insurance?
Yes, this is a requirement to book with us. It's important that this insurance covers your activities, emergency evacuation, and hospital care.
Will I be free to choose my walks on this route?
Since it is a self-guided walking holiday, we will give you the instructions for the walking routes and provide you with detailed maps so you can enjoy them at your own pace, safely and with the certainty of always being accompanied by Orbis Ways.
What does the complete route itinerary consist of?
The full route itinerary will be sent to you one month before the trip, along with accommodation reservations and baggage transfers. There you can find maps, places of interest and route profiles.
What should I know about the accommodation?
All rooms in all accommodations on this tour are private, have an ensuite bathroom and all the comforts necessary to spend an excellent night after a day of walking.
What should my physical preparation be?
Before setting off for the Camino de Santiago, it is recommended that both people who live a sedentary life, and those who exercise, physically prepare for a couple of months previously, taking daily walks or at least three times a week, and increasing the amount of time and kilometres that they travel.
Can some of the longer stages of the itinerary be divided?
Yes, below is a list of all the stages that we can divide, so that you do not have to walk so many daily kilometres:
- Póvoa de Varzim to Esposende (with overnight in Apulia).
- Viana do Castelo to Ancora (with overnight in Afife).
- Ancora to A Guarda (with overnight in Caminha).
- A Guarda to Baiona (with overnight in Oya).
- Baiona to Vigo (with overnight in Nigrán).
- Vigo to Arcade (with overnight in Redondela).
- Padrón to Santiago de Compostela (with overnight in Parada de Francos).
There are some stages that cannot be divided as our quality department has determined that it is not recommended based on our standards. This is because luggage cannot be transported or there are no accommodations available.
For the stages you find longer, you can take a taxi in the morning after breakfast, to drop you off at a point along the way where you can guarantee to finish the stage. This is the most popular option with walkers.
You can also take a look at these other options of the Camino Portugues.
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