The Spiritual Route

The route of stone and water.

This route variation starts from Pontevedra Poio and takes you to Padron where once again you will join up to the traditional Portuguese route.

Pontevedra Poio is the starting point of the Variante Espiritual, it is a very recent route, connecting places that were historically related to the Camino.

After spending the evening in Pontevedra Poio, you walk down to sea level where you will walk a stretch along the coast of the Ría de Pontevedra before you reach Combarro.

You enter Combarro through the beach. Combarro is a beautiful fishing town, famous for its hórreos (granary), a typical Galician construction. Hórreos are used to store grain, they are built on a flat stone supported by pillars to elevate them from the ground thus preventing access by rodents. They are made of stone or a combination of stone and wood.

The section of the route from Combarro to  Armenteira, is mainly quiet rural forest in the mountains. The climb is hard, but the views of the Ría are amazing. You will reach the Monasterio de Armenteira, where you will spend the night. 

Armenteira has great natural beauty. It’s also known as Ruta da Pedra e da Agua (route of stone and water), you walk along the river where you will be able to see the remains of many old water mills.

The second stage ends in Vilanova de Arousa.

The third stage has two options.  One comprises taking a boat up the Rio Ulla to Padron and the other walking an additional 28km to Padron

Along the river you will see the only maritime Via Crucis in the world, 17 stone crosses identifying the way followed by St. James’ remains.

After this stage, you join the traditional Camino Portugués.

From Porto – 249km or 277km 

From Pontevedra – 63km (boat)

From Pontevedra – 91km (walking)