The Spiritual Variant is an alternative to our original Luxury Camino itinerary of the Portuguese Way. An experience in which you will recreate the boat trip of the remains of the Apostle Santiago from Palestine to Galicia. Yes, by boat! This route is unique because you can complete a stage by sea. It is a beautiful route that crosses the waters of the Arousa estuary and ascends the Ulla River, contemplating the only fluvial maritime Way of the Cross in the world.
If that were not enough, on the walking route of the Spiritual Variant, some of the most beautiful scenery in this part of Galicia awaits you: the monastery of A Armenteira and the so-called ‘Ruta da Pedra e da Auga’, a beautiful nature trail along the Armenteira river where you will discover countless water mills.
Day By Day Itinerary
We meet on Day 1 | Arrival in Oia | Staying at Casa Puertas or Faro Silleiro Hotel.
We meet on the first day at 3:00 pm at our hotel lobby in Oia. Our guides will greet you and provide a briefing on your tour. We will meet again in the evening for an Albariño before enjoying a delicious welcome dinner.
Day 2 | Oia – Baiona | 17 km / 10.5 mi
Leave Oia and continue alongside beaches and cliffs, between cultivated fields, enjoying the waves beating on the rocks. Before reaching “As Mariñas”, you get to the top of “Cape Silleiro”; this path crosses the road again and rises up, circles around the top of Silleiro, where there is the chapel of “Virgen de Cela”, entering “As Cadeiras” before continuing along a track towards “O Ponte”. Follow road PO-2203 to cross under the highway and enter “Baiona,” where you will finish this stage.
At the end of the day’s walk, unwind with our exclusive private group speedboat trip to the Cíes Islands, a Camino highlight. Zip from Baiona across scenic Baiona Bay to these “Caribbean of Europe” gems in the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park. Discover crystal-clear turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and rich marine biodiversity. Enjoy serene walks, swims in pristine bays, or relaxing sea views in this UNESCO biosphere reserve candidate, with limited visitors for true tranquility.
Transport to Hotel – Staying at Faro Silleiro Hotel or Hotel Pazo de Mendoza or Parador Nacional Baiona.
Day 3 | Baiona – Vigo | 26 km / 16.1 mi
Start this stage from the church of “Santa Maria”, and continue parallel to the beautiful town harbour. The route approaches the river Miñor, which you cross over a beautiful stone bridge that brings you to “A Ramallosa” and Nigran.
After crossing “As Nogueiras,” begin a gentle climb up “Mount San Roman” and continue to admire the wonderful view of “Islas Cies” as you climb to “Castro Alto da Medoña”. Enter the city of Vigo by crossing the city Park (Park Castrelos) and following the “Lagares” river until reaching the “Avenida de Madrid” where this stage ends.
Transport to Hotel – staying at VILLA 1880 Boutique.
Day 4 | Vigo – Redondela | 17 km / 10.5 mi
This 17 km stage from Vigo to Redondela meanders through Galicia’s enchanting countryside, with tranquil rural landscapes and fragrant eucalyptus forests. A key highlight is Ponte Sampaio, a historic stone bridge where Napoleon’s troops were defeated in 1809, rich with regional history. For those prepared to start their day early, an optional speedboat trip to San Simón Island in the Ría de Vigo is available, offering breathtaking views of the estuary and a chance to explore the island’s serene beauty, historic ruins, and cultural significance as a former monastery and quarantine site. After the walk or boat trip, enjoy transport to your hotel.
Two nights in Pontevedra, staying at Parador de Pontevedra or VILLA 1880 Boutique.
Day 5 | Redondela – Pontevedra | 20 km / 12.4 mi
This 20 km stage from Redondela to Pontevedra guides you through Galicia’s scenic countryside, with peaceful rural landscapes and fragrant eucalyptus forests. A highlight is arriving in Pontevedra, a historic city known for its charming old town and the iconic Igrexa da Virxe Peregrina, a baroque church shaped like a scallop shell, symbolizing the Camino. After the walk, enjoy a free evening in Pontevedra to explore local restaurants and wine bars, savoring authentic Galician cuisine and regional wines.
Transport to hotel, staying at Parador de Pontevedra or VILLA 1880 Boutique or Aldea Calma
Day 6 | Pontevedra – Armenteira | 24 km / 14.9 mi
You will start walking from the city centre to Combarro along a beautiful coastal route. You will leave Pontevedra by the bridge that connects the city with Poio, and from there, walk towards the coast until reaching the cove of Lourido. From here, the path runs along Avenida Praia until you reach Campelo Beach, where you can continue the itinerary along a path that runs along the coast until you reach A Seara. You reach the centre of Combarro from A Seara by an asphalted track, where the sea views are the biggest distraction. Already in Combarro, you will ascend by the Camino Vilar to the Mirador do Loureiro, which continues up to the Monastery of Santa María de Armenteira, the end of the stage.
Combarro is a small fishing village belonging to the municipality of Poio. This village boasts one of the most emblematic historical centres in Galicia, featuring numerous cruceiros and hórreos. Undoubtedly, you will enjoy getting lost among its streets from the Plaza de Chousa, visiting the more than 60 hórreos that this place has, and tasting dishes from the excellent local gastronomy.
Transport to Hotel – Staying at Quinta de San Amaro or Aldea Calma
Day 7 | Armenteira – Vilanova de Arousa | 23 km / 14.2 mi
Embark on a 23 km journey from the historic Monastery of Armenteira along the enchanting Ruta da Pedra e da Auga, a trail hugging the Armenteira stream through Meis and Ribadumia. This path captivates with its natural splendor: lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and weathered mills perched along the riverbanks, evoking a timeless Galician idyll.
For a more curated experience, we recommend focusing on the most beautiful section of this route: a 7 km walk from the Monastery of Armenteira through the heart of the Ruta da Pedra e da Auga. At the end of this Auga segment, we’ll pick up the walkers and provide a comfortable transfer to the ferry at Vilanova de Arousa. From there, enjoy a private ferry crossing to Pontecesures, navigating the world’s only maritime-river Via Crucis, where you can admire the 17th-century cruceiros (calvaries) dotting the shores, identifying this part of the Camino de Santiago as the “Traslatio”, THE ORIGINS OF ALL ROADS, the legendary route followed by the remains of the Apostle James from the sea inland. Followed by a short 3 km walk to Padrón.
Transport to Hotel – Staying at Quinta de San Amaro or Aldea Calma
Day 8 | Vilanova de Arousa – Padron | 12 km / 7.5 mi
Begin your day with a serene 10-minute ferry ride from Vilanova de Arousa to Pontecesures, gliding along the Ulla River as part of the legendary Ruta de la Traslatio. This mythical route echoes the journey of St. James’s disciples, Theodore and Anastasius, who brought the Apostle’s body from Palestine to Galicia. From the water, admire the world’s only maritime-river Way of the Cross, marked by 17 ancient stone crucifixes (cruceiros) lining the shores, blending spirituality with stunning estuary views.
From Pontecesures, embark on a gentle 12 km walk to Padrón, rejoining the Portuguese Way through peaceful rural paths and coastal glimpses. Padrón, famed as the Apostle’s first landing site in Spain, awaits with its vibrant heritage: visit the Santiago Church to see the ancient Pedrón, the stone said to have moored his boat, fulfilling the Spiritual Variant. Savor the town’s signature pimientos de Padrón—fried green peppers with their unpredictable spicy kick—paired with local wines. Don’t miss the Rosalía de Castro Museum, honoring Galicia’s beloved poet, or the Romanesque Collegiate Church of Iria Flavia on the outskirts.
Upon completion, receive your Compostela de la Pedronía certificate, a special testament to traversing the Spiritual Route.
Transport to Hotel – Staying at Casas Alexandre or Novavila Design Wine Hotel
Day 9 | Padron – Santiago | 25 km / 14.9 mi
Last day of the pilgrimage experience! As we always say, the ideal is to get up early to make the most of the day in Santiago de Compostela. Today’s stage will pass super fast between nerves and excitement of the imminent arrival. The jewel of this stage is the beautiful collegiate church of Iria Flavia, which was the first cathedral of Galicia and in whose cemetery, under an olive tree, you will find the humble tomb of the famous writer Camilo José Cela. The route continues through the municipalities of Teo and Ames until you reach the Plaza del Obradoiro. Undoubtedly the most emotional moment of the entire Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Way.
You are in Santiago! Feel happy and proud to have completed your pilgrimage. Now, you just need to pick up your Compostela certificate and enjoy an incredible day getting to know the Galician capital.
Transport to Hotel.
Lodging
Every lodging on the Santiago Way becomes part of your journey’s tapestry. We’ve meticulously chosen each place you’ll rest, ensuring a memorable and heartwarming experience. As we traverse the route, you’ll be hosted by the renowned National Paradores and enchanting Galician estates, nestled in idyllic rural spots bathed in serenity and lush landscapes. Beyond just a place to sleep, these accommodations immerse you in the local culture and ambience. Every room boasts its own en-suite bathroom, and the hospitality you’ll encounter is genuinely heartwarming. With their exceptional service and personal touch, the proprietors will make you feel as if you’ve arrived home.
Meals
Your culinary journey on the Santiago Way is as integral to the walk itself as it is. Each morning, we present a breakfast spread to energize your day; lunches are prepared picnics, allowing you to savor artisanal delights during your trek. And come evening, sit down to dinners that capture the soul of local, awaiting flavours. We’ve got you covered if you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or require specific dietary accommodations, such as gluten-free options. Just let us know beforehand, and we’ll ensure that your meals resonate with your dietary needs.
Walking
Embark on the Santiago Way at your own rhythm. Strategically positioned checkpoints will greet you as you go, where our backup vehicle is stationed, stocked with refreshments, fruits, and water to refuel. They’re also there to ensure everything runs smoothly. Our team is ready to provide assistance for any unforeseen issues, whether it’s addressing discomfort or attending to the occasional blister. If you choose to pause your journey at any time, our support vehicle will be available to assist you. Fear not about straying off course – the iconic yellow arrows guide you throughout. Remember, on the Camino, fellow pilgrims are always around. Once the day’s trek is done and we’ve all refuelled with lunch, we’ll retreat to our lodgings. There, indulge in a refreshing shower and sink into a well-earned evening of relaxation.
Before & After
Before: Your journey begins in the coastal town of Oia; the landing point for most international flights is Lisbon, Portugal, or Madrid, Spain.
After: Your expedition concludes in the historic city of Santiago de Compostela around 3:00 pm on the final day; please note that transportation to Lisbon, Madrid, or alternative destinations isn’t provided. However, we’re here to guide you on your onward journey and assist with any extended hotel stays.
Trip Insurance
For your ease and our mutual assurance, our package includes insurance. This ensures that should any unforeseen physical mishaps occur during your journey, you’re well-attended to within Spain. Please reach out if you’d like a detailed breakdown of the coverage benefits.
Chauffeur / Guide
Your dedicated Chauffeur / Guide is always on standby, ensuring your Camino journey is smooth and stress-free. More than just a driver, they are experienced Camino experts who meet you at designated stops, ready to assist whenever needed. Along the way, your Chauffeur / Guide shares insights about the Camino, offers encouragement, and ensures you travel comfortably and confidently throughout your journey.
Always Connected
To give you complete peace of mind, we provide each pilgrim with an AirTag, ensuring we can always stay connected along the way. Whether you’re enjoying the trail at your own pace or taking an unexpected detour, our team knows where you are, giving you the freedom to walk with confidence. Your journey is yours to embrace, while we take care of the details.
Camino Companions
Tours Include
- Private support vehicle
- English-speaking guide assistance
- All transfers
- All meals (B’fast, Lunch & Dinner) + Drinks & Snacks
- Carefully selected luxury accommodation
- Physiotherapist on call
- Informational program and route map
- Travel insurance for the entire tour
- Photos of your Camino Trip
- Farewell Dinner
- Pilgrims’ Mass with Botafumeiro ceremony (pending availability)
- Guided visit in Santiago de Compostela, including the Cathedral’s majestic Portico of Glory
- Camino de Santiago Certificate (Min 100kms)
- The Camino Companions Special Care
