Starts at the 12th-century Cistercian Monastery of Santa María de Oia on the ocean’s edge. The route follows the coastal road north or the Estrada Real, passing through quiet lanes, nature trails, small stone houses, and traditional fishing spots. The terrain is flat.

The coast becomes wilder with rocky outcrops. You pass As Mariñas, a rural area with the ocean as a constant companion, then approach Cabo Silleiro, marked by its iconic lighthouse and one of the most dramatic viewpoints on the Coastal Way.

The path descends from the cape along a promenade and scenic road into Baiona. Entering the outskirts, you pass the Virxe da Rocha statue. The landscape softens with sandy beaches and palm trees. The stage ends at the Parador, a historic fortress with panoramic views of the bay and the Cíes Islands.

Coastal walking out of Baiona through Sabarís, then crossing the Miñor River estuary via the historic A Ramallosa Bridge, a major landmark on this stage.

An easy continuation toward Praia América, one of the best-known beaches on this stretch of the coast.

Beach-town promenade and quiet streets through Panxón, including the Votive Temple of the Sea, continuing toward Patos.

A scenic coastal run linking beaches and residential lanes as you approach Vigo’s outer neighbourhoods.

Reaches Samil, Vigo’s most famous beach, with a long and straightforward promenade walk.

Finish at the Museo do Mar de Galicia in Alcabre, set in a former canning-factory site on the waterfront.

Scenic water-path and woodland walking with intermittent urban edges, reaching Rego Fondón and its small waterfall.

Rolling wooded track and rural lanes. You pass the Iglesia de San Andrés de Cedeira, a good place to stamp your pilgrim credential.

A steady descent into Redondela, finishing at Plaza de Rivadavia. This is the point where the Coastal and Central Portuguese routes converge.

The route begins in the heart of Redondela, with the railway viaducts as a backdrop. You leave town via local streets toward the estuary side, with views across the Ría de Vigo toward San Simón and Santo Antón islands.

After Cesantes the path enters the municipality of Soutomaior, mixing rural lanes and dirt tracks. You descend toward the Verdugo River and reach Ponte Sampaio, site of the 1809 battle against Napoleonic troops.

After crossing the bridge, the route climbs gently through woodland paths, quiet lanes, and small villages. You pass through the Bértola area, with fountains and cruceiros.

The path gradually widens, returning to asphalt as you approach Pontevedra. You pass through suburban outskirts and continue toward the station zone.

Final urban walk into the historic center. The stage ends at Praza da Peregrina, home to the Sanctuary of the Virgin Pilgrim, patron of the Portuguese Way in Pontevedra.

Leave Pontevedra following the Camino Portugués out of the city. After two miles the Spiritual Variant branches away from the main route toward Poio. The start of the detour is well-marked with a large information board on the left side of the road.

Continue through Poio, passing the Monastery of San Xoán de Poio, a key heritage landmark. The route leads toward Combarro, a standout coastal village known for its traditional granite architecture and seafront hórreos.

Leaving Combarro the Camino turns inland and the main climb begins. This is the most demanding part of the stage, with a sustained uphill route through rural lanes that gradually transition into forested terrain. A steady, consistent pace is recommended.

The final section continues through quiet woodland and countryside. The approach becomes more secluded and atmospheric, culminating at the Monastery of A Armenteira, a 12th-century Cistercian complex set in a tranquil valley.

The stage begins with a gentle descent from the monastery. Yellow arrows guide pilgrims quickly into the woodland and toward the river trail.

The most iconic stretch of the stage. The route follows the river through shaded forest, passing numerous historic water mills, stone features, and small cascades. Footing can be uneven with roots, stones, and occasional mud, especially after rain.

After the mill route, the path opens into a flatter agricultural landscape with vineyards (D.O. Rías Baixas), orchards, and rural roads as you move through the Ribadumia area.

The Camino continues through quiet rural settlements and transitions toward the estuary. This section is generally easier underfoot and more open than the river trail.

Final stretch into Vilanova de Arousa along the seafront promenade. The route finishes near the maritime station and tourist office area, where pilgrims prepare for the Traslatio boat stage.

Depart from the maritime station in Vilanova de Arousa and board the boat for the Traslatio journey. The route follows the Ría de Arousa before entering the Río Ulla, retracing the traditional path associated with the arrival of Saint James. Along the way you pass the 17 stone crosses (cruceiros) positioned in the water, marking this historic and symbolic route.

After disembarking at Pontecesures, follow the clearly marked Camino route along the riverbank toward Padrón. This is a flat, short, and straightforward final section, finishing at the Iglesia de Santiago de Padrón, home of the Pedrón stone traditionally linked to the arrival of Saint James.

Start at Iglesia de San Xoán de Calo and head northwest toward the Camino Portugués corridor near A Casalonga. This connector section is local road and village access until you merge into the established pilgrim route.

Once on the Camino corridor, continue through the suburban-rural transition toward O Milladoiro, one of the classic final approach points before Santiago. This section mixes paved stretches with Camino-waymarked paths and gentle gradients.

Leave O Milladoiro on the traditional descent toward Santiago. The route drops toward the city via the Rocha Vella and Conxo approach, transitioning from the outer urban edge into the historic pilgrim entry corridor.

Continue through Conxo and into Santiago’s urban streets, following Camino signage toward the old town. This is the emotional final approach where the route becomes fully city-based and pilgrim traffic increases.

Final stretch through the casco histórico, traditionally passing through Porta Faxeira and Rúa do Franco, finishing at Praza do Obradoiro in front of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.