Spiritual Variant Oia to Santiago
The Spiritual Variant is an alternative to our original 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.
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 heartening. 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 as the walk itself. Each morning, we present a breakfast spread to energise your day; lunches are picnics that have been prepared, allowing you to relish in 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 or vegan or require specific dietary accommodations like 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 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 is smooth sailing. Our team is ready to provide aid for any unforeseen hiccups, whether it's addressing discomforts or tending to the occasional blister.
If you choose to pause your journey at any time, our support vehicle will 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: Our journey begins in the vibrant city of Oia; the landing point for most international flights is Lisbon, Portugal or Madrid, Spain.
After: Our expedition winds down in the historic Santiago de Compostela around 3:00 pm on the final day; note that transportation to Lisbon or Madrid or alternative locales isn't provided. However, we're on hand to guide you on your onward journey and help 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.
Vehicle On Standby: At every step of your Camino, a dedicated support vehicle awaits. Should you wish for a brief respite, need to access or stow away items, or simply feel the urge to switch footwear, our van stands ready. Stocked with essentials - from first aid and medicines to snacks, water, and fresh fruit - it's a mobile haven to meet every necessity.
Expert Guides: Beyond mere guides, our Camino experts are fellow pilgrims at heart. As they share rich Camino tales and insights, they become friends - cheering you on, tending to those bothersome blisters, and perhaps even guiding you to deeper, personal discoveries on your journey.
Peace of Mind: Each tour comes with comprehensive travel insurance, ensuring that you're in safe hands should any emergencies arise during your Camino. Additionally, we present the option of a specially-priced cancellation insurance tailored to your specific Camino.
The Essentials: To equip you for the journey, we dispatch a curated packing list, guiding you on must-haves. Moreover, our Pilgrim's Kit (Click here for details) arrives in a backpack, complete with your Pilgrim's Passport, the iconic shell, an introspective Camino program with a waterproof route map, a sealed pouch, a handy notebook, snacks, and several other thoughtful additions!
Day By Day Itinerary
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.
Night in Baiona staying at Hotel Pazo de Mendoza or similar.
Day 1 | Arrival in Oia | Staying at Casa Rectoral De Areas or similar
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.
Night in Oia
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.
Night in Vigo or in the area based on availability.
Day 4 & 5 | Vigo - Pontevedra | 34 km / 21.1 mi
In this section, you will pass through a typical Galician landscape with rural areas and lush green Eucalyptus forests. Before the halfway mark, you will cross Ponte Sanpaio, where Napoleon's troupes were defeated. For a gastronomic treat, consider a trip to Ons Island (optional) for an exceptional octopus lunch. This addition will enrich your Camino Portuguese experience with natural beauty and local flavours.
Two nights in Pontevedra staying at Parador de Pontevedra or similar.
Day 6 | Pontevdra - Armenteira | 24 km / 14.9 mi
You will start walking from the city centre to Combarro along a beautiful route along the coast. 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 has one of the most emblematic historical centres of Galicia, full of 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.
Night in Armenteira staying at Novavila Design Wine Hotel.
Day 8 | Vilanova de Arousa - Padron | 27.7 km / 15.5 mi
You will start directing your steps to Vilagarcía de Arousa, alternating roads and coastal paths. From there begins the route of the famous and mythical Ruta de la Traslatio for which you have two options: to do it by boat or on foot.
Those who decide to take the route by sea will emulate Theodore and Anastasius, the disciples of the Apostle St. James, who transferred his body from Palestine to Galicia. After taking a boat in the port of Vilanova, for an hour, you will cross the Ría de Arousa and ascend the Ulla River, contemplating the only maritime-river Way of the Cross in the world formed by 17 centenary cruisers that mark this Way of St. James. The boat will leave you in Pontecesures, where the Spiritual Variant rejoins the Portuguese Way to Padrón, your last stop before Santiago de Compostela.
If you decide to go on foot, you will walk upstream parallel to the Ulla River. The most impressive point along the route will be Catoira, which has imposing towers. Once you have reached Pontecesures, after crossing the bridge to Padrón, the spiritual variant of the Camino will be over. From here, you will continue to Santiago de Compostela by the conventional route of the Portuguese Way.
Padrón is famous, among other things, for its peppers and for having been where the Apostle Santiago’s boat landed when he made landfall. For this last reason, it will be mandatory to visit the famous Pedrón in the church of Santiago, which, according to legend, was used to moor the boat of the Apostle to complete the spiritual variant fully. We also recommend visiting the Rosalía de Castro Museum and the collegiate church of Iria Flavia at the exit of the village towards Santiago de Compostela.
In Padrón, you can obtain the “la Pedronía” certificate, which certifies that you have reached the end of the Spiritual Route.
Night in Padron Staying at Casas Alexandre or Novavila Design Wine Hotel
Day 7 | A Armenteira - Vilanova de Arousa | 22.7 km / 14.1 mi
From the Monastery of A Armenteira begins the beautiful Ruta da Pedra e da Auga, which runs parallel to the stream of Armenteira. Walking through this place of great natural beauty, you will cross the municipalities of Meis and Ribadumia until you reach Pontearnelas. The path stands out for its lush riparian vegetation, bridges, small waterfalls and a succession of old mills resting on the river bank. Later, after a succession of rural landscapes and vineyards, you will approach the Arousa estuary, arriving at the end of the stage in Vilanova de Arousa.
Vilanova de Arousa is the birthplace of Valle-Inclán. If the weather is good, you can enjoy this small fishing village bathing in one of its many beaches. As remarkable monuments include the ancestral home of Valle-Inclán, the church of Santa María de Caleiro, the pazo of Rúa Nova or the towers of Cálogo.
Staying again at Novavila Design Wine Hotel.
Day 9 | Padron - Santiago | 24 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.
Night in Santiago - hotel based on availability.
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
Pilgrims’ Kit - Small backpack with necessary items that will come in handy
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
Church of the Pilgrim in the Camino De Santiago in Pontevedra, Galicia, Spain
