Salnés Spiritual Variant: the origin of all the Santiago routes

Today you’ll say goodbye to Portugal as you cross the metal bridge over the River Minho. Try to get an early start, especially in winter months, to give yourself some time to enjoy the medieval town of Tui before making your way to the small industrial town of O Porriño.Depending on which route you take, you will either spend most of your day walking through forests and fields or a significant chunk of it in industrial areas.

Accommodation: 2* Hotel

You get your first glimpses of the Ria de Vigo estuary today when you reach Redondela and again towards the end of the stage in Arcade. In between, you have two hills to negotiate. The first is a slow, steady climb through rural scenery to an altitude of 235m. The second, although lower, is somewhat steeper and perhaps more tiring as it’s towards the end of the day. About 15 km into the stage, you’ll pass through the town of Redondela, where the central and coastal routes merge to follow the same route all the way to Santiago. Redondela has some interesting medieval buildings, including the 16th century Casa da Torre, now the pilgrim hostel. You’ll end the day in the small town of Arcade, renowned for its seafood thanks to its proximity to the water. It has an attractive beach and riverside park area. If you can’t find the time or energy to enjoy these when you arrive, try to do so in the morning.

Accommodation: 2* Hotel

Today’s journey is short and should only take about 4 hours. You can delay your departure and still have plenty of time to visit the historical centre of Pontevedra in the afternoon. This short stage is also one of the most pleasant on the Way, especially if you make a detour to start from the beach in Arcade. After leaving the town behind, you’ll follow ancient stone paths through the woods and, if you take the detour via River Tomeza, spend most of the day surrounded by trees and birdsong. You do have a hill to climb, up to 145 m altitude, but it isn’t terribly steep and is mostly in shade. After that, it’s downhill then level for the rest of the journey to Pontevedra. Pontevedra itself is a particularly attractive city. The historical centre is full of pretty squares and plenty of opportunities to enjoy tapas outdoors and watch the world go by.

Accommodation: 3* Hotel

Today’s stage marks the beginning of the Salnês Spiritual Variant, which begins about 2 km after leaving the city of Pontevedra. You will walk through the picturesque landscapes of Comarca and O Salnês, crossing the village of Poio – with its old monastery – and the beautiful coastal town of Combarro, before beginning the long and demanding climb to A Armenteira. Here, you will find a magnificent Monastery, built in the 12th century, and which is still in operation today.

Accommodation: 3* Hotel

Today’s stage is one of the most beautiful and pleasant on the entire Portuguese Camino. From Armenteira to Pontearnelas, you will travel “A Ruta da Pedra e da Auga”, which unfolds through natural landscapes of great beauty in the municipalities of Meis and Ribadumia. Walking under the shade of the trees along the banks of the Armenteira river, you will find ancient watermills that rest on the riverside, small waterfalls and bridges. Vegetable gardens and vineyards indicate that the Arousa estuary is approaching. After walking almost 23 km, you will reach the beaches and town of Vilanova de Arousa.

Accommodation: 2* Hotel

On the last day of the Salnês Spiritual Variant, before resuming the traditional Portuguese Camino, you will journey between Vilanova de Arousa and Pontecessures. This journey can be done in two ways: the first is by taking the Translatio, a boat trip going up the Ulla river and honoring the journey that the remains of Saint James made, up to Pontecessures. The second option, if traveling by boat is not possible, is to walk along the coast of the Ria de Arousa, walking through a succession of fishing villages until you reach Pontecessures, where you will find the Portuguese Camino. From Pontecessures to Teo there are a couple of sections on busy main roads without pavement but most of the terrain is tarmac lanes and stone or dirt tracks.

Accommodation: 3* Hotel

The final stage begins with a steady but not terribly arduous climb, mostly through woodlands, of 160 m to a peak of 260 metres. As you descend along quiet tarmac lanes, you will see the city of Santiago de Compostela ahead of you on the next hill. When you get within 4 km of the city, you will need to decide whether to stay amid greenery for as long as possible or stick with the original Way to take a short cut up a steep hill through a built up area. Either way, the last few kilometres will be along tarmac and urban roads but as the graffitied sign at Ponte Rio Sar says, “Don’t Stop Now!” The yellow arrows all but disappear once you enter the centre of Santiago de Compostela so follow these directions to arrive at the cathedral the Portuguese Way.

Accommodation: 3* Hotel

End of our services. You can make your way to your next destination or ask us to add an extra night or two in the city centre to your walking holiday package (additional costs apply).

– This alternate route can be arranged on any of our Camino de Santiago hiking programs. For more information or a quotation, please contact us.