If you are walking the Spiritual Variant of the Camino de Santiago, prepare to fall in love with Vilanova de Arousa, a charming coastal town where the salty taste of the sea mixes with the spirituality of the pilgrim.
A Town with the Taste of the Sea
Vilanova de Arousa is not an ordinary place. Here, the waves tell stories of old sailors and the footprints of the Apostle Santiago mingle with fishing nets. This picturesque Galician town offers pilgrims a maritime respite, a space to reconnect with nature and a living culture that breathes tradition and modernity in equal parts.
Land of Wines and Legends
As you walk through its streets, you will feel the hospitality of its people and the pride in their land. Vilanova de Arousa is famous for its vineyards, which give life to some of the best Albariños in the world. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste a glass, allowing the taste of Galician terroir to renew your energy for the walk that follows.
Heritage and Nature
In Vilanova de Arousa, historical and natural heritage go hand in hand. You can visit places such as the Casa de Valle-Inclán, home of one of Spain’s most iconic writers, and feel the inspiration that emanates from its walls. Nature is also present in places such as the O Castelete Park, where vegetation and open spaces invite meditation and rest.
The Gate of the Road in the Sea
Perhaps the most distinctive feature of Vilanova de Arousa in the context of the Camino is its connection with the Variante Espiritual and the Traslatio, the legendary sea route that, according to tradition, the body of the Apostle Santiago followed until his final resting place in Compostela. From here, pilgrims take part of their journey by boat with us, sailing along the same estuary that once guarded the Apostle’s boat.
A Memory for the Heart
Vilanova de Arousa is not just another stage; it is a memory that will stay in your heart. Its sunsets over the estuary, the friendliness of its inhabitants and the fresh air that can only be breathed in the coastal towns of Galicia will stay with you long after you have stamped your credential and continued your Road to Santiago.
Invitation to Walkers
So now you know, when you arrive in Vilanova de Arousa, walk slowly, breathe deeply and let each sense be imbued with the magic of this place. After all, that’s what the Camino de Santiago is all about: discovering, experiencing and taking with you a little piece of each stop on this ancient journey. And in Vilanova de Arousa, your backpack is sure to be filled with good times. Have a good Camino!
