Spiritual Variant

Way of St. James

Spiritual Variant

A Unique Route by Land and Sea

The Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Way is one of the most fascinating and lesser-known routes of the Camino de Santiago. This path offers pilgrims a perfect combination of history, culture, and nature, crossing through dreamy Galician landscapes and villages steeped in tradition. What makes it especially unique is its maritime stage, where the legendary transport of the body of the Apostle James along the Arousa Estuary and Ulla River is reenacted.

Throughout the three stages, pilgrims can enjoy the beauty of monasteries, river trails, and finally, a sea journey that connects history with spirituality. This variant provides an unforgettable experience, perfect for those seeking a deeper connection with the Camino de Santiago and the landscapes of Galicia.

Stages of the Spiritual Variant

Stages

Discover this route of the Way of St. James

Stage 1: Pontevedra to Armenteira

The route begins in the historic town of Pontevedra, with its famous Peregrina church. From there, it heads towards Poio, passing the Poio Monastery, and continues to Combarro, known for its traditional granaries and houses. The stage concludes at the serene Armenteira Monastery, surrounded by nature.

Pontevedra, the starting point, is a city full of history with its well-preserved old town and the emblematic Basilica of Santa Maria. The route leaves the city crossing the Lérez River, inviting pilgrims to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the Galician forests.

Continuing towards Poio, you will find the Monastery of San Xoán de Poio, an impressive complex dating back to the 7th century, known for its beautiful murals and cloisters. Poio offers a mix of heritage and nature, with stunning views of the estuary.

Combarro is famous for its hórreos and cruceiros, a living postcard of traditional Galician architecture. This coastal town offers a unique cultural experience, with its cobbled streets and stone houses that seem to come from another era.

Arriving in Armenteira means an encounter with peace and spirituality in its Cistercian monastery, founded in 1168. Surrounded by nature, it is the perfect place for reflection and rest.

Stage 2: Armenteira to Vilanova de Arousa

This stage is famous for the “Ruta da Pedra e da Auga”, a beautiful trail that follows the Armenteira River through a lush forest, with water mills along the way. The route then opens up to vineyard landscapes before reaching Vilanova de Arousa, a fishing village overlooking the Arousa Estuary.

The “Ruta da Pedra e da Auga” is a trail that meanders along the Armenteira River, offering freshness and shade under its vegetation. The old mills along the way are testimonies of Galician rural life of yesteryear.

As you approach Vilanova de Arousa, the landscapes change to reveal vineyards that produce the famous Albariño. This town is a hotbed of maritime activity, with a rich history linked to the sea and the Apostle Santiago.

Stage 3: Vilanova de Arousa to Pontecesures/Padrón

The sea stage offers a unique perspective of the Camino de Santiago, following the route that, according to legend, the body of the Apostle Santiago took. From Vilanova de Arousa, pilgrims will sail along the Arousa Estuary and the Ulla River, passing through the only sea-river Via Crucis in the world, before disembarking in Pontecesures. This final stretch on foot to Santiago de Compostela reveals changing landscapes rich in history.

The sea crossing from Vilanova de Arousa offers a unique perspective of the Camino, sailing along the Arousa Estuary and ascending the Ulla River. This trip allows you to see the mussel farms and the biodiversity of the marshes.

Pontecesures is a point of confluence of paths, where pilgrims disembark to continue on foot to Santiago. This small town has great significance in the history of the Camino, serving as a gateway to the final phase of the pilgrimage.

Each stage of the Spiritual Variant is designed to immerse pilgrims in the rich history, culture and natural beauty of Galicia. From ancient monasteries and picturesque villages to the tranquil experience of the maritime section, this route offers a deep and reflective way to experience the Camino de Santiago.

Way of St. James

Spiritual Variant

Discover the beauty of this variant of the Way of St. James through Arousa, and the Traslatio, a boat trip that will take you back in time in a unique natural environment through the Arousa Sea.

In Barco Variante Espiritual we want to show all the beauty and way of life of the Ría de Arousa.
Its customs, its islands, its almost 100% seafaring life and its way of working at sea.

Support

About

Contact Us

Vilanova Maritime Station

+34 658 912 662

info@barcovarianteespiritual.com

In Barco Variante Espiritual we want to show all the beauty and way of life of the Ría de Arousa.
Its customs, its islands, its almost 100% seafaring life and its way of working at sea.

Support

About

Contact Us

Vilanova Maritime Station

+34 650 410 322

info@barcovarianteespiritual.com