How to Get to the Spiritual Variant: Tui, Oporto, and Pontevedra

The Spiritual Variant is one of the most unique routes of the Portuguese Way, offering a journey that combines hiking and a boat trip through the Arousa Estuary and the Ulla River. If you are planning your pilgrimage and wondering how to reach this route from Tui, Oporto, or Pontevedra, here we explain all the available options.

From Tui to the Spiritual Variant

Tui is one of the most popular starting points of the Portuguese Way. To reach the Spiritual Variant from here, follow these steps:

🚶 On Foot

  • Follow the Portuguese Way to Pontevedra (approximately 65 km).
  • From Pontevedra, take the detour to the Spiritual Variant in the town of Poio.

🚌 By Bus

  • There are direct buses from Tui to Pontevedra operated by companies like Monbus.
  • From Pontevedra, you can start the Spiritual Variant.

🚆 By Train

  • Renfe offers connections between Guillarei (near Tui) and Pontevedra.

Check train schedules on the official Renfe website

From Oporto to the Spiritual Variant

Oporto is another key starting point for many pilgrims. To reach the Spiritual Variant, consider these options:

🚆 By Train

  • Take a train from Oporto to Vigo with Comboios de Portugal.
  • From Vigo, take another train or bus to Pontevedra.

Schedules and tickets on the Comboios de Portugal website

🚌 By Bus

  • Companies like Alsa and FlixBus operate routes from Oporto to Vigo and Pontevedra.
  • From Pontevedra, follow the Spiritual Variant.

🚗 By Car

  • You can rent a car in Oporto and drive to Pontevedra in about 2 hours.

From Pontevedra to the Spiritual Variant

Pontevedra is the city where the Spiritual Variant officially begins.

🚶 On Foot

  • The route starts at the Monastery of Poio, a few kilometers from Pontevedra.
  • From there, follow the path to Armenteira and then to Vilanova de Arousa, where you take the Traslatio boat.

⛵ By Boat

  • The Traslatio Route departs from Vilanova de Arousa and navigates the estuary to Pontecesures, near Padrón.

Book your journey on the official Barco Variante Espiritual website

Plan Your Trip to the Spiritual Variant

Regardless of your starting point, reaching the Spiritual Variant is easy thanks to the various transport options available. Remember to plan your route in advance, check schedules, and if you are taking the Traslatio Route, book your seat on the boat ahead of time.

👉 Book your boat trip now and enjoy a unique experience on the Camino de Santiago!