Discovering the Camino de Santiago means opening up to a range of stories, landscapes and routes that, like the roots of a great tree, extend throughout Galicia and beyond. One of these routes is the Camino del Padre Sarmiento, an itinerary that pays homage to the enlightened Frei Martín Sarmiento, born in the 17th century, who made his pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela from the city of Pontevedra. This route, which is a variant of the Portuguese Way along the coast, is tinged with mysticism, culture and the unmistakable beauty of the Galician coastline.
Stages of Father Sarmiento's Journey
The Padre Sarmiento Route unfolds in stages that connect Pontevedra with Santiago, passing through places of a beauty that often seems stolen from a canvas.
This initial stage will take you through forests and villages until you reach Combarro, famous for its hórreos and cruceiros, with the sea always as a backdrop.
Following the coast, you will reach Sanxenxo, a tourist enclave known for its beaches and lively summer atmosphere.
A short drive will take you to Portonovo, with its beautiful beaches and the opportunity to enjoy excellent maritime cuisine.
You will walk towards the historic and mystical beach of A Lanzada, where tradition and the ocean meet.
You will head towards O Grove, known for its peninsula and the bridge to the paradise island of Arousa.
This longer stretch takes you to Cambados, the birthplace of Albariño.
A more relaxed stage that takes you into the heart of the Rías Baixas. You will also pass through Illa de Arousa, which is connected to Vilanova by a 2km bridge.
Here, you can choose to follow the traditional Camino or embark on the Traslatio – the route taken by the remains of the Apostle Santiago by sea to Padrón.
Once on land, Padrón awaits you with its rich Jacobean heritage and its famous peppers.
The last stage takes you to the goal of every pilgrim, the city of the Apostle, where the Cathedral of Santiago welcomes you with its history and spirituality.
A Unique Experience on the Camino
The Camino del Padre Sarmiento is an opportunity to immerse yourself in a different Galicia, sprinkled with salt and legends, with wines with body and soul, and with landscapes that dialogue between the blue of the sea and the green of the vineyards. It is a route that, although less traveled than others, does not skimp on offering moments of introspection, beauty and personal discovery.
Integration with the Spiritual Variant
For those who wish to add a deeper dimension to their pilgrimage, the Father Sarmiento Route links perfectly with the Spiritual Variation, allowing for an even richer and more diverse experience on the Camino.
Good Journey!
We invite you to put on your boots, fill yourself with curiosity and appetite, and let yourself be surprised by the Camino del Padre Sarmiento. Every step is a story!
