Portuguese Camino – 4 routes in 1 walk (Litoral, Coastal, Central, Spiritual) – STINGY NOMADS

The Portuguese Camino de Santiago has several route options in the part between Porto and Santiago de Compostela. Many people have asked me about the best way to combine the different routes. In this post I’ve created the itinerary that combines the 4 routes of the Portuguese Camino; Litoral Way, Coastal Route, Central Route, and Spiritual Variant.

How many routes does the Portuguese Camino have?

The Portuguese Camino from Porto has 3 routes; the Central Route, the Coastal Route, and the Litoral Way. Plus, there is an alternative route called the Spiritual Variant between Pontevedra and Padron (Pontecesures). In total the Portuguese Camino has 4 different routes on the stretch between Porto and Santiago. It can be difficult to choose one route. The good news is that you can combine all 4 routes in one walk. 

Note that the Lisbon to Porto part of the Portuguese Camino has only one route.

The best (in my opinion) way to combine the routes

Step 1. Litoral Way. Porto to Vila do Conde, 33,5 km/20,8 mi

Walk from Porto to Vila do Conde following the Litoral Way. It’s the nicest route out of the city. It goes along the Douro River and the coast, past several beaches.

Step 2. Litoral/Coastal route. Vila do Conde to Caminha, 79,5 km/49,3 mi

From Vila do Conde (the two routes merge there) continue on the Litoral/Coastal route to Caminha. I suggest walking more on the Litoral Way because it sticks to the coast and it’s flat while the Coastal Route often goes inland and has some hills. 

Step 3. Switch from the Litoral/Coastal Route to the Central Route. Caminha to Valença, 29 km/18 mi

From Caminha walk to Valença to switch to the Central Route that goes inland.

Step 4. Central Route. Valença to Pontevedra, 54 km/33,5 mi

From Valença continue on the Central Route. This part of the Portuguese Camino is very popular, expect to see many pilgrims.

Step 5. Spiritual Variant. Pontevedra to Pontecesures, 44,5 km/27,6 mi walking + 28 km/17,3 mi by boat

From Pontevedra switch to the Spiritual Variant and walk to Pontecesures. The Spiritual route merges there with the Central Route.

Step 6. Central Route. Pontecesures to Santiago, 27,5 km/17 mi

Walk the last stage to Santiago de Compostela on the Central Route. 

Portuguese Camino combined route overview

Distance – 268 km/166,5 mi

Number of days – 12-14

Accumulated accent – 3560 m

Accumulated descent – 3256 m

Walking surface – 155,5 km/96 mi – asphalt; 56,5 km/35 mi – footpath/gravel road; 28,5 km/17,7 mi – cobblestones; 26,7 km/16,5 mi – boardwalks; 600 m/0,3 mi – sand.

Portuguese Camino combined route – walking stages

The suggested itinerary combines the Central, Coastal, Litoral, and Spiritual routes of the Portuguese Camino de Santiago from Porto.

In the first half of the route between Porto and Caminha I suggest following the Litoral Way because 80% of it is by the sea. Only about 30% of that part of the Coastal Route is next to the sea. The only stage I recommend following the Coastal Route is from Esposende to Viana do Castelo because it’s easier to navigate and it’s 2 km/1,2 mi shorter than the Litoral Way. I have a detailed post comparing the Litoral Way and Coastal Route.

Stage 1. Litoral Way. Porto to Vila Chã, 26 km/16 mi

Distance – 26 km/16 mi

Time – 5-6 hours (moving time)

Accumulated ascent – 242 m

Accumulated descent – 273 m

Walking surface – 15 km/9,3 mi – asphalt; 10 km/6,2 mi – boardwalks; 1 km/0,6 mi – cobbled

The first stage of the Litoral Way is the most scenic route to walk out of Porto.

Some people skip the first 5 km from the Cathedral by taking a tram #1 or #18. It’s not against any Camino rules. You can do the same if you start later or think that 26 km is too much for the first walking day.

The first 10 km on the Litoral Way from the Cathedral are not marked but it’s very easy to follow. From the Cathedral go down to the river and follow its course north out of the city. The route marking starts at the information office in Matosinhos. 

Highlights

The historical center of Porto and the walk along the Douro River

Many beautiful beaches

The fort of São João Baptista

A couple of lighthouses

Challenges

The first 10 km of the route are not marked but it’s easy to follow

A relatively long distance for the first walking day

Stage 1. Route description

The first 6 km from the Cathedral to São João Baptista Fortress are along the Douro River. 

From 6 km you continue along the coast. 

10,5 km/6,5 mi – the information office in Matosinhos. They sometimes sell Credentials or can tell you where to get one. From here on the route is marked.

10,5-13 km/6,5-8 mi – through the town. Follow the yellow arrows and they’ll take you back to the coast.

11,5 km/7,1 mi – the route goes over a big metal bridge across the river. 

13-26 km/8-16 mi – by the sea

15-26 km/9,3-16 mi – almost entirely on boardwalks

20 km/12,4 mi – a supermarket

24 km/15 mi – Labruge, a small town with a private albergue and a couple of guesthouses. You can stop here instead of walking another 2 km.

26 km/16 mi – Vila Chã.

Places to stay in Vila Chã

Stage 2. Litoral Way. Vila Chã to Aguçadoura, 20 km/12,4 mi 

Distance – 20 km/12,4 mi 

Time – 4-5 hours

Accumulated ascent – 88 m

Accumulated descent – 75 m

Walking surface – 8 km/5 mi – asphalt; 7,7 km/4,7 mi – boardwalk; 4 km/2,4 mi – cobbled; 300 m/0,3 mi – sand

It’s a scenic walking stage mostly along the coast and past several beach towns.

The Litoral Way and Coastal Route merge at the bridge in Vila do Conde and split again after the bridge. The Litoral Way is 1 km longer but it is more beautiful and mostly by the sea. Both routes merge again in Povoa de Varzim and follow the same trail to Aguçadoura. 

Highlights

Spectacular coastal scenery and beautiful beaches

The bridge and the river walk in Vila do Conde

The long promenade from Vila do Conde to Povo de Varzim

Challenges

An easy walking day without any particular challenges

Stage 2. Route description

0-6 km/0-3,7 mi – on a boardwalk along the coast

2,5 km/1,5 mi – Mindelo, a small town with cafes. A good place to stop for coffee. If you want to know how to order coffee in Portugal read our post.

4,8 km/3 mi – Praia do Árvore, a small town with hotels, cafes, and a shop. 

5,6 km/3,4 mi – a restaurant

6 km/3,7 mi – the route goes inland to the bridge in Vila do Conde.

7,5 km/4,6 mi – Vila do Conde, a city with hotels, restaurants, shops, ATMs, etc. After the bridge turn left and continue along the river towards the coast.

7,5-9,3 km/4,6-5,7 mi – along the river

9,3 km/5,7 mi – the route continues by the sea. the Fortress of São João Baptista. 

9-15 km/5,6-9,3 mi – on the promenade past beautiful beaches with bars and restaurants.

13 km/8 mi – Póvoa de Varzim

14 km/8,6 mi – the Litoral and Coastal routes merge. 

15-20 km/9,3-12,4 mi – on a boardwalk along the coast

20 km/12,4 mi – Aguçadoura, a small village with a public albergue, a couple of guesthouses, and 2 or 3 restaurants.

Places to stay in Aguçadoura

Stage 3. Litoral Way. Aguçadoura to Esposende, 16 km/10 mi 

Distance – 16 km/10 mi 

Time – 4 hours (moving time)

Accumulated ascent – 93 m

Accumulated descent – 88 m

Walking surface – 6,5 km/4 mi – asphalt; 5,5 km/3,4 mi – boardwalk; 3 km/1,8 mi – cobbled; 1 km/0,6 mi – footpath

It was another spectacular walking day along the coast, past beautiful beaches, and small towns. 

The first 7 km the Litoral Way and Coastal Route are the same. Just like with the previous stage you can follow either route but if you want to walk more by the sea then stick to the Litoral Way. If you want you can walk this stage on the Coastal Route.

Highlights

Picturesque coastal scenery with unspoiled beaches, old windmills, and dunes

Historical center and promenade in Esposende

Challenges

A short and enjoyable walking day without particular challenges

Stage 3. Route description

0-4 km/0-2,4 mi – on a boardwalk next to the coast

4 km/2,4 mi – there is a route split, take the left trail and continue on the boardwalk 

7 km/4,3 mi – the Litoral and Coastal routes split. Take the left route back to the coast to continue on the Litoral Way. You can follow the Coastal Route but it goes inland.

8,5 km/5,2 mi – a restaurant

9,2 km/5,7 mi – Apulia, a small town with restaurants, a boardwalk and windmills on the dunes

11 km/6,8 mi – Fão, a small town with cafes and restaurants, campsites. The Litoral Way goes inland towards the bridge over the river.

12 km/7,4 mi – Camping Park Fão 

13 km/8 mi – the bridge. The routes merge at the bridge. 

13,5 km/8,3 mi – a rest stop with a vending machine

13,8 km/8,5 mi – Albergue Sleep & Go

14,4 km/9 mi – Esposende. The routes split at the roundabout. The Litoral Way continues along the river and coast.

16 km/10 mi – the promenade in Esposende. The Litoral and Coastal routes merge.

Places to stay in Esposende

Stage 4. Coastal Route. Esposende to Viana do Castelo, 24 km/15 mi

Distance – 24 km/15 mi

Time –  5-6 hours

Accumulated ascent – 346 m

Accumulated descent – 361 m

Walking surface –  10,5 km/6,5 mi – asphalt; 8 km/5 mi – cobblestones; 5,5 km/3,4 mi – footpath

I suggest taking the Coastal Route because it’s easier to follow. This stage of the Litoral Way is not very straightforward, it’s 50% inland, and 2 km/1,2 mi longer than the Coastal Route. 

The Litoral Way is beautiful but some parts of it are a bit wild. If it doesn’t put you off you can find a detailed description of this stage of the Litoral Way here.

Highlights

A walk along the promenade in Esposende

A picturesque walk on a footpath by the river through the forest in the middle on the day

Several small churches where you can get a stamp

The historical center of Viana do Castelo

Challenges

Unlike the previous stages this one has several ascents and descents

A walk on a sidewalk along a busy road for the last couple of kilometers to Viana do Castelo

*Elevation profiles provided only for the stages with significant ascents and descents.

Stage 4. Route description

The first kilometer is along the beaches in Esposende.

1 km/0,6 mi – a restaurant, the Coastal Route turns right away from the coast.

3 km/1,8 mi – Municipal Albergue, a couple of cafes nearby. There will be more cafes and shops along the Coastal Route further on.

9-10,5 km/5,5-6,5 mi – a short but very beautiful forest walk along the river.

11 km/6,8 mi – Castelo do Neiva, a small village with a public albergue

12 km/7,4 mi – a small church where you can get a stamp

12-14 km/7,4-8,6 mi – a quiet forest walk

16,5 km/10,2 mi – a cafe

19 km/11,8 mi – Anha, a small town with restaurants, cafes, hotels, and shops

21,5-23 km/13,3-14,2 mi – walking on a sidewalk along a busy road

23 km/14,2 mi – the Eiffel Bridge to Viana do Castelo

24 km/15 mi – the center of Viana do Castelo

Places to stay in Viana do Castelo

Stage 5. Litoral Way. Viana do Castelo to Caminha, 27 km/16,7 mi

Distance – 27 km/16,7 mi 

Time – 6-7 hours (moving time)

Accumulated ascent – 140 m

Accumulated descent – 132 m

Walking surface – 16 km/10 mi – asphalt; 3,5 km/2,1 mi – boardwalk; 2,5 km/1,5 mi – cobbled; 5 km/3,1 mi – footpath/gravel

It’s one of the most beautiful days on the Portuguese Camino. The coastal scenery is stunning. I recommend following the Litoral Way as the majority of the Coastal Route is inland and it has some hills. The Coastal Route has some nice forest parts and offers beautiful coastal views from the hills. You can walk this stage on the Coastal Route.

The Litoral Way and Coastal Route merge after 20 km/12,4 mi past Vila Praia de Âncora.

Highlights

The stunning coastal walk for 20 km from Viana do Castelo to Moledo

Beautiful unspoiled beaches

Old windmills

The promenade in Vila Praia de Âncora

The historical center of Caminha

Challenges

A relatively long walking day

Stage 5. Route description

Since the route is not marked from your albergue/hotel in Viana do Castelo go to Santiago da Barra Fortress. From there walk to the Sanctuary of our Lady of the Agony where you turn left to Avenida do Atlântico that will take you to the coast.

As an option you can go straight to the coast from your accommodation place following Avenida do Atlântico. 

2,5 km/1,5 mi – Hotel Flor do Sal

2,5-11,5 km/1,5-7 mi – a spectacular walk along the coast

3-3,5 km/1,8 – a couple of cafes and restaurants. A nice stop for breakfast.

9 km/5,6 mi – a cafe

11 km/6,8 mi – Praia de Paçô Beach

11,5-14 km/7,1-8,6 mi – the route goes inland for a couple of kilometers

14-18 km/8,6-11 mi – along the coast, past picturesque beaches

18 km/11 mi – the end of the boardwalk before Vila Praia de Ancora. 2 route options; to walk on the beach for 500 m to the small bridge and cross it; or to walk along the river on the eco route, 1 km/0,6 mi. 

19-20,5 km/11,8-12,7 mi – on the promenade in Vila Praia de Âncora

20 km/12,4 mi – the Litoral Way and the Coastal Route merge. 

20-24 km/12,4-15 mi – a spectacular walk along the coast 

24 km/15 mi – the small town of Moledo. The Camino goes inland 25-27 km/15,5-16,7 mi – walking on a sidewalk from Moledo to Caminha

27 km/16,7 mi – the center of Caminha. The Litoral and Coastal routes continue following the coast across the Minho River in Spain. If you want to switch to the Central Route follow the connecting route from Caminha to Valença.

Places to stay in Caminha

Stage 6. Connecting route (switching to the Central Route). Caminha to Valença, 29 km/18 mi 

Distance – 29 km/18 mi

Time – 6-7 hours

Accumulated ascent – 474 m

Accumulated descent – 405 m

Walking surface – 13,5 km/8,3 mi – asphalt; 10 km/6,2 mi – cobblestones; 4 km/2,4 mi – footpath; 1,5 km/1 mi – road

There are two connecting routes from Caminha to Valença. The original one that goes through the hills and forest (the one described here) and the new route that goes along the river. I haven’t walked the river route yet (it’s planned for the spring 2025) but it sounds like it’s an easier option, it goes along the river and has no hills. As soon as I walk it I’ll update the post and give my opinion on which route is better.

The original (forest route) is marked with yellow arrows. 

Highlights

A beautiful forest walk in the first half of the route

Many traditional churches and chapes along the way

Vila Nova de Cerveira, a small charming town

The fortress and historical center of Valença, one of our favorite towns on the Portuguese Camino

Challenges

Several ascents and descents in the first half of the route

Long distance

Walking on hard surfaces (asphalt and cobblestones) for 23 km/14,2 mi

Stage 6. Route description

Walk out of Caminha past the pier and cross the bridge. 

After the bridge you walk along the road for a short while, around 500 m.

2,5 km/1,5 mi – Seixas, a small town with hotels, cafes, a pharmacy, a shop, and a a private albergue São Bento

4,8-5 km/2,9-3,1 mi – along the road. Don’t miss the sign on the right side of the road indicating the turn-off.

5-9 km/3-5,5 mi – mostly on a footpath through the forest with some hills

9,3 km/5,7 mi – a small village with an albergue. 

9-15 km/5,5-9,3 mi – through small towns, villages, and neighborhoods.

11 km/6,8 mi – hotel Boega

14 km/8,6 mi – a small cafe, a couple of guesthouses

14,5 km/9 mi – Vila Nova de Cerveira

14,5-15,7 km/9-9,7 mi – the Camino goes through. There are many restaurants, cafes, and hotels. The town is a great place to stay for a night if you want to split the long stage. It’s exactly half-way.

16 km/10 mi – hotel Minho Belo

After walking out of the forest the route continues through quiet neighborhoods.

21,5 km/13,3 mi – a guesthouse

24 km/15 mi – a couple of restaurants

25 km/15,5 mi – São Pedro da Torre, a small town with a couple of bars, a shop, and a hotel. 

The last 3 km/1,8 mi are first on a cycling road and on a footpath along the railway.

28 km/17,3 mi – the outskirts of Valença 

29 km/18 mi – the historical center of the town. Once in Valença you can continue on the Central Route of the Portuguese Camino. You’ll see more pilgrims here than on the coastal routes.

Places to stay in Valença 

Stage 7. Central Route. Valença to Porriño, 17,5 km/10,8 mi

Distance – 17,5 km/10,8 mi

Time – 3-4 hours (moving time) 

Ascent – 171 m

Descent – 185 m

Walking surface – 14,5 km/9 mi – asphalt; 3 km/1,8 mi – gravel/footpath

Walking on the road – 2 km/1,2 mi

From your albergue/hotel you can follow the Camino signs which will take you through the fortress first and then to the metal bridge over the Minho River. You can walk straight to the bridge from your accommodation place. You’ll see the Camino signs on the right side of the bridge, they will take you to Tui, a Spanish town on the opposite side of the river.

Highlights

Spectacular views of the river and Tui Fortress from the bridge

The historical center of Tui

A beautiful forest walk after Tui

Challenges

A short and easy walking day

Stage 7. Route description

2 km/1,2 mi – Tui, a popular town where many pilgrims start walking the last 100 km to Santiago on the Portuguese Camino. In the Cathedral of Tui you can get a stamp. Since your day is quite short I’d suggest spending some time in Tui, visit the Cathedral, stop for coffee at the square, etc.

3-5 km/1,8-3 mi – through the town, fields, and forest.

5-7 km/3-4,3 mi – along the road

8,8 km/5,4 mi – guesthouse Clarevar, cafe Ultreia

9 km/5,5 mi – guesthouse Casa Celia

10,5 km/6,5 mi – a route split. Make sure to take the alternative route it is in-nature. The main route goes through a large industrial area.

11 km/6,8 mi – Albergue/guesthouse Casa Alternativo (500 m away on the main route)

17 km/10,5 mi – Porriño, a town with many restaurants, shops, guesthouses, hotels, and a couple of private albergues.

Places to stay in Porriño

Stage 8. Central Route. Porriño to Redondela, 16 km/10 mi

Distance – 16 km/10 mi

Time – 3-4 hours (moving time) 

Ascent – 274 m

Descent – 292 m

Walking surface – 14,5 km/9 mi – asphalt; 1,5 km/0,9 mi – gravel/footpath

A short walking day with a steep ascent and descent in the second half. You walk through the forest, and villages.

Highlights

Mos, a small charming town, a good place to stop for lunch or snack

A forest walk after Mos

The historical center of Redondela

Challenges

A long steep ascent after Mos, over 170 m up

A steep descent, over 170 m down

Stage 8. Route description

2 km/1,2 mi – through the town

3 km/1,8 mi – a road crossing. Pay attention to the road as there is no traffic light

4,5 km/2,7 mi – Veigadaña, a small town with a Municipal Albergue and a bar

6,3 km/3,9 mi – a vending machine with drinks and snaks

7 km/4,3 mi – Mos, a small town with an albergue, cafes and restaurants

7-10,5 km/4,3-6,5 mi – a steep ascent through the forest

10,5-13 km/6,5-8 mi – a descent through the forest

11,5 km/7 mi – a cafe

12 km/7,4 mi – a bar

13-14 km/8-8,6 mi – a very steep descent, more than 100 m down 

13,5 km/8,3 mi – Albergue/bar Corisco

17 km/10,5 mi – Redondela, a big town with many albergues, hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Places to stay in Redondela

Stage 9. Central Route. Redondela to Pontevedra, 20,5 km/12,7 mi

Distance – 20,6 km/12,8 mi

Time – 4-5 hours (moving time) 

Ascent – 425 m

Descent – 400 m

Walking surface – 13 km/7,4 mi – asphalt; 7,5 km/4,6 mi – footpath/gravel

It’s a beautiful walking day through quiet towns and forest. Some people might find the walk tough because it has a couple of steep ascents and descents.

Highlights

A Medieval Bridge of Pontesampaio

A beautiful forest walk in the second half of the route

The historical center of Pontevedra

Challenges

A long and steep ascent between 2 km and 5 km

A steep descent between 5 km and 6 km

Another steep ascent between 10 km and 12 km

Stage 9. Route description

The first 2 km/1,2 mi – countryside and fields

2 km/1,2 mi Cesantes, a small town with a private Albergue, hotels, and bars

4-5,5 km/2,4-3,4 mi – through the forest

5,5 km/3,4 mi – Soutoxuste, a town with a couple of guesthouses

7 km/4,3 mi – Arcade, a town with private albergues, hotels, restaurants, and shops

8,5 km/5,2 mi – Medieval Bridge of Pontesampaio. An old beautiful bridge. It’s a good stop for coffee or lunch. There are a couple of cafes and bakeries before the bridge.

9,6-11,6 km/6-7,2 mi – on a footpath through the forest

15,5 km/9,6 mi – a bar, a shop, and a small chapel where you can get a stamp

15,8 km/9,8 mi – a split on the Camino. Take the complementary route that goes through the forest, instead of the “official” route next to the road.

16-19 km/10-11,8 mi – on the footpath through the forest

19 km/11,8 mi – an albergue/cafe

19,5 km/12,1 mi – the outskirts of Pontevedra. Municipal Albergue de Pontevedra.

20,6 km/12,8 mi – the historical center of Pontevedra

Places to stay in Pontevedra

Stage 10. Spiritual Variant. Pontevedra to Armenteira, 21 km/13 mi

Distance – 21 km/13 mi

Time – 5-6 hours (moving time) 

Ascent – 606 m

Descent – 358 m

Walking surface – 12 km/7,4 mi asphalt; 9 km/5,5 mi footpath/gravel road

From Pontevedra you continue walking on the Central Route. The easiest way to get to the Camino from your accommodation place is to walk to the Church da Virgem Peregrina. From the church you can follow the Camino signs that will take you out of the city and through the forest. The route splits after 3 km/1,8 mi. There is a big sign with a map of the Spiritual Variant you won’t miss it.

If you don’t want to walk the Spiritual Variant you can continue on the Central Route. You can find walking stages of the Central Route from Pontevedra to Padron HERE.

Highlights

The Monastery of Poio

Combarro, a small town with narrow streets and traditional stone houses

Beautiful views from the top of the hill during the ascent

The Monastery of Armenteira

Challenges

Several ascents and descents on the route between the split and Combarro

A very long and steep ascent from Combarro

A short and steep descent to Armenteira

Stage 10. Route description

2,5 km/1,5 mi – a water fountain

3 km/1,8 mi – the route split. The left route is the Spiritual Way it goes across the bridge. The right route is the Central Route, it continues straight.

5,5 km/3,4 mi – Cabaleiro, a small town with a couple of hotels and restaurants. 

6-8 km/3,7-5 mi – through the forest and small villages. 

8,5 km/5,2 mi – the beautiful Monastery of Poio. 

9 km/5,5 mi – Poio, a small place with a couple of bars. 

At the roundabout past Poio, turn left. The Camino goes away from the road towards the coast.

11 km/6,8 mi – the beautiful town of Combarro. It’s a perfect place to stop for lunch and rest before the steep ascent. 

11,5 km/7,1 mi – a steep climb that continues for the next 9 km. Make sure you have enough water.

13,5 km/8,3 mi – a small kiosk where you can buy snacks and water (it’s not always open).

15 km/9,3 mi – a wooden board with a route map and a fantastic lookout point on the left. 

​19 km/11,8 mi – there is a split that is not marked well don’t turn off the main road (keep right). 

20 km/12,4 mi – a descent on a footpath. 

21 km/13 mi – the Monastery of Armenteira. 

22 km/13,6 mi – a Public Albergue.

Places to stay in Armenteira

Stage 11. Spiritual Variant. Armenteira to Vilanova de Arousa, 23,5 km/14,6 mi

Distance – 23,5 km/14,6 mi

Time – 5-6

Ascent – 170 m

Descent – 417 m

Walking surface – 15 km/9,3 mi on a footpath/gravel road, 8,5 km/5,2 mi – asphalt

The first 5 km/3 mi on a footpath through the forest. There are two trails: one goes on the right side of the river and one crosses the bridge and follows the river on the left. Both trails merge a couple of kilometers later.

Highlights

La Ruta de Pedra e da Agua (the trail of stone and water), a picturesque trail through the forest at the beginning of the stage

Walking along the river through the vineyards in the middle of the route

A coastal walk in the last 3 km to Vilanova de Arousa

Challenges

A seep and long descent in the first part of the route

Stage 11. Route description

5 km/3 mi – the end of the forest. There is a big restaurant on the right just 50 m away from the Camino.

5,5-13 km/3,4-8 mi – along the river and through the vineyards. 

6,5 km/4 mi – a restaurant 

10 km/6,2 mi – a restaurant at the bridge. The route goes across the bridge and down to the river on the other side of it.

13 km/8 mi – Ponte Arnelas, a small town with hotels and restaurants.

14,5-15 km/9-9,3 mi – on a road with not much traffic and two cafes. 

15 km/9,3 mi – a small chapel where you can get a stamp.

16 km/10 mi – a restaurant. 

19,5 km/12 mi – a bar.

21 km/13 mi – the Camino gets to the coast. 

The Camino goes along the coast for 3 km/1,8 mi to Vilanova de Arousa offering spectacular views.

23 km/14,2 mi – a pedestrian bridge that leads to Vilanova de Arousa.

23,5 km/14,6 mi – the center of Vilanova de Arousa

Places to stay in Vilanova de Arousa

Stage 12. Spiritual Variant + Central Route. Vilanova de Arousa to Milladoiro, 19,5 km/12 mi

Distance –  28 km/17,3 mi by boat + 19,5 km/12 mi walking (from Pontecesures to Milladoiro)

Time – 1h15min. – a boat ride, 4-5 hour – walking

Ascent – 306 m

Descent – 106

Walking surface – 15,5 km/9,6 mi – asphalt; 4 km/2,4 mi – footpath

It’s a wonderful day on the Camino. The boat ride is beautiful and peaceful. It’s nice for the change sit and enjoy the scenery. As for the subsequent walk you can stay in Padron or continue walking on towards Santiago. Padron is 25 km/15,5 mi from the Cathedral.

Highlights

A spectacular boat ride from Vila Nova de Arousa to Pontecesures

The historical center of Padron

A beautiful walk through the forest in the second half of the route

Challenges

Several ascents in the second half of the route

Part 1. The boat ride from Vilanova de Arousa to Pontecesures

You can buy tickets online or at the office which is near the pier on the Camino route. Two companies operate the route; La Barca del Peregrino (a bigger boat with a cabin) and A Mare Turismo Nautico (an open speedboat). The price is 30 euros per person. The ride is 1 hour 15 minutes.

The boats usually leave at 8 am. You have to be at the pier 15 minutes before. If you buy your ticket online you don’t have to print it, just show on the screen. 

Our boat left at 8 am on the dot. You can sit inside the boat or outside. The Traslatio route starts at the Arousa Sea and continues along the Ulla River, one of the main rivers in Galicia. The boat makes several stops at the stone crosses that mark the route. The captain tells you a bit of history and points in the direction of crosses. They give tea and pastries on the boat. 

There are 17 stone crosses along the river banks. I counted 10 crosses during the ride, the rest of them were probably too far to notice. 

Part 2. The walk from Pontecesures to Milladoiro, 19,5 km/12 mi

Many pilgrims want to walk further on instead of staying in Padron. Since you arrive early (around 10 am) and have enough time to walk. 

There are several albergues and guesthouses between Padron and Santiago. I suggest walking to Milladoiro, a bigger town with many places to stay, restaurants, supermarkets, etc. It’s 8 km/5 mi from Santiago de Compostela.

After getting off the boat, walk along the river to the bridge. At the bridge the Spiritual Variant merges with the Central Route. You can continue walking following the arrows. 

2 km/1,2 mi – the historical center of Padron with many albergues, hotels, restaurants, and shops. If you want you can stop here instead of walking further on.

4-5 km/2,4-3 mi – along a road

4,2 km/2,6 mi – a restaurant, a cafe

4,7 km/2,9 mi – hotel Scala, restaurant

5-6 km/3-3,7 mi – walking through villages

7,5 km/4,6 mi – albergue O Lagar de Jesus. It might be a good place to stop if you don’t want to walk 12 km/7,4 mi more to Milladoiro.

8,2 km/5 mi – A Escravitude, a small town with a beautiful church, restaurants, bars, and hotels. It’s another good place to stay overnight.

11 km/6,8 mi – a rest area

11 km/6,8 mi – Guesthouse Areal

11,5 km/7 mi – Picaraña, a small place with a couple of guesthouses and restaurants

12-13 km/7,4-8 mi – the beautiful forest walk

13 km/8 mi – O Faramello, a small town with a cafe, a restaurant, and the Municipal Albergue de Faramello 

13,2 km/8,2 mi – Albergue/bar La Calabaza del Peregrino

14 km/8,6 mi – a bar

14,4 km/9 mi – Hotel/restaurant Parada de Francos

16 km/10 mi – Cafe/shop

16,5 km/10,2 mi – Pedreira, Albergue/cafe de Pedreira

19,5 km/12 mi – Milladoiro, a town with many restaurants, cafes, supermarkets, and hotels. 

Stage 13. Central Route. Milladoiro to Santiago de Compostela, 8 km/5 mi

Distance – 8 km/5 mi

Time – 2 hours

Ascent – 220 m

Descent – 160 m

Walking surface – 7 km/4,3 mi – asphalt; 1 km/0,6 mi – footpath

Highlights

Arriving in Santiago at Obradoiro Square

Old Town of Santiago de Compostela

Challenges

A couple of steep ascents

A steep descent

Stage 13. Route description

The first 1 km/0,6 mi is through the town. 

3 km/1,8 mi – Parador La Roda, cafe & souvenir shop

6,5 km/4 mi – the outskirts of Santiago de Compostela

8 km/5 mi – Obradoiro Square and the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the end of the Portuguese Camino

Places to stay in Santiago