Get Ready for SpringFind Walks & Hikes
3
moderate
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 7 nights in comfortable hotels and guesthouses
Meals
  • 5 Dinners
  • 7 Breakfasts

8 Days£1370GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: PCV

Trip highlights

  • Enjoying the mix of scenery from the coast to the greenery of Galicia
  • Experiencing regional culinary delights
  • Relaxing on the boat trip from Vilanova de Arousa to Pontecesures
  • Walking to the fabled church of Santiago de Compostela
  • Marvelling at the medieval windmills along the Ruta da Pedra e da Auga (Route of Stone and Water)

This short stage from Vigo in Spain offers the opportunity to walk on the Coastal, Central and Spiritual variant of the Portuguese Camino paths. Enjoy the wealth of history and natural landscapes as the trail heads north through small hamlets, past eucalyptus and pine woods, over ancient bridges and along stunning coastal scenery. From Pontevedra you'll join the Spiritual variant, marveling at the Ruta da Pedra e da Auga (Route of Stone and Water) and relaxing on a boat trip through the Arousa estuary. Throughout the journey there are ample reminders of past pilgrims and the route offers many insights into the religious significance of the Camino. Walking the last 100km to the holy city of Santiago ensures you qualify for the Compostela certificate upon your arrival at the cathedral.

Countries:

Spain

Starting Point:

Vigo

Finishing Point:

Santiago de Compostela

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Make your own way to Vigo (in Spain) and the joining hotel. Vigo is a typical Galician town with a wide sandy beach. Its old quarter Casco Vello is home to the neoclassical Church of Santa María. Nearby is the archaeological site of Castro de Vigo, on the slopes of O Castro Mountain. Time permitting you can explore its nature trails and climb to the top, where there are the remains of the old walled city and lovely views of the Vigo estuary. We can assist with booking pre-tour accommodation on request, please ask our team.

Meals:  D

The route as you leave Vigo is mainly uphill and will reward you with spectacular views as you enter the Senda da Auga (water trail). Continue to Redondela, where you will join the main Portuguese Camino route, and on to the small town of Arcade, which is known for its oysters. Overnight in Arcade. Distance 23km/14.4mi

Meals:  B,D

You start the day by walking over the beautiful old bridge at Ponte Sampaio. From here there’s a steep uphill stretch following ancient stone paths before the path descends to the provincial capital of Pontevedra. There are some interesting sites to be explored in Pontevedra including the Santuario da Peregrin chapel and the Convento de San Francisco. The Medieval town centre is a maze of cobbled laneways with tapas bars and cafes. Overnight in Pontevedra. Distance 13km/8.1mi

Meals:  B,D

Leave the main Portuguese Camino and walk to Armenteira. Your Spiritual Variant begins next to the Sanctuary of the Pilgrim, in the heart of Pontevedra's historic centre. Leaving town you'll cross the Lérez River via the Burgo Bridge and gradually enter a rural area. Continue along secondary roads and some well-trodden dirt tracks that will lead you to the Monastery of San Xoán de Poio. From here, the path descends to the charming fishing village of Combarro before heading uphill to the Mirador do Loureiro viewpoint. Enter a predominantly rural area, passing through small forests with the sound of the Armenteira River in the background. This stage ends at the peaceful Monastery of Santa María de Armenteira. Distance 21km/13.2mi

Meals:  B

From the Armenteira Monastery the trail descends through forests, past mills and small waterfalls along the Ruta da Pedra e da Auga (Route of Stone and Water). This is one of the most beautiful sections of the Spiritual Variant. From Barrantes, you'll pass vineyards and small villages. In Pontearnelas, you'll reach the Umia River estuary and soon arrive at the Arousa Estuary. Pass the Illa de Arousa (Island of Arousa) in the middle of the estuary and, continuing along the path to Playa del Terrón (Terrón Beach), you'll reach the Vilanova de Arousa Marina. Overnight in the capital of the Arousa Estuary and the natural port of Santiago de Compostela. Distance 24km/15mi

Meals:  B,D

From the Marina you'll travel by boat (approx 15 nautical miles, 1.5hrs) along the Arousa estuary, passing mussel rafts and Cortegada Island, part of the Atlantic Islands Marine-Terrestrial National Park. This boat takes you into the Ulla River estuary, where you'll see the markers indicating the route of the world's only Maritime-Fluvial Way of the Cross. You'll pass through Catoira, in front of the iconic Torres de Oeste (West Towers), and continue along a stretch of river surrounded by vegetation until you reach the Pontecesures dock. Here you'll disembark and, once ashore, continue towards Santiago on foot to your accommodation in Cornide or O Milladorio.

Meals:  B,D

The last day or your Camino takes you through small villages, meadows, fields, and forests. Typical Galician landscapes will guide you along paved roads and well-trodden dirt paths. At the end of the day you walk into the outskirts of Santiago. You'll pass through Milladoiro and, leaving the Alameda de Santiago behind, enter the cobbled streets of its historic center and soon reach the Plaza del Obradoiro, where the imposing Cathedral of Santiago stands. Overnight in Santiago. Distance 12km/7.5mi

Meals:  B

Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast. We can assist with booking extra nights on request.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 7 breakfasts, 5 dinners. Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices. Dinner will consist of 3 courses, usually starting with a salad, followed by a chicken, red meat, fish or pasta dish & finishing with a dessert of fruit or cakes.
  • 7 nights in comfortable hotels and guesthouses on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • Digital information pack with route notes, maps & GPX
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
  • Boat trip from Vilanova de Arousa to Pontecesures on day 6
  • Pilgrim Passport
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Vigo and from Santiago de Compostela
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Guide – this is a self guided walking holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees not listed as included
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Excess luggage
  • Tourist tax - if applicable
  • Items of a personal nature

Accommodation

A mix of comfortable hotels and guesthouses

During the trip you will be accommodated in comfortable hotels and guesthouses with ensuite facilities.

Suitability

moderate

3

GRADE 3 - Daily walks are between 12-24km (7.5-15mi) on well marked trails over diverse terrain –from relatively flat to hilly. The trail takes you along quiet rural roads, occasionally on the verges of roads with traffic. Some of the route is on walking trails away from the road and there are often alternative routes available. Route finding is reasonably straight forward following the yellow arrows and granite pillars (showing distance to Santiago), however you still need to be vigilant as markers from other trails can be confusing (refer below for further details on self guided adventures). However our notes include hints and pointers to help you navigate the route. The route will inevitably cross main roads close to cities and towns, although the majority is on side roads and walking trails. The main areas to concentrate on route finding are arriving and leaving towns and cities. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.

Departure dates

Daily from 1 Apr to 15 Oct

Notes

DN1
Option to upgrade to the Parador in Santiago de Compostela - supplement applies. Must be requested at time of booking.
DN2
Subject to availability during local festivals. Other dates are available on request. Supplements may apply outside the main season due to additional charges for luggage transfers and hotel closures (which may require a change in the overnight towns or transfers to confirm your booking).
DN3
Santiago airport (code SCQ) will be closed from 23 APR-27MAY 2026 for planned runway works. The nearest airports are in Vigo or A Coruna. Additional bus transfers will be available to these airports during this time or we can assist with a private transfer on request - please ask our team. The Triathlon World Championships will be held in Pontevedra 20-30 Sep 2026, it may be necessary to adjust the stage or stay in an alternative town during this time.

Priceper person from

£1370GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Fisterra Day Trip ex Santiago - daily departures 15 April to 31 OctoberGBP£50
  • Excess luggage (per piece, max 20kg in weight)GBP£90
  • Single SupplementGBP£430
  • Solo traveller SupplementGBP£540
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been exploring the world on foot for over five decades, and our passion for walking runs deep. Having hiked nearly every corner of Europe, we take pride in sharing the joy, freedom and perspective that only travelling on foot can bring, all with the exceptional service and care our travellers know us for.

Great Value & Quality

Our trips offer excellent value for money, with everything you need for a seamless walking holiday. Each package includes detailed route notes, maps and navigation app, luggage transfers, and comfortable locally run accommodation. We take care of the planning, so you can simply enjoy the walk.

Self-Guided Specialists

We've been operating self-guided active holidays since 1973, taking care of every detail so you can relax and explore at your own pace. With many walking and hiking tours departing daily, you'll enjoy the freedom and flexibility to travel when it suits you.

Videos

Walking the Camino Portuguese Coastal Route