The Spiritual Variant Walking: Vigo to Santiago de Compostela (self-guided)

Arrive Vigo. Enjoy the city, the views across the Bay of Vigo, to the Illas Cíes and its Natural Park in the distance. If it´s warm enough, have a dip in the sea of the blue flag beach of Praia América in Nigrán. Start with a cup of coffee in one of the terraces in Calle Principe. Visit the Vigo´s Museum of Contemporary Art (MARCO).  Walk along Policarpo Sanz Street and discover Vigo’s Old Town. Have a drink before lunch (aperitivo) in the beautiful Plaza de la Constitución. Eat in one of Vigo’s typical restaurants in the area or better still head down to the legendary Vigo’s Oyster Street, where you can taste one of the most prized delicacies of southern Galicia. In the evening walk from the Old Town to O Castro Mountain and enjoy one of the best sunsets in Galicia, with stunning views of the Vigo estuary.

Vigo to Arcade (22km). Start at Rua de Urzaiz and cross the Calvario market and through Rua de Toledo where you can pick up the trail of the yellow arrows that will guide you all the way to Arcade. Today you will pass through sleepy country villages and enjoy views across the city, estuary and port of Vigo. You will come across a steep walk down to towards Redondela before a steady hike up through woodland to Arcade, a riverside town famous for its oysters. This is the point where the Central and Coast routes of The Portuguese Way merge into one. Try the chocos (cuttlefish) in Redondela, the oysters in Arcade washed down with some Albariño wine. 

Arcade to Pontevedra (13km) - Leave Arcade by crossing the famous Pontesampaio bridge. The bridge, of medieval origin, gives its name to the Pontevedra parish of Ponte Sampaio. This remarkable ten-arch bridge that connects the municipalities of Pontevedra and Soutomaior was where the last battle against Napoleon’s army in Galicia was successfully fought in 1809. We turn left to Ponte Nova, where there was once an old medieval bridge that sadly collapsed during a flood in 2006. After crossing the river, we join the Roman road XIX which once linked the cities of Braga and Astorga in Roman times. At Figueirido, you will come across a natural spring to drink from. We will then head through woodland past the chapel of Santa Marta on to Pontevedra. Pontevedra is arguably one of the most beautiful cities in Galicia with its collection of Romanesque churches and granite squares. Enjoy the local seafood (oysters, scallops, mussels, clams, cuttlefish), Albariño wine and filloas (crepes).

Pontevedra to Armenteira (23km). Today you will embark upon The Spiritual Variant by heading west towards the sea about 2km after leaving the city of Pontevedra. You will walk through the pretty landscapes of Comarca and O Salnês, crossing the village of Poio with its old monastery and the beautiful coastal town of Combarro. It is a tough climb to up to Armenteira but at the top you will find a magnificent Monastery, built in the 12th century, and which is still fully running today.

Armenteira – Vilanova de Arousa (23km). Today’s walk follows a relatively easy route and is arguably one of the most beautiful stages of The Camino. After leaving Armenteira you will follow the Stone and Water Route, a trail that runs parallel to the Armenteira River, surrounded by lush vegetation. It continues via Ribadumia and Pontearnelas to reach the coast at Vilanova de Arousa. This small town is the birthplace of the celebrated 19^th Century writer Valle-Inclan.  

Today you have a choice. You can continue walking from Vilanova de Arousa to Pontecessures along the banks of the Ria de Arousa and the Ulla River, passing a series of fishing villages. It is quite a flat day with a few short climbs. Or you can take the Translatio sea route. This sea crossing takes a couple of hours with boats departing about 10:30 each morning. On this waterway route, you will see the only water-based Holy Way in the world. This is a collection of 17 crosses that mark the Apostle’s journey. The sea route meets the Portuguese Camino in Pontecessures, from where it’s a short walk to Padron.

You are on the home stretch now. The final day walking starts with a steady climb through woodlands from 160m to a peak of 260m and then a steady descent. The yellow arrows suddenly disappear once you enter the city of Santiago de Compstela but just head towards the main square - Plaza del Obradoiro. You will see the spires of Santiago Cathedral drawing nearer and nearer as you approach and make your way through the winding streets of the old town to the square.   

After breakfast your journey has come to an end. You could stay an extra night in Santiago or continue on to Finisterre (Lands End) - or save that for next time...