The Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Camino
4 Stages | 70 km
Retrace the route of the Traslatio, the origin of the Camino de Santiago.
The Camino de Santiago, along its Portuguese route, offers a deeply spiritual and cultural experience: the Spiritual Variant. This path, recently created and not yet officially recognized, allows pilgrims to discover emblematic monasteries such as Poio and Armenteira, as well as the Jacobean tradition of the Traslatio.
The Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Camino crosses the region of O Salnés in four stages, including a boat journey across the Arousa estuary. This navigable section recreates the legendary transfer of the remains of the Apostle Saint James, offering pilgrims a unique experience that combines history, nature, and spirituality.
Our Trips to the Portuguese Way: spiritual variant
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6 days / 5 nights
Services We Offer at Viajes Camino de Santiago
Included in All Our Routes
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Accommodation booking with the best options selected according to your budget.
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Practical information about the Camino in a detailed guide.
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On-route telephone assistance — we’re by your side for any questions or issues.
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Travel insurance with comprehensive coverage.
On Group Routes
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Professional accompanying guides throughout the Camino.
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Support vehicle available during the stages.
Optional Services
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Meals and diets: option for breakfasts or half board.
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Private transfers from/to the point you need.
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Luggage transport between stages.
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Bicycle rental (mountain or electric bikes).
Map of the Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Camino
The map of the Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Camino shows a 70 km route divided into 4 stages (one of them by boat), starting in Pontevedra and ending in Santiago de Compostela, passing through emblematic places such as Combarro, Armenteira, Vilanova de Arousa, and the boat journey across the Arousa estuary to Pontecesures and Padrón.
The elevation profile of the route features a moderate level of ascent, with the climb to the Monastery of Armenteira in the first stage standing out in particular, requiring effort due to its steep slope, followed by gentle descents through forests and vineyards. The maritime stage from Vilanova de Arousa provides physical rest as pilgrims sail across the Arousa estuary, surrounded by mussel rafts and cruceiros forming a very special Maritime Way of the Cross.
Information about the Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Camino
Why choose the Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Camino?
A route where spirituality and nature will captivate you.
The Spiritual Variant is the ideal route for experiencing the Camino de Santiago for the first time, away from the crowds and bustle of other routes. It is a journey where you will have the opportunity to discover wonderful seaside towns in the Rías Baixas, beautiful coastal landscapes, and exquisite cuisine based on fish and seafood. You will also enjoy a pleasant maritime-river journey that seeks to recreate the arrival in Galicia of the body of the Apostle Saint James after his martyrdom in Jerusalem.
Beyond the sea experience, pilgrims who venture along this variant will discover stunning monuments and landscapes, such as the Monastery of A Armenteira or the A Pedra da Auga trail, a beautiful 8 km route characterized by dozens of watermills surrounded by lush vegetation.
Please note that the Spiritual Variant is not an official route, so on its own it does not grant the right to obtain the Compostela. However, this is not a problem, as you can obtain it if you combine this route with the final 100 km of any other Portuguese route, such as the Portuguese Camino from Tui or the Portuguese Camino from Vigo: you only need a few extra days for your journey.
Nevertheless, on this route pilgrims can always obtain the Pedronía, granted by the city council to pilgrims who arrive in Padrón and visit the Church of Santiago Apóstol.
What to see on the Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Camino?
Native forests, ancient watermills, the richest estuary in Galicia, and imposing monasteries await you on this route.
- Historic-artistic complex of Pontevedra
- Combarro
- Monastery of Armenteira
- Monastery of Poio
- Ruta da Pedra e da Auga
- DOP Rías Baixas vineyards
- Ría de Arousa
- Padrón
- Santiaguiño do Monte
Where to start the Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Camino?
From Pontevedra
From the beautiful city of Pontevedra, we present this interesting route, Portuguese Camino: Spiritual Variant, a perfect option for those who want to walk the Camino de Santiago but have limited time. You can complete the 70 kilometers in just 4 stages, a journey that will take no more than five days. This route begins in the city of Pontevedra and crosses the region of O Salnés before returning to the coast in Vilanova de Arousa. From there, it follows the Ulla River upstream until docking in Pontecesures, very close to Padrón. From this point, the journey continues on foot by adding the final common stage and following the same path as the Portuguese Camino de Santiago or the Portuguese Coastal Camino de Santiago.
Stages of the Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Camino
The Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Camino is one of the most unique and moving routes of the Way of St. James, combining Jacobean tradition, coastal landscapes, and deep symbolic meaning. Over approximately 73 kilometers, from Pontevedra to Santiago de Compostela, pilgrims pass historic monasteries such as Poio and Armenteira, enjoy spectacular views over the Rías Baixas, and recall the Apostle’s Traslatio by sailing across the Arousa estuary. Through this variant, you will discover its main stages, distances, highlights, and practical tips to experience a different, spiritual, and enriching Camino.
The villages of Portuguese Way: spiritual variant
History of the Spiritual Variant: the legend of the Traslatio
Legend has it that Finis Terrae, or Finisterre, was the farthest place the Apostle Saint James reached while preaching the word of God. For this reason, after his death, it was decided that his remains would rest in those distant lands. Tradition tells that his disciples Theodore and Athanasius placed the remains of Saint James in a stone boat and sailed across the seas until they reached the coast of Galicia; the vessel then traveled upstream along the Ulla River until arriving at Iria Flavia, the place we now know as Padrón.
The legend of Queen Lupa recounts that, after imposing a series of tests on them, she allowed the disciples to bury the apostle’s remains in “Campus Stellae,” present-day Santiago de Compostela. The tomb was later discovered by the hermit Pelayo in the 9th century.
This variant is a recently created route that seeks to recreate the journey of the remains of the Apostle Saint James, known as the Traslatio. Pilgrims take a boat to travel upstream along the Ulla River until disembarking in Pontecesures, from where they continue walking to Santiago de Compostela, reenacting this important Jacobean episode.
Frequently asked questions about Portuguese Way: spiritual variant
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How many kilometers is the Spiritual Way?
The total kilometers of the Spiritual Variant are almost 100 km from Pontevedra, its beginning. It must be taken into account that this distance may vary depending on the possible variants or complementary and alternative paths that the pilgrim decides to take during the route. -
How many stages does the Spiritual Way have?
The Spiritual Variant is divided into 4 stages. It begins in Pontevedra and has almost 100 kilometers to go to Santiago de Compostela. It must be taken into account that this distance may vary depending on the possible variants or complementary and alternative paths that the pilgrim decides to take during the route. Each stage would be the distance you travel in one day, from the starting location to the end of the walk, where you will spend the night. The stages can vary in distance and difficulty, and it is important to note that they can be adjusted according to your pace and physical condition. Some pilgrims choose to divide certain long or difficult stages, or lengthen those that are shorter or easier to walk. It all depends on having a place to sleep. -
Why is it called Spiritual Variant?
The Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Camino de Santiago receives its name due to the deep historical and mystical connection it has with the legend of the arrival of the body of the Apostle Santiago to Galicia. One of the highlights is the boat trip through the Ría de Arousa, the Traslatio, which recreates the trip that, according to tradition, the Apostle's disciples made when they transported his remains to Galicia. -
How long does the Spiritual Variant last?
The Spiritual Variant consists of 4 stages, so it lasts 4 days and covers almost 100 kilometers to Santiago de Compostela. -
What is the Spiritual Variant on the Camino de Santiago?
The Spiritual Variant of the Camino de Santiago is an alternative route located on the Portuguese Way and offers a unique experience by combining the walk with a boat tour. With a total of almost 100 km from Pontevedra to Santiago, it is done in 4 stages, the last being common with the Camino Portugues. It is a perfectly signposted route, although it does not give the right to the Compostela by itself, as it is not considered official by the Santiago de Compostela Pilgrim's Office. -
What does the VIP option of the Camino include?
The VIP option elevates the accommodation to superior category hotels and charming houses, and includes luggage transfer and assistance throughout the journey.
All the Camino de Santiago routes
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French Way
124 Stages 768 KmsFrom Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela. Follow the most recommended route of the Camino.
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Portuguese Way
45 Stages 620 KmsFrom Lisbon to Santiago de Compostela. Enjoy a Camino through the basins of the Tagus, Douro, and Miño rivers.
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Portuguese Way along the coast
39 Stages 194 KmsFrom Porto to Santiago de Compostela. The Atlantic Ocean will guide your steps along the Portuguese and Galician coastline.
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Portuguese Way: spiritual variant
7 Stages 81 KmsFrom Pontevedra to Padrón. Relive the final stretch of the Apostle Saint James’s posthumous journey.
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Route to Finisterre and Muxía
19 Stages 120 KmsFrom Santiago de Compostela to Muxía. A mystical and spiritual journey to the ends of the Earth.
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Northern Way
58 Stages 820 KmsFrom Irún to Santiago de Compostela. An unforgettable experience with breathtaking landscapes.
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The Primitive Way
30 Stages 268 KmsFrom Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela. It follows the first Camino de Santiago, tracing the footsteps of Alfonso II.
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The English Way
13 Stages 113 KmsFrom Ferrol to Santiago de Compostela. Immerse yourself in the naval and historical heritage of a truly unique Camino.
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The Sanabrian Way
15 Stages 265 KmsFrom Granja de Moreruela to Santiago de Compostela. Cross the region of Sanabria and the mountains of Ourense.
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Winter Way
0 Stages 120 KmsFrom Ponferrada to Santiago de Compostela., through the regions of Valdeorras and Ribeira Sacra.
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Father Sarmiento Way
9 Stages 142 KmsThe Father Sarmiento Way links Pontevedra to Santiago de Compostela, offering a scenic journey through beautiful landscapes.
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Way of the Lighthouses
9 Stages 200 KmsFrom Malpica to Finisterre. A 200-kilometre journey along the coast and through the wildest nature.
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