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Between vineyards, valleys and rivers, the Route of Father Sarmiento will make you discover O Salnés, “the most picturesque region you can dream of”, as the Galician writer Emilia Pardo Bazán used to say.

With your eyes set on the Rías de Pontevedra and Arousa, you will recreate the same route that Fray Martín Sarmiento took in 1745 to win the Jubilee. A path of 190 kilometers that runs along the beautiful Galician coast guiding your steps towards Santiago de Compostela.

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Travel Itinerary

The adventure begins! You will start the Spiritual Variant from the beautiful city of Pontevedra. . A stroll through its cobbled streets and squares will be enough to realize the special charm it hides. After Santiago de Compostela, Pontevedra is the place on this route with the largest number of heritage elements. You can visit, among other things, the Ruins of Santo Domingo in the Provincial Museum of Pontevedra, the Royal Basilica of Santa María la Mayor, and the symbol of the city: the church of La Peregrina.

This first stage of the Route of Padre Sarmiento can be started from the city of Pontevedra, crossing the bridge of “O Burgo” to reach Poio, where you can visit its beautiful monastery. From here, you will walk along the estuary until you reach Combarro, one of the most touristic villages in Galicia, known for its hundreds of hórreos and cruceiros. From Combarro, the route continues through coastal paths, coves and beautiful beaches, until it reaches Sanxenxo. In this last stretch of the stage, the viewpoint of “A Granxa”, offers beautiful views of the Pontevedra estuary.

Sanxenxo is the capital par excellence of Galician tourism. This area of the Galician coast enjoys many hours of sunshine, which has earned it the nickname of “Galifornia”. Sanxenxo is one of the most visited places in Galicia in summer. Its busiest beach is Silgar beach, located on the promenade. The centre of the village has a lot of animation and leisure, making it a perfect place to get lost in its streets. The centre of Portonovo is also very visited and it is ideal to go to the fish market and taste a good fresh fish.

In this stage of contrasts, you will start the walk from the urban environment of Sanxenxo, to go to the first natural enclaves of the route in Portonovo and Paxariñas. From Punta Faxilda, you will have an impressive panoramic view of the Ons Islands. A few kilometres further on, you will pass the hermitage of Nosa Señora de A Lanzada, located on a coastal ledge. The next stop is the sedimentary complex of A Lanzada, a large straight stretch of fine golden sand, dunes and turquoise waters. You won’t be able to resist a dip! Afterwards, the stage comes to an end in O Grove.

If before we commented that Sanxenxo is the capital par excellence of Galician tourism, O Grove is undoubtedly the capital of seafood. In fact, this small coastal town hosts one of the most important gastronomic festivals in Galicia: the seafood festival, held in October.

As O Grove is located on a small peninsula, which is joined to the land by the isthmus of O Bao, you can make a circular stage of 29 kilometers to know in depth some of its secrets. Beautiful views of the island of Sálvora, archaeological sites, lagoons and an open-air museum are some of the wonders you will find on this journey.

Leaving behind the port of O Grove you will advance towards the island of La Toja, famous for its thermal waters. At this point you can visit its peculiar Hermitage, characterized by being completely covered with scallop shells.

Three kilometres from the end of this stage, at the viewpoint of Monte Siradella, you can enjoy the most privileged views of the Ría de Arousa.

In this stage you will direct your steps to the heart of the region of O Salnés, the lands of Meaño. Old tile factories (As Telleiras) add to the richness of the surroundings the historical value of the daily activities of the area. A landscape of marshes and vineyards shows you that you are arriving at Cambados, the capital of Albariño wine par excellence.

The seafaring quarter of “Santo Tomé” maintains its old charm intact. Houses covered with shells and monuments such as the pazo of Montesacro or the Tower of San Sadurniño, revive the greatness of a people who fought against Normans and Vikings. The capital of Albariño invites you to a quiet walk through its stone streets, stately mansions and squares. This Royal Villa is in itself one of the most admired historic-artistic sites in Galicia.

In the first section of this stage you will find the tidal mill of “A Seca”, one of the few seawater mills that exist in Galicia and that will surprise you with its peculiar engineering. It is now fully restored and can be visited. The path continues along the coast until you reach a two-kilometre bridge that will lead you to Illa de Arousa.

This small island is a truly idyllic place, marked by the fishing tradition and surrounded by the most beautiful beaches. The fishing port of “O Xufre”, the lighthouse of “Punta Cabalo”, the route of “Os Cons” (large granite rocks sculpted by the wind and waves) and the viewpoint of “Con do Forno” are some of the attractions that this stage will offer you.

You will start the day going to the natural park of “Carreirón”. A place characterized by its beaches of crystalline waters and white sandy beaches. We must remember that we are in an area of special interest for bird watching.

After crossing the bridge again, you will continue your way to the beaches of “O Terrón”, a coastal route that will take you to the centre of Vilanova de Arousa, your end of the stage. This municipality, which was the birthplace of the writer Ramón del Valle-Inclán, you can relive the history of his life and work by visiting his house museum.

In Vilanova de Arousa, the Route of Father Sarmiento meets the Spiritual Variant to continue together to Santiago de Compostela.

This stage will allow you to continue discovering the wonderful landscape of our estuary. From the sandy area of “As Sinas” the path goes towards the fishing village of Vilaxoán.

Here you can discover the Romanesque Church of San Martín de Sobrán, in which the mosaic of its windows reflects the influence of the pilgrimages to the Cathedral of Santiago.

The Enrique Valdés Bermejo Botanical Park will welcome you to Vilagacía de Arousa. City known as “the Port of Compostela” and that will allow you to discover the Pazo de Vista Alegre, which together with its Convent form an architectural ensemble of great value declared a National Historic-Artistic Monument.

The most urban and commercial section of our route will lead us to its marina. The beach of Compostela will lead us to the fishing village of Carril, from where we can contemplate “Cortegada”, a green island where the largest laurel forest in Europe grows, with trees up to 13 meters high.

Undoubtedly, the most impressive point along the route will be Catoira with its imposing towers that recall the defensive past of the village. Once you have reached Pontecesures, you will only have to cross the bridge and you will be in Padrón.

Padrón is famous, among other things, for its peppers and for having been the place where the boat of the Apostle Santiago landed when it touched land. For this last reason, it will be obligatory to visit the famous Pedrón in the church of Santiago, which according to legend was used to moor the boat of the Apostle. We also recommend visiting the Rosalía de Castro Museum and the collegiate church of Iria Flavia, on the way out of the village towards Santiago de Compostela.

Last day of the pilgrim experience! As we always say the ideal is to get up early to make the most of the day in Santiago de Compostela. Today’s stage will pass super fast between nerves and excitement of the imminent arrival. The jewel of this stage is the beautiful collegiate church of Iria Flavia, which was the first cathedral in Galicia and in whose cemetery, under an olive tree, you will find the humble tomb of the famous writer Camilo José Cela. The route continues through the towns of Teo and Ames until you reach the Plaza del Obradoiro. Undoubtedly the most emotional moment of the whole Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Way.

You are in Santiago! Feel happy and proud to have completed the Route of Padre Sarmiento. Now we just need to pick up the Compostela certificate and enjoy an incredible day getting to know the Galician capital.

Congratulations! You have completed the Route of Father Sarmiento. This last day you are in charge, you can go back home or enjoy one more day in Santiago. And how beautiful is Compostela.

Did you know that all roads end in Finisterre? If you feel like walking and you have 5 more days, we encourage you to complete the 5 stages that separate Santiago to Finisterre. The most magical and spiritual route that hides real treasures such as Ponte Maceira, one of the most beautiful villages in Spain or the sunset of the Finisterre lighthouse, one of the most beautiful in the world.

Map of the Way

Route of Father Sarmiento map

Type of accommodation

Habitación de Hostal Nuevo Norat Sanxenxo
Habitación del Hotel La Noyesa
Habitación triple de hotel
Habitación de hostal

In hotels, guesthouses and rural houses on the route of Padre Sarmiento

Due to the fact that some towns along this route have little variety of accommodation, we have selected the best establishments available for you to have an incredible experience on your Camino de Santiago. You will combine the rest in small and cosy pensions with rural houses and lodgings of superior category, always looking for the best quality and location.

Detalles

Services included

9 days / 8 nights accommodation9 days / 8 nights accommodation
Luggage transfer during the stagesLuggage transfer during the stages
Complete documentationComplete documentation
Pilgrim’s CredentialPilgrim’s Credential
On-the-road emergency telephone assistanceOn-the-road emergency telephone assistance
Travel insuranceTravel insurance

Optional Services

ServicioIn hotels, guesthouses and rural houses on the route of Padre Sarmiento
BreakfastBreakfast75€ per person
MP (Breakfast and dinner)MP (Breakfast and dinner)195€ per person
Supplement for single roomSupplement for single room245€ per single room
Extra night in Santiago de CompostelaExtra night in Santiago de Compostela55€ (sing. room) / 70€ (doub. room)
Breakfast Breakfast
In hotels, guesthouses and rural houses on the route of Padre Sarmiento 75€ per person
MP (Breakfast and dinner) MP (Breakfast and dinner)
In hotels, guesthouses and rural houses on the route of Padre Sarmiento 195€ per person
Supplement for single room Supplement for single room
In hotels, guesthouses and rural houses on the route of Padre Sarmiento 245€ per single room
Extra night in Santiago de Compostela Extra night in Santiago de Compostela
In hotels, guesthouses and rural houses on the route of Padre Sarmiento 55€ (sing. room) / 70€ (doub. room)

Photos

horreo stage or grove cambados route padre sarmiento
beach stage or circular grove route padre sarmiento
stage walk o grove circular
costa etapa sanxenxo o grove
stage port sanxenxo o grove route father sarmiento
beach stage sanxenxo o grove route father sarmiento

Frequently Asked Questions

In this modality you will do the Camino de Santiago at your own pace and you will only have to worry about choosing the route you like the most, the type of accommodation and your departure date. If you choose this option you will travel alone or with the people that appear in your reservation, and you will have all the services included so that you only have to worry about walking and enjoying the experience.

The Camino de Santiago on your own includes the following services

  • Accommodation
  • Luggage transport
  • Dossier with information about the stages
  • Pilgrim's credential
  • On-the-road helpline
  • Travel insurance

In addition, you can customize your trip by adding the following optional services

  • Breakfast or half board
  • Private transfers to the start of the stage from Santiago de Compostela or from the airport.
  • Extra night at the beginning or end of the stage

Unlike the group trips, no bus service, guide or support vehicle is included between stages. But you will have a 24-hour hotline where you can contact us in case of any problem or unforeseen event, which we will solve quickly.

Yes, you will have total freedom to choose your departure date. However, if you want to do your Camino de Santiago in the months of December, January and February, we recommend that you check availability before making your reservation. At this time of year most accommodation is closed and many services may not be available.

In your travel documents, you will find the names of the accommodations assigned to you, as well as their contact telephone number and location.   As a general rule, all accommodation are located in the centre of the different towns along the Pilgrims' Route to Santiago de Compostela, without the need to deviate too far from the route. But sometimes, due to lack of availability, it is possible that some accommodation may be a little far from the village or even in neighbouring towns.   For all the accommodations that are at a considerable distance from the route of the Camino, we will provide you with a free taxi service that you can use to get to your accommodation and return to the Camino the next morning.   In any case, these are exceptions that we will inform you at the time of booking.

Luggage transport service by default is included in all our trips and it is not necessary to request it. You can enjoy the Camino de Santiago without the burden of carrying your luggage on your back, knowing that your suitcase will be waiting for you at your next accommodation upon your arrival.   Along with your credential, you'll also receive stickers. Cover these stickers with the requested information and stick them in a visible place on your suitcase.   Upon arrival at your accommodation, we suggest asking at the reception where you can leave your luggage. You'll need to leave your luggage at the designated spot early in the morning for our carrier to pick it up. This ensures that when you arrive at your next accommodation, your luggage will already be waiting for you.

We have a taxi service that you can hire whenever you need it. You can hire it, for example, to go from the airport to the start of your Camino, or to go from Santiago to your starting point to pick up your car once you finish the stage.   The price of the transfers will depend on the distance from your point of origin to the destination. If you have any questions about this service do not hesitate to contact us.

We provide mandatory insurance coverage with every trip to safeguard you against any potential inconveniences during the Camino de Santiago. You'll receive the insurance policy along with your travel documents.

The basic travel insurance included in our packages offers extensive coverage against unforeseen events, ensuring you'll receive guaranteed medical assistance and numerous benefits. You can review the specifics in the General Conditions of Travel Insurance.

In your travel documents, you'll find an emergency telephone number where we're accessible while you're on the road. This ensures you'll journey with peace of mind, knowin our team members will assist you with any problems, incidents, or questions you encounter along your Camino de Santiago.

To make a reservation, you can follow these steps:

  1. Through our website: Select the route you want and follow the steps indicated in the form. Provide your personal information and that of your companions, choose the type of accommodation, room distribution, meals, transfers, bike rental, etc.
  2. By email: If you prefer to make the reservation by email or need a personalized trip, you can send us an email to [email protected]. We will provide you with the necessary information to complete the reservation via email.

It is important to note that if the routes or services available on the website do not meet your specific needs, you can request a personalized quote by sending an email to [email protected].

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