Route of Father Sarmiento
A journey that will take you into “the most picturesque region you can ever dream of”.
With this phrase, the writer Emilia Pardo Bazán defined some of the places that you will discover on this route. An itinerary of 190 kilometers begins in the wonderful city of Pontevedra and skirts the coast through the municipalities of Poio, O Grove, Meaño, Sanxenxo, Cambados, Illa de Arousa, Vilanova de Arousa, Vilagarcía de Arousa, and Valga. It then enters, following the river upstream Ulla in Pontecesures, to continue along the Portuguese Way to Santiago de Compostela.
- Our trips of the Camino del Padre Sarmiento
- Information about the Route of Padre Sarmiento
- Where to start the Fray Sarmiento Route?
- Map Route of Father Sarmiento
- Stages of the Way of Father Sarmiento
- History of the Route of Fray Sarmiento
- Frequently asked questions about the Route of Padre Sarmiento
- Posts related to the Route of Father Sarmiento
- Other routes of the Camino de Santiago
Our trips of the Camino del Padre Sarmiento
Information about the Route of Padre Sarmiento
Route of Father Sarmiento
The Route of Father Sarmiento highlights the region of Salnés, one of the most important tourist destinations in Galicia. In addition to its spectacular coastal scenery, Father Martin Sarmiento’s route introduces walkers to its rich history, tradition, culture, gastronomy, and viticulture.
Undoubtedly, this is a perfect trip for sea lovers, who can admire beautiful beaches such as A Lanzada, Sanxenxo, or O Grove, many of them awarded the blue flag. You can also indulge in a glass of the typical wines and enjoy delicious freshly caught seafood offered by local restaurants.
Route of Father Sarmiento
- Historic-artistic ensemble of Pontevedra
- Monastery of Poio
- Combarro
- Viewpoint of A Granxa
- Silgar Beach
- Punta Faxilda viewpoint
- Arousa Island
- Vilanova de Arousa
- Vilagarcía de Arousa
- Torres del Oeste – Catoira
- Church of Santiago Apóstol – Padrón
- Collegiate Church of Iria Flavia
- Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
Where to start the Fray Sarmiento Route?
From Pontevedra
The route of Padre Sarmiento can be started from the city of Pontevedra or directly from Poio. Poio is situated right across from the city of Pontevedra, separated only by the estuary.
Starting from Pontevedra, this route spans a total of 190 kilometers, which can be divided into 7 stages. You can complete this journey in just 8 or 9 days.
Map Route of Father Sarmiento
History of the Route of Fray Sarmiento
Who was Father Sarmiento?
Known as Fray Martín Sarmiento, Father Sarmiento was born Pedro José García Balboa in Villafranca del Bierzo in 1695. He spent his childhood in Pontevedra, where his father had moved to work. At a very young age, he entered the Benedictine order and studied Arts at the monastery of Lérez. At 15, he moved to Madrid to take the Benedictine habit. He also studied Philosophy at the monastery of Irache and Theology in Salamanca.
He was a staunch defender of science and conducted extensive research on Galicia. After traveling through Asturias and Galicia, he meticulously documented his routes, which later became a source of news, curiosities, and future initiatives. His work paved the way for the study and teaching of Galician culture, making him, alongside Feijoo and Jovellanos, one of the great figures in the field of education.
In his relationship with Galicia, he always harbored a deep love for his homeland and its language. Considered one of the most prominent intellectuals in Galician thought, he was the first scholar to take a serious interest in the Galician language and promote its use, both academically and colloquially. He advocated for the publication of texts and the establishment of chairs for its instruction.
In 1745, he embarked on a journey on foot to Santiago de Compostela, documenting his experiences in a valuable diary titled “Viaje A Galicia.”
Origin of the Route of Father Sarmiento
“On July 19, 1745, I departed from Pontevedra for Santiago, tracing the entirety of O Salnés. I embarked on my journey, capturing the beauty of my homeland in these pages. I sought to preserve the essence of the stunning landscapes I traversed, ensuring they remained etched in my memory forever upon my return to Madrid.” These were Father Sarmiento’s words as he embarked on his pilgrimage along the coast of Pontevedra to Santiago de Compostela, with the goal of earning the Jubilee.
More than two hundred and seventy years later, the route that Fray Martín Sarmiento embarked on that July morning has been revived, thanks to the efforts of the Mancomunidad de O Salnés, with the aim of offering an alternative to the Camino de Santiago.
Frequently asked questions about the Route of Padre Sarmiento
The Route of Padre Sarmiento is very accessible, ideal for both beginner pilgrims and those looking for a quiet route. The main difficulties of this route are related more to the duration than to the terrain, since most of the route is relatively flat, with some small undulations as it enters rural and coastal areas.
The Ruta del Padre Sarmiento is a particular route which, at about 190 km, is generally a total of 9 stages. Therefore, divided like this, it takes 9 days to complete the Ruta del Padre Sarmiento on foot.
Each stage would be the distance you walk in one day, from the starting point 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 hard stages, or lengthen those that are shorter or easier to walk. It all depends on having a place to sleep.
The Route of Padre Sarmiento starts in Pontevedra and ends in Santiago de Compostela, covering 190 km in 9 stages.
The Route of Father Sarmiento is a journey of 190 km that runs along the spectacular Galician coast from Pontevedra to Santiago de Compostela. Along the way, pilgrims enjoy breathtaking coastal scenery, bordering the estuaries of Pontevedra and Arousa, with beaches, cliffs and vineyards that stand out for their natural beauty.
The terrain is mainly flat, although it is gently undulating as it enters rural areas and small Galician villages. The route crosses the Parque Natural de las Dunas de Corrubedo, a unique environment that combines sea and nature in its purest form. Ideal for those looking for a quiet route full of contrasts, with few slopes but abundant scenic beauty.
Along its approximately 190 kilometres, the Ruta del Padre Sarmiento is divided into the following 9 stages:
- Pontevedra – Sanxenxo (25 km)
- Sanxenxo – O Grove (19,5 km)
- Circular O Grove (28 km)
- O Grove – Cambados (22 km)
- Cambados – Illa de Arousa (18 km)
- Illa de Arousa – Vilanova de Arousa (16,8 km)
- Vilanova de Arousa – Vilagarcía de Arousa (11,9 km)
- Vilagarcía de Arousa – Padrón (25,6 km)
- Padrón – Santiago de Compostela (24,3 km)
This division can be modified, depending on the preferences and possibilities of each person, always bearing in mind to have a place to spend the night.
Posts related to the Route of Father Sarmiento
Other routes of the Camino de Santiago
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Northern Way
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Portuguese Way
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Portuguese Way along the coast
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Portuguese Way: spiritual variant
From Pontevedra to Padrón. Total 81 km - 3 stages 3 stages | 81 km
Sanabrian Way
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