From Pontevedra to Sanxenxo

This first stage of the Route of Father Sarmiento can be started from the city of Pontevedra, crossing the "O Burgo" bridge towards Sanxenxo, passing through Poio, or directly from that locality. During this stage, we will have the estuary as the protagonist until we reach Combarro, the village of a thousand hórreos and cruceiros. From Combarro, the route continues through coastal paths, inlets, and beautiful beaches, until reaching Sanxenxo.

Sanxenxo is the quintessential capital of Galician tourism. This area of the Galician coast enjoys many hours of sunshine, which has earned it the nickname "Galifornia." Sanxenxo is one of the most visited places in Galicia during the summer.

We can begin this first stage by leaving the city of Pontevedra, or starting directly from Poio. If we set off from Pontevedra, we will need to cross the “O Burgo” bridge towards Sanxenxo to enter the municipality of Poio. After crossing the urban center of Poio, we will continue along the coastline, alternating between coves of beautiful beaches and rocky outcrops. Along the way, we will have the opportunity to visit the beaches of Lourido and Cabeceira, and pass by the port of Campelo.

Subsequently, the coastline curves inland upon reaching the promenade of da Seca, only to open up again towards the beach da Pinela, presenting us with the iconic village of Combarro.

Here we can take a break to explore the beautiful village of Combarro.

Once we resume our journey, we continue along the coastline of the province of Pontevedra, passing through the places of Chancelas, O Covelo, Raxó, and A Granxa, until we reach Sanxenxo. This is a landscape dominated by continuous coves, beaches, and outcrops, where we walk with the island of Tambo on the horizon.

Things to consider

It is common for pilgrims starting the Padre Sarmiento route to have previously completed a section of the Portuguese Way and, upon arriving in Pontevedra, decide to continue along this variant until reaching Sanxenxo.

It is highly recommended to make a considerable stop in Combarro to thoroughly explore the village.

Places of interest

• Combarro
• Island of Tambo
• Viewpoint of A Granxa
• Portonovo
• Silgar Beach

Typical dishes

• Empanada de zamburiñas
• Octopus á feira
• Fish and seafood
• Seafood rice
• Albariño wines