From Vilanova de Arousa to Padrón

During this stage we recreate the true Traslatio of the Apostle Santiago, departing from Vilanova de Arousa and following the course of the river Ulla upstream until reaching Padrón.

Our stage today is filled with epic places from the history of Galicia, such as the imposing Torres de Catoira, the site where the Vikings supposedly arrived.

The first milestone of today's journey will be Vilagarcía de Arousa, 9 kilometers from Vilanova, which we will reach by alternating coastal paths and trails, and once in Vilagarcía, we will begin the land route of the famous and mythical Traslatio to Padrón. The path runs alongside the Ulla River, upstream. We leave the center of Vilagarcía heading towards Carril, crossing along our way the places of Bamio, Catoira, Vilarello, and Pontecesures.

Without a doubt, the most impressive point along the route will be Catoira with its imposing towers. Once we arrive at Pontecesures, after crossing the bridge to Padrón, the spiritual variant of the Camino will have ended. From here, one can continue to Santiago de Compostela via the conventional route of the Portuguese Way.

Padrón is famous, among other things, for its peppers and for being the site where the boat of the Apostle Santiago landed. For this last reason, it is mandatory to fully complete the spiritual variant by visiting the famous Pedrón in the church of Santiago, which according to legend was used to tie the Apostle's boat.

Things to consider

There is a specific certificate that accredits the completion of the spiritual variant: the Pedronía. It is issued at the town hall of Padrón, so we must set out to walk early from Vilanova de Arousa if we want to collect it.

Places of interest

• Vilagarcía de Arousa
• Towers of Catoira
• Rosalía de Castro House-Museum
• Collegiate Church of Iria Flavia
• Church of Santiago

Typical dishes

• Padrón peppers
• Fish and seafood
• Zorza
• Galician stew