Portuguese Way: spiritual variant
Traslatio route: Way of St. James by Sea
This variant of the Portuguese Way is also known as the route of the Sea of Arousa and the River Ulla. It starts in the city of Pontevedra and runs for two stages through the beautiful region of O Salnés. Pilgrims on this route will be able to recreate, by sea, the journey of the remains of the Apostle St. James sailing through the waters of the Arousa estuary.
Camino Portugues: Spiritual variant
Information about the Portuguese Way: Spiritual Variant
The Portuguese Way: Spiritual Variant
The Spiritual Variant is the ideal route to experience the Camino de Santiago away from the crowds and bustle of other routes. It offers a journey through wonderful fishing villages of the Rías Baixas, beautiful coastal landscapes, and exquisite gastronomy based on fish and seafood. Pilgrims can also enjoy a pleasant sea-river crossing, recreating the arrival of the body of the Apostle St. James in Galicia after his martyrdom in Jerusalem.
In addition to the sea experience, pilgrims exploring this variant will discover beautiful monuments and landscapes, such as the Monastery of A Armenteira or the route of A Pedra de da Auga, an 8 km path characterized by dozens of water mills surrounded by dense vegetation.
The Portuguese Way: Spiritual Variant
- City of Pontevedra
- Combarro
- Ruta da Pedra e da Auga
- Monastery of Armenteira
- Arousa Island
- Catoira
- Padrón
- Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
Where to start the Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese route?
Spiritual Variant from Pontevedra
This curious variant of the Portuguese Way from Pontevedra is the perfect route for all those people who want to experience the Camino de Santiago but have limited time. Covering 73 kilometers in only 4 stages, this journey can be completed in just five days.
Starting in the city of Pontevedra, the route heads towards the region of O Salnés, reaching the coast again in Vilanova de Arousa. From here, it crosses the river Ulla upstream until reaching Pontecesures, very close to Padrón. From this point, pilgrims continue walking following the same route as the original Portuguese Way to Santiago de Compostela.
You can also integrate the Spiritual Variant into any route of the Portuguese Way, requiring only a few more days to your trip.
Portuguese Way: spiritual variant
Stages of the spiritual variant of the Portuguese Way to Santiago de Compostela
History of the Spiritual Variant: The Legend of the Traslatio
Legend has it that “Finis Terrae” was the farthest place where the Apostle Santiago arrived preaching the word of God. It is for this reason that, upon his death, they decided that his remains would rest in those distant lands. Tradition has it that the disciples Theodore and Athanasius placed the remains of St. James in a stone boat and sailed the seas until they reached the coast of Galicia. The boat crossed the river Ulla upstream until it reached Iria Flavia, the place we know today as Padrón.
Legend has it that Queen Lupa, after imposing a series of tests, allowed the disciples to bury the remains of the apostle in “Campus Stellae”, nowadays Santiago de Compostela. Later, the tomb was discovered by the hermit Pelayo in the 9th century.
This variant is a recently created route that aims to emulate the route of the remains of Santiago Apostle. Pilgrims will take a boat to cross the river Ulla upstream until they disembark in Pontecesures, from where they will continue walking to Santiago de Compostela.
In addition, this route has its own certificate “La Pedronía,” which is awarded to pilgrims who can prove that they have completed the Spiritual Variant or the route of Father Sarmiento. The certificate is delivered by the city council of Padrón.
Frequently asked questions about the Spiritual Variant
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.
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.
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.
The Spiritual Variant consists of 4 stages, so it lasts 4 days and covers almost 100 kilometers to Santiago de Compostela.
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.
