Rediscover the wonders of nature and the stillness of the mind on this scenic blend of the Portuguese and the Spiritual routes of the Camino de Santiago. The walk will cover about 75 miles. Take time to reflect, contemplate, meditate, and give this challenge the meaning you prefer, whether spiritual, religious, physical, or just an opportunity to meet like-minded people. After landing in Porto, start your journey by walking across the Portuguese-Spanish border on the bridge over the Minho River. Drive to the coastal town of Baiona and walk the Portuguese Way skirting the Atlantic Ocean to Pontevedra. From there, join the Spiritual Variant towards the Ulla River in Cambados and experience a boat cruise to Padrón.
The Spiritual Variant is the name given to the route that joins the Camino Portugues, both the Coastal and Central route, with the Traslatio (or Transfer) route. It ends in Santiago de Compostela following the route taken by the remains of the Apostle James, from Jerusalem to Iria Flavia, near Padrón. Discover spectacular landscapes and seascapes, seize the opportunity to discover historical places, and enjoy the authentic cuisine of the Galician region.
Evening Mass will be available in most towns for those who wish to attend. In Santiago de Compostela you can attend Pilgrim Mass. You will receive the Compostela Certificate upon completion of the entire route on foot.
Traveller Notes
- Your walking and spiritual experience is best enjoyed in small groups, and therefore the group size is limited to a maximum of 20 participants per departure, plus, of course, your Tour Director who will assist along the way. Hiking is much easier without luggage; one piece of luggage per person, not exceeding 20 kg/44 lbs, will be transferred during your walk, from the lobby of your overnight hotel to the next overnight accommodation.
- A pleasant catamaran cruise, as well as transportation by coach from Porto to Baiona and from Santiago de Compostela to Porto, allowing for some additional exciting visits, are all taken care of.
- Occasionally, transfers by minivan will be provided when accommodation is not directly at the end of a stage.
- This is a walking tour. You will require a good level of physical fitness as well as some training before starting the walk. If unable to complete any of the stages on foot, transportation by taxi will be arranged at an extra cost. You will need to pack a backpack containing essentials for the day (such as water, raincoat, essential medication, money, sunblock, etc.) to carry during the walk.
- Hotel accommodations may be of simple standards, often with no elevators, but always with private facilities.
- Mass services are available in the evenings at most overnight towns/villages. (Mass services may be in local language and venues are subject to change).