Spiritual Variant of the Camino de Santiago: stages, route, and tips
Have you heard about the Spiritual Variant of the Camino de Santiago? This alternative route combines nature, spirituality, and tradition, offering a unique experience for those seeking something different from the classic itinerary.
The Spiritual Variant: a different CaminoThe Spiritual Variant is an extension of the Portuguese Camino that connects Pontevedra with Pontecesures, following a special itinerary full of history. It is also known as the “origin of the Camino,” as it recreates the legendary Traslatio: the boat journey in which the disciples of the Apostle James carried his remains along the Arousa estuary and the Ulla River to Padrón.
1. What is the route like?The Spiritual Variant begins in Pontevedra and crosses areas of great natural and religious beauty:
- Poio Monastery: one of the key historical points of the route.
- Combarro: a seaside village famous for its waterfront hórreos.
- Armenteira Monastery: a spiritual destination surrounded by forests.
- Ruta da Pedra e da Auga: a natural path with traditional mills.
- Arousa Estuary: a boat section that commemorates the Traslatio.
- Pontecesures: connection with the Portuguese Camino towards Santiago.
The Spiritual Variant is structured as follows:
- Start in Tui – overnight in Tui.
- Stage 1: Tui – O Porriño (~16 km) – overnight in O Porriño.
- Stage 2: O Porriño – Redondela (~16 km) – overnight in Redondela.
- Stage 3: Redondela – Pontevedra (~19 km) – overnight in Pontevedra.
- Stage 4: Pontevedra – Meis (~17 km) – overnight in Meis.
- Stage 5: Meis – Vilanova de Arousa (~18 km) – overnight in Vilanova de Arousa.
- Stage 6: Vilanova de Arousa – Padrón (~35 km) – overnight in Padrón.
- Stage 7: Padrón – Santiago de Compostela (~25 km) – overnight in Santiago. Final breakfast and end of services.
- Wear proper footwear: there are mountain sections and riverside paths.
- Don’t forget your camera: coastal scenery, monasteries, and forests offer spectacular views.
- Stamp your Pilgrim Credential at official points so the route counts toward earning the Compostela.
At caminodesantiagoreservas.com we organize your journey along the Spiritual Variant of the Camino with selected accommodation, luggage transfers, assistance, and reservations for the boat crossing. Enjoy an itinerary that blends history, nature, and spirituality with total comfort.
Experience the magic of the Traslatio and discover one of the most special routes to Santiago.