Arcade Town in Galicia Along the Portuguese Way

Arcade on the Camino de Santiago (pronounced Ar-ca-day) is a small village in north-western Spain. The town serves as a stopping point along the Portuguese Way. You go from Arcade to Pontevedra on the Camino enroute to Santiago de Compostela.

With a population of less than 5,000 inhabitants, Arcade is a relatively small place, giving those who walk the Camino a chance to experience the genuine culture of a small Spanish village that has not yet been influenced by tourism. In fact it wouldn’t be unusual to be offered hospitality by the locals if you haven’t booked in to a hotel or albergue. Some locals offer beds in their spare room as a way of making extra income. If this is the kind of thing you’d try it could be a very authentic experience. However if you like your own space then it might be a better idea to stay at other Camino accommodation options.

On the surface Arcade is not the most attractive of towns. However, once you get off the main drag and walk just one street over you are transported into another world of a bygone era. Stone houses more than 100 years old clinging to green hills that plunge into tranquil bays, ancient Roman bridges, cobblestone streets and narrow lanes that pass  through old time neighbourhoods with traditional horreos on almost every home.

There are several local cafes and small restaurants to sit down in, relax and enjoy the local culture of Galicia and the Portuguese Way and if you are lucky enough to be here on a warm summer day there are several sandy beaches and small coves that are ripe for swimming.  After all Arcade is right on the Atlantic coast where the lovely little beaches are perfect for paddling your feet after a long day walking on the Portuguese Way.  Once you feel sufficiently revived head to one of the little bars that are usually busy with locals who will love to have a chat if you can speak a few Spanish words.  Don’t worry if you don’t have much Spanish as it’s very possible that you’ll meet other Camino enthusiasts in Arcade to chat with and compare Camino stories, as it’s located between the two bigger towns of Redondela and Pontevedra on the Portuguese Way.

Arcade is famous for its oysters as it’s located right on the Atlantic coast.  If you are an oyster lover or a complete newbie and have never tried oysters when here you must try them.

If you happen to pass through Arcade on the first weekend of April, you will see the town crowded with thousands of people who come for the famous “Oyster Festival”.  The oyster of the region, Ostrea Edulis,  is a flat, thin shelled oyster.  It is small and has a distinctive flavor which is absorbed from the muddy mouth waters of the Verdugo river. Oyster bars along the main street sell oysters and other seafood at modest prices and are best washed down with Albariño or Rías Baixas wines. Pure affordable bliss.

Arcade was the setting for an important battle during the Napoleonic Wars.  Between 7-9 June in 1809, the Battle of Puente Sampaio was fought at the mouth of the Verdugo River.

It was here the Spanish forces, commanded by Colonel Pablo Maorillo, were able to force the French troops led by Marshall Michel Ney to retreat. The casualties during this battle were very uneven. Maorillo saw 300 wounded or dead while Ney saw 2,000-3,000 of his French troops suffer.

The battle holds a very significant place in the history of the War of Independence. The Spanish victory ended with the final evacuation of French troops from Galicia. This is yet another historical spot for those walking the Camino de Santiago to take advantage of.

The origins of this bridge that spans the River Verdugo with 10 arches are Roman; however, what you see today is from the Medieval period.  The name of the bridge comes from the area across from Arcade where the bridge takes you to and is now part of the town of Arcade.  You will cross this bridge on the Camino Portugues on your way to Santiago de Compostela.

A short 10 minute drive from Arcade is the Castle of Soutomaior.  Built in the 12th Century this was once one of the major castles of Galicia.  If you have the time this castle is well worth a visit.  It has been beautifully restored and maintained and has wonderfully manicured gardens to stroll through.  Like any true castle you will cross a functioning draw bridge to enter and you can walk around the battlements of the Castle give you a glimpse of a time long gone.

It is possible to take a day trip to a local winery near Arcade. The town itself is quite small so if you are spending some time there to unwind by the sea or rest your weary bones, it’s good to have some activities lined up.

Noelia Bebelia wine is own by husband and wife team named Simon and Noelia. They live up there and welcome guests to call in and take a tour and of course sample some of their product. They produce Albariño wine which is one of the favourite wines in all of the north west of Spain.

The best thing to do is give Simon or Noelia a call and make an appointment. Here’s their numbers: Simón (+34) 653 172 160; Noelia (+34) 653 172 159.

Arcade is located at the mouth of the Verdugo River, where it reaches the Atlantic Ocean, in the region of Galica, north western Spain. The languages spoken are Galician/Galego and Castellano/Spanish. It lies along the Portuguese Way of St James, with Arcade to Pontevedra on the Camino one of the final days of walking before pilgrims reach Santiago de Compostela.

The nearest airports are:

• Vigo: 16 km
• Santiago de Compostela: 85 km
• A Coruña: 139 km
• Porto, Portugal: 159 km

Take a look at our review of the Camino Portugues.

Feel free to contact us if you want to explore Arcade on the Camino de Santiago yourself!