Variante Espiritual Oia and Guided Boat Journey

Stage 1 of 1

183.6km

9 days

Comfort

Popular time

may

Starting from

980

Jan
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Apr
May
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Jul
Aug
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Dec
Popular Time
Good Time
Off/Low Season
Not Possible

The Variante Espiritual provides more time on the coastline of Galicia. But be ware it also includes a steep climb up and around Monte Redondo.

Overall

Distance:

17.3 min | 26.2km average | 35.2 max

Ascent:

293 min |500.4m average | 746.9 max

Cardio:

3   4   5

Follow the Camino Preview Map Trip 1057

The Variante Espiritual de Camino de Santiago from Oia is a lesser-known yet profoundly rewarding pilgrimage route that diverges from the traditional Camino Portuguese trail. Starting in the charming coastal town of Oia, situated in the Galicia region of Spain, this trail offers pilgrims a spiritually enriching experience.

The journey begins amidst the quaint beauty of Oia, where the sound of crashing waves and the salty breeze of the Atlantic Ocean create a serene and contemplative atmosphere. As pilgrims set forth on this path less traveled, they leave behind the bustling crowds and embark on a more secluded and introspective adventure. The route meanders through picturesque landscapes, lush forests, and rolling hills, providing pilgrims with ample opportunities to connect with nature and find solace in its beauty.

The route’s origins stem from the execution of the Apostle James in the year 44 AD. Following his death, a group of Spanish disciples clandestinely placed his body in a boat made of stone and, guided by angels, sailed to the mouth of the Ulla River and landed at Iria Flavia (present-day Padrón). From there, the disciples carried the body of the Apostle James to the site of what is now Santiago del Compostela.

Cultural Heritage

Cultural Heritage

One of the most significant highlights along this variant of the Camino is the Monastery of Oia, a centuries-old spiritual sanctuary. Nestled on the rugged coastline, this historic monastery exudes an aura of timelessness and offers a place of quiet retreat for pilgrims seeking a deeper connection to their spirituality. Many pilgrims find solace in the monastery’s peaceful ambiance, spending time in meditation and contemplation before continuing their journey.

Pontecesures

Pontecesures

At Vilanova de Arousa, pilgrims will cross the River Ulla in a ferry to reach the city of Pontecesures. From there, this route links back to the traditional Camino Portuguese as pilgrims walk on to Padron for the night before continuing their journey to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

Seafood

Fresh Local Seafood

The quality of the seafood from this region is well-known worldwide. So why not take the opportunity to sample some of the local delicacies such as the Vieira (known as the pilgrim’s shell), Pulpo, Oysters, Langostinos and rock crab? All of which can be nicely washed down with a glass of the local Albarino wine!

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OIA (Spain)

SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

Starting from € 980
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Services

Included in this package

Bed & Breakfast

Specially Hand-Picked Accommodation

Our Holiday or Pilgrim Pack

24/7 On-Call Support

Virtual Face-to-Face Pre-Departure Briefing

Add-On

Premium Accommodation

Airport Pick-Up

Additional Nights

Dinners

Luggage Transfers from Hotel to Hotel

Day Tours to Local Sites of Interest

Not included: Flights/trains, Insurance, Drinks/Lunch

Itinerary

Day

1

km

OIA (Spain)

Relax on your first night in this beautiful coastal village, which is also home to the Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Oia and typical Galician restaurants and cafes.

Day

2

17.3 km

OIA (Spain) BAIONA

From Oia, you will walk along a coastal footpath away from the main road. After 10km, you will continue along gorgeous coastline on boardwalk with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Cies Islands.

Day

3

27.7 km

BAIONA VIGO

The way out of the stunning town of Baiona will have you alongside a sandy beach for most of the day. You will have regular opportunities to stop in cafes along the beach. You will then enter the very active city of Vigo, which will reach after a 3km walk through the harbour.

Day

4

34.2 km

VIGO PONTEVEDRA

On this trip, we will transfer you from Vigo to the start of your walk today in Redondela (10km from Vigo). Once dropped in Redondela, you will join the traditional Portuguese Way. You will start seeing more pilgrims along the Camino. You will pass through typical Galician landscape with rural areas and lush green Eucaliptus forests. Before the halfway mark, you will cross Ponte Sanpaio where Napoleon troupes were defeated.

The arrival into Pontevedra offer a slightly shorter but along the road option or a slightly longer shaded option. Your final stop of the day has a lovely center with pedestrian streets and lovely cider bar/restaurant behind the church.

Day

5

20.6 km

PONTEVEDRA ARMENTEIRA

One of the highlights along this stretch is the town of Combarro, renowned for its unique Galician architecture and the presence of ‘horreos’ (traditional granaries). Exploring the narrow cobblestone streets and admiring the horreos against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean offers pilgrims a taste of the local culture and heritage.

Approaching Armenteira, the landscape opens up to reveal breathtaking vistas of vineyards and olive groves. Armenteira itself is a tranquil village, featuring the impressive Armenteira Monastery. The monastery offers a sense of spiritual refuge and has played a significant role in the region’s religious and cultural heritage.

Day

6

23.8 km

ARMENTEIRA VILANOVA DE AROUSA

From the peaceful village of Armenteira, the path leads through vineyards and verdant landscapes, creating a picturesque setting for walkers to enjoy. Continuing on, the path eventually approaches the coastline of the Ria de Arousa, one of Galicia’s stunning coastal inlets.

As the journey progresses, walkers will reach the town of Vilanova de Arousa, a coastal town known for its maritime. Pilgrims can experience the town’s coastal ambiance, explore its charming streets, and savour the local seafood delicacies.

Day

7

35.2 km

VILANOVA DE AROUSA PADRON

Starting from the coastal town of Vilanova de Arousa, pilgrims embark on a boat journey that embraces the essence of the Camino. After a short 2km walk, pilgrims will board a boat to sail the Ria de Arousa, relishing the mesmerising views of sparkling waters and lush landscapes before navigating the Ulla River.

Their boat journey concludes at Pontecesures, where they set foot on land once more. From there, pilgrims follow well-marked trails and country roads to reach the town of Padrón. This town holds a special place in the annals of the Camino de Santiago. Notably, Padrón is believed to be the landing site of the Apostle St James’ boat. Additionally, it is the birthplace of the renowned poet and clergyman, Rosalía de Castro. The combined weight of religious, historical, and cultural significance makes Padrón an enriching stop for every pilgrim.

Day

8

24.8 km

PADRON SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

The Camino passes through many small hamlets before arriving at the Baroque sanctuary of A Esclavitude. On a hilltop to the left stands the mysterious ruins of the hillfort Castro Lupario. A few kilometres later, we come to the oldest wayside crossing in Galicia. As we near Agro dos Monteiros, it’s now possible to see the spires of the cathedral in Santiago. Finally, the Camino passes by the ruins of a castle known as A Rocha Vella, before entering the city of the Apostle.

Day

9

km

SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

After breakfast, we bid you farewell.
If you wish to stay in the area, we recommend that you:
– Take your time and visit the magnificent historic centre of Santiago.
– Continue with us along the wild Camino Fisterra (Finisterre Way), and stay overnight at the hotel in the lighthouse!
– Or take a bus to Fisterra to visit the unspoilt sandy coves and beaches of the west coast. With very few tourists, you are guaranteed a very special experience. Buses depart from Santiago Bus Station at 9am and 10am. Buses return to Santiago at 4:45pm and 7pm. The journey takes 3 hours.

How to Get There

Getting to Oia, Spain

It's easiest to fly into Santiago de Compostela.

Fly into Santiago de Compostela

Ryanair, Aer Lingus and Iberia/BA fly direct to Santiago de Compostela from the UK and Ireland. Ryanair flies from Stansted, Iberia/BA operate from Gatwick and Aer Lingus operates from Dublin.  Santiago de Compostela can also be reached by a number of locations around Spain and Portugal, as well as major European cities. Iberia/BA offers the best selection of flights and you can fly to and from Santiago De Compostela returning to Frankfurt, Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Bilbao, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Madrid, Malaga, Palma, Seville, Tenerife and Valencia. To get to Oia you will need to get 2 buses from Santiago Airport or we can organise a private airport transfer. The bus from Santiago Airport to Vigo takes 1 hour. Buses from Vigo Bus Station to Oia then depart regularly (every 30 minutes).

    Getting home from Santiago de Compostela, Spain

    Fly from Santiago de Compostela

    Shuttle buses from Santiago city centre to the airport (20mins), or you can request an airport transfer that will pick you up from your hotel.

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      The Variante Espiritual provides more time on the coastline of Galicia. But be ware it also includes a steep climb up and around Monte Redondo.
      January Off season
      February Off season
      March Off season
      April Good time
      September Good time
      October Good time
      November Off season
      December Off season