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.