Set on the shores of the Ría de Vigo, with the Atlantic stretching out behind it and the legendary Cíes Islands on the horizon, Vigo is Galicia’s largest city and one of the most authentic on the entire Atlantic coast. Far more than its industrial reputation suggests, the city comes alive in its cobbled historic streets, its open-air oyster markets where the legendary ostreiras have been shucking by hand for generations, and its sweeping viewpoints over the ría — all best enjoyed with a plate of fresh seafood and the Atlantic breeze on your face.

This relatively short day mostly an uphill walk going out of Vigo, for which you are rewarded with wonderful views of the city and harbour. As this is not a very long day walking you may want to spend some time in Vigo and explore the bay area which is one of the settings for Jules Verne’s novel Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. It is here that Captain Nemo pilfered his wealth to fund his submarine Nautilus from the galleons sunk by the British during the Battle of Vigo Bay in 1702.

Leaving Redondela, which is known as the Village of Viaducts due to the two 19th Century railroad viaducts in the town, you will proceed to the village of Arcade. From here you cross a Romanesque bridge where Napoleon was defeated by the Spanish during the War of Independence. Arriving into Pontevedra you will head through the narrow streets before reaching the 13th Century Church of Santa Maria. Of interest to pilgrims is the Capela da Peregrina which, although it appears round, is actually in the shape of a scallop shell.

Passing chestnut groves, the Camino leaves Pontevedra and runs parallel to the railway for a while. After passing through the hamlet of Ponte Cabras, we encounter the rectory of Santa Maria de Alba, tucked away among pine and eucalyptus trees. Emerging from the dense woods of Lombo da Maceira, you’ll see a statue of St James, his staff pointing the way to proceed. Passing the lovely village of Tibo, with its fountain, public washing place and stone cross, brings us to Caldas de Reis.

Exiting the town, we take a bridge over the River Umia that leads us to a fountain of hot spring water that has lent the town its name since Roman times. Entering the woods once more, the Camino makes its way gently uphill to the hamlet of Santa Marina. Going downhill, we cross the river Fontenlo. Finally, we catch up again with the river as we arrive in Padron. Padron is famous for being the first land sighted by the ship bearing the body of St James.

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.

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.