Camino Portugues Variante Espiritual
The Camino Portugués Variante Espiritual, also known as the Sea of Arousa and River Ulla Route or Traslatio, is one of the most fascinating Camino de Santiago routes. Blending history, legend, and breathtaking beauty, it follows the journey of Saint James’s body as it travelled by sea to Galicia after his martyrdom in Jerusalem.
This special ‘Variant’ splits from the Camino Portugués Route in Pontevedra and takes pilgrims through coastal landscapes, fishing villages, vineyards, and ancient monasteries, including the stunning Monastery of Armenteira. From there, walkers follow the Ruta da Pedra e da Auga (“the Path of Stone and Water”) along the Armenteira River — one of Galicia’s most scenic trails.
What makes the Camino Portugués Variante Espiritual truly unique is its sacred boat journey across the Ría de Arousa, retracing the legendary final voyage of the Apostle’s remains. According to tradition, his disciples carried his body on a stone boat guided by angels and a star, sailing from Jerusalem to Galicia and up the River Ulla to Iria Flavia (modern-day Padrón), where they laid him to rest.
From Vilanova de Arousa, pilgrims can take the boat trip to Padrón, where the route joins the classic Camino Portugués for the final stage to Santiago de Compostela. To receive the Compostela pilgrim certificate, you’ll need to begin your journey in Vigo (on the Camino Portugues Coastal Route) or O Porriño (on the Camino Portugues Central Route) before connecting with the Variante Espiritual.
Combining land, legend, and sea, this route offers a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage filled with natural splendour, ancient faith, and the deep symbolism of returning home — just as Saint James once did.
✨ Why Walk the Variante Espiritual?
- Retrace the Apostle James’s final journey by sea — a path guided by angels and a star.
- Enjoy coastal beauty through O Salnés and charming villages like Combarro.
- Visit the peaceful Armenteira Monastery and walk the scenic Ruta da Pedra e da Auga river path.
- Experience the Traslatio boat trip up the River Ulla to Padrón.
- Join the Camino Portugués for your final steps into Santiago.
Suggested Routes
🌅 Camino Highlights
- Baiona – A historic port and gateway to the Galician coast.
- Combarro – Known for its stone granaries (hórreos) overlooking the sea.
- Armenteira Monastery – A serene spiritual stop surrounded by forests.
- Ruta da Pedra e da Auga – A beautiful riverside walk lined with old watermills.
- Vilanova de Arousa – Start of the Traslatio boat journey.
- Padrón – Where St. James’s boat was said to have come to rest, joining the main Camino.
Walk and Sail the Spiritual Route of Saint James
A unique Camino experience combining peaceful coastal paths with the legendary Traslatio boat journey from Vilanova de Arousa to Padrón.
⛵ The Traslatio Boat Experience
This symbolic boat trip recreates the Apostle’s arrival in Galicia. Pilgrims sail across the Ría de Arousa and up the River Ulla to Padrón, passing 17 stone crosses marking the sacred route.
The trip is deeply moving — a spiritual and scenic moment that few Caminos can match.
🚤 About the Traslatio Boat Ride (and Your Compostela)
The Traslatio boat ride from Vilanova de Arousa to Pontecesures is one of the highlights of the Camino Portugués Variante Espiritual. It retraces the legendary journey of Saint James’ remains up the River Ulla and is considered an official part of the route — so you will still receive your Compostela certificate in Santiago.
Boats usually depart from the port of Vilanova de Arousa each morning (around 7–8 am, depending on tides). In summer, there may be two daily departures. The trip lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes and costs €30 per person.
Tickets can be booked online or purchased at the local office, located near the Pasarela de O Terrón footbridge — just 200 m from the pier.
Besides the main La Barca del Peregrino, smaller speedboats run the same route, operated by A Mare Turismo Náutico. They take roughly the same time, though the boats are open, so bring a jacket for wind or rain. Between April and October, departures are almost daily; off-season trips depend on demand.
You’ll even receive a special Traslatio stamp for your pilgrim passport, confirming this unique part of your pilgrimage — a peaceful, scenic alternative to walking along the busy roads of Pontecesures.
Camino Ways Route Planner
For over 1000 years, pilgrims from all over the world have walked the Camino Ways across Europe in their quest for spirituality. Making the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, they encountered a variety of people, cultures and beliefs, leading to friendship and new experiences. This continues today with the Camino de Santiago being the most well known and well-loved walk in the world. More than just a walk, the Camino de Santiago is an unforgettable and unique journey for the body, mind and soul.
🕊️ Route & Distance
- From Vigo to Santiago via Variante Espiritual: 105 km (7 days)
- Boat section: Optional, between Vilanova de Arousa and Padrón
- Terrain: Moderate, combining coastal paths, forest tracks, and rural roads
☀️ When to Walk
The best time to walk the Variante Espiritual is March to October, when weather is mild and boat trips operate regularly.
Spring and early autumn offer ideal temperatures and quieter trails.
🎒 What to Bring
Download our Camino Packing Guide eBook for essentials — comfortable shoes, sun protection, and layers for coastal breezes.
🏛️ History of the Variante Espiritual
According to tradition, the Apostle James was executed in 44 AD in Jerusalem. His disciples placed his body in a stone boat guided by angels and a star back to Galicia, where it landed at Iria Flavia (modern-day Padrón).
The Variante Espiritual retraces this miraculous voyage. It’s the only Camino route that allows pilgrims to walk and sail the same path the Apostle’s remains once took — blending faith, legend, and nature in one unforgettable journey.
FAQs
Q: What is the Camino Portugués Variante Espiritual?
A: The Camino Portugués Variante Espiritual, also known as the Traslatio or Sea of Arousa route, is an alternative Camino de Santiago trail combining walking and a scenic boat trip.
Q: Where does the Camino Portugués Variante Espiritual start and end?
A: The route begins near Baiona or Vigo and follows coastal paths through Combarro, Armenteira, and Vilanova de Arousa before joining the main Portuguese Camino in Padrón.
Q: What is the Traslatio boat experience?
A: The Traslatio boat from Vilanova de Arousa to Pontecesures retraces the legendary journey of Saint James’ remains by sea. It’s a 1.5-hour trip costing €30 and includes a special pilgrim stamp.
Q: Will I get the Compostela certificate if I take the boat?
A: Yes. The Traslatio boat ride is an official part of the Camino Portugués Variante Espiritual, so pilgrims who walk at least 100 km (for example from Vigo) still receive the Compostela in Santiago.
Q: When does the Traslatio boat operate?
A: Boats usually depart once daily from March to October, between 7 am and 8 am depending on the tides. In summer, there may be two departures. Always confirm the time the day before.
Q: Is the Camino Portugués Variante Espiritual suitable for beginners?
A: Yes. It’s a moderate route with beautiful coastal paths and fewer crowds than the main Camino Portugues, making it ideal for both new and returning pilgrims.
Q: What are the highlights of the Variante Espiritual?
A: Highlights include the Armenteira Monastery, the Ruta da Pedra e da Auga trail, the Traslatio boat trip, and the peaceful coastal towns of Galicia.
🌅 Final Thoughts
Walking the Camino Portugués Variante Espiritual is more than a route — it’s a journey that blends history, legend, and the sea itself. From the peaceful monasteries of Armenteira to the shimmering waters of the Traslatio boat, every step tells the story of Saint James and the timeless spirit of the Camino.
Whether you walk it for faith, reflection, or adventure, this path invites you to slow down, breathe the Atlantic air, and rediscover the joy of simple travel. It’s a Camino for the soul — serene, scenic, and deeply meaningful.
👉 If you’d like a personalised itinerary for the Camino Portugués Variante Espiritual or any other Camino route, try our Award-Winning Camino Planner.