Camino Espiritual Coastal Vigo to Santiago last 100km
The Camino Espiritual Coastal, from Vigo to Santiago de Compostela, is a stunning 100km trail recently recognised as an official Camino de Santiago route by Santiago Cathedral.
This scenic route takes pilgrims through charming coastal villages, lush forests, vineyards, sandy beaches, and ancient monasteries, offering a diverse and peaceful journey.
Known as Translatio, this Camino includes a boat trip across the Arousa Estuary, retracing the route taken by St James’ body on its way to Santiago. It’s a unique alternative to the Camino Portugues Coastal Way, offering a different yet equally captivating experience.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The Camino Espiritual Coastal includes a boat trip across the Ria of Arousa (Arousa River) from Vilanova de Arousa to Padron. So, it will save you a 20-km walk and give you a ‘rest day’. Note again that if you are cycling, you can decide to opt out of the boat and cycle from Vilanova to Padron instead.
Starting from Vigo, the route takes you to the stunning coastal town of Combarro, Armenteira Monastery, where resident nuns sing Pilgrim Mass daily, along superb natural trails to Vilanova de Arousa.
When you reach Vilanova de Arousa, you can either continue walking along the coast or take a boat up the River Ulla to Padron to join the classic Camino Portugues to Santiago. Padrón is the hometown of Galicia’s most acclaimed poet, Rosalía de Castro, and the best place to try the world-famous local Padron peppers. Both options will enable you to receive your Compostela once in Santiago.
The Sea of Arousa Camino Espiritual route takes in picturesque scenery and villages in the region of O Salnes, including the stunning coastal town of Combarro, Armenteira Monastery, and the path known as ‘Ruta da Pedra e da Auga’ along the Armenteira River. This fascinating Camino route is also known as ‘Traslatio’ or Camino Espiritual as it follows the trail taken by the body of St James on its way to Santiago.
It is believed the Apostle James was beheaded in 44 AD by order of Hordes Agrippa I, having returned to Jerusalem after preaching some years in the territories of Hispania (present-day Spain). The few Hispanic disciples who had followed him to Jerusalem stole the body and loaded it on a stone ship that found its way back to Galicia, guided by the angels and a star. The boat carrying the remains of St James travelled up the River Ulla, berthing in Iria Flavia, the current town of Padrón.
Highlights of the Camino Espiritual:
- Wonderful Pontevedra Old Town
- Picturesque granaries in the village of Combarro
- Forest trails to Armenteira Monastery
- A swim at the beach in Vilanova
- Boat trip across Arousa Bay to Padron (part of this itinerary)
Please note, if you’d like to receive the Compostela certificate in Santiago, you will need to start your Camino from Vigo (also on the Portuguese Coastal Camino) before continuing on the Sea of Arousa Camino route.
