Variante Espiritual Spiritual Route
The Variante Espiritual: A Scenic & Sacred Detour on the Camino Portugués
Step off the beaten path and walk the Variante Espiritual, a breathtaking extension of the Camino Portugués. Starting in Pontevedra Poio, this route winds through coastal villages, lush forests, and ancient monasteries, offering a deeper connection to both nature and Camino history. From the charming seaside town of Combarro to the peaceful Monasterio de Armenteira, and a unique boat ride along the only maritime Via Crucis in the world, this 3-day variation is perfect for pilgrims seeking beauty, solitude, and a touch of the mystical.
Day 1: Arrival in Pontevedra Poio – A Charming Start
Welcome to Pontevedra Poio – your gateway to the stunning Variante Espiritual! This is a relatively new but historically rich route, linking places deeply tied to the original Camino story. Take the evening to explore the town, enjoy some tapas, and rest up – the adventure begins tomorrow!
Day 2: Pontevedra Poio to Combarro – Coastal Beauty & Hidden Gems
Lace up your boots and descend to sea level, where the salty breeze of the Ría de Pontevedra greets you. You’ll walk along the coast, taking in beautiful sea views before arriving right onto the beach at Combarro – a postcard-worthy fishing village.
Here, you’ll find the famous hórreos, traditional Galician granaries built on stone pillars to keep rodents at bay. It’s like stepping into a storybook – stone, sea, and a sense of timelessness.
Day 3: Combarro to Armenteira – Into the Mountains
Ready for a challenge? Today, you trade the coast for the quiet beauty of the Galician forests. The climb toward Armenteira is tough, but the views of the estuary below are completely worth it.
At the top, you’re rewarded with a peaceful night at the Monasterio de Armenteira, surrounded by serenity and nature.
Day 4: Armenteira to Vilanova de Arousa – Stone, Water & Wonder
This stretch is known as the Ruta da Pedra e da Auga – the Route of Stone and Water. You’ll walk along the river, where moss-covered ruins of ancient water mills whisper of the past. Birds chirp, water flows, and you’ll feel the peace of walking where nature and history intertwine.
Your day ends in Vilanova de Arousa, a charming coastal town with great seafood and relaxed vibes.
Day 5: Vilanova de Arousa to Padrón – By Land or Sea
You’ve got a decision to make today:
Option 1: Hop on a boat and cruise up the Rio Ulla like pilgrims of old. Along the way, you’ll pass 17 stone crossesmarking the only maritime Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) in the world – said to follow the path taken by the remains of St. James himself.
Option 2: Prefer to walk? Tackle the final 28km to Padrón on foot. It’s a long stretch but deeply rewarding, filled with rolling countryside and historical echoes.
After Padrón: Rejoin the Traditional Camino Portugués
From here, you link up with the traditional Portuguese Camino, refreshed, inspired, and connected to a deeper layer of the pilgrimage route.
