Portuguese Spiritual WaySignature Self-Guided from Baiona

Make your way to Baiona by taxi from Vigo (about 30 min drive) or from Porto (2h drive). Your first night on the Camino is in one of our favorite Paradores in the Medieval Fortress of the Peninsula of Monterreal in Baiona's Bay. Baiona was the first town to receive news of the discovery of America in 1493. So, if time allows during the afternoon, go for a tour of the old town, visit the replica of the Pinta and relax by the ocean before watching the sunset over the Bay of Baiona.

Finally, today you begin your journey on the Portuguese Coastal Way. Leave Baiona behind and follow the coast of the Rías Baixas through the beach town of Nigrán towards the city of Vigo. You will walk along long, pristine white-sand beaches and admire the magnificent Cíes Islands in the distance. After 21 km along the coast, end the day beyond Samil Beach in an exceptional 5 star Galician manor (if available). Surrounded by gardens and sea views, the manor is a beautiful place to unwind, with one of the region’s finest spas available to book directly if you wish.

Continue along the Coastal Route through Vigo before gradually leaving the city behind. The path rises above the estuary, offering wonderful views of the Atlantic Islands, the Morrazo peninsula and the Rande Bridge. Continue through small villages and peaceful woodland paths towards Redondela, where you join the Portuguese Central Route and the two Caminos continue together towards Santiago. If available, you will be staying in a beautiful hotel in an old winery 20 min drive away.

The first part of the day takes you uphill near the coast, with stunning views over Redondela Bay, before you cross the historic bridge of Ponte Sampaio, where Napoleon’s army suffered one of its greatest defeats during the Spanish War of Independence. From there, the landscape changes as you walk mostly downhill through peaceful oak forests. A beautiful riverside path will then bring you into the center of Pontevedra, a Roman city dedicated to the Virgen Peregrina (the Pilgrim Virgin), where you will spend the night at the Parador de Pontevedra (if available).

Leave the Portuguese Central Route to join the Spiritual Variant, following the legendary final journey of Saint James. Pass the Monastery of San Xoán de Poio before reaching Combarro, an unforgettable seafront village known for its traditional granaries, stone crosses and narrow lanes. After Combarro, the route climbs steadily away from the coast through peaceful countryside towards Armenteira. At the end of the day, transfer to a tastefully renovated Galician manor nearby.

Begin with a visit to the 12th-century Cistercian Monastery of Armenteira before following the Ruta da Pedra e da Auga, one of our favorite walks on any Camino. This enchanting forest path runs beside a small river and passes more than 30 historic watermills. Continue through the vineyards of the Salnés Valley to Cambados, considered the capital of Albariño. Spend the night in a beautiful historic property and discover the elegant squares, manor houses and outstanding gastronomy of this charming coastal town. This is also the perfect place to discover the crisp white wine that has made the region famous.

Begin the day with the unforgettable Translatio, sailing across the Arousa estuary and along the Ulla River in the wake of the legendary stone boat that carried the remains of Saint James. Pass the ancient Towers of Catoira before disembarking in Pontecesures and walking 3 km to Padrón, famous for its peppers and lively Sunday market. Continue for 11 km through the Galician countryside to the remarkable Pazo do Faramello. Here, the Marquis may welcome you into his historic family estate for a private visit and a glass of Albariño wine (if available).

Only 14 km now separate you from the resting place of Saint James. Walk through hamlets, vineyards and oak and eucalyptus woods as anticipation builds and your Camino approaches its emotional conclusion. Enter Santiago through its historic streets and continue to Plaza del Obradoiro, where the Cathedral rises before you. Stop and take in the moment: you have reached Santiago on foot. Collect your Compostela, the Certificate of Accomplishment of the Camino, before settling into a beautifully restored historic hotel, a peaceful retreat where you can celebrate the end of your journey.

Your Camino journey ends after breakfast. You may choose to extend your stay in Santiago, spend more time exploring the Cathedral and old town, enjoy a guided visit, or continue onward to Finisterre and the Atlantic coast. A wise pilgrim once told us, “The real Camino starts where the Camino de Santiago finishes, but I will not be afraid because the Camino will always be there for me.” We hope the Camino has brought you whatever you were looking for, and we hope to see you again soon.