Arrive in Tui to begin the Spiritual Variant of the Camino Portugués. Explore the medieval old town, visit the impressive Tui Cathedral, and enjoy views over the Minho River separating Spain and Portugal. Get your credencial stamped, prepare your gear, and savour some traditional Galician cuisine—your camino begins here.

Begin your walk leaving the shadow of Tui Cathedral, following shaded woodland paths and quiet riverside tracks. The route winds through small hamlets and rural landscapes before descending toward the bustling town of O Porriño, known for its granite and lively squares. Terrain is a mix of forest trails and rural lanes, with gentle climbs and easy walking that ease you into the rhythm of the Camino.

Continue across rolling countryside dotted with farms and traditional villages, passing through Redondela, where pilgrims from the Coastal Camino join the route. From here, expect more pilgrims on the trail and views opening toward the Ría de Vigo. The stage finishes in Arcade, famed for its oysters and seafood along the estuary. The day’s terrain is undulating, with stretches of road walking balanced by scenic paths, making for a varied but manageable stage.

Cross the historic Roman bridge out of Arcade and follow a route that blends forest tracks, riverside paths, and quiet lanes into the elegant city of Pontevedra. The old quarter is filled with plazas, churches, and lively tapas bars, including the distinctive Pilgrim Virgin’s Church in the shape of a scallop shell. With only moderate distance, today offers time to explore the city. Terrain is easy-going, with a mix of stone paths, shaded woodland, and urban approaches.

Today the Camino diverts onto the Spiritual Variant, leaving the city behind to follow the celebrated Ruta da Pedra e da Auga (Path of Stone and Water). The trail climbs gently into the hills, passing a string of ancient watermills and flowing streams before reaching the serene Cistercian Monastery of Armenteira. The monastery, still inhabited by nuns, offers a tranquil and spiritual atmosphere that feels timeless. Terrain is mixed, with forest tracks, steady climbs, and soft woodland trails that reward walkers with peace and solitude.

Descend through vineyards and chestnut groves, with sweeping views toward the coast as you approach the fishing villages of Rías Baixas. The day ends in Vilanova de Arousa, a lively port town where pilgrims enjoy fresh seafood and Galician wines. The Atlantic influence is felt strongly here, blending rural walking with coastal scenery. Terrain alternates between farm roads, shaded trails, and coastal paths, with a long but gentle descent to sea level.

Begin with the iconic boat journey across the Arousa estuary, retracing the legendary arrival of St. James’ remains. The crossing is marked by stone crosses along the waterway, a powerful reminder of the Camino’s spiritual heritage. Disembark near Pontecesures and walk through Padrón, where legend says the Apostle’s boat was moored. Continue north through quiet hamlets, forest tracks, and farmland, finishing the day in Teo, a rural stop just outside Santiago. Terrain is gentle but steady, with a mix of riverside paths, village lanes, and woodland trails.

A shorter final stage allows for a reflective arrival into Santiago. Walk through shaded woods and rolling farmland before reaching O Milladoiro, where pilgrims glimpse the spires of the cathedral for the first time. From here, descend into the city and enter the old quarter, culminating at the Praza do Obradoiro in front of the magnificent Cathedral of Santiago. It is an emotional end to the journey, marked by celebration, gratitude, and shared joy. Terrain is easy-going, with woodland paths and paved urban approaches.

Your pilgrimage officially comes to a close. Some pilgrims continue on to Finisterre or Muxía, while others begin the journey home.