Portuguese Way from Tui via the Spiritual Variant

Bathed by the Miño River, this medieval town stands out for having one of the most impressive cathedrals in all of Galicia: the Cathedral of Santa María, located on top of a promontory.

In addition, Tui can boast of having once been surrounded by the longest wall in all of Galicia. It’s accessible by train, and we can also help you with a transfer from any other station or airport.

This stage begins with the descent down to the Miño River to continue alongside it along the riverside path, offering an idyllic landscape, and then continues through vineyards and lush forests. But to reach these charming places, you’ll have to go through some road sections and even an industrial estate, although for several years there has been an official alternative that only adds 500 meters to the route and runs along a riverside path amid nature.

Once you’ve completed that section, you continue mostly descending through areas that, as a reward for your effort, will offer beautiful views until you arrive in Redondela.

This is a short stage with very little elevation gain and, therefore, not much physical demand, with exceptional signage. We will move close to the Vigo estuary most of the time, though we’ll rarely get a glimpse of it, and we’ll reach Pontevedra via a highly scenic riverside trail.

Pontevedra has a great historical heritage with an atmosphere that’s hard to find anywhere else. You can visit places of interest like the Church of the Virgen Peregrina and the Ruins of Santo Domingo, as well as wander around its old town.

Starting from the Peregrina square in Pontevedra, the route takes you through the picturesque landscapes of the O Salnés region, passing through the bustling town of Poio with its ancient monastery and the lovely coastal village of Combarro, before climbing up to the final destination of this stage: the astonishing Monastery of Armenteira, a construction steeped in history since 1162, and where it is possible to stay.

This stage begins along the captivating “Ruta da Pedra e da Auga,” a trail that follows the small Armenteira River, framed by lush vegetation and peaceful, picturesque spots. You continue north toward Ribadumia and Pontearnelas, eventually reaching the coast at Vilanova de Arousa. Once you arrive in Vilanova de Arousa, don’t miss out on strolling along its beaches or indulging in the rich local cuisine.

Here begins the maritime route, called Traslatio. This section can also be covered on foot, following the shoreline of the estuary and the Ulla River. Setting sail in Vilanova, you travel up the beautiful Arousa Estuary until reaching the mouth of the Ulla River, navigating its final stretch to the end.

Along the way, you can see the only maritime river Via Crucis in the world, a collection of 17 crosses that mark the Apostle’s route. According to tradition, the stone boat carrying the body of St. James arrived at Iria Flavia, near the present-day town of Padrón, and it is here that the spiritual variant rejoins the Portuguese Way.

We can already sense Compostela. We are now in the last stage of the Portuguese Way, where we will reach the Cathedral after covering the distance between these two places.

It’s an easy stage, with many small villages and urban areas, featuring a moderate and gradual elevation gain.

Enjoy all the attractions that the Galician capital has to offer: culture, history, gastronomy… If you have time, don’t hesitate to stay one or two more days to explore every corner of Santiago and its surroundings.