What makes the Spiritual Variant unique?

It’s the only Camino route that includes a boat pilgrimage, retracing the sacred river journey of Saint James — a blend of legend, history, and breathtaking scenery.

Do I need to be religious to enjoy this trip?

Not at all. Many travelers join for nature, reflection, and the cultural experience.

How difficult is the walk?

Moderate — between 13–23 km per day. You walk at your own pace and your luggage is transferred for you.

When is the best time to go?

All year round. Spring and autumn offer ideal temperatures and lush landscapes.

Yes. Single travelers are welcome, with private rooms available for an extra charge.

Is the boat always available?

The Translatio boat operates from April to October. Outside these months, alternative transport or a scenic walk will be provided.

Camino Portugués Spiritual ➤ Valença to Santiago

A captivating 9-day journey blending nature, faith, and culture — the Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Camino. Walk through medieval towns, serene forests, and along sacred rivers. Experience the only waterway pilgrimage in the world — the Translatio — retracing the mystical route believed to have carried the remains of Saint James. A soulful adventure for travelers seeking meaning, tranquility, and timeless beauty.

Cost

Cost Includes

8 nights in carefully selected 4-star hotels
Daily breakfast buffet
Detailed English route maps, stage descriptions & tourist info
Pilgrim passport
Luggage transfers (1 bag per person, up to 20 kg)
Translatio Boat Trip from Vilanova de Arousa to Pontecessures
24-hour local & international support hotline
Access to a GPS route app (works offline)

Cost Excludes

Handling fee (€20)
Tourist tax (if applicable)
Flights to/from Porto & Santiago de Compostela
Lunches and dinners not mentioned
Travel insurance

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

This exclusive version of the Camino Portugués takes you from Valença to Santiago de Compostela, following one of Galicia’s most scenic and spiritual routes. Divided into three stages, the journey begins with gentle walks through Portugal’s northern landscapes and continues into Spain — where the Spiritual Variant begins in Pontevedra.

Here, history and legend merge: you’ll follow the “Route of Stone and Water” through enchanted forests, ancient monasteries, and riverside trails — until you sail up the Ulla River on the Translatio Boat Route, the same path said to have carried Saint James’ remains to Santiago.

Each day offers moments of peace, culture, and reflection, ending in charming 4-star hotels that welcome you with comfort and warmth.

Trip Highlights

Walk the Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Camino — one of Galicia’s most breathtaking sections.
Explore Tui, Pontevedra, and Combarro, medieval jewels of northern Spain.
Sail the legendary Translatio Route on the Ulla River, following the Apostle’s sacred journey.
Wander through the Route of Stone and Water (Ruta da Pedra e da Auga) — a lush trail of waterfalls, bridges, and ancient mills.
Enjoy fine regional cuisine and stay in hand-picked 4-star boutique hotels.
Experience a soulful blend of culture, pilgrimage, and natural beauty.
End your adventure at the magnificent Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where pilgrims have gathered for centuries.

Day 01 :

Arrival in Valença

Welcome to Valença, the last Portuguese town before the Spanish border. Check in to your elegant 4-star hotel, then spend the evening strolling through the fortress walls, cobbled streets, and local cafés overlooking the Minho River. Tomorrow, your Camino begins.

Day 02 :

Valença ➤ O Porriño (20 km | 4–5 hrs)

Say farewell to Portugal as you cross the historic iron bridge into Spain. Discover Tui, a medieval town with a stunning cathedral, before continuing through peaceful forests and rural villages toward O Porriño.

🛏️ Overnight in a 4-star hotel in O Porriño.

Day 03 :

O Porriño ➤ Arcade (22 km | 6 hrs)

Today’s route brings gentle climbs and panoramic views of the Ría de Vigo. Pass through Redondela, where the central and coastal Caminos merge, and continue to Arcade, a seaside town famous for its oysters and riverside charm.

Overnight in a 4-star hotel in Arcade.

Day 04 :

Arcade ➤ Pontevedra (13 km | 4 hrs)

An enchanting walk through forests and quiet countryside. Enjoy bird song, the fragrance of pine, and the cool shade of stone paths. Arrive in Pontevedra, a lively Galician city full of plazas, cafés, and pilgrims.

Overnight in a 4-star hotel in Pontevedra.

Day 05 :

Pontevedra ➤ Armenteira (23 km | 5–6 hrs)

Here begins the O Salnés Spiritual Variant. Walk through the peaceful village of Poio with its ancient monastery, and the picturesque fishing town of Combarro, before climbing to Armenteira, home to a 12th-century Cistercian monastery where silence and peace reign.

Overnight in a 4-star hotel in Armenteira.

Day 06 :

Armenteira ➤ Vilanova de Arousa (23 km | 5–6 hrs)

One of the most beautiful days of the Camino. Follow A Ruta da Pedra e da Auga – “The Route of Stone and Water.” Walk along riverbanks shaded by trees, past old watermills, bridges, and gentle waterfalls until you reach the beaches of Vilanova de Arousa.

Overnight in a 4-star seaside hotel.

Day 07 :

Boat Trip & Walk: Vilanova ➤ Pontecessures ➤ Teo (13 km + boat)

Sail the Translatio, the world’s only river pilgrimage route. Cruise along the Ulla River surrounded by nature and ancient stone crosses marking Saint James’ sacred path. If the boat is unavailable (outside April–October), alternative transport or a coastal walk will be arranged. Continue on foot to Teo, enjoying quiet countryside views.

Overnight in a 4-star rural hotel.

Day 08 :

Teo ➤ Santiago de Compostela (14 km | 3–4 hrs)

Your final stage! Walk through forests and hills toward the skyline of Santiago de Compostela. Follow the yellow arrows to the grand cathedral, where centuries of pilgrim footsteps end. Feel the emotion of your arrival — a moment of completion and joy.

Overnight in a 4-star hotel near the cathedral.

Day 09 :

Departure or Extension

After breakfast, enjoy a final stroll through Santiago’s UNESCO-listed old town. Stay longer if you wish — this small, vibrant city has much to discover.

Camino Portugués Spiritual ➤ Valença to Santiago

Duration

Tour Type

Camino Portugués Spiritual ➤ Valença to Santiago