Enjoy the last 100km on the Portuguese Central Camino combined with the Variante Espiritual. Starting in Tui, in the heart of the Rías Baixas coastal region of Galicia, Northern Spain at the border with Portugal on our Espiritual last 100 Central Camino.
Walk through the spectacular Galician countryside.
Crossing ancient stone paths as you wind your way along river valleys. Passing through oak, pine, and eucalyptus woodlands.
Explore fascinating and richly historical towns and cities
With Medieval, Celtic, Romanesque-Gothic, and modern-day sites. Impressive Cathedrals, antiquated town centres, tombs, castles, Fortresses, and more!
Variante Espiritual Camino
Starting around 3km out of Pontevedra where both the Portuguese, Central and Coastal Caminos meet. You will head off on a well-marked alternative path taking you through the beautiful O Salnes area. A tranquil walk, where eventually you arrive at the splendid Monastery of Poio founded in the Middle Ages (7th century). A must to visit!
Combarro considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain is on the way, as is the incredible Renaissance and Baroque style (16th and 17th century) Santa Maria Monastery of Armenteira. You will also walk what is known as the “Stone and Water route” a forest bordering the river into Vilanova. From here you sail over the Arousa Estuary and then through a stretch of the River Ulla to Pontecesures following the 17 cruceiros (crosses) pointing out the route of the legend of Apostol Santiago.
Legend
It is said the beheaded remains of Apostal Santiago were transferred by sea in a stone boat to the shore of the Ria de Arousa river, then guided by angels and a star on this route to Iria Flavia, modern Pontecesures. From there the the remains were carried on land and buried in the area nowadays known as the city of Santiago de Compostela.
Enjoy the Culture.
Certainly, you will meet with the locals as you pass through their villages. You are in Spain, known for wonderful fresh produce allow them to share their culture and lives as they serve your meals and take care of your personal needs. Locals will tell you with great pride that their seafood is noted to be the best in the world. Don’t leave the country without experiencing some!
Meeting Pilgrims along the way.
One of the fastest growing Camino paths, well known for the diversity of Pilgrims who come from every corner of the world. Here you will greet one another with Buen Camino along the way. Sharing a meal, or drinks on a terrace at the end of a long day is a part of the charm of Camino.
Gaining your Compostela Certificate.
Walking the Espiritual last 100k Portuguese Central Camino is the minimum distance required to achieve a Compostela. Commencing with your first accommodation stamp your Credencial Passport twice a day. Many bars, restaurants, and churches offer stamps throughout the day.
Congratulations
You have achieved your goal and reached Santiago de Compostela. Now it is time to celebrate with your friends and share in the glory of your achievement.
Take some time to enjoy Santiago de Compostela where, in 1985, the city’s old town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This alone is worth the effort you have made, a spectacular city with so much to offer.
Buen Camino!
Will you go all the way to “The End of The World”
For some, the legends of the past will see them wanting to finish in Fisterra. Consider continuing on our Fisterra Camino.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: km.
- Hours: h.
Day 1: Tui is the starting point of your Portuguese last 100 Central Camino. Located on the bank of the Miño River, facing the Portuguese town of Valença. Take the time to explore the town while you are here.
Tui dates back to pre-historic times (20,000 BC). Boasting 2 Museums, one dedicated to archaeology and sacred art, and the other a diocesan museum. Visit the Romanic (11th-13th century) Santa Maria Cathedral with Romanesque and Gothic period vestibules.
You are in the heart of the Rías Baixas coastal region of Galicia, you will find the seafood sensational make sure you try some!
Ensure that you get a good night’s rest to prepare for your first day walking the Portuguese Camino.
Buen Camino
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 16 km.
- Hours: 4.5h.
On Day 2: Tui to O Porrino, there are two routes to choose from. Either continue on the original path taking you through the largest industrial region of Galicia, all roads and concrete. Or take the alternative route developed in 2013 that goes through the natural land of Las Gandaras.
Not long after walking through Ribadelouro, you will notice a sign on your left for the alternative route. Certainly, this is the more scenic route running along the Louro River a natural and peaceful environment.
Finally arriving in O Porino an industrial town well known for pink granite, the best bread in Galicia, and tasty mushrooms.
Buen Camino!
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 16 km.
- Hours: 5h.
On Day 3: O Porrino to Redondela, you will soon pass through Mos-Rua. Look out for Santa Eulalia church and its 82 m high tower.
After Mos, you have a very steep climb to Capilla de Santiaguiño (230 m ascent). Here you have the first views of Ria de Vigo estuary on the Atlantic Ocean. From there you will ascend to Redondela where the Portuguese Coastal Camino joins the Central Camino.
Redondela is the start of the spectacular Galician seafood. Some of the tasty offerings are Centollas (spider crabs), mussels, zamburiñas (scallops), turbot, and hake. Certainly, you can’t miss the opportunity to try some of the fresh local delights.
Buen Camino
- Difficulty: Medium
- Length: 19.5 km.
- Hours: 6h.
On Day 4: Redondela to Pontevedra, when reaching Arcade you will see oyster beds. Here the oysters are considered the best in Galicia.
Soon crossing the beautiful Pontesampaio medieval bridge. This is where Napoleon’s army suffered a great defeat (19th century). Further on leads you to the Church of Santa Maria (12th century) with magnificent views over the Atlantic Ocean.
Finally arriving in Pontevedra. A monumental city boasting many historical delights. Some of these are Santa Maria la Mayor Basilica, Town Hall, Capella de la Verge Pelegrina, and Teucro Square, they all deserve a visit.
Enjoy some famous oysters of Arcade with an Albarinho wine.
Buen Camino
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 23 km.
- Hours: 7.5h.
Today Day 5: Pontevedra to Armenteira, at around 2 km into your walk you will see signs to the left for the “Variante Espiritual” (Spiritual Variant).
The magnificent Poio Monastery is the first jewel on today’s Camino well worth a visit. The next is the village Combarro, with the old quarter declared “Property of Cultural Interest”. Home to three traditional elements of Galicia “Horreos” (raised granaries), “Casas Marineras” (sea houses), and “Cruces”(crosses). Combarro is considered one of the 10 most beautiful villages in Spain. Owing to its’ fisherman’s cottages with stone or wooden balconies unique in Galicia.
You’ll walk a steep incline up to Mirador de Loureiro (Loureiro viewpoint).
Following this about 6 km further, you arrive at Armenteira, your resting place for today. Visit the Cistercian Monastery of Santa Maria, founded in the 12th century and known in history as an absolute haven of Peace.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 6.5 km.
- Hours: 23h.
Today Day 6: Armenteira to Vilanova de Arousa, will have you walking “Ruta da Pedra e Agua” (Stone and Water Path) along the Armenteira river. Shortly you will see plenty of old mills (some restored) in between amazing leafy vegetation and vineyards. This is the Rias Baixas wine region, where Albariño wine is made.
Eventually, reach the coastline again with Arousa Island in front of you. Walk with the beach on your left finally crossing the iron bridge to reach Vilanova de Arousa.
Mussels grown in Ria de Arousa are especially good.
Buen Camino
- Difficulty: Medium
- Length: 16.5 km.
- Hours: 5h.
Day 7 Pontecesures to Rua De Francos-Milladoira is a progressive incline towards your destination. walking mainly along the freeway with quite a few asphalt paths. A point of interest along the way is the collegiate church of Iria Flavia which was the first cathedral in Galicia, it also has a cemetery worth a wander through.
Stopping today just 10km out of Santiago in either Rua De Francos or Milladoira two small neighbouring villages, it will depend on accommodation.
Buen Camino
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 10.5 km.
- Hours: 3h.
DAY 8: Rua De Francos-Milladoira-Santiago is a progressive incline towards your destination. walking mainly along the freeway with quite a few asphalt paths. A point of interest along the way is the collegiate church of Iria Flavia which was the first cathedral in Galicia, it also has a cemetery worth a wander through.
Stopping today just 10km out of Santiago in either Rua De Francos or Milladoira two small neighbouring villages, it will depend on accommodation.
Buen Camino
- Difficulty: Rest day
- Length: km.
- Hours: h.
Today PCE-Day 9: Santiago de Compostela, your last morning on Camino de Santiago. Enjoy your last breakfast as a Crossroads Travel Client before you head off to wherever in the world you may go!
That is of course unless you have decided to continue to Fisterra…
Whatever you are doing go safe.
Thank you for allowing Crossroads Travel to support you on your Adventure!
Buen Camino
Flexible. Set your own agenda
Inclusions Espiritual Last 100 Central Camino
- 8 nights’ accommodation preferably charming/Iconic/boutique hotels and rural Casas
- Private Bathroom in all rooms
- Daily breakfast
- Luggage transfer daily (1 x 20kg bag per person)
- Maps of your accommodation locations
- Pre-trip Camino guidance and planning
- Australian and Spanish emergency phone numbers
- local support person in Spain
Welcome Pack:
- Pilgrim’s passport
- Camino shell
- Luggage tags
- Full Camino walking guidebook with maps
- Camino Journal with Pen
- Other goodies for your Camino
Not Included
- Travel and medical insurance
- Additional bag transfer (will incur additional costs)
- Single Supplement
- Any meal not specified in the Inclusions list
- Any other item not specified in the Inclusions list
- Flights/Transfers/Extra Accommodations.
Optional Services:
- Airport transfers from the start point and end destination
- Extra night accommodation at the start point and end destination
- Extra luggage transfer or storage
- Fisterra experience: Tour from Santiago to Fisterra return 2 days
- If you wish to upgrade to the Iconic Parador Hotel in Santiago de Compostela the cost is from $150 per person/per night twin share and $220 per person/per night single occupancy when booked 6 months in advance.
- Ask us about adding an extra night in Santiago, or extra rest days en route.
- For any part of your trip that falls between 31 October and 01 April, there is an out-of-season luggage transfer surcharge of $25 per day. and $35 per day to Fisterra and Muxia.
Day 1: Tui is the starting point of your Portuguese last 100 Central Camino. Located on the bank of the Miño River, facing the Portuguese town of Valença. Take the time to explore the town while you are here.
Tui dates back to pre-historic times (20,000 BC). Boasting 2 Museums, one dedicated to archaeology and sacred art, and the other a diocesan museum. Visit the Romanic (11th-13th century) Santa Maria Cathedral with Romanesque and Gothic period vestibules.
You are in the heart of the Rías Baixas coastal region of Galicia, you will find the seafood sensational make sure you try some!
Ensure that you get a good night’s rest to prepare for your first day walking the Portuguese Camino.
Buen Camino
On Day 2: Tui to O Porrino, there are two routes to choose from. Either continue on the original path taking you through the largest industrial region of Galicia, all roads and concrete. Or take the alternative route developed in 2013 that goes through the natural land of Las Gandaras.
Not long after walking through Ribadelouro, you will notice a sign on your left for the alternative route. Certainly, this is the more scenic route running along the Louro River a natural and peaceful environment.
Finally arriving in O Porino an industrial town well known for pink granite, the best bread in Galicia, and tasty mushrooms.
Buen Camino!
On Day 3: O Porrino to Redondela, you will soon pass through Mos-Rua. Look out for Santa Eulalia church and its 82 m high tower.
After Mos, you have a very steep climb to Capilla de Santiaguiño (230 m ascent). Here you have the first views of Ria de Vigo estuary on the Atlantic Ocean. From there you will ascend to Redondela where the Portuguese Coastal Camino joins the Central Camino.
Redondela is the start of the spectacular Galician seafood. Some of the tasty offerings are Centollas (spider crabs), mussels, zamburiñas (scallops), turbot, and hake. Certainly, you can’t miss the opportunity to try some of the fresh local delights.
Buen Camino
On Day 4: Redondela to Pontevedra, when reaching Arcade you will see oyster beds. Here the oysters are considered the best in Galicia.
Soon crossing the beautiful Pontesampaio medieval bridge. This is where Napoleon’s army suffered a great defeat (19th century). Further on leads you to the Church of Santa Maria (12th century) with magnificent views over the Atlantic Ocean.
Finally arriving in Pontevedra. A monumental city boasting many historical delights. Some of these are Santa Maria la Mayor Basilica, Town Hall, Capella de la Verge Pelegrina, and Teucro Square, they all deserve a visit.
Enjoy some famous oysters of Arcade with an Albarinho wine.
Buen Camino
Today Day 5: Pontevedra to Armenteira, at around 2 km into your walk you will see signs to the left for the “Variante Espiritual” (Spiritual Variant).
The magnificent Poio Monastery is the first jewel on today’s Camino well worth a visit. The next is the village Combarro, with the old quarter declared “Property of Cultural Interest”. Home to three traditional elements of Galicia “Horreos” (raised granaries), “Casas Marineras” (sea houses), and “Cruces”(crosses). Combarro is considered one of the 10 most beautiful villages in Spain. Owing to its’ fisherman’s cottages with stone or wooden balconies unique in Galicia.
You’ll walk a steep incline up to Mirador de Loureiro (Loureiro viewpoint).
Following this about 6 km further, you arrive at Armenteira, your resting place for today. Visit the Cistercian Monastery of Santa Maria, founded in the 12th century and known in history as an absolute haven of Peace.
Today Day 6: Armenteira to Vilanova de Arousa, will have you walking “Ruta da Pedra e Agua” (Stone and Water Path) along the Armenteira river. Shortly you will see plenty of old mills (some restored) in between amazing leafy vegetation and vineyards. This is the Rias Baixas wine region, where Albariño wine is made.
Eventually, reach the coastline again with Arousa Island in front of you. Walk with the beach on your left finally crossing the iron bridge to reach Vilanova de Arousa.
Mussels grown in Ria de Arousa are especially good.
Buen Camino
Day 7 Pontecesures to Rua De Francos-Milladoira is a progressive incline towards your destination. walking mainly along the freeway with quite a few asphalt paths. A point of interest along the way is the collegiate church of Iria Flavia which was the first cathedral in Galicia, it also has a cemetery worth a wander through.
Stopping today just 10km out of Santiago in either Rua De Francos or Milladoira two small neighbouring villages, it will depend on accommodation.
Buen Camino
DAY 8: Rua De Francos-Milladoira-Santiago is a progressive incline towards your destination. walking mainly along the freeway with quite a few asphalt paths. A point of interest along the way is the collegiate church of Iria Flavia which was the first cathedral in Galicia, it also has a cemetery worth a wander through.
Stopping today just 10km out of Santiago in either Rua De Francos or Milladoira two small neighbouring villages, it will depend on accommodation.
Buen Camino
Today PCE-Day 9: Santiago de Compostela, your last morning on Camino de Santiago. Enjoy your last breakfast as a Crossroads Travel Client before you head off to wherever in the world you may go!
That is of course unless you have decided to continue to Fisterra…
Whatever you are doing go safe.
Thank you for allowing Crossroads Travel to support you on your Adventure!
Buen Camino
At Crossroads Travel your comfort after a long day of walking is our focus. Hence extensively researched accommodation options on Camino de Santiago are a part of our packages.
Our choice is based on location.
We personally book your rooms, and for this reason, we know exactly where they are located. Our primary aim is to be in the vibe of Camino amongst the other pilgrims, restaurants, bars, and cafes.
Next, we want you to be welcomed and taken care of.
Meeting regularly with the owners/management to discuss our client needs ensures your hosts have direct personal contact with us. If any needs arise we can manage them immediately.
Finally, we choose accommodation in charming, iconic hotels and rural Casas.
The number of stars is not our criterion. A comfortable room and a private bathroom come first. In some of the more humble areas of Camino de Santiago, we offer you the best of what is possible. So the longer your Camino the more varied your accommodation will be. This is part of the charm of being on Camino de Santiago, remember you are not on a holiday with multiple options in one spot. Fortunately, with options in the bigger cities, we can throw in a few nights with lots of stars for indulgence. After all, you deserve to have a soak in a spa. Likewise, an indoor pool doesn’t hurt.
Note: There are a few extraordinary options off the Camino if “humble” is not your thing. We will discuss this with you when booking.
Book 60 days in advance
Camino de Santiago is a unique destination with limited quality accommodation ON Camino hence we advise booking a minimum of 60 days in advance.
Examples of our chosen accommodation.
Images below are examples of what you can expect from your booking. Tailor-made packages are available if you wish to stay 5-star all the way.
Please note: when you book accommodation with us pre and post-Camino in Spain and Portugal we adhere to the same standard.
The three closest airports to Tui are Porto, Vigo and Santiago.
Depending on where you fly in from the best options are as follows once you land in Spain or Portugal:
Fly to Vigo then catch a bus or Taxi to Tui
From Santiago de Compostela catch a bus, train or fly to Vigo
From Porto catch a bus, train or fly to Vigo
