Slow down & Recharge on the Camino Espiritual – autumn 2025 (short trip)

Slow down & Recharge on the Camino Espiritual – autumn 2025 (short route)

‘Variante Espiritual’, the most beautiful part of the Portuguese Camino

From Pontevedra to Santiago de Compostela

8 nights / 6 walking days

Short walking distances per day (average 15 km)

Difficulty of the walks: average

Luggage transfer between the different accommodations

Date: from 12/09 to 20/09/2025

Max. 4 participants!

Yes, I want to go on this Camino!

Would you like to walk the most beautiful part of the Portuguese Camino, at a slow pace and with a very small group (max. 4 participants)? This is your chance!

Why would you register for this walking tour?

Minimal stress for preparation: everything is arranged and organized for you
You walk at a slow pace, with sufficient time along the way. You also walk with fellows who, based on their own experience, interact with each other in an understanding and respectful way.
The walking distance per day is on average 15 km (min. 10 and max. 20 km)
You walk with a very small group, min. 2 and max. 4 people (2 x double room) + myself
I will guide the group myself, my experience as a pilgrim who knows the region and the route provides extra peace of mind
Focus on being on the road and the things you only see when you take the time
Time and space for pleasant conversations, but also to seek out the silence and peace on your own, even while walking
You can register individually (in which case you share a room with someone else) or register with two people
Tip 1: if you want to walk this Camino together with 3 relatives, friends, colleagues, … then this is an opportunity!
Tip 2: possibility to extend your trip with a few days in Braga, the 3rd largest city in Portugal and also an important Camino city.

This is not an ‘ordinary’ trip, but a gift to yourself!

Date: from 12/09 to 20/09/2025

Price: 1.250 euros per person (based on 2 persons in a double room)

Yes, I want to go on this Camino!

Programme day by day

(Optional: start your trip in Braga, 3rd city of Portugal and also Camino-city, and travel from there to Pontevedra.)

Day 1: Arrival in Pontevedra

We gather in Pontevedra and enjoy our first evening together in this beautiful historical city that is also known as the capital of the Portuguese Camino.

Day 2: Walk from Pontevedra to Combarro (12 km)

Today, after breakfast, is the real start of our Camino!
About 2 km after leaving Pontevedra we choose the ‘Variant Spiritual’. We walk through the picturesque landscapes of Comarca and O Salnês, cross the village of Poio – with its ancient monastery – to arrive in the beautiful coastal town of Combarro.

Day 3: Walk from Combarro to Armenteira (11 km)

Today we face a long and demanding climb to Armenteira, which again takes us past places with beautiful views. We stay in Armenteira near the beautiful monastery, built in the 12th century.

Day 4: Walk from Armenteira to Ribadumia (11 km)

Today’s stage is one of the most beautiful and fun of the entire Portuguese Camino. From Armenteira to Pontearnelas we walk along “A Ruta da Pedra e da Auga”, which meanders through beautiful natural landscapes in the towns of Meis and Ribadumia. Along the banks of the Armenteira River we pass numerous old water mills, small waterfalls and bridges.

Day 5: Walk from Ribadumia to Vilanova de Arousa (12 km)

Along the banks of the Armenteira River we pass numerous old watermills, small waterfalls and bridges.Vegetable gardens and vineyards indicate that the mouth of the Arousa is approaching. We reach the beaches and the town of Vilanova de Arousa.

Day 6: Boat trip (Translatio) from Vilanova de Arousa to Pontecessures

Walk from Pontecessures to A Picaraña (12 km)

On the last day of the Variant Spiritual, before rejoining the traditional route of the Portuguese Camino, we sail by boat from Vilanova de Arousa to Pontecessures. We take the Translatio, which takes us via the Ulla River on the same journey that the remains of Saint James made, up to Pontecessures.

From Pontecessures we first walk to Padron, where we can visit the church named after the apostle James. From Padron we walk to our final destination of the day in A Picaraña.

Day 7: Walk from A Picaraña to Santiago de Compostela (16,5 km)

The final stage starts with a steady but not too difficult climb, largely through forests, from 160 meters to a summit of 260 meters. As we descend along quiet asphalt roads, we see the city of Santiago de Compostela ahead of us on the next hill. The home stretch!

When we come within a radius of 4 km from the city, we have to decide whether we want to stay in the middle of the greenery for as long as possible or whether we want to follow the original route, taking a shortcut over a steep hill through built-up areas.

We walk into the center of Santiago de Compostela and end our tour on the square in front of the cathedral!

Day 11: Santiago de Compostela

We spend the day together in Santiago de Compostela, but also with some time to spend individually.

Day 12: Departure

After breakfast the trip with the group ends.

Optional: extend your trip with one or more days in Braga!

Prices and conditions

Highlights

Duration: 8 nights / 6 walking days

Group travel (max. 4 participants)

Difficulty of the walks: moderate

Total walking distance over 6 walking days: +/- 105 km

Region: Galicia

Highlights: relaxed pace, time for sightseeing in historic places, old pilgrim roads, Roman roads, rivers, valleys, iconic bridges, beautiful churches, chapels and sanctuaries alongside the road, forests, green land, authentic villages, rural living, regional food, comfortable accommodations

Date: from 12/09 to 20/09/2025

Price per person: 1.250 euros in a double room

What’s included?

8 nights + breakfast;
My personal guidance;
Luggage transport between accommodations (1 bag per person – max 15 kg/bag);
Pelgrim Kit: Credential (pasport) and shell;
Boat trip from Vilanova de Arousa to Pontecessures;

What is not included?

Flights + transfer to Pontevedra;
Visit/stay in Braga before or after the Camino
Lunches and dinners;
Travel insurance;
Personal equipment;
Other personal expenses;
Anything not mentioned under ‘Included’