‘Variante Espiritual’, the most beautiful part of the Portuguese Camino
Leaving together from Braga
Walking from Pontevedra to Santiago de Compostela
9 nights / 6 walking days
Short walking distances per day (average 15 km)
Difficulty of the walks: average
Luggage transfer between the different accommodations
Date: April 3 to 12, 2026
Max. 6 participants!
Would you like to walk the most beautiful part of the Portuguese Camino, at a slow pace and with a small group (max. 6 participants)? This is your chance!
Why would you register for this walking tour?
Tip! Possibility to travel to Braga a few days early and experience Semana Santa (the Holy week before Easter). This is a unique opportunity to experience one of the biggest events in Portugal!
This is not an ‘ordinary’ trip, it’s a gift to yourself!
Date: April 3 to 12, 2026
Price: 1.495 euros per person (based on 2 persons in a double room)
Single room: supplement and subject to availability
Day 1: Arrival in Braga (via Porto Airport)
You’ll fly into Porto (flights not included), from where you’ll travel to Braga by shuttle bus (included). There, you’ll meet the group and Ann, who will be guiding the trip.
Day 2: Arrival in Pontevedra
We’ll travel with the group and by bus to Pontevedra, Spain. We’ll enjoy the evening together in this beautiful, historic city, also known as the capital of the Portuguese Camino.
Day 3: 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 4: 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 5: 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 6: 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 7: 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 8: 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 9: Santiago de Compostela
Free day in Santiago de Compostela.
Day 10: Departure
After breakfast the trip with the group ends.
Optional: Travel via Braga again before boarding the plane in Porto.
FYI: I’ll provide the necessary information to find and book the most suitable flights.
Highlights
Duration: 9 nights / 6 walking days
Group travel (max. 6 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: April 3 to 12, 2026
Price per person: 1.495 euros in a double room
What’s included?
Transfer from Porto Airport to Braga on Day 1;
Transfer from Braga to Pontevedra;
9 nights + breakfast;
My personal guidance;
Luggage transport between accommodations (1 bag per person – max 15 kg/bag);
Pilgrim Kit: Credential (pasport) and shell;
Boat trip from Vilanova de Arousa to Pontecessures.
What is not included?
Flights;
Visit/accommodation in Braga before April 3 or after April 12;
Transfers from Santiago de Compostela after the Camino;
Lunches and dinners;
Travel insurance;
Personal equipment;
Other personal expenses;
All items not mentioned under ‘Included’.
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