Camino de Santiago – From Tui to Santiago – Spiritual Variable - 115.2 km

The “Spiritual Variant” unites two Jacobin Paths: the Portuguese Path and the “Ruta del Mar”, the origin of all the Paths.

The story goes that in the year 44 AD, Theodore and Athanasius, disciples of the apostle Santiago, decided to move his body, once he died, to the furthest place he reached in his evangelization. With him they went around the entire Mediterranean, skirting the Iberian peninsula and, once past the Portuguese coasts, they entered the Arousa estuary and, from there, the Ulla river up to the city of Padrón.

This route not only reproduces the boat trip, but, from Padrón, also follows the same steps followed by the procession of the apostle Santiago until his final burial in what is now Santiago de Compostela.

Of all the Camino de Santiago, this is the route that most faithfully retraces the steps of an Apostle who was never a pilgrim, but who mobilized millions of people to become one.

Follow the same route that the remains of the apostle Santiago followed on their journey to Compostela. Cruise through a natural area of ​​great beauty. Discover mills, fountains, chapels and monasteries. It passes through woods, vineyards and beaches. Walk the only maritime-river Way of the Cross in the world, where you will be able to see the 17 centenary ''cruceiros'' who identify this Way of St. James as the "Translatio", the origin of all the Ways.

1st Day: From Santiago de Compostela Airport to Tui

Free arrival in Santiago de Compostela. Transfer to Tui. Let's take 'The Credential'. Tui is on the border with Portugal and its cathedral-fortress recalls a medieval past full of territorial struggles. Overnight stay.

2nd Day: from Tui to Redondela (*) (31.6 km)

Breakfast. Upon leaving the town, the Camino takes the direction of O Porriño and crosses the Puente de San Telmo on the San Simón river to reach A Madaleina. The stage continues in the direction of Ribadelouro and, having crossed the industrial area, you reach the urban center of O Porriño continuing to the town of Mos finenedo in the city of Redondela. Overnight stay.

3rd Day: from Redondela to Pontevedra (19.6 km)

Breakfast. Leaving the city of Redondela we will see several beautiful sea views of the Ria de Vigo also on the route. We will be surprised by some short pieces of the ancient Roman route and 'milestones' marking the distance. The stage proceeds towards the A Canicouva hill in the direction of the city of Pontevedra and its Sanctuary of the Virgen Peregrina, patron saint and symbol of the city. Overnight stay.

4th Day: from Pontevedra to Armenteira (23.2 km)

Breakfast. Starting from Piazza della Peregrina in Pontevedra, the route winds through the picturesque landscapes of the O Salnes region, crossing the dynamic town of Poio with its ancient monastery and the splendid coastal village of Combarro to climb to the final destination of the stage: the astonishing Armenteira Monastery, building rich in history since 1162. Overnight stay. Avda. de La Victoria, 126 / 28023 Madrid / Phone: + 34 91 602 43 00 / click@clickonline.es 12

5th Day: from Armenteira to Vilanova de Arousa (22.7 km)

Breakfast. The stage begins with the suggestive "Ruta da Pedra e da Auga", a path that runs along the small Armenteira river, framed by exuberant vegetation and quiet, picturesque corners. Continue north through Ribadumia until you reach Pontearnelas. The trail is notable for its lush riparian vegetation, bridges, small waterfalls and a succession of old mills resting on the riverbank. and Pontearnelas, to reach the coast of Vilanova de Arousa. Overnight stay.

6th Day: from Vilanova de Arousa – Pontecesures to Padrón (30.2 km) (**)

Breakfast. From Vilanova to Pontecesures the sea route begins (approx. 1h30), the so-called Traslatio (this stretch can also be covered on foot, skirting the coast of the estuary and the Ulla). After navigating Vilanova, the beautiful Ría de Arousa rises to the mouth of the Ulla River and travels the last few stretches to its final destination. Along the route you can see the only river maritime Via Crucis in the world, a collection of 17 crosses that mark the path of the Apostle. According to tradition, the stone boat with the body of Santiago reached Iria Flavia, from where we will have a couple of kilometers (about 2.5) on foot to the current city of Padrón and it is at this point where the spiritual variant begins rejoins the Portuguese Way. Overnight stay.

7th Day: from Padrón to Santiago de Compostela (24.3 km)

Breakfast. The day has come. The last stage of the Camino de Santiago begins with which you were able to admire the countless wonders resulting from centuries of history. Departing from A Escravitude and past the sanctuary, after a stretch of woods, the Camino crosses the railway tracks in the town of A Angueira de Suso and begins its descent towards Santiago. In Santiago the Portuguese itinerary enters the monumental area from Porta Faxeira and heads towards the Praterias façade of the Compostela cathedral. Already inside the Cathedral you need to go to the crypt where Santiago's tomb is located and follow one of the most significant traditions... embracing the Saint. Overnight stay.

8th Day: Santiago de Compostela

Breakfast. Santiago is a wonderful and lively city where there is the possibility of adding other days. Our journey ends with the hope that this experience has given you unique and inimitable emotions for the mind and body. Happy return…

(*) This stage, longer than usual but possible with a little more commitment and energy at the beginning, is done this way due to the difficulty of finding accommodation in another way.

(**) The boat journey (which must be booked in advance) does not have precise times because it follows the course of the tides and can vary due to weather conditions.

Upon arrival you will be given the Credential. Card that, along the Camino, you will have to have stamped (at least 2 times a day) in any bar, shop, authorized accommodation... you will find them everywhere. The Credential will then be presented to the Pilgrim Office of Santiago de Compostela to demonstrate that you have traveled at least the last 100 km and obtain… The Compostela. Curious certificate written in Latin that will be a nice souvenir of your trip.