Route of Father Sarmiento

The starting point of this route Father Sarmiento is at the confluence of the Rio Lérez and the Ria de Pontevedra. Pontevedra is a city with a great trading and seafaring tradition. With one of the most important historical centers of Galicia, a stroll through the pedestrian streets invites you to enjoy the magnificent civil and religious buildings in peace. Right in the middle we find the pilgrim’s shrine which, with its almost round shape, imitates the pilgrim’s shell. Also in the center we find a wonderful selection of wines and restaurants to enjoy the gastronomy of Galicia. Arrival in Pontevedra on your own.

Accommodation in Pontevedra.

Difficulty level: easy.

We hike from Pontevedra to Poio and cross the traditional Puente del Burgo. In Poio we can visit his beautiful monastery. On our way along the coast we will find the picturesque town of Combarro with its famous granaries on the coast and its very narrow streets. Today’s destination is the city of Sanxenxo, the capital of summer tourism in Galicia.

Accommodation in Sanxenxo.

Difficulty level: easy.

Today we start with the urban beaches of Sanxenxo, around which more then merge into nature. We can see the island of Ons from Punta Faxilda and visit the hermitage of A Lanzada, a place full of myths and legends, just before we reach the magnificent beach of the same name. We end our stage today in O Grove, the seafood capital.

Accommodation in O Grove.

Difficulty level: easy.

Despite the circular nature of this stage, today will be the longest of the entire route. On today’s route, we can discover Isla de la Toja, known for its hot springs and its special hermitage made of scallops. Towards the end of the stage we can enjoy the most privileged view of the Ría de Arousa from Monte Siradella.

Accommodation in O Grove.

Difficulty level: easy.

In today’s stage we will come to the areas of Meaño in the heart of Salnés. We cross a landscape of swamps and vineyards that announce our proximity to Cambados, the capital of the Albariño. This royal villa has one of the most admired historical sites in Galicia, among which stands out the majestic Plaza de Fefiñanes.

Accommodation in Cambados.

Difficulty level: easy.

Another day on the coast, which leads us through the city of Vilaxoan to our destination today, Vilagarcía de Arousa, which is considered the port of Compostela.

Accommodation in Vilagarcía de Arousa.

Difficulty level: easy.

Today’s landscape will consist of swamps and forests, with the last part of the stage already going through the interior of Galicia. At the end of the Ría de Arousa we find the river Ulla, which acts as a natural border between the provinces of Pontevedra and Coruña. In the city of Catoira we can see the Tower del Oeste, which defended the coast and the city of Compostela from invasions by sea. The traditional Vilkinger pilgrimage is celebrated here, one of the most spectacular festivals in Galicia that is of international tourist interest.

Accommodation in Padrón.

Difficulty level: easy.

Today’s stage will coincide with the route of the last stage of the Portuguese Way. Through small rural towns we get closer to Compostela, just as father Sarmiento did in 1745.

Accommodation in Santiago de Compostela.