Offers

Padre Sarmiento Route

The Way of Fray Martín Sarmiento

Overview

Pilgrimage in Galizia

Pontevedra to Santiago de Compostela


Camino PR18-1010:  
Pontevedra - Sanxenxo - O Grove - Cambados - Vilagarcía de Arousa - Padrón - Santiago de Compostela

Type of travel: Individual - 9 days
Distance/difficulty: ca. 166 km, easy
Fare: from 820 EUR per person


The Padre Sarmiento route stretches over 170 km through the picturesque rías of Pontevedra to Santiago de Compostela.

It is named after Fray Martín Sarmiento, who documented his pilgrimage in his book "Journey to Galicia" from 1745.

In the Salnés region, the Padre Sarmiento Route leads through breathtaking landscapes, past valleys, rivers, vineyards and charming fishing villages.

The route is divided into stages that combine nature, history, culture and art. The first stage begins in the town of Pontevedra and leads to Poio, before finally reaching Sanxenxo. Our second stage takes us from Sanxenxo to O Grove, along a picturesque coastal path. The third stage is a circular route on the O Grove peninsula and leads through the Isla de la Toja with its idyllic hermitage. The fourth stage takes us through a landscape of marshes and vineyards to Cambados, the capital of Albariño wine. From Cambados, we walk along the coast until we reach Vilagarcía de Arousa, also known as the "Port of Compostela". On the penultimate stage, we leave the coast behind us and cross forests to reach Padrón. Finally, the last stage joins up with the Portuguese Way of St. James, which leads from Padrón to Santiago de Compostela.

Itinerary

Pilgrimage in Galizia

Pontevedra to Santiago de Compostela


Day 1: Arrival in Pontevedra
Our journey begins at the confluence of the Rio Lérez and the Ria de Pontevedra, the starting point of the Padre Sarmiento route. Pontevedra, a city with a rich trading and seafaring tradition, is one of the most important historical centers in Galicia and invites you to take a relaxing stroll through its charming pedestrian streets. Here we can admire impressive civil and religious buildings. In the heart of the city is the Sanctuary of the Pilgrims, whose almost round shape is reminiscent of a pilgrim's shell. In addition, the city center offers an excellent selection of wines and restaurants where you can enjoy the delicious Galician cuisine.

Day 2: Pontevedra - Sanxenxo
(25 km, approx. 6 hours)

Our hike begins by crossing the traditional Puente del Burgo to get from Pontevedra to Poio. The beautiful monastery here is well worth a visit. Continuing along the coast, we reach the picturesque town of Combarro, known for its wooden granaries on the coast and narrow streets. Our destination for the day is Sanxenxo, the unofficial summer capital of Galicia.

Day 3: Sanxenxo - O Grove
(19.5 km, approx. 5 hours)

Today we start our day on the urban beaches of Sanxenxo before immersing ourselves in unspoiled nature. From Punta Faxilda we can see the island of Ons and visit the hermitage of A Lanzada, a place full of myths and legends. Our route finally takes us to the magnificent beach of the same name before arriving in O Grove, the seafood capital of Galicia.


Day 4: O Grove - circular route (29 km, approx. 7 hours)
Although it is a circular route, this is the longest stage of our trip. We discover the Isla de la Toja, known for its hot springs and the unique hermitage, which is completely decorated with scallop shells. At the end of the stage, we enjoy the most beautiful view of the Ría de Arousa from Monte Siradella.

Day 5: O Grove - Cambados
(22.2 km, approx. 5 hours)

Today our route takes us to the Meaño area in the heart of Salnés. We walk through a landscape of marshes and vineyards that announce our proximity to Cambados, the capital of Albariño wine. In this royal city, we admire one of the most impressive historical sites in Galicia, especially the majestic Plaza de Fefiñanes.

Day 6: Cambados - Vilagarcía de Arousa
(21 km, approx. 4 hours)

This day takes us along the coast through the charming little town of Vilaxoan to our destination, Vilagarcía de Arousa, also known as the "Port of Compostela".

Day 7: Vilagarcía de Arousa - Padrón
(25.3 km, approx. 5 hours)

Today we cross a landscape of marshes and forests, with the last part of the stage taking us through rural Galicia. At the end of the Ría de Arousa, we come across the River Ulla, which forms the natural border between the provinces of Pontevedra and Coruña. In the town of Catoira, we see the Tower del Oeste, which once protected the coast and Compostela from invasions by sea. This is where the traditional Viking pilgrimage takes place, one of the most spectacular festivals in Galicia and of international tourist interest.

Day 8: Padrón - Santiago de Compostela
(24.3 km, approx. 6 hours)

Our last stage takes us along the Portuguese Way of St. James through small rural villages until we finally reach Santiago de Compostela, just as Father Sarmiento did in 1745.

Day 9: Santiago de Compostela
Our journey ends after check-out.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

about the Camino in France, Spain & Portugal



Services included:

  • Accomodation with breakfast (in either single resp. double room with shower/wc in simple to medium category)
  • Pilgrim´s Starter Kit (Pilgrim's Guide, Pilgrim's Pass, Pilgrim's Shell, description of stages)
  • Luggage transportation service (exclusion of luggage transport upon request)
  • Typical galician cheese tasting in the old town of Santiago de Compostela
  • 24h emergency number
  • Transfers
     

Dates:
From the beginning of April until the end of October.

Add-on:
Camino Finisterre afterwards within about 3-4 additional days.
 


The classic "Camino Francés" in its entire length starts in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France and ends in Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Pilgrims need around 34 days to walk the approx. 780 km.

We are also happy to divide your individual Camino into smaller sections, depending on your wishes.

The Spanish coastal path "Camino del Norte" leads from San Sebastián along the Atlantic coast to Santiago de Compostela. We plan 39 days for the approx. 800 km.

On the original "Camino primitivo", you will walk for 15 days for approx. 300 km from Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela.

You can walk the last 114 km from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela in 8 days in a guided group.

The Portuguese Camino from Porto to Santiago de Compostela takes 15 days and is approx. 260 km long.
 


Unfortunately, dogs of any size are only welcome in very few accommodations in Spain. However, you can walk the last 114 km of the Camino de Santiago from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela with your dog upon request, we will be happy to create an an offer for you.
 


The Portuguese Way of St James along the coast, the "Camino portugues de la costa", 15 days from Porto to Santiago de Compostela, or the last 114 kilometres from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela, which pilgrims can walk in 8 days, are both suitable for beginners.
 

  • For pilgrims who want to walk long distances along the rugged North Atlantic coast, the Camino del Norte.
  • For pilgrims who want to walk short distances and love the sea and beaches, the Portuguese coastal route.
  • For pilgrims who are particularly interested in culture and historic old towns, the Portuguese inland route.
  • For pilgrims who want a challenging Camino, definitely the Camino Primitivo.
  • To experience the true Way of St James feeling, the Camino frances in its classic version. Apart from the coast, the Camino frances has everything to offer: challenges, spirituality, diverse landscapes, mountains, great encounters with other people. In its entirety, the Camino frances represents the real, authentic Way of St James experience.
     


All routes on the Way of St James are well identified with signposts showing the typical shell, so it is very unlikely to get lost.
 


Thanks to the many different sections you can walk, there is something for every fitness level. While some of the mountainous sections - like the route from St. Jean Pied de Port across the Pyrenees to Burgos - can certainly be a challenge for your muscles, there are also plenty of more relaxed routes, like the portuguese Camino along the coast.


The Compostela is a document issued to pilgrims who have completed the Camino de Santiago, the famous Way of St James that leads to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. This certificate is traditionally awarded to those who have covered at least 100 kilometres on foot or 200 kilometres by bicycle to the shrine Santiago and serves as "proof" of the pilgrimage. The issue of the Compostela is controlled by the Pilgrims' Office in Santiago de Compostela and has become a symbol of the rich cultural and religious heritage associated with the Camino de Santiago.


Apparel    

  • backpack (incl. rain protection): 35-50 l - max. 2 Kg/ 4.4 lbs
  • 2 pair of trekking pants: 1 convertable with zipper & 1 shorts
  • 2 shirts (functional material such as merino wool)
  • 1 long sleeve (best merino wool)
  • 2 pairs of hiking socks (compression socks are also recommended)
  • (possibly also nylon stockings - under the hiking socks against blisters)
  • 2 functional underpants
  • hiking boots (no sneakers)
  • 1 sweater
  • flipflops or crocs and/ or sandals
  • rain jacket & pants (or poncho) - max. 0,5 Kg/ 1.1 lbs
  • wind stopper
  • small travel towel
  • sun hat
  • poss. swimming gear (for the camino to Fisterra, for the portugese and spanish camino along the coast)

    
Sanitary Articles    

  • washbag (or big Zip-Lock-Bag)
  • shower gel (small travel version)
  • toothpaste (small travel version) & dental floss
  • toothbrush
  • disinfectant, needle & thread (best to treat blisters) or blister pads
  • deer cream (to prevent blisters) - 50-100 ml
  • magnesium
  • sun cream - 50-100 ml
  • deodorant
  • headache pills (preferably Ibuprofen 400)
  • razor
  • tissues
  • tiger balm

    
Technical Equipment    

  • headlamp
  • ebook-reader
  • phone
  • camera
  • pocket knife

    
Documents & Money    

  • purse
  • cash
  • credit card
  • passport (for non-europeans) or ID
  • train tickets
  • health insurance ID (or travel health insurance for non-europeans)
  • emergency phone numbers of your insurance and bank

   
Miscellaneous    

  • Pilgrim Guide & Itinerary
  • Pilgrim’s Credencial
  • diary & pen
  • St. James's scallop
  • sunglasses
  • drinking system (e.g. camel bag) - max. 2 l
  • zip lock bags or 10 liter freezer bags (for the modular pack system)
  • first aid kit
  • trekking poles or hiking/ pilgrim stick
  • stone as symbol (especially for the Camino Francés)
     


Luggage must be left at reception by 08.00 in the morning to ensure a smooth collection process. Either simply leave it there before breakfast or leave it at reception the evening before (and keep everything you need, such as a toothbrush, in your small luggage).
The deliverers usually have to deliver the luggage to the next accommodation by 15:30 local time. The accommodations we book accept the luggage even if they do not open for pilgrims to check in until later.
 


You will find the pilgrim's starter kit in your first accommodation, it contains the scallop shell, the pilgrim's passport, the luggage tags and brief descriptions of each stage.

You can get stamps for the pilgrim's passport in every hotel, but also in the restaurants and cafés along the way. You can get an additional stamp at places that you particularly like. Otherwise, please make sure that you get 2 stamps on every stage of the last 100 kilometres, every day. You need them to receive the Compostela at the pilgrims' office at the end.
 


We recommend pilgrimage in April, May, June, September and October due to the more moderate temperatures, but you can choose your travel period individually.
 


Changes to your camino pilgrimage route according to individual wishes, such as certain stage combinations or shortenings, are possible. We will be happy to create an individual offer for you.
 


We are also happy to receive short notice requests and will do everything we can to make your trip possible spontaneously, although this depends on the availability of the accommodations. Otherwise, please try to book your Camino de Santiago with us 6 weeks before your desired departure date.
 


The arrival at the starting point of the Camino must be arranged by travellers individually. We´d be happy to help you find a suitable train connection.
Transfers to/from the train station are not included unless otherwise stated. Upon request, we would be happy to organize a transfer from/to the train station or airport (price for a maximum of 3 people with luggage). Otherwise, we recommend taking a taxi or public transport to your first (or from your last) accommodation.
 


If you have booked a transfer, the driver will be waiting at the airport with a sign with your name on it as soon as you come out of baggage collection.
 

The Way of St. James, also known as the “Camino de Santiago”, comprises a number of pilgrimage routes that lead to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, where the tomb of the Apostle James is located. Here are the most famous routes:

1. Camino Francés (French Way)

  • The most popular and best-developed, but also the most demanding Way of St. James, but can be divided into shorter sections, such as Sarria-Santiago.
  • Start: St. Jean-Pied-de-Port (France).
  • Length: approx. 800 km to Santiago de Compostela.
  • Passes through cities such as Pamplona, Burgos and León.

2. Camino del Norte (Northern Way)

  • Runs along the north coast of Spain.
  • Start: Irun on the French-Spanish border.
  • Length: approx. 825 km.
  • A scenic route that passes through cities such as San Sebastián, Bilbao and Gijón.

3. Camino Portugués (Portuguese Way)

  • Leads from Portugal to Santiago de Compostela.
  • Starting points: Lisbon (approx. 620 km) or Porto (approx. 240 km).
  • Variants along the coast and inland.

4. Via de la Plata (Silver Way)

  • One of the longest pilgrimage routes in Spain.
  • Start: Seville (Andalusia), shorter version from Ourense.
  • Length: approx. 1,000 km.
  • Leads through the interior of the country via cities such as Mérida, Salamanca and Zamora.

5. Camino Primitivo (Original Way)

  • The oldest Way of St. James, used by the first pilgrims.
  • Start: Oviedo (Asturias).
  • Length: approx. 320 km.
  • A challenging route through mountainous terrain.

6. Camino Inglés (English Way)

  • Used by English and northern European pilgrims
  • Start: Ferrol 
  • Length: approx. 120 km (from Ferrol) or 75 km (from A Coruña).

7. Camino de Invierno (winter route)

  • Alternative route to the Camino Francés to avoid the snowy mountains in winter.
  • Start: Ponferrada.
  • Length: approx. 270 km.

Each of these Caminos has its own scenic and cultural characteristics and offers pilgrims different levels of difficulty and experience.

Cancellation fees up to 30 days before departure 15%, 29-15 days before departure 25%, 14-10 days before departure 50% and from 9 days before departure 100% of the tour price.


Notes

Please remember to bring your ID or passport.
We recommend - depending on the level of difficulty - to ensure that you are in good physical condition. Sure-footed, broken-in mountaineering boots are a must. A head for heights is also advantageous.
Please note the current entry and health regulations and recommendations, as well as the health and entry regulations of your travel country.
There is no minimum number of participants.
The organizer of this trip is SLOWTRAVEL.

Packing list

Packing list

for the classic french Camino, the portuguese Caminos, the Camino del Norte & Primitivo


What should I pack for my Camino Frances?

Apparel    

  • backpack (incl. rain protection): 35-50 l - max. 2 Kg/ 4.4 lbs
  • 2 pair of trekking pants: 1 convertable with zipper & 1 shorts
  • 2 shirts (functional material such as merino wool)
  • 1 long sleeve (best merino wool)
  • 2 pairs of hiking socks (compression socks are also recommended)
  • (possibly also nylon stockings - under the hiking socks against blisters)
  • 2 functional underpants
  • hiking boots (no sneakers)
  • 1 sweater
  • flipflops or crocs and/ or sandals
  • rain jacket & pants (or poncho) - max. 0,5 Kg/ 1.1 lbs
  • wind stopper
  • small travel towel
  • sun hat
  • poss. swimming gear (for the camino to Fisterra, for the portugese and spanish camino along the coast)

    
Sanitary Articles    

  • washbag (or big Zip-Lock-Bag)
  • shower gel (small travel version)
  • toothpaste (small travel version) & dental floss
  • toothbrush
  • disinfectant, needle & thread (best to treat blisters) or blister pads
  • deer cream (to prevent blisters) - 50-100 ml
  • magnesium
  • sun cream - 50-100 ml
  • deodorant
  • headache pills (preferably Ibuprofen 400)
  • razor
  • tissues
  • tiger balm

    
Technical Equipment    

  • headlamp
  • ebook-reader
  • phone
  • camera
  • pocket knife

    
Documents & Money    

  • purse
  • cash
  • credit card
  • passport (for non-europeans) or ID
  • train tickets
  • health insurance ID (or travel health insurance for non-europeans)
  • emergency phone numbers of your insurance and bank

   
Miscellaneous    

  • Pilgrim Guide & Itinerary
  • Pilgrim’s Credencial
  • diary & pen
  • St. James's scallop
  • sunglasses
  • drinking system (e.g. camel bag) - max. 2 l
  • zip lock bags or 10 liter freezer bags (for the modular pack system)
  • first aid kit
  • trekking poles or hiking/ pilgrim stick
  • stone as symbol (especially for the Camino Francés)