Padre Sarmiento Way

The Route of Father Sarmiento

 5/5

Organized pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela

| Autoguided Tour

Tour Description

The Route of Father Sarmiento

The Route of Father Sarmiento (Ruta del Padre Sarmiento in Spanish) will take you into the heart of the region of O Salnés. This trail will allow you to emulate the journey made by Fray Martín Sarmiento in the Holy Year 1745, in his pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. In that year, he decided to return from Madrid to his native Galicia, and make a very personal pilgrimage from Pontevedra to Santiago de Compostela, following the coast line.

Along almost 200 km, you will travel through some of the most picturesque fishing villages of Galicia: Combarro, Sanxenxo, O Grove, Vilanova de Aorusa, A Illa de Arousa, Cambados… And don’t forget the diverse landscapes! In fact, you will both walk along white sand beaches, and the areas of wineries and vineyards, in the heart of Rias Baixas region.

It is a wonderful experience characterized by its diversity, perfect for those who want to enjoy alternative routes to Santiago de Compostela.

At Galiwonders we will take care of all the logistical aspects (accommodation, transfers, meals, walking notes, etc), so that you can enjoy the way without any worries. Read on to discover all the stages of the itinerary.

Experience details

Included Services

Accommodation in a private room with private bathroom

Luggage transfer between stages

Half board: breakfast and dinner

Travel insurance

Route notes

Pilgrim's credential

24/7 phone support

Check in

Arrival in Pontevedra, starting point of the Route of Father Sarmiento. It is a city characterized by its squares, its historic cobbled streets, and the strong connexion with the Way of Saint James.

Pontevedra –Sanxenxo (25 km)

Once we leave Pontevedra behind, we will move on to the next town, Poio. We will be able to contemplate its magnificent 7th century monastery, the Monastery of San Juan de Poio. In addition, the path will take us to one of the most picturesque villages of the Rías Baixas: Combarro. This stands out for its hórreos (raised granaries) and its small houses by the sea. We will finish the stage in Sanxenxo, a very popular tourist spot in the Galician summers.

Sanxenxo – O Grove (20 km)

This stage will allow us to discover some beach areas, and enjoy some of the most attractive tourist spots in Galicia. Silgar Beach in Sanxenxo, Portonovo, A Lanzada on our arrival in O Grove… This is the favourite stage for lovers of the sea and the impressive sandy areas. We will finish the day in O Grove, a town that stands out for its seafood. The views from Mount Siradella are highly recommended.

Circular Stage in O Grove (29 km)

For those who wish, it is possible to stop one more day in the O Grove peninsula, and take the circular route. This is an area with a lot to see, and it is worth adding an extra day to visit all its attractions. From La Toja Island, San Vicente and its beaches, the Adro Vello, the port of Meloxo, Mount Siradella… A must for those who want to enjoy the charms of the region.

O Grove - Cambados (22 km)

This stage will take us into the interior of the region of O Salnés. We will cross green areas of vineyards and wineries, to conclude the day in the capital of Albariño wine, Cambados. We highly recommend a walk through its cobbled streets and squares. Among the points of interest, it is worth mentioning the Pazo de Fefiñanes, and the Tower of San Sadurniño.

Cambados – A Illa de Arousa (18 km)

We will walk a shorter stage than the previous ones, and it will take us to the Island of Arosa (or Illa de Arousa). Among the points of interest of this paradisiacal island, we can find the port of “O Xufre” (from where boats leave for tourist routes in the area), the Lighthouse “Punta Cabalo”, or the Mirador de Con do Forno.

Illa de Arousa - Vilanova de Arousa (16 km)

The day begins with the spectacular Carreirón Natural Park in the background. In this way, we will leave behind A Illa de Arousa, to enter the peninsular territory. Our destination will be Vilanova de Arousa, a place of interest because it was the birthplace of the great writer Ramón María del Valle Inclán.

Vilanova de Arousa - Vilagarcía de Arousa (12 km)

The shortest and lightest stage of the Route of Father Sarmiento begins, from Vilanova de Arousa to Vilagarcía de Arousa. It is a walk that will allow us to contemplate the spectacular views offered by the estuary, from Las Sinas Beach, to more urban sections as once in Villagarcía, with its Pazo de Vistalegre and its Botanical Garden.

Vilagarcía de Arousa - Padrón (21 km)

This is the last stage along the sea. Little by little we are entering the interior of Galicia, through the Ulla River. The path will allow us to contemplate the well-known Torres del Oeste, in Catoira, and emulate the journey made by the remains of the Apostle Saint James through the Traslatio. Finally we arrive at Padrón, cradle of great writers of the Galician literature, like Rosalía de Castro and Camilo José Cela.

Padrón - Santiago de Compostela (24 km).

Finally we arrived to the last stage of the Route of Father Sarmiento, which also coincides with the last stage of the Portuguese Way. For this reason, more pilgrims will accompany us in the last kilometers to Santiago de Compostela. For those who find walking 24 km is too much in one day, there is the possibility of dividing this last stage in two, and spending the night in A Escravitude or Teo.

Standard category

1* and 2* hotels

These hotels offer private rooms with private bathrooms as well as other additional services that may vary depending on the type of category: restaurant service, television, room service, dry cleaning, ironing service, etc. It is common to stay in this type of hotels in the cities along the Camino.

Hostels and pensions

These accommodations have the necessary services to cover the basic needs of cleanliness and rest at a more moderate price than the hotels . Officially, hostels and guesthouses are 1-star accommodations. However, this rating should not be taken into account when evaluating the level of comfort and quality of their services.

Superior category

3, 4 and 5* Hotels

Typical in the large cities along the El Camino. They can be family hotels or international hotel chains. They are perhaps the most expensive alternative, although you can find different price levels according to the category and services they offer.

Hoteles Boutique

These are small accommodations characterized by having few rooms and providing personalized attention. They are hotel concepts with a modern style and their own character. They can be between 1* and 5*.

National Paradores of Spain

This is a public hotel chain that manages a network of almost 100 charming hotels distributed throughout the Iberian Peninsula. The establishments are located in buildings of cultural interest and great historical value, and stand out for their scenic, artistic or natural interest (including ancient palaces, monasteries, fortresses, convents, fortresses…).

Rural tourism lodgings

Rural houses, pazos, inns, rectories, castles, monasteries, farmhouses… These are historic buildings of great architectural and patrimonial value. So much so, that this characteristic sometimes gives them the status of “luxury lodging” despite the fact that they are
“luxury accommodation” despite the fact that they are often rustic constructions in which natural stone and wood predominate.

Trip cancellation insurance

Upgrade to superior room

Extra night at the beginning of the tour

Extra night at the end of the tour

Private transfer airport-starting location

Private transfer Santiago-Airport

Other private transfers

Organized visits and excursions

Pilgrim massage

Route map

Frequent questions

From Santiago de Compostela Airport

Car: It is 75km with a duration of approximately 50 minutes.
Bus/train: Take the bus (LINE 6A) from Santiago de Compostela airport to the bus station. Frequency every 15′ and with an approximate duration of 20′. Another option is to take a cab to the station, with an estimated duration of 15′. Then, we must take a bus (monbus) or train (renfe) to Pontevedra (journey time between 40 minutes to 1 hour). For timetables and more information visit: https://tussa.org/, www.monbus.es and www.renfe.com

From Vigo Airport

Car or cab: It is 30km with a duration of approximately 25 minutes.
bus/train: Take the bus (LINE A) from Vigo Airport to the Urzaiz stop (Estación / Cotomondongo wall). Frequency every 30′. Another option is to take a cab to the station, with an estimated duration of 10′. Once there, we can take a bus or train to Pontevedra (journey time between 13 to 30 minutes). For schedules and more information visit: www.vitrasa.es, www.monbus.es and www.renfe.com

From Porto Airport

Car or cab: It is 170km with a duration of approximately 1h 45 minutes.
Bus: Take a bus from Porto to Pontevedra (Alsa or Flixbus) (2h 40 minutes). For timetables and more information visit: www.alsa.es and www.flixbus.es

Our costumers reviews

kuckyp

27/08/23 - TripAdvisor

Excelente Gente muuuuy responsable Muy atentos en todo momento, hoteles céntrico y bien situados, atención de diez
I366WLaliciab

27/08/23 - TripAdvisor

UN SUEÑO He vivido una experiencia inolvidable
Todo muy bien organizado,hotes y restaurantes céntricos con muy buena atención🙏repetiré 🤍
Olga R

23/08/23 - TripAdvisor

SIMPLEMENTE....UNA EXPERIENCIA ÚNICA. LA AMABILIDAD Y SIEMPRE DISPOSICIÓN DEL PERSONAL DE GALIWONDERS ANTE CUALQUIER CONSULTA ES FUNDAMENTAL EN UNA EXPERIENCIA COMO LA VIVIDA. RECOMENDABLE AL 100% Y CON ESE EQUIPAZO DE MUJERES SOBRE TODO.
SALUDOS Y SI DIOS QUIERE LO REPETIREMOS .
Óscar F

23/08/23 - TripAdvisor

Camino de Santiago El camino ha resultado una experiencia muy agradable. Los alojamientos estaban muy bien ubicados y no hubo ningún problema con el transporte del equipaje.
MJoseRosillo

23/08/23 - TripAdvisor

Trato excelente Hemos contratado los alojamientos del Camino de Santiago con ellas.
El trato ha sido excelente, dándonos las alternativas que queríamos.
Ante un contratiempo, nos han dado una alternativa factible sin sobrecoste.
Sí volviese a hacer el Camino, no dudaría en contar de nuevo con ellas.
Toni B

21/08/23 - TripAdvisor

RECOMENDABLE Y BIEN ORGANIZADO. Cansado pero contento, todo muy bien organizado y sitios espectaculares. Estoy pensándome otro. Solo me faltó algún punto de recepción, en Santiago mismo para saludar a las organizadoras, algo como un punto de bienvenida al final gracias por todo.
joseantoniomF5601XV

19/08/23 - TripAdvisor

Muy agradable Ha sido una experiencia muy agradable. Toda la logística ha funcionado correctamente y los alojamientos han sido muy correctos
Envían una documentación muy completa del camino
ester24

09/08/23 - TripAdvisor

Excelente organización Excelente organización. Las maletas a punto en destino cada dia, ningún problema. Llamamos para un cambio de transfer y arreglado sin problemas. Algún establecimiento justito pero el resto fantástico. Para repetir
FranciscoD1232

06/08/23 - TripAdvisor

Brutal. Experiencia recomendable para cualquier persona, de cualquier edad, para disfrutar en compañía y de la compañía. Un viaje en bici con los colegas de primera. Repetiremos, si o si. Lo organizamos nosotros, pero se lo di a la agencia y nos cuadro fechas, alojamientos y transporte mochilas. Excelente
955lolab

05/08/23 - TripAdvisor

Maravillosa Es una empresa seria y su organización es estupenda! Gracias galiwondwer
Es la segunda vez que confío en vosotros y lo seguiré haciendo.💞

TOUR SUMMARY

DISTANCE:	185 Km
STAGES:	9 Stages
DURATION:	10 Nights
DIFICULTy:	3/5
START:	Pontevedra
PRICE:	desde 695€

Why book with Galiwonders?

Taylor-made Camino

We will design an itinerary tailored to your needs, preferences and budget and book all services for you. You enjoy the road.

We are on the Camino

Galicia is our home. We have traveled all the routes of the Camino and we have direct contact with the service providers on the Camino.

We are also travellers

We speak several languages, have lived abroad and have years of experience organizing trips for people from all over the world.

An unforguettable experience

Hundreds of pilgrims repeat year after year the experience of traveling with us. We want you to be one of them. And that is why we will strive to make your trip unique and unforgettable.

If you have any questions or want to plan your Camino de Santiago trip, our team will assist you in a personalized way!

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The Route of Father Sarmiento

Tour Description

Included Services