The Route of Father Sarmiento

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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.

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.

Check out

After breakfast, end of services in Santiago de Compostela.

TE RECOMENDAMOS ESTA RUTA SI...

The Route of Father Sarmiento is recommended if you are looking for a different and alternative experience to the most traditional Santiago Ways. This route will take you trought the Rias Baixas heart, exploring some of its most emblematic towns, such as O Grove, Combarro, Sanxenxo, etc.

Cómo llegar

Desde 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

Desde 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

Desde 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

IMPORTANT

Please note that our itineraries are completely flexible. If you have a different idea in mind (want to add or remove nights, services, etc), you can just let us know.

TripAdvisor

mariaelena1964
25/02/23 - TripAdvisor
Un Camino Maravilloso Muy buena experiencia buenísimos alojamiento abundante comida un 10 mucha limpieza teléfono de emergencia operativo se preocupan por el peregrino cumplen con todo la información escrita sin duda los mejores repetiremos
rociofastias9
16/09/22 - TripAdvisor
Repetir es la mejor reseña No hay mejor opinión que repetir la experiencia. Mi primera experiencia con ellos fue en marzo y ahora en septiembre repetí y volveré a hacerlo. Atentos, cumplen todo, modifican lo que les pidas a capricho
Saminunez
04/09/22 - TripAdvisor
Muy recomendable Todo perfectamente organizado. Los alojamientos acordes y muy limpios. La comunicaciòn y gestiòn con Galiwonders estupenda. Recomiendo totalmente
miriamaE4821GN
26/08/22 - TripAdvisor
Muy buena La experiencia está siendo muy buena, en general los alojamientos están muy bien a excepción de alguno que cambiaríamos. Muy recomendable.
estrella19642
11/08/22 - TripAdvisor
Equipo profesional y eficaz Ha sido mi primer camino con mi pareja y no será el último; una experiencia irrepetible. La organización de Galiwonders ha sido perfecta. La elección de los alojamientos muy acertada y ha superado nuestras espectativas. Volveremos el año que viene a hacer otro camino con Galiwonders ¡¡seguro!!
Pablo_Arc
03/08/22 - TripAdvisor
Perfecta para tener un Buen Camino Muy buena experiencia, nos organizaron el camino francés desde Sarria tal y como les pedimos saliendo todo perfecto y según lo esperado.

Destacar que fuimos con un bebé y en todo alojamiento contamos con cuna tal y como habíamos pedido.

Sin duda, para repetir experiencia.
B3784JBnicolas
23/07/22 - TripAdvisor
Profesionales y flexibles Lo que se busca de una agencia de viajes: profesionalidad y flexibilidad. Muchas gracias por todo el trabajo.
miguelvL6639MT
14/06/22 - TripAdvisor
experiencia muy positiva Hice el camino frances desde sarria, todo muy bien organizado, a media pension,
tanto hoteles y pensiones bastante correctas.
algunos de ellos tenian restaurante, y desde luego es una ventaja, ya que al termino de la etapa del dia podias comer alli,
y sino te hacen un vale para comer muy cerca del alojamiento.
desde luego muy recomendable.
789claudion
11/06/22 - TripAdvisor
Espectacular Excelente 100% recomendable realizá la experiencia y solo preocúpate por caminar y disfrutar, el resto se ocupa Galiwonders