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Highlights
Walk the Padre Sarmiento route from Pontevedra to Santiago de Compostela
Marvel at the coastal Camino de Padre Sarmiento, taking you past fishing villages along the Rías de Pontevedra and Arousa.
Explore the Salnés region, rich in history, culture, and art, as you follow in the footsteps of Fray Martín Sarmiento's pilgrimage.
Experience diverse stages combining nature and history, starting from Pontevedra and passing through Poio, Sanxenxo, O Grove, Isla de la Toja, Cambados, Vilagarcía de Arousa, Padrón, and finally uniting with the Portuguese Camino de Santiago to reach Santiago de Compostela.
Enjoy scenic walks along the sea, immersing yourself in the beauty of the coastline.
Conclude your pilgrimage at Santiago de Compostela, a symbol of spiritual fulfillment and completion of the Camino.
The Padre Sarmiento route is a special one, going along the coast from Pontevedra before heading inland at Arousa, along a 170-kilometer path that ends in Santiago de Compostela. It was named in memory of Fray Martín Sarmiento’s pilgrimage, which he documented in his 1745 book “Trip to Galizia”.
Throughout the Salnés region, the Padre Sarmiento route takes you through the most incredible landscapes of valleys and rivers, through vineyards and fishing villages.
The route is divided into stages that combine nature, history, culture and art. The first stage starts in the city of Pontevedra towards Poio to reach Sanxenxo. From there our second stage takes us to O Grove, on a wonderful walk along the sea. The third stage is a circular route in the O Grove area through the Isla de la Toja with its picturesque hermitage. The fourth stage takes us through a landscape of swamps and vineyards to Cambados, the capital of Albariño. From Cambados we walk along the sea until we reach the “Port of Compostela”, Vilagarcía de Arousa. On the penultimate stage, we leave the sea behind us to go through forests to Padrón. Finally, in the last stage, we will unite with the route of the Portuguese Camino de Santiago from Padrón to Santiago de Compostela.
Buen Camino!
The Padre Sarmiento route is a special one, going along the coast from Pontevedra before heading inland at Arousa, along a 170-kilometer path that ends in Santiago de Compostela. It was named in memory of Fray Martín Sarmiento’s pilgrimage, which he documented in his 1745 book “Trip to Galizia”.
Throughout the Salnés region, the Padre Sarmiento route takes you through the most incredible landscapes of valleys and rivers, through vineyards and fishing villages.
The route is divided into stages that combine nature, history, culture and art. The first stage starts in the city of Pontevedra towards Poio to reach Sanxenxo. From there our second stage takes us to O Grove, on a wonderful walk along the sea. The third stage is a circular route in the O Grove area through the Isla de la Toja with its picturesque hermitage. The fourth stage takes us through a landscape of swamps and vineyards to Cambados, the capital of Albariño. From Cambados we walk along the sea until we reach the “Port of Compostela”, Vilagarcía de Arousa. On the penultimate stage, we leave the sea behind us to go through forests to Padrón. Finally, in the last stage, we will unite with the route of the Portuguese Camino de Santiago from Padrón to Santiago de Compostela.
Buen Camino!
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Camino Padre Sarmiento Itinerary
Day 1 Pontevedra
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 you’ll find the pilgrim’s shrine which, with its almost round shape, imitates the pilgrim’s shell. Also in the center you’ll find a wonderful selection of wines and restaurants to enjoy the gastronomy of Galicia. Arrival in Pontevedra on your own.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in Pontevedra
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Pontevedra to Sanxenxo
Hike from Pontevedra to Poio and cross the traditional Puente del Burgo. In Poio you can visit his beautiful monastery. On your 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.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in Sanxenxo
Distance: 25km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Sanxenxo to O Grove
Today start with the urban beaches of Sanxenxo, around which more then merge into nature. You 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. End our stage today in O Grove, the seafood capital.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in O Grove
Distance: 19.5km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Circular stage
Despite the circular nature of this stage, today will be the longest of the entire route. On today’s route, you can discover Isla de la Toja, known for its hot springs and its special hermitage made of scallops. Towards the end of the stage enjoy the most privileged view of the Ría de Arousa from Monte Siradella.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in O Grove
Distance: 29km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 O Grove to Cambados
In today’s stage you will come to the areas of Meaño in the heart of Salnés. 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.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in Cambados
Distance: 22.2km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Cambados to Vilagarcía de Arousa
Another day on the coast, which leads through the city of Vilaxoan to your destination today, Vilagarcía de Arousa, which is considered the port of Compostela.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in Vilagarcía de Arousa
Distance: 21km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Vilagarcía de Arousa to Padrón
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 you’ll find the river Ulla, which acts as a natural border between the provinces of Pontevedra and Coruña. In the city of Catoira you 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.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in Padrón
Distance: 25.3km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Padrón to Santiago de Compostela
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.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in Santiago de Compostela
Distance: 24.3km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 Santiago de Compostela
Check out and end of services.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
2024 Departures:
- Single room: from EUR1099*
- Sharing a double room: from EUR669*
2025 Departures:
- Single room: from EUR1149*
- Sharing a double room: from EUR695*
Accommodation on Camino Padre Sarmiento
During this trip you will mostly stay in hostels and pensions. These accommodations have the necessary services to cover the basic needs of cleanliness and rest. 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.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
What’s Included in the Camino Padre Sarmiento?
Meals
8 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 8 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for your luggage is included throughout the tour (max. 20 kg per backpack – 1 piece of luggage per person). Airport transfers are not included, but private transfers can be arranged as an optional extra.
Also included
- 24-hour emergency line
- Guided Tour in Santiago de Compostela (old town)
- Galician cheese tasting in Santiago
- Maps for all stages
- Pilgrim pass
- Pilgrim scallop
Not included
- Guide services
- Insurance
- Personal expenses
- Personal transfers not specifically listed as included
Optional Extras
- 3rd person discount sharing room with 2 adults
- Half board supplement
- Picnic Supplement
- Private transfers
- Extra nights
- Extra piece of luggage
- How hard is Camino Padre Sarmiento?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Spain?
- I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
- Are meals included on Camino Padre Sarmiento?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Pontevedra to start this tour?
- Where does Camino Padre Sarmiento end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Spain?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Spain?
We rate this tour as a 4 / 5. Although the terrain is not very challenging and not technical, you should be ready to hike daily distances of up to 29km with some elevation gain.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel, since you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information you’ll need to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
8 breakfasts are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your travel insurance.
If you're traveling from afar, the nearest major airport is Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ), which is about 70 kilometers away from Pontevedra. From the airport, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or use public transportation to reach Pontevedra.
The tour ends in Santiago de Compostela.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
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