Pontevedra

Camino Portugues

To end of camino
63.5
Altitude
30

O Pobo - Santa Marta

2.20

Pontevedra

3.90

Alba

Services
ATM
Yes
Bar
Yes
Bus
Yes
Bus Terminal
Yes
Correos
Yes
Grocery
Yes
Hospital
Yes
Medical Center
Yes
Pharmacy
Yes
Public Pool
Yes
Train
Yes

Your entrance to the old town center of Pontevedra is punctuated with its most famous church, the Iglesia de la Virgen Peregrina, a shrine to the Pilgrim Virgen who guided pilgrims here from Baiona. 

To see the rest of Pontevedra’s notable buildings will required you to stray from the arrows a bit. The old town is not large enough to get lost in, so take your time and enjoy the many plazas and parks. 

The most important landmarks are the Convento de San Francisco, the Basilica de Santa María (often referred to as the Cathedral), the Iglesia de San Bartolomé, and the Convento de Santa Clara

There are plenty of plazas to choose from, including the large Plaza de Teucro and the diminutive (and best) Plaza de Leña.

The Road

Leave by crossing the Ponte do Burgo and heading straight-ish through the next roundabout, turning left immediately after. Before long you will be alongside the railway, which you will cross just before the church of Alba.

TWO WAYS TO PONTECESURES / PADRÓN

There are two routes to Pontecesures/Padrón from Pontevedra, and the split occurs about 3km after crossing the bridge in Pontevedra

The original camino keeps on its inland trajectory and is currently the most popular choice among pilgrims. It is also the shortest.

The second option is known as the Variante Espiritual and it turns westward to cross over the Monte Redondo as it heads towards the sea at Vilanova de Arousa.  From here you have the option of a 3rd day of walking to Pontecesures or a trip by boat up the Ría to the same place. This variant was created and named by the local tourism sector and although the stories told about its origins are fantastic, they are also just that... stories. Don’t let this clever bit of marketing discourage you though, the route is recognized by the Pilgrim Office as an official variant and you will not have any difficulty obtaining your Compostela regardless of whether you take the boat or not.

This recognition, and lots of praise from pilgrims, means that this route is growing in popularity. 

VIA THE VARIANTE ESPIRITUAL - 44. km on foot + 28 km on foot or ferry

The Variante Espiritual is an alternative route which connects Pontevedra with Pontecesures. It adds 8.2km of walking (and a significant climb to the top of the Monte Redondo) and another 28km by boat (from Vilanova de Arousa to Pontecesures).

Getting started is as simple as turning left at the well signposted fork in the road. The way almost immediately begins climbing upwards, though gently at first. It is making its way back to the Ría de Pontevedra, going up and around a small monte before arriving in the waterfront town of Combarro. There is one small hamlet before arriving at Cabaleiro, and it has a bar/shop with a very limited selection, but as it has odd hours it is not included here as being reliable.

THE ORIGINAL CAMINO, INLAND VIA CALDAS DE REIS  - 36.3 km

This is the easiest to navigate and shortest of the options. From the split simply carry on straight.

Comments

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

There is a cute bakery called Pumpernickel that serves some lovely treats. There is a brunch and baked goods, juices, coffee, etc.

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

Had a great experience at this hostel .5 mins from the town center . They keep the sleeping quarters quiet , have hairdryer for the ladies and great clean facilities . No cooking facilities but they have a microwave , toaster, kettle and fridge for use . Host was nice

Camino de Sant…

There is completely new albergue in Pontevedra - Nacama bacpackers. Costs 16€, super clean, great showers, comfy bunkbeds with curtains, awesome big and well equipped kitchen. Laundry for 4€.
Albergue is on the camino, close to the city center, you won't miss it. Few steps to Froiz supermarket.
I really recommend them.

Camino de Sant…

On PlazaCelso García de la Riega, it is on the Camino just before crossing Rio Lérez. Anything on the menu is good. Good coffee.

Camino de Sant…

Just a beautiful town. Plenty of restaurants and bars. The shrine to the pilgrim virgin in well a visit and a great photo opportunity at night. So glad I stayed here.