Route of the Redondela – Pontevedra stage (19.8 km)
The first shared stage of the Portuguese Camino: here pilgrims from the Portuguese Camino Central Route, coming from O Porriño – Redondela, and from the Portuguese Coastal Route, coming from Vigo – Redondela, arrive together. The day passes through Arcade and the Ponte Sampaio bridge and ends in Pontevedra, at the foot of the Peregrina sanctuary. It is 19.8 km (12.3 miles) long.
KM 0
Redondela
Leave the albergue along Calle Isidoro Queimaliños, under the second viaduct; cross the N-550 and continue along a parallel street.
2.2 km
6.9 km
Arcade
A shellfish-gathering village famous for its oysters, with bars, restaurants and accommodation.
8.3 km
Ponte Sampaio
Medieval bridge over the Verdugo river, the setting of the 1809 battle against Napoleonic troops, and narrow streets among hórreos (granaries).
19.8 km
Pontevedra
You arrive along Rúa da Peregrina at the sanctuary of the Virgin Peregrina, patron saint of the Portuguese Camino.
Redondela – Pontevedra: stage guide
Stage profile
Distance: 19.8 km. Estimated time: about 5 h. Difficulty: medium-low. It has two gradual climbs, of about 120 and 135 m: the first, after Cesantes, with a steep ramp; the second, after Ponte Sampaio. The total elevation is 401 m of climb and 380 m of descent.
The Gafos river path
About 300 m after the chapel of Santa Marta (km 15.2), the Gafos river path leaves to the left, official since 2018: a riverside woodland that avoids the EP-0002 road and rejoins the Camino at the roundabout at the entrance to Pontevedra (km 17.8). It is the recommended option.
What to see
- Alto da Lomba, with views over the Vigo estuary.
- Ponte Sampaio, a medieval bridge over the Verdugo and the setting of the 1809 battle.
- Medieval causeway of Canicouva and the Ulló river.
- Sanctuary of the Virgin Peregrina (1778–1792), with a scallop-shell floor plan.
- Pontevedra old town, the most important in Galicia after Santiago’s.
A bit of history
Pontevedra takes its name from an old bridge, the Pontus Veteri documented in 1141, and in the 16th century it became the most populous city in Galicia thanks to its port. Its Peregrina sanctuary is dedicated to the patron saint of the Portuguese Camino.
Food and drink
Arcade is synonymous with oysters, appreciated since Roman times and with a festival of their own. In Pontevedra, the covered market (Mercado de Abastos) and the wines of the Rías Baixas D.O., whose regulatory council is based in the city.
Practical tips
- Between Ponte Sampaio and Pontevedra there are about 11.5 km almost without services, apart from Santa Marta: carry water.
- Take the Gafos river path instead of the road: it is prettier and avoids the traffic.
- It is the first stage shared by the two routes: the albergues in Pontevedra fill up early in high season.
Practical guide to the Portuguese Camino
- Luggage Transfer on the Portuguese Camino
- Cycling the Portuguese Camino: Stages by Bike
- The Compostela Certificate on the Portuguese Camino
- Pilgrim Credential (Pilgrim Passport) for the Portuguese Camino
- How Long Is the Portuguese Camino? Distance, Days & Itineraries
- Best Time to Walk the Portuguese Camino (Weather by Month)
- The Portuguese Camino with Kids
- Guided & Self-Guided Portuguese Camino Tours