Route of the Vigo – Redondela stage (15.4 km)
The first stage of the Camino de Santiago from Vigo and the last of its own on the Portuguese Camino Coastal Route: it leaves the centre of Vigo, climbs to the Senda da Traída das Augas and follows it almost on the level, with the estuary in view, before descending via Cedeira to Redondela, where the Coastal Route joins the Central Route. It is 15.4 km (9.6 miles) long.
KM 0
Vigo
The official start is the co-cathedral of Santa María, in the old quarter (casco vello), leaving via Rúa Oliva and Rúa Gamboa. The most used, unofficial, way out climbs Urzaiz and O Calvario to the Picos church.
5.7 km
Teis
After crossing the Vía Verde, the AP-9 and the N-552, you climb via A Paradela and A Madroa to the Senda da Traída das Augas, an almost level track over a water pipeline built between 1967 and 1972, with views over the estuary. One kilometre after entering it you come to Rego Fondón, a small waterfall with a stone table. Distance to Teis according to the Xunta.
13.5 km
Cedeira
Before you arrive, about 2.2 km of shady dirt track, the Mina do Conde fountain and a steep descent. In Cedeira, the church of San Andrés, a cruceiro (wayside cross) with a fountain and a wash-house; there are a couple of furanchos (home-run wine taverns) nearby.
15.4 km
Redondela
Entry via the O Cruceiro district and the camiño das Cardosas, under the railway and about 300 m along the pavement of the N-550 to the centre. The shared Redondela – Pontevedra stage starts here.
Vigo – Redondela: stage guide
Stage profile
Distance: 15.4 km (9.6 miles) (the Xunta gives 16.3 km). Estimated time: about 4 h. Difficulty: low. The only serious climb is the way out of Vigo up to the path; the rest is almost flat until the final descent into Redondela.
What to see
- Co-cathedral of Santa María de Vigo, the official starting point, in the old quarter (casco vello).
- Senda da Traída das Augas, the track over the water pipeline, with views over the estuary.
- Rego Fondón, a small waterfall beside the path.
- Rande bridge and the San Simón inlet, from the highest point of the stage.
- Redondela viaducts and the Vilavella convent, on arrival.
A bit of history
In the San Simón inlet, which you can see from the top of the stage, the Battle of Rande took place in 1702, in which the galleons of the Indies fleet were sunk. The Senda da Traída das Augas follows the pipeline that carried water to Vigo, built between 1967 and 1972.
Practical tips
- If you leave by the official route, the passage through Teis is poorly marked and has steep climbs: the way out via Urzaiz and O Calvario is more comfortable.
- There is water at the Mina do Conde fountain and a rest area around km 8.2.
- At Redondela the Central Route joins: from here there will be many more pilgrims, so it is best to book a bed.
Frequently asked questions
How many kilometres is the Vigo – Redondela stage?
15.4 km on the waymarked route and 16.3 km according to the Xunta. It takes about 4 hours.
How do you leave Vigo on the Portuguese Camino?
The official start is the co-cathedral of Santa María, along Rúa Oliva and Rúa Gamboa. Many pilgrims climb via Urzaiz and O Calvario to the Picos church.
Is the stage from Vigo to Redondela hard?
No: it has a climb on leaving Vigo and a steep descent at the end, but most of it is almost flat along the Senda da Traída das Augas.
Which stage comes after Vigo – Redondela?
Redondela – Pontevedra, the first of the four stages shared with the Central Route.