1.Pontevedra-Armenteira – Espiritual

(1)Pontevedra-(2)Poio Monastery: 0-5,3 km

(2)Poio Monastery-(3)Combarro: 5,3-7,2 km (1,9 km)

(3)Combarro-(4)Alto do Loureiro: 7,2-14,7 km (7,5 km)

(4)Alto do Loureiro-(5)Armenteira: 14,7-17,3 km (2,6 km)

The Spiritual Variant begins in Pontevedra, sharing its first 4,6 kilometres with the Central Portuguese Way. In this guide, we have started the Spiritual Variant at the point where it branches off from the Portuguese Way: the Central Way continues towards Caldas de Reis, while the Spiritual Variant turns left to enter the municipality of Poio.

The first few kilometres pass through small villages, country lanes, vineyards and wooded areas. The first panoramic views of the Pontevedra estuary gradually appear, with Tambo Island and the coast of Marín in the background. The first major landmark of the day is the Monastery of San Xoán de Poio, a monumental monastic complex in a magnificent position overlooking the estuary. Its church, cloisters and large granary make it one of the stage’s most interesting cultural stops.

From Poio, the Way descends towards the coast and reaches Combarro, one of the most distinctive and photographed villages in the Rías Baixas. Its historic centre preserves narrow granite lanes, fishermen’s houses, stone crosses and numerous granaries built almost at the water’s edge. It is the perfect place to stop, recharge and enjoy the atmosphere of the estuary before tackling the most demanding section of the day.

The long climb towards A Armenteira begins immediately after leaving Combarro. The Way leaves sea level behind and climbs for several kilometres among houses, vegetable gardens, vineyards and forest tracks. The gradient is steady and steep in places, but the effort is rewarded with increasingly expansive views over the Pontevedra estuary. On reaching the higher areas of O Esperón and the Loureiro viewpoint, the landscape becomes more remote and mountainous.

The route continues through the hills of O Salnés, among pine woods, eucalyptus trees and areas of common land. From the highest points, at more than 400 metres, panoramic views open up towards the Pontevedra and Arousa estuaries. A descent then begins along forest tracks and a narrow granite path that can be slippery when it rains. In this section, the Monastery of Santa María de Armenteira appears for the first time among the trees.

Arriving beside the San Martiño River and the monastery walls is one of the most memorable moments of the Spiritual Variant. Founded in the 12th century and linked to the Cistercian tradition, the monastery stands in a deeply peaceful setting surrounded by forest and mountains. Its austere Romanesque church invites rest and reflection after the strenuous climb from Combarro.

This is a stage of striking contrasts: it begins amid Pontevedra’s urban architecture, approaches the maritime landscape of the estuary and ends in the silence of the hills of A Armenteira. Although the distance is moderate, the prolonged climb in the second half makes it advisable to walk at an unhurried pace, conserve energy and carry enough water.

Recommendations

It is advisable to eat or stock up in Combarro, as there are few services along the final seven kilometres. On hot days, the climb can be tough because of the elevation gain; when it rains, take particular care on the dirt tracks and rocky sections of the descent. The stage also includes sections that are unsuitable for loaded bicycles, especially the final descent towards the monastery.