Route distances
(1)Vilanova de Arousa-(2)Vilaxoán: 0-6,1 km
(2)Vilaxoán-(3)Vilagarcía de Arousa: 6,1-9,2 km (3,1 km)
(3)Vilagarcía de Arousa-(4)Carril: 9,2-12,5 km (3,3 km)
(4)Carril-(5)Catoira: 12,5-19,8 km (7,3 km)
(5)Catoira-(6)Pontecesures: 19,8-32,6 km (12,8 km)
Description
This alternative makes it possible to complete the third stage of the Spiritual Variant overland, largely following the Arousa estuary and the Ulla River. It is a long day with little elevation change, but it is demanding because of the distance, the asphalt and some monotonous sections beside roads and railway lines.
From the Vilanova ferry terminal, the Way passes the beaches of As Sinas and continues along the coast to Vilaxoán and Vilagarcía de Arousa. It then follows the Compostela beach promenade and reaches Carril, known for its clam farms and views of Cortegada Island.
From Carril, the route moves partly away from the coast and alternates between minor roads, villages and sections of the old Camino Real. Some paths may be wet or poorly maintained, and care is required when crossing the PO-548 road.
One of the most interesting sections of the stage begins in Catoira. A riverside path leads to the Torres de Oeste, an old defensive fortress built to protect access to Santiago from Viking attacks. The Way continues along boardwalks over the marshes and then crosses forests and small villages in the municipality of Valga.
For much of the final kilometres, the route runs beside the railway line until it reaches Pontecesures. Here, the Spiritual Variant joins the Central Portuguese Way. After crossing the bridge over the Ulla River, just over two kilometres remain to Padrón, where the stage ends beside the Church of Santiago and the Espolón promenade
Recommendations
There is almost no accommodation along the final 20 km. Keep this in mind when planning the stage. More information is available in the accommodation listings
