Camino de Santiago by Sea: Sail the Coast to the Arousa Estuary
One of the most breathtaking routes to Santiago de Compostela and earning the “Compostelana” is to sail 90 nautical miles along the stunning Rías Baixas coastline. Complete the Camino by walking the final 7 kilometers through the beautiful Galician countryside from Milladoiro to the city of the Apostle.
This unique experience allows you to see the incomparable coastline from a new perspective. From the peacefulness of the deck, you can take in the grandeur of the cliffs, the tranquility of the vast sandy beaches, and the historic facades of the fishing villages.
Price per person: 1.200,00€
Embark on a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela by sailboat, following in the footsteps of the Apostle Santiago from centuries ago. Participants can earn the official “La Compostela” by visiting the towns and villages along the Rías Baixas To receive “La Compostelana”, participants must cover a minimum of 90 nautical miles and get their passports stamped at least twice per day in the designated ports that mark the route. To complete the Camino, the final stage is a 7 km country walk from the village of Milladoiro to the Galician capital. Here, pilgrims can receive the final stamps in their passports.
The Jacobean route takes 5 days, with 3 days spent sailing and 4 nights aboard a sailboat. On the final day, there is a 90-minute journey on the Ulla River by motorboat from our last stop at Villagarcia de Arousa to Milladoiro, followed by a 7 km walk to Santiago de Compostela.
Itinerary
Departing from the port of Vigo and arriving at the port of Villagarcía de Arousa is a 3-day, 90-nautical-mile sailing trip through the Vigo, Pontevedra and Arousa estuaries. On the last day, we will go up the Ulla river by motorboat before completing the last 7 km on foot from Milladoiro to Santiago de Compostela:
- Stage 1: We meet at the port of in Vigo.
You will be warmly welcomed on board in the afternoon before spending the night on board the sailboat, moored in the port of Vigo.
- Stage 2: Vigo – Cíes Islands – Baiona (24 nautical miles)
Spend the night on board the sailboat, moored in the port of Baiona.
- Stage 3: Baiona – Ría de Aldán or Isla de Ons – Combarro – Portonovo (34 nautical miles).
Spend the night on board the sailboat, moored in the port of Portonovo.
- Stage 4: Portonovo – Pedras Negras – Ribeira- Xidoiro Areoso- Vilagarcía or Cabo de Cruz (32 nautical miles)
Spend the night on board the sailboat, moored in the port of Vilagarcía de Arousa.
- Stage 5: Vilagarcía de Arousa – Santiago de Compostela (16 nautical miles + 7 km on foot).
The motorboat journey along the river Ulla lasts approximately 90 minutes and passes by the island of Cortegada, the 17 historic crosses of the “Vía Crucis”, and the towers of Catoira before reaching Puentecesures. Upon arrival, a private shuttle will pick you up and take you to the village of Milladoiro to start the final 7 km on foot. Your luggage will be delivered to your hotel by taxi while you walk along the fully signposted final stretch of the Portuguese Way.
Service Includes:
- Four nights accommodation on board the sailboat.
- Bed sheets and pillows in the cabins (please note that you will need to bring your own sleeping bag).
- Skipper who will also serve as your guide on board.
- Half board catering (breakfast and lunch) on board.
- Snacks (nuts, fruit) and water.
- Moorings in ports.
- Admission pass to the Cíes and Ons Islands (National Maritime-Terrestrial Park of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia).
Occupant insurance/third party liability insurance. - Pilgrim’s passport.
- “La Traslatio”; Travel by motorboat on the river Ulla to Pontecesures.
- Shuttle service from Pontecesures to Milladoiro and luggage delivery in Santiago de Compostela.
Information of interest:
- Gift cards available! You can request a personalised gift to give to friends or family!
- The departure and arrival point is the Real Club Náutico de Vigo.
- This activity is available all year round.
- A minimum group of 6 people is necessary for the trip to go ahead, up to a maximum of 8 people, plus the skipper.
- Meals on board do not include alcoholic beverages.
- For evening meals you can choose to go out to a restaurant or, as we always spend the night moored in port, you can
make use of the kitchen. - This activity is tailor-made for private groups.
- You can get your passport stampped in the marinas, restaurants, and bars at any point where we stop.
- Accommodation on board is in shared cabins. Private cabins are available at extra cost (300€).
- The sailboat is avaialable for private groups and you may set your own dates and itinerary. Contact us for prices and
availability of the boats and we will provide you with all necessary information. You can even rent the boat and take
the trip without a skipper, provided you have the necessary qualifications. - Additional extras are available (shuttle service to and from the airport, luggage transfer, accompanying guide, hotels).
- The route and schedule may be modified due to weather or safety issues based on the crew’s experience; this decision
will be made by the skipper. Your safety is of the utmost importance. - For further information, please consult our FAQ sheet “Frequently asked Questions”
How to book:
- The full amount must be paid when you book through our website, by bank transfer or by credit card in our office
(Unfortunately, we are unable to accept AMEX)
Cancellation and reservation policy: “click here”
