Redondela to Pontevedra is your eighth day on the Central Portuguese Way, now with pilgrims from the Coastal Way walking beside you. It’s 21 km along the Vigo estuary, with the medieval bridge at Ponte Sampaio and two woodland climbs before Pontevedra. Here you’ll find the itinerary, the map, where to sleep and where to eat.

Medieval bridge at Ponte Sampaio over the river Verdugo, on the Redondela to Pontevedra stage of the Portuguese Camino
  • 21 kmDistance
  • ± 5 hDuration
  • ≈ 250 mTotal ascent
  • Rural and estuaryTerrain
  • ModerateDifficulty
Before you set off

What to expect from Redondela to Pontevedra

A calmer stage than yesterday’s, but with two climbs. The harder one comes after Ponte Sampaio.

Try the oysters in Arcade

Arcade is known for its oysters. If you pass through at lunchtime, it’s the perfect stop before the last climb.

Save some energy for the end

After Ponte Sampaio you climb a dirt track up the hillside. Carry water and go at your own pace.

Itinerary

Redondela to Pontevedra itinerary, point by point

Five stops that shape the day. The first half follows the estuary, the second is all hills and woodland.

Elevation profile of the Redondela to Pontevedra stage Rises and falls between 12 and 132 metres above sea level. Leaves Redondela, passes Cesantes, Ponte Sampaio and Santa Marta, and ends in Pontevedra. 0 m 50 m 100 m A · Redondela B · Cesantes C · Ponte Sampaio D · Santa Marta E · Pontevedra 3.7 km 4.8 km 3.8 km 8.7 km
≈ 250 m total ascent ≈ 240 m total descent 132 m highest point 12 m lowest point
  1. Redondela

    You leave town through the centre, now alongside pilgrims from the Coastal Way. The first climb starts soon after you set off.

  2. Cesantes

    The path draws close to the Vigo estuary and, down below, you can see the island of San Simón. A calm stretch, between villages and woodland.

  3. Arcade and Ponte Sampaio

    Arcade is famous for its oysters and has cafés and accommodation. Right after, you cross the medieval bridge at Ponte Sampaio, over the river Verdugo, one of the best-known views on the Portuguese Camino.

  4. Santa Marta de Portela

    Villages of stone houses and old wayside crosses, after a climb over the hill with views across the estuary. Just past the chapel of Santa Marta there’s a signposted turn-off for the Complementary Route (Caminho Complementar), a greener alternative into Pontevedra.

  5. Arrival in Pontevedra, end of the Redondela to Pontevedra stage

    The path enters the woods by the river and leads you into the city. The historic centre is pedestrian, with albergues, shops and places to eat. Don’t miss the shell-shaped Sanctuary of the Virgen Peregrina.

Photos

The stage in photos

Real photos from this eighth stage of the Central Portuguese Way.

Medieval bridge at Ponte Sampaio over the river Verdugo, on the Redondela to Pontevedra stage of the Portuguese Camino One of the many woods on the final stretch of the Redondela to Pontevedra stage of the Portuguese Camino Mural dedicated to the Camino in Pontevedra, end of the Redondela to Pontevedra stage
Pilgrim Shop

Pack your backpack

Some of pilgrims’ favourite products, chosen by people who have walked the Camino. Discover them all in our online shop.

Go to the online shop
Map

Stage map

Open the map on your phone before you set off. It helps you find the Complementary Route turn-off, after Santa Marta.

Open the map in Google Maps →
Accommodation

Where to sleep on the Redondela to Pontevedra stage

In Pontevedra, at the end of the stage, or earlier, between Arcade and Pontevedra, if you’d like a shorter day.

Public albergue

Albergue de Peregrinos Virxe Peregrina

Pontevedra’s public albergue (pilgrim hostel), near the train station and a few minutes from the historic centre. It doesn’t take bookings, so arrive early.

56 bedsOpen 13:00 to 22:0010 €

Find out more →

Between Arcade and Pontevedra
Private albergues in Pontevedra
Hotels and apartments

Prices and opening times are a guide only. Always check directly before you set off.

Where to eat

Where to eat along the way

Four places to eat: one in Arcade, around the middle of the day, and three in Pontevedra, when you arrive.

Price level according to Google, where available. € budget · €€ moderate · €€€ above average.

Frequently asked questions

Questions about Redondela to Pontevedra

How many kilometres is the Redondela to Pontevedra stage?

About 21 km, from the centre of Redondela to the centre of Pontevedra.

How long does the Redondela to Pontevedra stage take?

Allow about 5 hours, including stops.

Is the Redondela to Pontevedra stage difficult?

It’s moderate. There are two climbs, the harder one after Ponte Sampaio, but neither is very long.

Where can I sleep in Pontevedra?

The Albergue Virxe Peregrina is public and doesn’t take bookings. There are also private albergues, holiday lets and hotels in the centre.

What is the Complementary Route (Caminho Complementar)?

It’s a signposted alternative after the chapel of Santa Marta, greener and quieter, that follows the river into Pontevedra.

Organised Camino

Just want to walk? We’ll take care of the rest.

If you’d rather take the first step with everything sorted, we’ll organise your trip. You only have one thing to do: live the Camino. Choose what you’d like to add and we’ll shape the Camino around you.

Included

  • Guaranteed accommodationA bed booked at the end of every stage.
  • Insurance includedWalk with peace of mind, from the first day to the last.
  • WhatsApp supportA direct line to us for the whole Camino.

You can add

  • Luggage transferExtraYour big backpack goes on ahead. You carry only the essentials.
  • Return transferExtraAt the end of the Camino, we take you back, worry-free.
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