Subscribe to our Newsletter and receive the free Camino de Santiago Checklist to prepare you for the adventure of a lifetime!
The Mos - Pontevedra stage is one of the most difficult of the entire Camino de Santiago, but it is also one of the most beautiful.
Right from the start, there's a half-kilometer climb that takes us up to a less winding road with local shops, always on hand to welcome pilgrims who are hungry or thirsty.
However, those who go up have to come down and the road to Redondela is extremely steep, making it difficult for walkers to cross. It's important to be careful: you can easily fall and hurt yourself.
Here, the route becomes more urban again, but the small town has a certain charm. It's the perfect place to have lunch or a snack, as the town has good facilities for pilgrims, since the coastal path joins up with the central path.
From here, we're treated to a simpler route. Slowly, we make our way through the forest trails and small villages along this route, until we reach Pontevedra. A city that never sleeps.
Before you leave the village, don't miss the view from the belvedere next to the chapel at the center of the village. If you get the chance, listen to the bells as the time changes.
One of the first Roman road markers. It served as a distance indicator, as you can read on the sign next to it. At this point the descent to Redondela begins, between houses and woods.
The town is reached after a very steep descent through residential areas. Before you start your descent, take the opportunity to see Redondela and the river that serves it in the distance. If you arrive wanting to eat or rest, this town has several restaurants and hostels ready to welcome pilgrims.
This Roman bridge begins the last stretch of the most difficult leg of the Portuguese central road. If you want to rest, just cross over and a few kilometers later you'll be in Arcade, which has several lodgings available. However, if you'd rather just take a dip to refresh your energy, you can use the river beach.
After a climb that requires an effort of endurance and persistence, Pontevedra welcomes us with the usual hospitality of the Camino de Santiago. After a walk through the woods and along the river, we are in the city. In every street there seem to be hostels to stay in. If you're still feeling energetic, take the opportunity to walk around the city center. Spacious, with plenty of shops and places to eat, it has all the ingredients for an unforgettable evening.
Apart from the religious monuments, Pontevedra is an attraction in itself. It is the city in the world with the most pedestrian-only spaces and won the European Commission's 1st Urban Safety Award in 2020.
Consider visiting Redondela for a few hours. It's a town with a special energy, with lots of commerce and culture.