Pontevedra to Armenteira

The initial stage of the Spiritual Route takes you from Pontevedra to Armenteira and begins at the Church of La Peregrina, a symbolic point for many walkers who start their day there. Crossing the historic center, the route leads you to the Monastery of San Xoán de Poio, known for its monumental granary and the large mosaic that celebrates the Way. Shortly afterwards, the route descends to Combarro, where the landscape takes on a different character: granaries facing the estuary, stone houses, and a maritime atmosphere that invites you to take a break before the most demanding part of the journey.

From Combarro, the Way changes tone. A long, continuous climb begins, almost always surrounded by nature, with few places to rest along the way. The Loureiro viewpoint is the only place to rest, offering a wide view over the Pontevedra estuary. It is important to take enough water and food for this more isolated section. At the end of the climb, when the silence of the hills has become part of the rhythm of the walk, the Monastery of Armenteira appears, serene, imposing, and enveloped in a tranquility that leaves a deep impression on those who arrive there.

Exit:

Arrival:

Where to eat

Where to sleep

Pontevedra-Armenteira: Photographs

Pontevedra-Armenteira: Itinerary

A: Pontevedra

After crossing the Burgo Bridge, the Way gradually moves away from the center and enters quiet streets, marked by housing and small local services. Access to the Spiritual Variant appears at the end of Rúa da Gándara, where a clear fork indicates two possible directions. The trail on the left, which crosses the Gándara River, is the one that officially leads to the beginning of this variant.

B: Monastery of San Xoán de Poio

If you have time, it is worth going inside to see the cloister, where a monumental mosaic, measuring around 200 m², depicts the Way. The gardens also feature an impressive granary.
Note: check the opening hours before planning your visit.

C: Combarro

You pass through a small village by the sea, marked by stone houses, ancient crosses, and a row of granaries facing the water. Many pilgrims take advantage of this place to have lunch and stock up on supplies, as the climb to Armenteira follows a more solitary route, with few places to buy food.

D: Loureiro Viewpoint

After leaving Combarro behind, the slope rises gently and takes you to a viewpoint where the Pontevedra estuary opens up in all its calmness. It is the perfect place to stop, breathe in the air, and catch your breath. The climb to Armenteira can be demanding, but the landscape accompanies you as a reward with every step.

E: Armenteira Monastery

The stage ends in Armenteira, where a 12th-century monastery rests among hills and ancient trees. There, the Cistercian tradition still breathes in silence, among handmade products and an atmosphere that invites contemplation. For those arriving after the climb, Armenteira is almost like a hug: a place of pure calm, where the body rests and the spirit slows down.