Redondela to Pontevedra
Two gentle, gradual climbs through pine forest and estuary views, on the way to historic Pontevedra.
Best season: Year-round
Map
- Redondela
- Pontevedra
FEAACS track published by IGN. Follow current trail signs.
Source: IGN/CNIG · FEAACS · CC BY 4.0 · Accessed:
The Camino Bonsai Café team · Last editorial update:
From Redondela to Pontevedra is 19.6 km along the Portuguese Way. It's stage 8, with 381 m of ascent and 368 m of descent, completed in about 5h. Difficulty: Easy.
19.6 km is the editorial distance, the one guidebooks use for planning. The IGN GPX track below the map measures 18.2 km: it can differ because of route variants, the exact start and end points, and the access paths into villages, which it leaves out. Neither figure is the road distance between the two towns.
Oysters in Arcade and a bridge with history
Right out of Redondela, the stage passes through Cesantes and reaches Arcade, a village famous for its estuary-farmed oysters and a garden with over 500 camellia varieties. It's a must-stop to try the local seafood before moving on.
After Arcade, the Way crosses the historic Pontesampaio bridge over the Verdugo river, site of a major Napoleonic defeat in 1809, and climbs gently through the village of Pontesampaio (about 130 m of elevation gain). From there, a second gradual climb leads to Pontevedra, whose old town is considered the second most important in Galicia, right after Compostela.
What the terrain is like, kilometre by kilometre
Terrain
Two gradual climbs of about 120 and 135 m respectively, with no technical difficulty.
Scenery
Estuary views leaving Redondela, then pine and eucalyptus forest for the rest of the stage.
Path surface
Mostly dirt track and trail, with some asphalt in the built-up areas.
Villages
Cesantes, Arcade and Pontesampaio before reaching Pontevedra.
Water stops
Good services in Arcade and Pontesampaio; no long stretches without fountains or bars.
Shade
Good through the forest sections of both climbs.
Traffic
Watch for the crossing near Cesantes, one of the stage's notable spots; the rest is generally quiet.
Key tip
Don't leave Arcade without trying its oysters — one of the most famous food stops on the whole Portuguese Way.
Accommodation in Pontevedra for pilgrims
Pontevedra has a wide range of accommodation, with a large-capacity albergue at the edge of the city.
Albergue de Peregrinos de Pontevedra
Large public albergue, 1.5 km from the old town.
Hotels in the old town
Pontevedra has a wide range of hotels in its old quarter, one of the prettiest in Galicia.
Refuel in Arcade and Pontevedra
Arcade is a must-stop; Pontevedra has one of the best food scenes on the Portuguese Way.
Estuary oysters
Farmed on rafts in the Verdugo river, one of the most famous food stops on the whole Way.
Old town tapas
Pontevedra's old quarter has a great range of tapas bars and restaurants.
Historic stops on this stage
Camellia garden and oysters
Over 500 camellia varieties and the famous estuary-farmed oysters, both in the same village.
Medieval bridge over the Verdugo
Site of a major Napoleonic defeat in 1809, during the Peninsular War.
Old town
Considered the second most important old quarter in Galicia, right after Santiago de Compostela.
None of these stops require booking ahead — visit them freely as the Way passes.
Getting there and back
Starting here: Redondela has a train station (Vigo-Pontevedra-Santiago line) and frequent bus connections.
Heading back from Pontevedra: the city has excellent train and bus connections to Vigo, Santiago and the rest of Galicia.
Good to know before this stage
Set aside time for Arcade's oysters
One of the most famous food stops on the Portuguese Way — don't rush it.
Stop at the Pontesampaio bridge
Its 1809 Napoleonic history deserves a moment before continuing the climb.
Both climbs are gradual, not technical
120 and 135 m spread over long stretches — no need to rush them.
Give time to Pontevedra's old town
It's considered the second most important in Galicia — worth a relaxed walk on arrival.
Don't get this stage wrong
Passing through Arcade without trying the oysters
One of the most famous food stops on the whole Portuguese Way.
Not paying attention at the Cesantes crossing
One of the stage's more notable spots — cross carefully.
Walking past the Pontesampaio bridge
Its 1809 Napoleonic history gives it a special value worth knowing.
Not booking ahead in Pontevedra during high season
It's one of the most visited cities on the Portuguese Way — book early in summer.
What to pack, travel insurance and getting around
One single guide with the recommended gear, useful services (insurance, eSIM) and transport options for the whole Camino.
Work out how much it will cost you
Set the days, route and type of trip, and we give you an estimate of the total cost with a full breakdown.
Everything you want to know before this stage
How many kilometres from Redondela to Pontevedra?
Is this a demanding stage?
Why is Arcade famous?
What happened at the Pontesampaio bridge?
What's special about Pontevedra's old town?
Where can I sleep in Pontevedra?
Browse the stages
Things to do in Santiago de Compostela
Walking tour of the old town
Small-group walking tour of Santiago’s old town with a local guide.
Cathedral and Pórtico da Gloria
Guided visit to the Cathedral with access to the museum and the restored Pórtico da Gloria.
Queimada show and tasting
The traditional Galician flambéed drink, explained in a show designed for pilgrims.
Fisterra, Muxía and the Costa da Morte
The three unmissable stops of the "end of the world" in a full-day trip from Santiago.
Our top recommendation
Bonsai Café
You still have stages ahead, but once you reach Santiago you will have earned a good breakfast. Bonsai Café is right in the city centre, with weekend brunch, Berraco by Bou specialty coffee and the best cocktails to toast your arrival.
Map
- Bonsai Café
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