Day Twenty on the Camino Portugués
~ Viladesuso (Mougás) to San Miguel de Oia, 26.24 Km (16.35 Miles) via a Combination of the Coastal Route and the Senda Litoral

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On our day twenty on the Camino Portugués, along the Coastal Route initially, and then the Senda Litoral, we combined stages to do one-and-a-half "traditional" stages, with the help of the local bus route. 

The first part of our Camino was from Viladesuso to Baiona on the Coastal Route, then after Baina we followed the coast on the Senda Literal to A Ramallosa. It will be 2.5 kilometers shorter if you are starting in Mougás. Ours was 17.8 kilometers (11.1 miles) from our friend Glyvia's house in Viladesuso to A Ramallosa. It will only be 15.3 kilometers (9.5 miles) if you are starting in Mougás. However, if you choose to keep on the Coastal Route farther inland, after Baiona, add one kilometer to either total! The traditional stage ends here in A Ramallosa for a very short day.

Our second part was from A Ramallosa to San Miguel de Oia, now along the Senda Litoral, but our own alternative for a total of an additional 8.44 kilometers (5.24 Miles), shown in red in the second map below. We did this to combine three, short traditional stages from Viladesuso (or Mougás) to Redondela into two, as we were walking strong and wanted to cover more ground. We also wanted to walk the final available beaches on the Senda Litoral before joining the Central Route in Redondela a day later. 

There are now several available accommodations between A Ramallosa and Vigo, if you wish to do as we did, combining three stages into twoIt was too long a walk for us to go all the way to Vigo. We took a bus from San Miguel de Oia, where we ended this day, back to Baiona, where our friend picked us up, to stay in her home, the Albergue Glyvia for another night! What a treat!

“Life is a pilgrimage. Each moment is to be lived in depth, because each moment contains God, hidden within it.” ~ Banani RayGlory of OM: A Journey to Self-Realization

Map and Stats of Day Twenty on the Camino Portugués

Here are my google maps for day twenty, created from my uploaded GPS tracks for the day. I placed albergues, hotels, cafés, supermarkets and churches and other places of interest on the map. There are plenty of services along the way on this entire route, as you can see from the map below. I added some for your reference, but there are many more. 

There are accommodations farther inland in Nigrán if you are doing the Coastal Route instead. I placed them on the map as well for your reference and planning. 

There is also an albergue in Saiáns, farther north, just a few kilometers shy of our ending in San Miguel de Oia if you also want to walk farther than A Ramallosa yet stay on the Senda Litoral. The Albergue de Peregrinos San Xurxo is conveniently located between the two routes, less than one kilometer east of the Sendal Litoral and only a few meters west of the Coastal. If you wanted to stay in the albergue, you could switch to the inland Coastal Route from here to avoid backtracking to the Senda Litoral and you would shorten the next day by several kilometers. If we didn't have our friend's house, this is what we would have done.

The section on the Senda Litoral from the turn-off to the San Xurxo albergue and onward thru San Miguel de Oia (where we ended our day at the bus stop) and farther on to where the Senda Litoral and the Coastal routes meet are not that fantastic anyway (see day twenty-one's map to follow our path to where the two routes meet). There are no beaches unless you choose to continue to hug the coastline on streets, as shown on the orange route on the map, resulting in the necessity of walking along the docks through Vigo on day twenty-one. I have been told by other pilgrims that walking through the docks is unpleasant. We chose to keep this section short and stay on the official, inland Coastal Route (shown in blue) through Vigo.  

Otherwise, end your day in A Ramallosa and enjoy the long and pleasant afternoon in the Baiona area. Or at the end of this stage in San Miguel de Oia, take a bus back to the Baiona area if you wish to lengthen this stage like we did. You will see below that busing is very easy to do along the PO-325. Finding the bus route was the reason we chose the alternative Senda Litoral, shown in the red route on the second map, below, that accesses the bus route.

There are many choices of routes in the area surrounding Vigo and many, many folks get lost through here. You may wish to download my GPS tracks, especially for day twenty-one through Vigo and follow closely, or be prepared to frequently consult a Google map! 


There are two relatively significant climbs on the first part of the day, 100 and 70 meters, that you can see on the elevation profile below. For the second part of the day, you can see the long, flat walk on the Praia America! There is also a milder climb from the coast to meet the PO-325, of about 50 meters. Nothing super strenuous, yet your body will notice!

Elevation Profile for Day Twenty, Camino Portugués, Viladesuso to A RamallosaElevation Profile for Day Twenty, Camino Portugués, Viladesuso to A Ramallosa
Elevation Profile for Day Twenty, Camino Portugués, A Ramallosa to San Miguel de OiaElevation Profile for Day Twenty, Camino Portugués, A Ramallosa to San Miguel de Oia

Photo-Rich Travelogue of Day Twenty on the Camino Portugués

We began our day at our friend Glyvia's house with a hearty continental breakfast, including bread and cheese. It was a great start to the day.

We had stayed overnight at her "Albergue de Glyvia." She decided that she wanted to walk the first few kilometers with us to the albergue in Mougás. We were thrilled. 

We talked to her about our plan to take the bus back from halfway through the second stage in San Miguel de Oia, to the albergue in A Ramallosa. She offered to have us stay at her house again, if we were willing to bus back to Baiona, where it would be easier for her to pick us up! We were thrilled again! Another night in the Albergue Glyvia?? Absolutely, of course!

Since it is one hour later in Spain than Portugal, it did not get light until about 8:30 when we set off for the day. 

We started from the waymark where we left off on day nineteen. This quiet paved road that runs almost by Glyvia's house, essentially parallels the PO-552, but now to the east. The planners of this route keep the pilgrimage traveler off the highway whenever possible.

Starting Out on Quiet Road in Viladesuso on day twenty, Camino PortuguésStarting Out on Quiet Road in Viladesuso

The seacoast was just beginning to brighten up. I love the post-dawn light on the sea!

Seacoast in Early Morning Light on day twenty, Camino PortuguésSeacoast in Early Morning Light

The Calla Lilies lined the roads. They grow so incredibily wild and huge here, just like in Portugal.

Gigantic Calla Lilies Line the Streets on day twenty, Camino PortuguésGigantic Calla Lilies Line the Streets

The Camino meanders through Viladesuso, staying on quiet, unnamed paved roads. We followed the first road about 1/2 kilometer, until it almost bent around to the highway, but then turned right to avoid it. If you were to join the highway, the Hotel and Restaurant Costa Verde is there, another accommodation in Viladesuso.

Onward onto the next paved road, about 400 meters, we came to a T-intersection, where we turned left. 

Continuing on another 400 meters or so, we took a left turn here, at this waymark ...

Turn Left Here ~ Flowers and Waymark on day twenty, Camino PortuguésTurn Left Here ~ Flowers and Waymark

... to walk along this high wall on a path, that shortcuts to the street called the Lugar o Porto to arrive in the town of Mougás

Shortcut to Lugar o Porto on day twenty, Camino PortuguésShortcut to Lugar o Porto

A nice sign for pilgrims greets you on the Lugar O Porto street in Mougás, where you turn left. I have no idea what this sign means! 165 Km is approximately the distance left to Santiago from here! 

Nice sign for pilgrims greets you on the Lugar O Porto street in Mougás on day twenty, Camino PortuguésGlyvia and Rich by a sign for pilgrims on the Lugar O Porto street in Mougás

Walk a few hundred meters until just before the PO-552, then make a quick right to avoid it as the Lugar O Porto continues to run north and parallel to the highway, as it becomes the Camiño de Salcidos. 

Along the Camiño de Salcidos in Viladesuso on day twenty, Camino PortuguésAlong the Camiño de Salcidos

In a quarter kilometer, the Camiño de Salcidos ends at the highway, crosses over it to join a nice foot path. Follow the footpath along the highway for several more meters and when it meets the highway, the Albergue Turístico Aguncheiro is just another quarter kilometer ahead. Turn left onto the paved road in front of the albergue. You will see the sign for the albergue, so you can't miss it really.  

Albergue Turístico Aguncheiro in Mougás on day twenty, Camino PortuguésAlbergue Turístico Aguncheiro in Mougás

Follow the paved road, past the albergue and along the coast for about 3/4 kilometer.

Road along the coastline north of Mougás, toward a prominent windmill on day twenty, Camino Portugués.Road Along the Coastline, Toward Windmill on Day Twenty, Camino Portugués

The road joins the PO-552 and its nice bike lane once again. After another 200 meters the Camino turns left onto another dirt lane as you get closer to the windmill at the Camping Bungalow Park.

Windmill and dramatic coastline north of Mougás, on day twenty, Camino Portugués.Follow a Dirt Lane, Getting Closer to Windmill

After another four hundred meters, the lane joins the highway again to walk past the restored windmill at the park. 

We said goodbye to Glyvia here, at the windmill after about four total kilometers from her house or from the Albergue da Estrela. We would join up with her later in the day. Our packs were very light as we left many of our things at Glyvia's house. It was such a wonderful thing to carry only a few essentials for the day. 

After passing the windmill, we walked to the side of the highway for another 0.4 kilometers, where the Camino veers left to walk on yet another dirt lane, below. Then it switches back on itself in a quarter kilometer, to climb back up to the highway. A whole lot of extra walking to avoid a small stretch of highway. If I were to do it again, I'd just take the highway through this short section!

Dirt Lane After Windmill on day twenty, Camino PortuguésDirt Lane After Windmill

The seacoast is quite gorgeous here, however, so perhaps it was worth it. This bush was alive with yellow spring blooms. 

Lovely bush with yellow blooms in spring along the Spanish coastline north of Mougás, on day twenty, Camino Portugués.Bush With Yellow Spring Blooms

The Camino joins the PO-552 after the short diversion, with the continuing walking/bike lane.

Join the PO-552 and the Bike Lane on day twenty of the Portuguese Way, Coastal RouteJoin the PO-552 and the Bike Lane

The next landmark to watch out for is the lighthouse at Cape Silleiro. While the route does not walk there, but shortcuts through the next peninsula, one can see it for quite a ways along the highway. 

Cape Silleiro Ahead on day twenty of the Portuguese Way, Coastal RouteCape Silleiro Ahead

The walk along the highway is almost 2.5 kilometers. The bikeway allows the pilgrimage traveler to walk on the shoulder safely, thru A Ermida. In this town there is another camping accommodation, Camping Mougas and the Hotel Soremma.

Just before the town of As Mariñas, is the turn off at about 7.6 kilometers into the day (from Viladesuso). You can't miss this sign!

Turn Right from PO-552 Here on day twenty of the Portuguese Way, Coastal RouteTurn Right from PO-552 Here

You can make the choice to continue on the PO-552 all the way to Baiona to create your own Senda Litoral. It is much longer, by about 4.5 kilometers than shortcutting over the mountain, but you won't have to climb the hills. However, you will miss astonishing views and a walk on the historic Roman road. Our Japanese friend, Hiro, confessed to us later that he chose the PO-552 to avoid the hill climbing! Each to his own!

The road quickly becomes nothing more than a path, called the Camiño da Portela, the "Gate Road." Walk through the gate and close it behind you!

Walking Through the Gate on the Camiño da Portela on day twenty of the Portuguese Way, Coastal RouteWalking Through the Gate on the Camiño da Portela

The path becomes quite rugged as it climbs.

Climbing on the Camiño da Portela on day twenty of the Portuguese Way, Coastal RouteClimbing on the Camiño da Portela

The views are wonderful as you climb above As Mariñas.

View of As Mariñas and Lighthouse at Cape Silleiro on day twenty of the Portuguese Way, Coastal RouteView of As Mariñas and Lighthouse at Cape Silleiro

Soon it becomes apparent that this is a historic road. 

Historic Paved Road on day twenty of the Portuguese Way, Coastal RouteHistoric Paved Road on Day Twenty, Camino Portugués

This looks like the rock was quarried out here to make way for the road.

Rich Climbing on the Camiño da Portela on day twenty of the Portuguese Way, Coastal RouteRich Climbing on the Camiño da Portela

It is a healthy climb up to here, and a passing pilgrim shot this photo of the two of us at one of the viewpoints where we caught our breath. 

Rich and Elle on the Camiño da Portela on day twenty of the Portuguese Way, Coastal RouteRich and Elle on the Camiño da Portela

Almost at the top, the rocky road bears ruts from the wagons that traversed here.

Wagon Ruts on the Pavers on the Camiño da Portela on day twenty of the Portuguese Way, Coastal RouteWagon Ruts on the Pavers on the Camiño da Portela

There are two obelisks at the top, after a nice 100 meter climb. The top is at about 120 meters above sea level and about 8.6 kilometers total from Viladesuso.

The summit is Ahead at the Obelisks on day twenty of the Portuguese Way, Coastal RouteThe Summit is Ahead at the Obelisks

Continue straight on here at the top. It is well waymarked, with beautiful, new concrete pylons. It is a lovely two kilometers worth of imagining that we were medieval pilgrimage travelers walking the ancient roads!

Straight On Here at Waymark on day twenty of the Portuguese Way, Coastal RouteStraight On Here at Waymark

Drop down the other side of the hill and onto the O Cabreiro street and turn right. Walk on O Cabreiro St. for a full kilometer on day twenty of the Portuguese Camino. 

Ancient Road Joins O Cabreiro Street on day twenty, Camino Portugués da CostaAncient Road Joins O Cabreiro Street

Pass by the rural home accommodation, the Casa do Peixe (+34 652 82 10 02) on this road, not pictured.

Walking on O Cabreiro St. for 0.9 Kilometers on day twenty, Camino Portugués da CostaWalking on O Cabreiro St. for 0.9 Kilometers

O Cabreiro ends at a T intersection with a cruzeiro. At this juncture is the Casa Rural Oscar, not pictured, a possible accommodation for the night.

You continue on to the right onto the Camiño O Sinal as this street becomes the Lugar Ponte. Along the way, I would frequently stop to admire the gorgeous spring flowers.

Trumpet Vine and Calla Lilies on day twenty, Camino Portugués da CostaTrumpet Vine and Calla Lilies

The small paved side roads have views of the sea, from a higher level than at the coastline and the Camino de la Costa meanders its way through the rural seaside country. 

After walking about 500 meters, stay right at the Camiño Río Pequeno, and start climbing a nice hill again, on a paved road. 

Views along the Camiño Río Pequeno on day twenty, Camino Portugués da CostaLofty Views along the Camiño Río Pequeno

After only 300 meters, the road turns sharply to the right and you climb more steeply until you come to an intersection with the Estrada de Baredo. Turn sharply to the left to continue on this wider, paved road with no walking shoulder, as it continues to climb higher. This is the second strenuous hill of the day. The views are astounding from the top, of the islands out to sea. This lookout area is called the Monte Alto Miradoiro, where you have reached approximately 11.8 kilometers total from Viladesuso.

View of Illas Estelas Islands on day twenty, Camino Portugués da CostaView of Illas Estelas Islands

After another 1/2 kilometer, come to a T-intersection and turn left onto the EP-2202, for a very short distance as it crosses up over a superhighway, then an immediate right, onto the quiet side road called San Anton, shown below, with a large cruzeiro on the corner. 

Right Turn Here on the San Anton Street on day twenty, Camino Portugués da CostaRight Turn Here on the San Anton Street

Begin the long, steep descent down hill, back towards the coast on narrow paved roads lined with high walls. The street twists and turns left and right as it descends toward the coast. Turn right after 1/3 km onto the Camiño do Pino Manso, and continue your descent through the suburbs of Baiona.

After 1/2 km, take a hard left on the Rúa Covaterreña. In another 1/4 km, you finally come to a large roundabout in Baiona. There is a large soccer field here, where you take the first right at the roundabout. 

Landmark Soccer Field in Baiona on day twenty, Camino Portugués da CostaLandmark Soccer Field in Baiona, Day Twenty, Camino Portugués

Walk past the soccer field and toward the prominent church to the east. First come to the Plaza Santa Liberata and its church on day twenty of the Camino Portugués.

The Plaza Santa Liberata in Baiona on day twenty, Camino Portugués da CostaThe Plaza Santa Liberata in Baiona

Directly east of the Santa Liberata is the Parish, the Parroquia de Santa María de Baiona, built in 1278 and restored in 1976, according to its placard. Inside there is a niche with Santiago depicted as a pilgrim. 

Parroquia de Santa María de Baiona on day twenty, Camino Portugués da CostaParroquia de Santa María de Baiona, Day Twenty, Camino Portugués

After the churches, we lost the Camino waymarks. We walked east on the Rúa Santa Liberata, north of the Santa María church and just could not find any yellow arrows or waymarks. 

Essentially, we just wandered our way north, to find the coast, to continue onward. If this happens to you, just head north towards the coast. It is only a few blocks away, so you can't go wrong. I have the correct route placed on my Google maps now!

Please check the map above for the official Coastal route, continuing onward in blue, which is one kilometer longer than the Senda Litoral at a total of 4.77 kilometers more. It begins initially on the Rúa Conde, only one block north of the Parish Church of Santa María de Baiona, via the Rúa Manuel Valverde, and several blocks south of the PO-552 running along the coast. The route is now better marked through town. 

The official route will take you through the streets of Baiona, past historic cruzeiros, fountains and old bridges. Both routes join again, at the historic bridge, the Puente Románico de la Ramallosa, where the traditional stage ends in the town of A Ramallosa. The private albergue, El Pazo Pías is just on the other side of the Miñor River, 300 meters away.

There are so very many eateries and places to stay in Baiona. Click here if you wish to stay here. There are two private albergues, the Albergue Estela do Mar and the Hostal Albergue Baionamar. There is another private albergue farther along, just before A Ramallosa, the Albergue Playa de Sabaris along the traditional coastal route.

There are several hostals that are quite reasonably priced, the Carabela La Pinta, the Hotel Pinzón and the Hostal Santa Marta Playa (+34 986 35 60 45). I located these places on the interactive map above. 

Once you find the Port of Baiona, it is a lovely place! We joined the PO-552 within a few blocks. The Castelo de Monterreal castle is to your left at the point of the bay. We found the seaside to be so lovely, that we stayed on the Senda Litoral through here. 

Castelo de Monterreal in Baiona on day twenty, Camino Portugués da CostaCastelo de Monterreal in Baiona
Harbor of Baiona on day twenty, Camino Portugués da CostaHarbor of Baiona

There is a nice promenade and boardwalk along the bay of Baiona to the beach, the Praia de Santa Marta. There is a chapel, the Ermida de Santa Marta just by the beach on the small peninsula to the north. 

We walked eastward along the PO-552, full of shops and restaurants, for about one kilometer on the way to this beach. 

Boardwalk to the Praia de Santa Marta along the waterfront of Baiona on day twenty, Camino Portugués da Costa.Boardwalk to the Praia de Santa Marta

Here is a look back to the promenade, the harbor and the Castelo. 

Bay of Baiona on day twenty, Camino Portugués da CostaBay of Baiona

Just before a roundabout and the Santa Marta Beach we stopped for a break, for café con leche and pastries. Who should come stumbling by as we were sitting there? Hiro, from Japan! He joined us for coffee and we caught up on his pilgrimage since the crossing to Spain. He was grinning from ear to ear, truly enjoying his journey. We were so lucky and proud to be a part of it.

We marveled at how a Japanese man, who didn't seem to have much preference for any religion at all, would find himself on the Camino de Santiago! God had to be hidden somewhere in it, don't you think? 

After our break, we walked on together, and took a little jog along the Santa Marta beach toward the chapel, then joined the PO-552 again. 

In 100 meters we turned left onto the Avenida Praia Ladeira, to the next wonderful beach, the Praia Ladeira. Who should we stumble onto here, but Janny from the Netherlands. It was a wonderful reunion. The four of us walked on together. 

The Glorious Praia Ladeira in Baiona, Spain on day twenty, Camino Portugués da CostaThe Glorious Praia Ladeira

The Praia Ladeira is a beautiful long beach, with a paved pathway/bikeway running right next to it for the pilgrimage traveler to walk upon. This pathway soon leaves the beach but continues for a full two kilometers, paralleling the highway (PO-552) on the right and the estuary of the Río Miñor on the left. The path goes all the way to the bridge crossing the river. 

Coastal pathway through Baiona on day twenty, Camino Portugués da CostaCoastal Pathway on Day Twenty of the Portuguese Camino
Pathway Joins the Río Miñor on day twenty, Camino Portugués da CostaPathway Joins the Río Miñor

When you come to the bridge, there are two of them crossing over into A Ramallosa. One is a modern bridge and right next to it is the medieval one, the Ponte Romanica, built in the 13th century. Here is Rich and Hiro on the modern one.

Rich and Hiro on the Modern Bridge Across the Río Miñor into A Ramallosa on day twenty, Camino Portugués da CostaRich and Hiro on the Modern Bridge Across the Río Miñor into A Ramallosa

Here is a view of the river Miñor. It was a dry year and the river was extremely low. 

Rio Miñor on day twenty, Camino Portugués da CostaRio Miñor

Here is a photo of the medieval bridge, below. 

Ponte Romanica crossing the Rio Miñor in Baiona on day twenty, Camino Portugués da CostaPonte Romanica, Built in the 13th Century

The Camino walks across the old bridge, below, of course!

Walk Across the Medieval Bridge on day twenty, Camino Portugués da CostaWalk Across the Medieval Bridge

Walk the 100 meters across the bridge. If A Ramallosa and the El Pazo Pías Albergue is your destination, keep walking straight onward after the bridge, take the first right at the traffic circle, and an immediate left onto the Rúa Damas Apostólicas. Follow this street for another 300 meters to the albergue. 

We said goodbye to Hiro and Janny on the other side of the medieval bridge as they were planning to stay in A Ramallosa. We hoped to meet up with them again, farther along!

Just before crossing the medieval bridge, in the area of Sabarís, there is another private albergue the Albergue Playa de Sabaris along the traditional coastal route. You may also want to check out very economical places in this town, the Hotel Vasco de Gama, the Hotel Avenida and the Hotel Arce Baiona, all clustered close to the albergue. 

Elevation Profiles for the Senda Litoral and the Coastal Routes from A Ramallosa to Vigo

Here are the two elevation profiles for your convenience, if you are planning to walk the standard Senda Litoral or the Coastal Route through this section. As stated above, we chose to take an alternative.

While the Senda Litoral has a bit of climbing across the peninsulas, the most elevation change is the climb from the docks in Vigo to the center of town at the end of the day. It is a total of 23.8 kilometers (17.58 miles).

Elevation Profile for Day Twenty, Camino Portugués, A Ramallosa to Vigo, Senda LitoralElevation Profile for Day Twenty, A Ramallosa to Vigo, Senda Litoral

If you are starting from the Albergue in A Ramallosa, the Coastal Route goes directly north, from the Albergue through town. Please check the map above for the second part of the day, for this onward route, shown in blue. It is 22.9 kilometers (14.23 miles) from the albergue to the center of Vigo. There is a significantly long hill climb of 200 meters (650 feet) up to about 9 kilometers from A Ramallosa and a final climb of 100 meters into Vigo at the end of the day.

Elevation Profile for Day Twenty, Camino Portugués, A Ramallosa to Vigo, Coastal RouteElevation Profile for Day Twenty, A Ramallosa to Vigo, Coastal Route

Back on the Senda Litoral Alternative from A Ramallosa

We chose to continue onward, via the Senda Litoral, albeit an alternative of our own creation. Indeed, it seems to me that most pilgrims just create their own path, depending on how many additional steps they wish to take! 

After the medieval bridge we turned left at the roundabout to continue to follow the Río Miñor and onto the continuing bikeway, by this lovely little chapel, the Capela San Campio. It looked very Portuguese with its blue murals. 

Capela San Campio in A Ramallosa, Spain on day twenty, Camino Portugués on the Senda LitoralCapela San Campio

The Senda Litoral on the bikeway along the river parallels the PO-325. We had finally left the PO-552, at least for our day twenty on the Camino Portugués. As the path follows the River Miñor it is called the Paseo da Ramallosa.

Paseo da Ramallosa on the Senda Litoral on day twenty, Camino Portugués on the Senda LitoralPaseo da Ramallosa on the Senda Litoral

You can see the peninsula the Monte Lourido ahead where the mouth of the river narrows, and the large estuary ends. This is where the bikeway ends. We stayed inland at the Monte Lourido peninsula, to continue walking on the PO-325.

There are no yellow arrows here, so we walked along the highway until the wonderful beach, the Playa las Americas (Praia America) begins to appear to your left. It is only about 400 meters to cross the peninsula towards this beach.

We joined the Avenida Praia America when it was feasible and followed the walkway running parallel to it. It is a lovely promenade that you can stay on if the weather conditions warrant it. 

Promenade to the Praia America on day twenty, Camino Portugués on the Senda LitoralPromenade to the Praia America

Here is a photo of Rich planning our route at the Praia America. 

Rich Assessing Our Route on the Praia America on day twenty, Camino Portugués on the Senda LitoralRich Assessing Our Route on the Praia America

Right before we turned onto the beach is the Hotel Miramar, at a nice location right across from the playa. Book ahead in the summer!

Here I am, looking back and on the beach with Baiona in the background to the south.

Elle on the Praia America on day twenty, Camino Portugués on the Senda LitoralElle on the Praia America, Baiona in Background
Long, Lovely Praia America on day twenty, Camino Portugués on the Senda LitoralLong, Lovely Praia America

Of course, we had to leave the walkway, and join the beach! If ever there was a place to walk on the beach, the Praia America is the place! It is a good two kilometers or more in length! This should help you get your beach fix for your day twenty on the Camino Portugués. It did mine!

Two Kilometer Walk on the Beach! on day twenty, Camino Portugués on the Senda LitoralTwo Kilometer Walk on the Beach!

The Praia America becomes the Praia de Panxón at the northern end. We stopped at a beach side café for a bite to eat on this beach. Cafés abound here along the waterfront boardwalk of the Praia de Panxón. 

If you prefer to stay off the sand, there is a parallel road, the Paseo Marítimo, running along the beach. Consult the orange trail on the interactive map above. 

After our lunch, instead of staying on the beach for its entire length, we picked a street going eastward from the boardwalk to climb a hundred meters to the Rúa Jesús Espinosa. Along this street is another accommodation, the Pension Pura Costas (+34 986 36 71 71). 

We continued to climb on this street towards a very unusual church at the top, the Parroquia de San Xoán de Panxón. There is within the courtyard of this church a 10th century remnant of an archway. Click on the link above for more information. We knew nothing of this historic site when we passed. But YOU will know, thanks to our research!

Parroquia de San Xoán de Panxón on day twenty, Camino Portugués on the Senda LitoralParroquia de San Xoán de Panxón

Our goal on our Senda Litoral alternative was to get back to the PO-325, which we did by turning right at the church on the Camiño dos Lagos. It is only 3/4 kilometer from the waterfront to the highway. We wanted to take the shortest route to our planned end for the day, and walking on the PO-325 was it. 

At this juncture, the pilgrimage traveler could continue on the Senda Litoral, right along the beach, crossing the next peninsula, by the Monte Ferro to the next beach, the Praia Patos. The Senda Litoral does a lot of undulating back and forth from the highway, in the next section, and we chose to take the direct route, by staying on the highway. We had had enough of beach walking. However, the choice is entirely yours. Create your own journey as you see fit! Again, consult the orange route for the second half of the day, to see more beaches, if you are making a day of it to Vigo. 

There are at least two accommodations appropriate for the pilgrim on this peninsula, the Pensión Residencia La Chica, (+34 699 96 62 60), with dormitory beds, right along the Senda Litoral and closest to the PO-325 at about half a kilometer away, and the Patos Beach House farther north and also along the route. If you truly want to spend some time in this area, there are many beach houses that would require advance planning, just click here to see them. 

If you follow our route north, on the PO-325, it is a 4.4 km jaunt to where we chose to stop for the day, at a bus stop, to take the bus back to Baiona (or A Ramallosa). This way, we did 1/2 the traditional stage that goes only from A Ramallosa to Vigo (a short 23 kilometers for the Coastal and 24 kilometers for the Senda Litoral). Plus you can avoid staying in the large metropolis of Vigo, if that is important to you. There is now a municipal albergue along the Senda Litoral in the center of Vigo, if this helps you make your decision. 

There is a nice bikeway along the highway and it is very safe for the pilgrimage traveler.

Bikeway on the PO-325 on day twenty, Camino Portugués on the Senda LitoralBikeway on the PO-325

The views of the sea from the highway are still lovely, maybe even more so from the higher vantage point than from down at the beach level. Here is a view to the Cies Islands to the north.

View of the Cies Islands on the Senda Litoral on day twenty of the  Camino Portugués.View of the Cies Islands

We walked on at this intersection in the town of Prado... 

Straight On at Intersection in Prado on day twenty, Camino Portugués on the Senda LitoralStraight On at Intersection in Prado

...walking onward toward the next town of Saiáns. When you reach the sign for Saiáns and the municipality of Vigo, shown below, next you cross the river of Saiáns. This is an important landmark if you intend to go to the parochial Albergue de Peregrinos de San Xurxo. In only 100 meters after the river crossing, look for the small side road, the Camiño Fontán, up the hill and to the right. I marked the turn with a yellow star on the map above for your reference. 

It is less than one kilometer to the albergue, following the Camiño Fontán for 150 meters, then right at the next crossroads onto the Camiño de San Xurxo, continuing for 200 meters, staying right at the first Y-intersection. Walk to the second Y-intersection and turn right onto the Camiño de Gándara for another 300 meters, then a right turn onto the wider Baixada a Praia for the final 250 meters. The church and albergue are on your left. There is also a café by the albergue. Everything a pilgrim needs!

Walking Through Saiáns on day twenty, Camino Portugués on the Senda LitoralWalking Through Saiáns

We continued on the PO-325, reaching our goal, San Miguel de Oia a few more kilometers down the road, shown below.

Entering San Miguel de Oia on day twenty, Camino Portugués on the Senda LitoralEntering San Miguel de Oia

We photographed the next kilometer marker sign so we could find our way back to this point on day twenty-one. Now that we sealed our location, all we had to do was find the next bus stop. 

7 Kilometer Mark on the PO-325 on day twenty, Camino Portugués on the Senda Litoral7 Kilometer Mark on the PO-325

The next bus stop was about 300 meters past the 7 km marker, just beyond the next roundabout at a prominent Y-intersection. 

Here is the actual bus stop area, below, looking back. You can see the sign, looking southward. You must, of course, be on the west (beach) side of the road, if you are planning to take the bus south and back towards Baiona. 

Bus Stop in San Miguel de Oia on day twenty, Camino Portugués on the Senda LitoralLocation of Bus Stop in San Miguel de Oia

It is the ATSA bus service, line XG883  that you want if you plan to bus back to A Ramallosa or Baiona from any point along the PO-325. You can do a Rome2Rio search from San Miguel de Oia to Baiona to get current information. Also look on the signs posted at the bus stop.

You can also try asking the locals where the nearest bus stop is, from where you happen to be. 

Since we were here on a Sunday, we waited a long time, almost a full hour for the bus to come, originating in Vigo. When the bus arrived, we were so glad to see it! The traffic back to the soccer field in Baiona, the end of the line, was horrendous! Poor Glyvia! Once again she waited a long time for us to show up in Baiona. 

She drove us back to her house, the "Albergue de Glyvia" in Viladesuso (see day nineteen), for another wonderful evening of being spoiled to death! She was such a gracious host. 

She had prepared for us another veritable feast; homemade spätzle, (she's German after all), with cheese, fried onions and a tuna salad with lettuce, onion and tomatoes (the classic Spanish ensalada mixta) and of course, more kuchen (cake) and lots of wine. 

We reconnected deeply in her lovely home. We were so grateful for this day and for her compassionate care of us!

Reflections on Day Twenty, Camino Portugués

Our day twenty on the Camino Portugués por la Costa was a lovely day. We reconnected with old pilgrim friends, had more wonderful moments with our friend Glyvia, walked on ancient paths, connected with medieval pilgrims of yesteryear and were able to spend precious time on some of the most beautiful beaches I have ever been on. 

I believe the depth of our lives is found within the deep connections we have with others. Not only do we find God within our own hearts, but also within the hearts of others. It is through a physical pilgrimage that, if we are open, we can begin to understand about the pilgrimage of the heart. It was a special day indeed, on day twenty of our Camino Portugués. 

Salutation

May your own day twenty on the Camino Portugués por la Costa be filled with all the depth of God hidden in it. May your connections with other pilgrims be loving and true. May you find God in each and every one! Ultreia!



Downloadable Camino Portugués eBooks in PDF Format ~ Get Your Copy Today!  Don't carry a hard copy guide book to increase your pack weight. Use our digital guides on your next Camino instead. 


And the Journey Continues:

~ Lisbon to Porto

~ Porto to Santiago Via the Coastal Route and/or the Sendal Litoral

~ Porto to Santiago Via the Central Route



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Carbon Trekking Poles

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