First and foremost, although the complete Camino Portugués starts in Portugal and continues across the border into Northwestern Spain, the retreat that we offer travels only through Spain.
For nature lovers, the Camino Portugués experience is a true gift, traveling past windswept Atlantic shorelines, moss-covered trees, sacred religious landmarks, and rushing waterfalls. Filled with spiritual tradition, this route has a way of slowing us down and helping us appreciate all the wild beauty—and all the meaningful moments—that surround us.
Camino Portugués (Spiritual Variant) Walking Retreat
Join a Small Group Camino Pilgrimage
At a Glance
towns of interest:
Pontevedra | Armenteira | Vilanova de Arousa | Santiago de Compostela
Your Guides:
Laura Sumner, Founder | All Retreats
Kate Barthelme, Co-Host | Oct 2026
Donna Riehl, Co-Host | May 2027
Donna Riehl, Co-Host | Sept 2027
Upcoming Retreats:
October 16 – 26, 2026
May 4 – 13, 2027
September 5 – 14, 2027
the Breakdown:
10 Days
9 Nights Total
8 Walking Days
Investment Starting at:
Oct 2026: $3,397
May 2027: $3,217
September 2027: $3,217
A $500 non-refundable deposit secures your place. Flexible payment plans are available.
join us:
Oct 16 – 26, 2026
May 4 – 13, 2027
Sept 5 – 14, 2027
Expert-designed training program with videos and email support from Becki Rupp of Trailblazer Wellness, plus a pre-trip meet-and-greet Zoom with Laura.
What’s Included in Your Boutique Camino Experience:
Pre-trip:
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- Daily luggage transfer
- Boutique accommodations
- Airport transfers
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities included
- Custom Camino journal
- Reflection and journaling prompts
- Gentle yoga and meditation (all levels)
- Pilgrim Passport and Compostela Certificate
On Retreat:
The Camino Portugués Spiritual Variant offers a serene and unique trail from Baiona to Santiago de Compostela, combining 8 walking days with a historic Traslatio river journey. Averaging about 17 km (10.5 miles) per day, the path winds past sandy beaches, fairytale forests, and traditional Galician villages.
Keep in mind the terrain varies from hard pavement to cobblestones to dirt tracks. Our daily pace is designed to encourage space for reflection, meaningful conversation, and to find joy in the simple pleasure of walking.
The Camino Rhythm
Pace, Terrain, and Miles Walked
Location Logistics
Fly into Vigo Airport (VGO).
We provide a group transfer to Baiona, where the journey begins.
Arrival
Your Route
Starting in the seaside town of Baiona, the route hugs the Atlantic coast north through Nigrán and the bustling port city of Vigo before joining the inland path at Redondela.
From there, the trail continues through the historic streets of Pontevedra before reaching the coastal town of Vilanova de Arousa. Along the way, you'll follow the Spiritual Variant's renowned Route of Stone and Water (Ruta da Pedra e da Auga), a peaceful riverside trail with ancient watermills and lush woodland. Next, a 1.5-hour Traslatio boat journey carries us across the Ría de Arousa, retracing the legendary route said to have carried the remains of Saint James.
Landing near Pontecesures, we continue on foot through the Galician countryside before the pilgrimage reaches its ending at Santiago de Compostela Cathedral.
Departure
Depart from Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport (SCQ). A group transfer is provided from the hotel to the airport on the final day of the retreat.
Daily breakfast and dinner are included in your retreat, and lunches and snacks are on your own. Typically, our dining offerings shift with our accommodations. On Day 1, you might enjoy a decadent 3-course meal with local wine, and Day 2 may bring comfort food with a rustic view. Embrace the variety and find delight in the new flavors you discover along the way.
A Few Notes On Hospitality
From Guesthouses to Grand Paradores
While accommodations along the Camino vary greatly by town,
we have hand-selected boutique hotels and rural guesthouses with comfort, cleanliness, and location in mind.
These vary in size and style, and may include everything from a historic Parador to a modern, high-end hostel. Know that private rooms may be available in limited quantities, but each room—whether shared or individual—will have access to a private bathroom. Since rest and recovery are just as important as the walking itself, a good night’s sleep is something we take seriously.
Savor Every Camino Meal
Spanish cuisine is simple, hearty, and nutrient-dense, with fresh local ingredients and recipes passed down through the ages. A few of our favorite dishes include tortilla de patata (egg and potato omelet), pulpo á feira (fresh boiled octopus), and churrasco (savory grilled ribs).
In fact, the European food supply chain has banned pesticides, growth hormones, and contains fewer additives. Know that your body will feel properly nourished and well cared for on the trail.
The Joy of Spanish Gastronomy
What Sets Our Camino Retreats Apart:
- Experiencing a deeply personal journey shaped by centuries of pilgrim tradition
- Making connections along the path, with locals and pilgrims alike
- Finding peace in natural landscapes, from lush pastures to rugged mountain trails
- Understanding a different culture through local traditions, architecture, and history
- Reuniting with other pilgrims and celebrating personal growth during an emotional arrival into Santiago de Compostela
We believe in choosing a retreat that aligns with what you genuinely need, in order to return home feeling truly restored. Our guided Camino experiences provide an ideal balance of physical movement, social connection, and mindful reflection within a small, intimate group.
Beginning in Baiona (the southern end of Galicia), this route follows the Atlantic coast north and then veers east, heading inland towards Santiago de Compostela. Its remote coastal location is quieter and a touch more picturesque than the Camino Francés, lending a truly tranquil and reflective feel. For those who are religiously or spiritually inclined, it offers a deep connection to the history of medieval pilgrimage.
From start to finish, the walking path from Baiona to Santiago de Compostela is relatively flat, but includes a mix of terrain, including coastal paths, asphalt roads, and several steep forest ascents.
Included in this retreat is time at the sacred Monastery of Armenteira, which houses an active community of Trappist nuns. Explore the cloister and church, taking in the grand architecture and purchasing handmade soap from the nuns. There’s plenty of time for journaling and meditation away from the distractions of modern life.
One of the most memorable moments of the Camino Portugués is its storied maritime crossing. Glide along the calm surface of the Ría de Arousa, passing 17 stone crosses that rise from the water, commemorating the Traslatio, the iconic journey of the remains of St. James.
Ultimately, the Camino Portugués offers more solitude than other trails, allowing you to embrace a spiritual dimension while connecting with yourself in the serenity of rural Galicia.