The stage, step by step
Leaving Vigo
The first few kilometres still feel urban and have plenty of services. You can set out with supplies from Famila or Gadis, and find breakfast at A PRAZA - Panadería/Pastelería or Cafetería Priton. The first climb runs between km 1.2 and km 5.1.
Woodland and Traída das Augas
Once you leave Vigo behind, the route becomes quieter and enters the Senda da Traída das Augas. A second climb between km 6 and km 8.7 is shorter than the first, while views open out over the estuary and the San Simón inlet.
The middle section
The route continues through the O Cruceiro - Cedeira - Redondela area, with woodland, open views and fewer services than in Vigo. O Eido Vello is a useful food and drink stop here; do not leave important shopping until this section.
Descent to Redondela
From km 17.3, the day’s most serious descent begins: 169 m over 2.6 km, with an average gradient of 6.6%. The surface may require care, especially when wet. Down below, Redondela’s bars and hostels await, including Gastropub Trisquel and Albergue de Peregrinos Casa da Torre.
What to see on stage 8
Senda da Traída das Augas
This is the stage’s most recognisable section. The path crosses woodland and gives you a very different walking experience after leaving Vigo’s traffic behind.
Vigo estuary
The open sections of the route offer broad views across the estuary. You can also make out the Cíes Islands, the Morrazo Peninsula and the Rande Bridge.
San Simón inlet
The inlet appears in the panoramic views on the approach to Redondela. It is a good moment to slow down before tackling the final descent.
Redondela
The town marks the historic meeting point between the route from the coast and the Portuguese Central Way from Tui. It is also a practical place to rest and prepare for the next stage.
Where to sleep in Redondela
Vigo offers plenty of accommodation for an early start, including Residencia Xuvenil Altamar, Lapplandia Hostel, Hostal Plaza and Hostal Ancla Dorada. Redondela has the greatest choice at the end: Albergue A Rotonda, Albergue Santiago de Vilavella, Albergue A Conserveira, Albergue A Casa da Herba and Albergue Santiago Apostol de Redondela, as well as Albergue de Peregrinos Casa da Torre. If you want to sleep in Redondela, this is the point where booking ahead makes most sense.
Where to eat and refuel
In Vigo you can stock up before setting off at La Kabaña and Tasca Nova, with supermarkets such as Famila, Gadis and Eroski. Further on, services become intermittent; Bar Bus is on the way out of the city and O Eido Vello is a useful stop in the rural section. Redondela offers plenty of choice again, including Café Bar Paraíso and other places in the centre, so you do not need to carry food for the whole day.
Practical tips for this stage
Wear footwear with good grip
The Senda da Traída das Augas can be wet or muddy. Shoes with a good sole and, if you are used to them, walking poles are especially helpful on the final descent.
Use the fountains early on
At the start you pass the Lavadoiro da Presa, Fonte da Finca da Marquesa, Fonte Santa and Fonte das Coutadas. After that, water availability is less certain, so leave Vigo with a full bottle.
Book in Redondela in peak season
The stage ends where several routes meet, and hostel accommodation is concentrated there. If you know you will sleep in Redondela, do not wait until you arrive to look for a bed.
Save your strength for the end
The distance is not excessive, but the descent between km 17.3 and km 19.8 loses 169 m at an average gradient of 6.6%. Do not rush it: tiredness and wet ground can make it treacherous.
Frequently asked questions about stage 8
How many kilometres is the Vigo–Redondela stage?
The stage is 19.8 km long and the average walking time is 4.4 hours. It includes 220 m of ascent and 254 m of descent.
Is this the last purely coastal stage?
Yes. Redondela is where the route meets the Portuguese Central Way from Tui, so from here onwards the routes share the same itinerary.
Where is the toughest section?
The most demanding part for your legs is the final descent, between km 17.3 and km 19.8. It loses 169 m over 2.6 km, with an average gradient of 6.6%.
Do I need to carry food for the whole day?
Not necessarily. Vigo has plenty of choice and so does Redondela, but services are more limited in the middle section. It is worth setting out with water and something to eat in case the opening hours do not suit you.
