The stage, step by step
From Pontevedra to the first climb
Leave Pontevedra with enough time to visit the Iglesia de la Virgen Peregrina and sort out water and food. The route starts climbing between km 4 and 7.3, gaining 103 m, then descends until approximately km 11 before the most demanding section begins.
Combarro and the Poio coast
Combarro is the obvious place to break the stage. Its hórreos, cruceiros and granite streets create a setting very different from the woodland at the end; the Monasterio de San Juan de Poio is another important heritage landmark along this coastal stretch.
The climb towards O Salnés
From halfway onwards, the character of the route changes: earth and stone paths, walls, streams and Galician woodland begin to appear. Between km 12.5 and 19.3, the route gains 405 m at an average gradient of 6%, so save your strength and avoid pushing the pace.
The final kilometres to Armenteira
After the climb, the route descends between km 19.3 and 22.4, losing 162 m. Valleys, old mills and the sound of running water accompany the approach to Armenteira, where the monastery makes for a far richer ending than simply crossing a finish line.
What to see on stage 1
Iglesia de la Virgen Peregrina
Located in Pontevedra, it is well worth visiting before setting off. This late Neoclassical church with Baroque elements was begun in 1778, and its floor plan recalls a pilgrim’s scallop shell.
Combarro: hórreos and cruceiros
Combarro preserves a granite historic-artistic ensemble beside the coast. Its hórreos stand on pillars at the water’s edge, while cruceiros appear in the village squares and corners.
Monasterio de San Juan de Poio
The Benedictine monastery preserves a Baroque church dating from the late 17th and early 18th centuries, as well as two cloisters. It makes a good cultural stop before the route becomes more wooded.
Monasterio de Santa María de Armenteira
The Cistercian church was built between 1162 and 1212 and retains a restrained architectural style, with three naves and a tripartite apse. Since 1989, it has been home to a female Cistercian community.
Where to sleep in Armenteira
Pontevedra has several options for sorting out your bed before setting off, including the Albergue de Peregrinos de Pontevedra, Aloxa albergue, Albergue Nacama and Acolá Hostel. Further on, you will find the Albergue Hostel Nuestra Señora del Camino and, at the destination, the Albergue de Armenteira. Almost all the accommodation is concentrated in Pontevedra: once you leave the city, beds are few and far between, so if you plan to sleep in Armenteira, secure your place before starting the climb.
Where to eat and refuel
Pontevedra is the best place to eat and buy provisions before setting off. You can find A Casa de Pedra, Casa BereBeres, Peregrinus, Rincón Peregrino and several cafés such as Café Bar La Catedral. After Combarro, the choice is much more limited, and you should not expect a continuous run of bars all the way to Armenteira. Leave with water and some food, especially if you plan to take the climb slowly.
Practical tips for this stage
Fill your bottle before leaving Combarro
The last places where you can fill your bottle without going out of your way are in Pontevedra, Poio and Combarro. Services become scarcer afterwards, so carry enough water for the long climb towards Armenteira.
Take the central climb seriously
Between km 12.5 and 19.3, you climb 405 m at an average gradient of 6%. This is not a single short ramp but a sustained climb that feels long if you arrive without enough energy.
Set off early
With an average duration of 5.2 hours and the elevation concentrated in the second half, setting off between 7 and 8am gives you more time in hand. In summer, you will also be grateful for the shade once you reach the woods.
Protect your skin during the first part
The coastal area around Combarro is more exposed to the sun, while the final climb enters woodland. Wear a hat and use sun cream even if the forecast does not look particularly hot.
Frequently asked questions about stage 1
Is this the toughest stage of the Spiritual Variant?
Yes. Of these four stages, it has the greatest amount of climbing: 519 m over 23.2 km. The average duration is 5.2 hours and the highest point reaches 421 m.
Where is the most demanding climb?
Between km 12.5 and 19.3, there is 405 m of ascent at an average gradient of 6%. It is the section you should save your legs for from the start.
Are there services along the route?
Pontevedra has most of the facilities. Combarro offers a chance to stop before the climb, but services are scarce afterwards until Armenteira, so do not set off without water and food.
Where can I sleep at the end?
The destination option is the Albergue de Armenteira. There is also the Albergue Hostel Nuestra Señora del Camino before you arrive, while Pontevedra offers more accommodation choices.
