Stage of the Camino
Vilanova de Arousa to Padrón (E-3)
From Vilanova de Arousa To Padrón
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Destination
Distance
28.00 km
Duration
9.33 h
Difficulty
Baja
Ascent
55 m
Stage of the Camino
Stage Description
Last stage of the Spiritual Variant, associated with the Translatio: the Jacobean tradition tells that the body of the apostle Santiago was brought from Jaffa to Iria Flavia (Padrón) sailing precisely these waters. There are two options to complete the day: the **maritime crossing** Vilanova de Arousa → Pontecesures (about 28 km of estuary with stops at the maritime crossroads of the fluvial Via Crucis, the only maritime procession in the world) followed by a short stretch on foot to Padrón; or the **complete pedestrian route** along the east bank of the estuary passing through Catoira and Pontecesures (about 33 km on foot). The GPX track included is the complete terrestrial itinerary. End in Padrón, where, according to tradition, the disciples moored the boat to the stone that gives its name to the village.
This stage is a short and flat day that ventures into the Leónese high plateaus. The path runs along a dirt trail that advances in a straight line, parallel to the road, through a landscape of endless horizons and fields of cultivation. It's a transition phase, with few intermediate towns, such as Calzada del Coto and Bercianos del Real Camino. The route offers the pilgrim an experience of solitude and meditation, ideal for connecting with the essence of the Meseta. The end of the stage is in El Burgo Ranero, a small village with traditional adobe architecture.
Last updated: 15/05/2026
Where to Sleep
Accommodations in this Stage
Find the perfect place for your rest in Vilanova de Arousa o Padrón.
Hotel Corona de Padrón
Hotel Scala
Marujita Vilanova
Os Lambráns
Hotel Leal La Sirena
Almar II - Padrón
Casa Grande da Capellania
Corona de Galicia Rooms
Hostel & Rooms Casa Maia
Hotel A Casa Do Rio
Huna Apartamentos
MEDA Padrón
Pensión Rural para Peregrinos "AREAL"
Piso do Espolón
SLEEP Padron Turismo
TERRA de Padrón - Quality Rooms
Villa Galicia (Padrón)
Vivienda Fermina Padron
Pazo Arretén
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A Armenteira a Vilanova de Arousa (E-2)
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