Where to take the Traslatio boat ⛵

Many pilgrims walking the Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Camino ask themselves the same question when planning their stage: where to take the Traslatio boat.

The Traslatio Route is a unique stage within the Camino de Santiago because it is done by boat, sailing through the Ría de Arousa and the Ulla River until reaching Pontecesures. This journey recreates the historic transfer of the body of the Apostle Saint James to Galicia and has become one of the most special moments for many pilgrims.

If you are organizing your Camino, in this article we explain where to take the Traslatio boat, how the departure works and how to book your place to complete this maritime stage.

The Traslatio boat departs from Vilanova de Arousa 🚤

The place where you take the Traslatio boat is Vilanova de Arousa, a beautiful seaside town located in the heart of the Ría de Arousa.

This port is the departure point for the journey that connects the estuary with the Ulla River until reaching Pontecesures, where pilgrims continue their Camino on foot toward Santiago de Compostela.

Vilanova de Arousa is also a common stop on the Spiritual Variant, since most pilgrims arrive here walking after completing the stage from Armenteira.

After arriving in Vilanova, it is common to spend the night in the town and do the Traslatio Route the following morning.

Which port the Traslatio boat departs from

The departure point for the Traslatio Route is the Mar de Santiago Maritime Station, located in the port of Vilanova de Arousa. This is the exact point where pilgrims must go to take the Traslatio boat and begin the journey through the Ría de Arousa.

This boarding point is located very close to the town center and is easily accessible for pilgrims arriving on foot.

From here the boat begins sailing through the Ría de Arousa, following the historic route of the transfer of the Apostle.

During the journey the boat sails between mussel rafts, islands and unique natural landscapes until reaching Pontecesures.

How to reach the Traslatio boat on foot

If you are walking the Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Camino, reaching the Traslatio boat is very easy.

The previous stage usually ends in Vilanova de Arousa, after walking from Armenteira following the route of this variant of the Camino.

Once in Vilanova, many pilgrims take advantage of the afternoon to rest, walk around the port or enjoy the local gastronomy before doing the journey the following day.

In this way, the Traslatio Route becomes a different stage within the Camino, combining hiking and sailing.

How to book the Traslatio boat 🧭

Once you know where to take the Traslatio boat, the next step is to book your place for the journey.

Booking in advance is recommended, especially during the high season of the Camino de Santiago.

Booking allows you to:

• secure your seat on the boat
• organize your Camino stage better
• know the departure time in advance

The Traslatio Route takes place between March and October, and during these months there are departures every day, making planning easier for pilgrims.