The Historical Secrets Hidden in the Traslatio Route

Did you know that the Camino de Santiago can also be traveled by sea? 🌊 The Traslatio Route, the only maritime stage of the Camino, is a journey rich in history, ancient symbols, and legends. From Vilanova de Arousa to Pontecesures, the navigation reveals the milestones that shaped the spiritual soul of Galicia.

This journey is not only a testimony to the legend of the Apostle James but also an enriching experience that allows pilgrims to connect with the landscape, history, and spirituality of the region in a unique way. Sailing these waters is like opening a door to the past, still alive in every stone, tower, and cruceiro.

⛵ The Apostle’s Journey

According to Jacobean tradition, after the Apostle James was martyred, his disciples carried his body by sea to Galicia. The Traslatio Route retraces this legendary voyage through the Arousa Estuary and the Ulla River. Along the way, modern-day pilgrims symbolically relive the Apostle’s final journey, crossing a natural environment filled with meaning.

The journey thus becomes a spiritual extension of the Camino, where the rhythm of the water supports quiet reflection 🧘.

1. The Maritime-Fluvial Via Crucis

Seventeen stone cruceiros (wayside crosses) rise along the route—unique in the world. Placed in the 20th century by local residents and ecclesiastical authorities, they form a Via Crucis over the water that guides the spiritual path to Santiago.

This series of crosses symbolizes the path of faith, transforming the maritime journey into a visual and spiritual meditation. Strategically placed, they offer not only devotional direction but also scenic beauty 🌅.

The trio of crosses representing Calvary is one of the most photographed and moving landmarks of the journey. These elements hold artistic value and are deeply rooted in the cultural identity of the region’s coastal communities.

2. The Towers of Catoira

Standing on the banks of the Ulla River, these medieval towers were part of the Castellum Honesti, a strategic fortress built in the 12th century to defend the fluvial entrance to Compostela from Viking raids. Today, they are listed as a Site of Cultural Interest and symbolize Galician resilience ⚔️.

Each summer, the Viking Festival takes place here—an internationally recognized celebration that recreates the ancient Norse invasions. Seeing the towers from the water helps one imagine the days when these fortresses watched for approaching enemies from the Atlantic.

They stand as a reminder of how history and faith coexisted in a land shaped by both devotion and defense.

3. Cortegada: Forest and Mysticism

The island of Cortegada, visible from the boat, is part of the Atlantic Islands National Park. Its most notable feature is its laurel forest—the largest in Europe—which gives the island a humid, enclosed, and profoundly mystical atmosphere 🌳.

Once inhabited and surrounded by legends of miraculous healings, Cortegada radiates a sacred aura. Many pilgrims regard it as a floating natural sanctuary—a prelude to the spiritual silence of Compostela.

Its shoreline holds one of the Maritime Via Crucis crosses, reinforcing the island’s symbolic importance within the spiritual landscape of the Camino.

4. The Ulla River: Sacred and Commercial Waterway

The Ulla was an ancient navigational route connecting trade, faith, and culture. For centuries it served as a vital artery for transporting goods and people. Today, it provides emotional and spiritual connection for those sailing toward Pontecesures.

Its shores hold remnants of old docks, chapels, abandoned fields, and fishing villages. The transition from sea to river represents the shift from the outer journey to the pilgrim’s inner experience.

The changing scenery, the sound of birds, and the river’s calm flow create an ideal environment for reflection. In its simplicity, the river acts as both a guide and witness for those nearing the end of their pilgrimage.

5. Pontecesures: Where the Sea Ends and the Walk Begins

In this riverside town, the final walking stage to Santiago begins. Here you can stamp your credential and officially count this maritime stage toward your Compostela. The town holds Roman remains, including a centuries-old bridge, and a deep Jacobean tradition.

Pontecesures serves as a symbolic threshold between the nautical and walking parts of the Camino. Its humble yet historic streets offer a pause for pilgrims as they transition to the final leg of their spiritual journey 🛤️.

🌊 Sailing Through History

The Traslatio Route is more than a boat ride—it’s a unique way to live the Camino, where the sea tells the story of the Apostle. Every wave, cross, tower, and river bend silently bears witness to centuries of Galician faith, history, and culture.

Let your Camino begin from the sea.

Book your Traslatio Route here and become part of the legend.