Traslatio Route

Duration

1 h 15 min

Min People

1

Max People

24

Pickup

Maritime Station Mar de Santiago

The Maritime Stage of the Way of St. James

The Traslatio Route, also known as the “Jacobean Route by sea”, is a unique stage of the Way of St. James that runs along the waters of the Arousa Estuary and the Ulla River. It is part of the Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Way, being the only maritime stage of the Camino. This route revives the history of the transfer of the body of the Apostle Santiago from Jerusalem to Galicia, according to the Jacobean tradition.

Legend has it that, after the martyrdom of the Apostle in Jerusalem, his disciples transported his body in a stone boat to the Galician coast. This journey took them through the Arousa Estuary and the Ulla River, until they landed in what is now Padrón, where they began the journey by land to their tomb in Santiago de Compostela.

During the Ruta Traslatio, pilgrims and visitors follow this historic route, surrounded by impressive landscapes rich in biodiversity. Along the way, important landmarks can be seen, such as the Maritime Way of the Cross and the Catoira Towers, which protected against Viking invasions since the Middle Ages. This experience combines history, spirituality and nature, offering a unique perspective of the Way of St. James across the sea.

Duration: 1 h 15 min to Pontecesures, 2 h with return to Vilanova de Arousa

Prices

  • Section Vilanova de Arousa – Pontecesures: €30/person
  • Section Pontecesures – Vilanova de Arousa: €30/person
  • Section Vilanova de Arousa -Pontecesura s – Vilanova de Arousa: €40

Recommendations

  • Sun protection.
  • Comfortable clothing and footwear.
  • Warm clothing such as a jacket or jacket.

Included/Excluded

  • Expert guide
  • Raincoat
  • Departure from Mar de Santiago maritime station, Vilanova de Arousa
  • Gastronomic Tasting (Upon request)
  • Other departure points (On request)

Tour Plan

Set sail from Vilanova de Arousa Exit

Vilanova de Arousa is the perfect setting to begin the Ruta Traslatio, a place where rich cultural heritage merges with natural splendour. Here, under the influence of the writer Valle-Inclán, the artistic spirit is felt in every corner. Take the opportunity to visit the museum that celebrates his life and work, an essential cultural stop that complements the pilgrim experience.

Mussel Farming Crossing

Right after the departure, you will be able to admire the mussel rafts that dot the Arousa Estuary and learn about the meticulous process of mussel farming, the basis of local gastronomy. You will learn about the process of farming this mollusk, which is not only a pillar of the local economy but also a delicacy that delights the most demanding palates. Our guide will share with you the traditional techniques and the importance of mussels in Galician gastronomy.

Cortegada Island Crossing

Next, we will continue sailing through the waters of the Arousa Estuary, heading towards Cortegada.

You will have the opportunity to admire the Malveira Grande, one of the pearls of the Cortegada archipelago. On this island, an ancient cruceiro stands, part of the Maritime-Fluvial Way of the Cross that accompanies pilgrims on their sea route. This emblematic point of the path, visible from the boat, connects spirituality with nature, creating a space for contemplation amidst the tranquility of the sea. While the tide whispers ancient stories, the Malveira Grande reveals itself as a natural sanctuary and a refuge of biodiversity that enchants and beautifies the path to Santiago.

From the estuary to the river: Sailing from Arousa to Ulla Crossing

Leaving behind the lush island of Cortegada, we say goodbye to the waters of the Arousa Estuary and enter the calm river of the Ulla River. This section of the Traslatio Route marks a subtle and beautiful change in our journey: the views narrow, the currents soften and we immerse ourselves in a landscape where history flows with the river. It is a path that becomes more personal, more introspective, following the same course as thousands of pilgrims did centuries before.

The Maritime Fluvial Way of the Cross Crossing

Continuing our journey we will be greeted by the rest of the crosses that make up the Maritime-Fluvial Way of the Cross. A unique experience in our journey along the Traslatio Route, it takes us to an encounter with devotion through its 17 crosses that accompany us on the path from the Arousa Estuary to the Ulla River. Among these, three crosses are erected with special meaning, symbolizing the Calvary, points of reflection on sacrifice and redemption.

These three emblematic crosses, symbols of the place where Christ and the thieves were crucified, invite us to contemplate and meditate. As we advance, we approach these stone testimonies, which not only mark a religious episode, but are also an integral part of the cultural and spiritual wealth of Galicia. Their presence adds depth to our journey.

The Towers of Catoira Crossing

Emerging as guardians of the past in the green landscape of Galicia, the Catoira Towers are a historic beacon that every pilgrim and traveller admires on their route along the Ulla River. These medieval fortifications protected the entrance to the Ulla and the roads to Santiago from Norman attacks and remain standing as witnesses of time and history. Their presence permeates the atmosphere with tales of bravery and legacies of ancient battles. When looking at them, one cannot help but marvel at the robustness of these stones which, year after year, remain an emblematic symbol of Catoira and an unmissable milestone on the Traslatio Route.

Under the AVE Bridge Crossing

Sailing through the waters near Catoira, it is impossible not to be impressed by the grandeur of the AVE bridge, a modern structure that contrasts with the rich history of the region. This bridge is not only a testament to contemporary engineering but also a vital link that connects destinations across Spain with speed and efficiency.

While pilgrims enjoy the peaceful sailing and panoramic views, the bridge stands as a reminder of how modernity and tradition intertwine in Galicia.

Pontecesures: The Port of Continuity on the Camino Arrival in Pontecesures

Pontecesures is not only the last port of our river journey, but also a starting point for pilgrims who continue their journey on foot. Here, where our boat docks, travelers can feel the proximity of Santiago and the spirit of the Camino in every stone of the quay.

Upon arriving at Pontecesures, our boat becomes much more than a simple means of transport: it is the place where pilgrims complete their journey by water on the Ruta Traslatio. As they disembark, they not only take with them the experiences of the journey, but also the possibility of stamping on their credential the seal of our route, a physical reminder of the experience lived within the framework of their pilgrimage.

This seal not only represents the conclusion of a unique stage by sea, but also the beginning of the next stage of their spiritual path or personal adventure towards Santiago.

Tour Map

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

From
30,00 
Booking
Enquiry Form

Check departure times according to the tide and book your ticket.


Regala
Do you want to give this tour as a gift? Contact with us and we will help you with everything.
Open Chat
Greetings from AMARE TURISMO NAUTICO SL.

We thank you for contacting us and we assure you that we will do everything possible to accommodate your request.

If you continue this conversation, you have given us your consent to contact you in this way. We take this opportunity to inform you that we will use the data generated in this conversation to assist you and provide you with our services.

You can exercise your rights at the email address info@amareturismonautico.com. More information in our offices and on our website.