How many kilometres is stage 1?

The stage from Ría de Arousa to Pontecesures (by boat) is about 23 km according to our track.

How long does this stage take?

About 5 h 47 min at a moderate pace (23 km and +183 m). This estimate excludes breaks; with rests, photos and meals, add 1-2 hours.

How much elevation does this stage have?

It gains about +183 m of ascent and −185 m of descent, calculated on the real profile of the stage.

Is this stage difficult?

We rate it as easy difficulty, with about 8 m of ascent per kilometre. It is an estimate based on elevation; heat, rain or the surface can make it harder.

Where to sleep at the end of the stage, in Pontecesures (by boat)?

We list 2 pilgrim hostels in the corridor of this stage (with phone and website when available). You can also book a hotel or guesthouse in Pontecesures (by boat).

Stage 1 of 2 · Ruta del Mar de Arousa y Río Ulla

Ría de Arousa → Pontecesures (by boat)

Pontevedra · A Coruña

Updated on August 16, 2026

Distance: 23 km
Time: 5 h 47 min
Ascent: +183 m
Descent: −185 m
Difficulty: Easy

Where to sleep in Pontecesures (by boat)

Next stage2

Where to get your credential stamped

Places on this stage that usually stamp the pilgrim's credential. Remember: over the last 100 km you need two stamps a day.

Albergue A Salazón
Albergue Xuvenil

Points based on the hostels and parish churches along this stretch (OpenStreetMap data). We can't guarantee that each one stamps at all times: opening hours and availability change. Many bars, cafés and town halls also stamp.

Don't have the credential yet? See where to get one →

A sea-and-river route that reenacts the maritime traslatio: some forty nautical miles up the Ría de Arousa to the River Ulla, setting sail from the estuary itself (Vilanova/Vilagarcía, or the harbours of O Grove and Ribeira). You glide past Catoira with its Torres do Oeste and follow the world's only maritime Way of the Cross (17 stone wayside crosses) before coming ashore at Pontecesures and Padrón, the ancient Iria Flavia.

Where to sleep in Pontecesures (by boat)

On the Camino, pilgrim hostels (municipal, parish and private) are the cheapest option, and many cannot be booked: you arrive and check in in order of arrival. The links below search for hotels and guesthouses, for those who prefer to secure a bed in advance.

Hotels and guesthouses ↗

Affiliate links to Booking.com: booking through them costs you no more and helps keep this independent guide running.

🌦 Weather at the destination

Next 5 days in Pontecesures (by boat), to decide whether to push on or stop.

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🛡 Travel insurance for the Camino

Insurance with medical assistance, baggage cover and cancellation protects you against the unexpected: an injury, a mishap or a stage you can't walk. IATI specialises in travel and offers cover valid for the Camino de Santiago.

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Take it on paper

Print or save this stage as PDF with its data, hostels and phone numbers. No battery or signal needed.

Hostels on this stage

Albergue A Salazón+34 606 365 561 View on Google Maps 📍
Albergue XuvenilView on Google Maps 📍

Hostel data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). It does not include beds or price, which are not always in the source; check with the hostel. Is one missing or wrong? Write to us.

Frequently asked questions about this stage

How many kilometres is stage 1?: The stage from Ría de Arousa to Pontecesures (by boat) is about 23 km according to our track.
How long does this stage take?: About 5 h 47 min at a moderate pace (23 km and +183 m). This estimate excludes breaks; with rests, photos and meals, add 1-2 hours.
How much elevation does this stage have?: It gains about +183 m of ascent and −185 m of descent, calculated on the real profile of the stage.
Is this stage difficult?: We rate it as easy difficulty, with about 8 m of ascent per kilometre. It is an estimate based on elevation; heat, rain or the surface can make it harder.
Where to sleep at the end of the stage, in Pontecesures (by boat)?: We list 2 pilgrim hostels in the corridor of this stage (with phone and website when available). You can also book a hotel or guesthouse in Pontecesures (by boat).

Xacobeo 2027

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Ría de Arousa → Pontecesures (by boat)

Elevation profile

Stage map

Where to get your credential stamped

Hostels on this stage

Frequently asked questions about this stage

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