CP21 - Redondela - Pontevedra - 15,5 km

Camino de Santiago: Stage from Redondela to Pontevedra

This stage of the Portuguese Camino takes us from Redondela to Pontevedra, crossing beautiful Galician landscapes, historic towns, and iconic monuments that enrich the journey toward Santiago de Compostela.

Departure from Redondela: First Steps

The stage begins at the Redondela albergue. From here, we cross Plaza de la Alfóndiga and pass by the Church of Santiago. We continue along Rúas do Cruceiro and da Picota, reaching the Chapel of Santa María. After crossing the N-550, we leave the urban area behind and head towards Cesantes, crossing a small bridge over the Raxeiro River and the railway tracks.

Cesantes: Connecting with Nature

In Cesantes, if we turn left, we pass through a "fraga," a forest that houses various tree species. We reach Rúa do Areeiro and cross the N-550 again before taking the Viso road.

Viso Road: Climb and Panoramic Views

We climb up a road until we reach a recreational area with stone tables and a fresh-water fountain. At the summit, we find Eido dos Mouros, and to the left, the remains of a former post house. As we descend, we enjoy spectacular views of the Vigo estuary and San Simón Island.

Arcade: Galician History and Tradition

We enter Arcade, a picturesque village known for its maritime tradition and delicious oysters. Walking through its streets, we appreciate the typical rural constructions of the region. At the exit of Arcade, we reach the historic Sampayo Bridge, the site of the 1809 battle where Galician troops defeated French Marshal Ney. After crossing the bridge, we arrive in Puentesampaio, a small Galician village full of history.

Puentesampaio: Monuments and Cultural Landscapes

About 100 meters from Sampayo Bridge, we climb the steep Rúa do Concello to reach the Ballota cross. We continue along the path to the O Souto monument and cross the medieval "Ponte Nova." This section takes us along the Vrea Vella de Canicouba, an ancient road that shows the marks of carts on the stones, a reminder of past times and Jacobean tradition.

Between Forests and Valleys: A Peaceful Landscape

From the Vrea Vella de Canicouba, we descend surrounded by pines into the valleys of Alcouce and Boullosa. Along the way, we pass by the ruins of another post house, and the landscape begins to become more humanized. We cross the road that leads up to Canicouba and head towards Santa Marta, passing the Chapel of Santa Columba de Bértola. From here, we follow the Tomeza Valley until we reach the Chapel of Santa Marta de Ganderón.

Final Sections: Towards Pontevedra

After about 50 meters, we reach the road that connects San Andrés de Figueirido with Pontevedra. As we continue, we pass through several localities: Pobo, Tomeza, Ponte Condesa, and Ponte Couto. Finally, we cross the Marcón road and enter Pontevedra, known in Roman times as Pons Veteris.

Arrival in Pontevedra: A Historic Landmark

Once in Pontevedra, after passing under the railway line, we reach the pilgrims' albergue. The ancient Pons Veteris provides a perfect closure to this stage, full of history, nature, and moments of reflection on the Camino de Santiago.