Redondela
❯Pontevedra
Stage 10 · Portuguese way
Information
The stage between Redondela and Pontevedra has an official length of 18.2 kilometers, an estimated duration of 4 hours and 35 minutes, and medium difficulty.
The route begins near the Vigo estuary, crosses the parishes of Cesantes and O Viso, and arrives at Arcade. It then crosses the Verdugo River via the historic bridge of Ponte Sampaio.
During the first part, views toward the estuary are one of the main attractions. From the Cesantes area the islands of San Simón and Santo Antón can be seen, the mussel farming rafts, and in the distance, Rande bridge.
After Arcade the type of terrain changes. Old paths and cobbled sections appear, among them the Brea Vella da Canicouva, which follows part of the ancient Roman Way XIX route.
The final part passes through A Boullosa, Santa Comba de Bértola, Santa Marta, and Tomeza before entering Pontevedra, where the Way leads toward the Sanctuary of the Pilgrim Virgin and the historic center.
Route map
Recommendation from The Way
Recommendation for Stage 10: Redondela – Pontevedra
The stage is classified with medium difficulty. It is not especially long, but several climbing sections and cobbled areas appear, especially after Ponte Sampaio.
It is wise to pay attention at the Brea Vella da Canicouva, formed by large stone slabs. On rainy days it can be more slippery and uncomfortable.
In the final part there is an alternative entry into Pontevedra following the natural trail of the Gafos River. It is an attractive route, although in rainy seasons it can accumulate mud and water.
The stage ends in the heart of Pontevedra, so it is worthwhile reserving time to know the city after setting down your backpack.
Stage profile
The stage has approximately 18.2 kilometers with medium overall difficulty. The profile presents several modest climbs, particularly after Ponte Sampaio and on the approach to Pontevedra. The highest elevations do not exceed 200 meters.
The terrain varies throughout the day. The first section combines rural paths and small roads near the estuary; the middle section features the characteristic cobbled Brea Vella; the final section uses a mix of rural paths and small roads approaching the city.
Estimated walking time is about 4 hours and 35 minutes of effective walking, though with stops for visiting monuments and the city, the day easily extends to 5.5 or 6 hours.
Itinerary
Km 0
· Redondela
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· Cesantes
.
· O Viso
Km 7,1
· Arcade
The Way crosses Arcade, a locality belonging to Soutomaior municipality. The area is very related to oyster cultivation and consumption.
From the urban nucleus you descend toward the Verdugo River and toward Ponte Sampaio bridge.
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· Ponte Sampaio
The Ponte Sampaio bridge allows crossing the Verdugo River. For centuries it was an important communication point and a historic passage for pilgrims.
The place also played an important role during the War of Independence, when in June 1809 French forces were repelled in this area.
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· Brea Vella da Canicouva
Km 12,2
· Bergunde
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· A Boullosa and Santa Comba de Bértola
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· Chapel of Santa Marta
The Chapel of Santa Marta, built in the seventeenth century, is one of the final section’s references.
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· Tomeza and Gafos River
Km 18,2
· Pontevedra
The stage ends in Pontevedra. The arrival leads toward the Sanctuary of the Pilgrim Virgin, one of the city’s and the Portuguese Way’s main symbols.
From here the route enters the historic center, declared a Historic-Artistic Ensemble, where some of the city’s best-known plazas and buildings concentrate.
What to See
Islands of San Simón and Santo Antón
Ponte Sampaio
Brea Vella da Canicouva
Chapel of Santa Marta
Sanctuary of the Pilgrim Virgin
Ferraría Square and Church of San Francisco
Historic Center of Pontevedra
The historic center preserves arcaded streets, plazas, and numerous historic buildings and is one of Galicia’s best-preserved urban ensembles.
Ponte do Burgo
Localities
District: Pontevedra
Redondela
District: Pontevedra
Cesantes
District: Pontevedra
O Viso
District: Pontevedra
Arcade
District: Pontevedra
Ponte Sampaio
District: Pontevedra
Pontevedra
Route map
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