Santa María de Oia
❯Baiona
Stage 7 · Portuguese way
Information
The stage between Santa María de Oia and Baiona has a distance of 18.6 kilometers, low difficulty, and an estimated duration of about 3 hours and 45 minutes.
The route continues northward following the Atlantic coast. During much of the day, the Way advances near the sea and at the base of cliffs, while the Serra da Groba rises inland.
From Santa María de Oia, the route crosses the municipality toward Mougás and continues toward Cabo Silleiro. The landscape combines small rural nuclei, zones open to the Atlantic, and wide views over the coast.
The main change arrives upon approaching Cabo Silleiro, situated at the southern end of the Vigo estuary. After the cape, the Way ascends toward Baredo following the old royal path.
From Baredo onward cobbled paths, villages, and traditional buildings begin appearing before beginning the descent toward Baiona, one of the historically most important towns of this part of the Way.
Route map
Recommendation from The Way
Recommendation for Stage 7: Santa María de Oia – Baiona
Although the stage has low difficulty, its 18.6 kilometers means it is recommended to maintain a peaceful pace and take advantage of the early hours of the day for walking.
The first part runs along the coast for many kilometers. It is wise to take into account exposure to sun, wind, and conditions inherent to a coast open to the Atlantic.
After Cabo Silleiro appears one of the few important profile changes. The Way temporarily leaves the direct coastline and ascends toward Baredo. The climb is not especially long, but arrives after more than thirteen kilometers of walking.
The stage allows arriving in Baiona with sufficient time to know the Monterreal area, the port, and the historic center.
Stage profile
The stage has approximately 18.6 kilometers and can be completed in about 3 hours and 45 minutes of effective walking, though with stops it can easily extend to 4.5 or 5 hours.
The profile is relatively comfortable during the first section along the coast, but becomes more demanding after Cabo Silleiro, where the route ascends toward Baredo. The highest points are around 150–170 meters of elevation, which are moderate gains.
The terrain varies throughout the day. The first kilometers run via coastal paths and open areas; after Baredo appear traditional cobbled paths and rural routes before arriving in Baiona.
Itinerary
Km 0
· Santa María de Oia
The stage begins at Santa María de Oia, beside the monastery that marked the previous day’s end. The Way continues northward leaving behind the nucleus and remaining close to the ocean.
The landscape is marked by the Atlantic on one side and the Serra da Groba on the other, with small nuclei, fields, and paths between both.
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· Mougás
Further ahead you reach Mougás, one of the route’s main reference points. The parish is situated between the rocky coast and the Serra da Groba and maintains the open-to-the-Atlantic character of this stage.
· Toward Cabo Silleiro
From Mougás, the Way continues at the base of the coast for several kilometers. The Atlantic remains a reference until reaching Cabo Silleiro, one of the day’s most important geographic points.
Km 13,8
· Cabo Silleiro
Cabo Silleiro marks the end of the first major section. It is located at the southern end of the Vigo estuary and its lighthouse has been a reference for navigation in this part of the coast for decades.
Viewpoints and old military installations are also preserved in the area. From here the Way begins ascending toward Baredo.
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· Baredo
After Cabo Silleiro you reach Baredo via the old royal path. In this area traditional paths are preserved, some cobbled sections, and old cart ruts carved in stone.
From Baredo begins the descent toward Baiona and the landscape gradually turns back toward the sea.
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· Entry into Baiona
One of the first great reference points is the Monte Boi peninsula, where the Monterreal Fortress is found. The ensemble dominates the town’s maritime entrance.
Km 18,6
· Baiona
The stage ends in Baiona, a locality situated at the beginning of the Vigo estuary. Its history is closely related to the sea.
On March 1, 1493, the caravel La Pinta arrived at its port, captained by Martín Alonso Pinzón, with news of arrival in America. This event is remembered each year during the Festa da Arribada (Arrival Festival).
After the stage it is worthwhile to tour its historic center, declared a Historic-Artistic Ensemble, as well as the port and the Monterreal area.
What to See
Monastery of Santa María de Oia
The monastery marks the stage’s beginning and stands out for its location facing the Atlantic and its historical importance in Oia municipality.
Coast of Oia
Much of the day covers Oia’s coast, between the Serra da Groba and the ocean. It is a landscape of rocky coast, small nuclei, and wide views over the Atlantic.
Cabo Silleiro
Cabo Silleiro is located at the southern end of the Vigo estuary. Its lighthouse, viewpoints, and remains of military installations form one of the stage’s most recognizable points.
Traditional Paths of Baredo
The passage through Baredo allows knowing a more rural part of the Way, with old cobbled paths and historical routes.
Monterreal Fortress
The Monterreal Fortress occupies the Monte Boi peninsula. It preserves towers, gates, and defensive structures and currently houses a Parador de Turismo (state-run hotel).
Caravel La Pinta
At Baiona’s port a replica of La Pinta can be visited, the vessel that arrived on March 1, 1493, with news of the voyage to America.
Historic Center of Baiona
The historic center preserves narrow streets, religious buildings, and constructions related to the town’s maritime past.
Localities
District: Pontevedra
Santa María de Oia
Santa María de Oia is the stage’s starting point and one of Oia municipality’s main nuclei, closely linked to its monastery.
District: Pontevedra
Mougás
Mougás is located between the sea and the Serra da Groba and is one of the main reference points of the coastal route toward Baiona.
District: Pontevedra
Baredo
Baredo is the first parish of Baiona municipality that the Way crosses after leaving Oia behind. It preserves traditional paths and cobbled sections.
District: Pontevedra
Baiona
Baiona is the stage’s end. Its port, the Monterreal Fortress, its historic center, and the memory of La Pinta’s arrival form part of its main attractions.
Route map
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