Camino do Vino Way in Ribeiro Wine Country to Santiago de Compostela

Walking the Ribeiro Way from Ribadavia to Santiago

The Camino del Ribeiro Way is part of a long and ancient pilgrimage route that has only recently been resurrected between Braga in northern Portugal and Santiago de Compostela (Camino de Santiago da Geira Romana e dos Arrieiros). The entire Camino is 239 km; which can be completed in 10 stages although the climb from Braga over the Portuguese mountains is demanding.

It's more realistic and comfortable to start in Ribadavia (or anywhere in the Ribeiro area) which is 109 km from Santiago so pilgrims can get their Compostela.

The Camino extends for 40 km passing through the Ribeiro wine-producing area which has Denomination of Origin status. It's an undulating walk passing terraced vineyards and the river valleys of the Minho and at Ribadavia, the river Avia. The walk leaves the Ribeiro area at the enchanting village of Pazos de Arenteiro renowned for its concentration of historic manor-style houses.

The remaining 90 km to Santiago follows the old route which was used to transport the wine produced in Ribeiro to its principal market in Santiago de Compostela, known as the Arrieiros Camino. The climb to Salón is one of its hardest points before the Camino finally becomes more populated by small towns and villages in impressive rural settings which are generally off the beaten path and away from touristy areas.

DAY 1:
VIGO, PORTO OR SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA - RIBADAVIA

• You can start this tour in Vigo, Porto, or even be transferred from Santiago de Compostela. We can pick you up from the airport, train station or other locations in either of these cities.
• Transfer to Ribadavia, the heart of the D.O. Ribeiro Wine Country
• Upon arrival, you will meet your Camino & Wine Expert Guide who will accompany you for the next few days. 
• A brief tour of Old Town.
• We will stay closeby at a quaint wine country manor house which also has a winery.
• Before dinner enjoy a visit and tasting of the winery Casal de Arman
• Welcome dinner at the restaurant of the manor house offering excellent Galician Cuisine and wines.
• Overnight in Ribadavia

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DAY 2: 
RIBADAVIA - PAZOS DE ARENTEIRO  (WALKING DISTANCE: 17KM APPROX.)

• Breakfast.
• This relatively short walk starts gently following the picturesque river Avia upstream.
• You start to climb passing quaint villages like Beade, Beran (possible bar stop), and Lebosende near Leiro admiring the views of the River Minho/Avia valleys and terraced vineyards with undulating hills.
• You will have a lunch stop and some time on your own. You could as well get a pic-nic pack lunch from the manor house if you wish to do a pic-nic style lunch instead of at a restaurant.
• After the start of another steep climb, the beautiful village of Pazos de Arenteiro is a welcome site and end of the stage. A perfect place to enjoy the beauty of the countryside with views looking out across the vast wilderness of the Ribeiro area.
• Dinner with local cuisine & wines at the manor house
• Overnight in Pazos de Arenteiro

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DAY 3:
PAZOS DE ARENTEIRO - BEARIZ  - PAZOS DE ARENTEIRO (WALKING DISTANCE: 20KM APPROX.)

• Breakfast
• The start involves another steep climb but through beautiful, remote landscapes with few opportunities to stop. The Camino becomes more undulating before the welcome site of the village of Beariz comes into view.
• You will have a lunch stop and some time on your own. You could as well get a pic-nic pack lunch from the manor house if you wish to do a pic-nic style lunch instead of at a restaurant.
• Then you will be transferred back to the same manor house as last night.
• Dinner with local cuisine & wines at the manor house
• Overnight in Pazos de Arenteiro

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DAY 4:
PAZOS DE ARENTEIRO - BEARIZ - CODESEDA (WALKING DISTANCE: 31KM APPROX.)

• Breakfast
• This is the longest stage of the Camino but worth the effort. Although undulating it generally descends passing beautiful countryside. It soon passes Soutelo de Montes where you can have a drink and a rest.
• You will have a lunch stop and some time on your own. 
• Then the next village at Cachafeiro also has a bar. From here the Camino descends all the way crossing the beautiful, small stone Gomail bridge before finally arriving at Folgar.
• Dinner at the manor house with local cuisine & wines
• Overnight in Folgar

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DAY 5:
CODESEDA - PONTEVEA  (WALKING DISTANCE: 24KM APPROX.)

• Breakfast
• After the excesses of the last stage, this walk is shorter and downhill passing one of the largest towns on the route at A Estrada, a great place to have lunch on your own and your guide will recommend a great spot for you.
• After a short climb the village of we'll be transferred to Lestrobe, a good place to rest at the end of the penultimate stage.
• Dinner at the rural hotel with local cuisine & wines
• Overnight in Lestrobe

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DAY 6:
PONTEVEA - SANTIAGO (17KM)

• Breakfast
• The final stage is a short one but the start involves climbing before it starts to undulate and fall towards Santiago passing more houses but still in a rural setting.
• The last part as you enter Santiago is a beautiful ending passing parks and green spaces before joining the last stretch of the Ruta de la Plata. You pass the striking Church of Santa Maria a Real do Sar then enter the Old Town at the famous old Mazarelos archway then Plaza las Platerias before arriving at Obradoiro square in front of the majestic Cathedral where the Camino and wine route ends.
• Then your camino guide will say the final goodbye today.
• Time to relax or to walk around Santiago (NOTE: See our Add-ons Section to include a guided walking tour of the old quarter and Cathedral)
• Table reservation tonight a Michelin-starred restaurant, treat yourself after completing the Camino de Santiago thru the Ribeiro Wine Country!
• Overnight in Santiago de Compostela

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DAY 7:
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

• Breakfast
• Transfer to the airport or train station. (NOTE:  If you need a transfer to Vigo or Porto please inquire for extra cost. As well if would like to extend your stay including another night or even a short break see our Add-ons Section for details to extend your stay in Santiago de Compostela.)

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END OF TOUR SERVICES