Hidden gems

[Barb AA]

Hello all
New to the forum. My husband and I are planning to walk the Portugues camino/Espiritual. I hoping to learn about some hidden gems that you have discovered along the way that can’t be found in guide books Such as interesting places to eat, unique Galician architecture, Roman roads, interesting places to get passport stamped, etc. TIA

 

[naplesdon]

The guide books do a go job of covering it all. I have been there twice and it changes every year. I think finding routes that take you away from the traditional paths can be very interesting, that is why I carry a Michelin guide as well to help me find the way back to my original route.

 

[MisterH]

I found that just walking around town was great. In big towns/cities I take an extra day to just look around. Pamploma was one of my favorites.

 

[Helen1]

Oh envious! I am remembering eating a giant plate Padron peppers sitting outside a cafe in Padrón in the afternoon sun... yum! No special tips I'm afraid but it's a lovely part of the world. Hope you have a wonderful time.

 

[JillGat]

There are gems all along the route.. you can't miss them. And I bet you find some none of us know about. Here's one that isn't mentioned in all the guidebooks. https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/pedra-furada.63647/

 

[trecile]

Whatever you do, don't stress yourself out trying to get to all of the hidden gems. Sometimes a shared meal in an otherwise forgettable place can be the highlight of your journey.

 

[MarkyD]

Hello all
New to the forum. My husband and I are planning to walk the Portugues camino/Espiritual. I hoping to learn about some hidden gems that you have discovered along the way that can’t be found in guide books Such as interesting places to eat, unique Galician architecture, Roman roads, interesting places to get passport stamped, etc. TIA

I thought the boat ride from Vilanova de Arousa to Pontecesures was a good option, depending on the weather conditions of course.
The walk down from the Monesterio de Amenteira along the Ruta de la Piedra y del Agua was lovely, but I mistakenly kept left on the first section going down. You can go down that way, but it takes you down a narrower path and away from the stream. I could see local people coming up on the other side!
There could be various wine festivals being promoted in other towns off the route, so it might be a good choice of a detour before getting back on track the following day. It's worth exploring if you have the time.

 

[JillGat]

I thought the boat ride from Vilanova de Arousa to Pontecesures was a good option, depending on the weather conditions of course.
The walk down from the Monesterio de Amenteira along the Ruta de la Piedra y del Agua was lovely, but I mistakenly kept left on the first section going down. You can go down that way, but it takes you down a narrower path and away from the stream. I could see local people coming up on the other side!
There could be various wine festivals being promoted in other towns off the route, so it might be a good choice of a detour before getting back on track the following day. It's worth exploring if you have the time.

If you happen upon a small, local festival it can be fun. The larger ones that draw people from outside the village are something to be avoided in my personal opinion. Accommodations are scarce, big crowds, loud noise until late at night. And carnival-type vendors that aren't local.

 

[Latecomer]

I did the Spiritual Variant in 2018 after doing the Camino Frances and continuing to Finisterre. I really enjoyed it.

Definitely do the tour at the Monastery in Poio.. http://www.parroquiasanxoan.es/

Albergue Turistico a Salazon in Arousa - close to pier and many decent restaruants. I had it to myself the night I was there.. It was very clean, had a nice sitting area (TV, I believe), good Wi-Fi.

I am a big believer in having many buffer days.. If someplace feels good, stop find a place to stay and have a good meal.

¡Buen Camino!

 

[Barb AA]

Thank you everyone for your thoughts and suggestions. We definitely plan on taking a couple of rest days and savour each day. Buen Camino.

 

[Pelegrin]

In Padrón, visit the house/museum of Rosalia de Castro the most important Galician poetess. It is a house from the 19th century.