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Brierley's Guide does not mention the monastery closing at 13:30. (PH 627 097 696) www.monasteriodearmenteira.org. He does say they serve dinner for 10 euro. Also, "Adjacent to the monastery is Cafe O Comercio (PH 986 710 186) and A Fonte (PH 986 710 003)"
I loved Combarro and stayed at the hotel Xeito, which has rooms overlooking the harbor (abet next to the busy main road, but the rooms are quiet with the triple glazed windows) They also provide a lovely area to wash and hang your clothes. The old town is delightful and full of wonderful restaurants. Your stages are very doable. The boat ride from Vilanova De Arouse up the estuary is a treat, but it may compromise you getting a compostela since you are starting at Tui.
View attachment 61114 Combrarro
Good morning LesBrass. Did the Variente last year and loved it. Stayed in the albergue at the end of the village. As you walk into Armenteira you can eat in the bar across the road and there was a restaurant up to the right that was closed at the time.I’m planning a camino with a few friends along the CP and the Variente. We plan to stop one night at Combarro before tackling the climb to Armentiera. I have been in contact with the Monastery and it is possible for us to book rooms here, and then walk to Vilanova the following day. I think this is what I’d like to do… but… I have a few questions.
Four of my group will be new to the camino and I don’t want to make any days too long or arduous. I am also keen for them to experience the kind of camino that I love… and I do love staying in convents and monasteries.
- Are there options for eating at Armentiera? We can have breakfast at the monastery but what about lunch or dinner?
- The monastery closes at 13:30 - I've read that the climb from Combarro is taxing, is it reasonable to expect to arrive from Combarro to Armentiera in good time before the door closes?
- Has anyone stayed at the monastery? What was your impression of your stay? On previous walks I’ve always opted to stay wherever possible at Monasteries and on the whole we’ve always had a wonderful experience. I read an account on a blog which said don’t stay here (the reason was that they did the tour in 30 minutes and there was nothing else to see or do?) I do realise though that this is just one opinion!
- I’ve read some folks mention that they visit the monastery and walk on to Hospedaxe Os Castaños in Barrantes. Those who have walked route would you say this was preferable?
I’ve walked the CP before but not the variente… The stages I am planning so far are :
Any feedback or suggestions will be very welcome. (thank you)
- Tui (Valenca)
- O Porinno
- Redondella
- Pontevedra
- Combarro (via Poio)
- Armenteira
- Vilanova de Arousa
- A Escravitude (via ferry & Padron)
- Santiago
Don't sweat the accommodations as you will be getting there so early, having walked from Combarro, there will be plenty of space at the municipal if needed. Hopefully, mix ups don't happen often at the monastery. There were 6 of us the first time I walked this route and we did just fine.Thank you all for these replies... all helpful! I have been able to reserve accommodation along this route... even with the Nuns but I'm nervous now that perhaps that might not be fixed in stoneI did consider the albergue but as there will be 7 in our group I think I'd rather have a confirmed booking? (but I'm noting Susan's comments!)
I've also been reading the other thread about compostella and that also makes me a little nervous... so a little more homework perhaps? Our group will start from Valenca which I thought would be ok but I will double check this too.
Many thanks for the input... I really hope this does work as I'd love to walk the variente.
Don't sweat the accommodations as you will be getting there so early, having walked from Combarro, there will be plenty of space at the municipal if needed. Hopefully, mix ups don't happen often at the monastery. There were 6 of us the first time I walked this route and we did just fine.
Hi, I did the V E this year in March. When I got my compostella the km that I had walked on the VE was not included. When I asked about this the guy just shrugged at the pilgrim office and said we don't include the VE. This might have chaged since March so not sure just in case if this is part of what you are askingThank you all for these replies... all helpful! I have been able to reserve accommodation along this route... even with the Nuns but I'm nervous now that perhaps that might not be fixed in stoneI did consider the albergue but as there will be 7 in our group I think I'd rather have a confirmed booking? (but I'm noting Susan's comments!)
I've also been reading the other thread about compostella and that also makes me a little nervous... so a little more homework perhaps? Our group will start from Valenca which I thought would be ok but I will double check this too.
Many thanks for the input... I really hope this does work as I'd love to walk the variente.
Hi, I did the V E this year in March. When I got my compostella the km that I had walked on the VE was not included. When I asked about this the guy just shrugged at the pilgrim office and said we don't include the VE. This might have chaged since March so not sure just in case if this is part of what you are asking
Hi Mycroft, you will get your compostela if you walk from Porto. That is where I started. I am not sure what the deal is on the VE about pilgrim office not inc the km walked there. But the VE is beautiful to do. I took the boat ride and had the Brierley guide just keep in mind it is close to 2 hours on the boat and not 1. If I were to go back to do it again I would walk rather than taking the boatHi, Abigail Kelly--I am not clear about what happened at the pilgrim office. Would you tell me more, please? Do you mean you were able to get your compostela, but when they added up your miles, they didn't/wouldn't included the Variante? What's the deal with that--does anyone know?
Also wondering if anyone knows about the regs to get the compostela--I have a memory that it is not just 100 km but a radius of 100 km out from Santiago. In other words if I walked hundreds of km from somewhere, but then 50 km from Santiago I took the train into the city, I would not be eligible for the compostela. Is this correct?
Which brings me to the boat ride along the Variante. Brierley in the introduction says if you take the boat, you are not eligible for the compostela. So have folks found that is true, or that boat ride is acceptable if one has walked the rest of the way from Porto and done the Variante?
Thanks.
Glad you mentioned the boat is 2 hours--as you pointed out, Brierley writes it is 1.Hi Mycroft, you will get your compostela if you walk from Porto. That is where I started. I am not sure what the deal is on the VE about pilgrim office not inc the km walked there. But the VE is beautiful to do. I took the boat ride and had the Brierley guide just keep in mind it is close to 2 hours on the boat and not 1. If I were to go back to do it again I would walk rather than taking the boatThe boat was nice but I felt it was a bit to long and I was getting bored lol. Have a great trip and don't plan to much
I will double check the compostela rules... I think I read that if we walk every step from Tui (Valenca) we'll be ok?
According to a document posted a few days ago, you will qualify for the Compostela starting in O Porriño, even doing the Variante Espiritual. So looks like you are fine starting a bit further back in Tui. Sounds like a wonderful camino!
Camino de Santiago
Bienvenido a la Web de la Federación Española de Asociaciones de Amigos del Camino de Santiago. Todo sobre el Camino de Santiago, información, guías, descripción, planos, consejos, albergues, hospitaleros, noticias, Asociaciones de Amigos del Camino.www.caminosantiago.org
Remember that you can receive a certificate in Padron
I will message youYou'll have to tell me where to go... we couldn't find it last time and the council office was closed? x
Glad you mentioned the boat is 2 hours--as you pointed out, Brierley writes it is 1.
Hi, I was on the big boat and this was just in April and it still took 2 hours. They did explain in Spanish and English about the mussel farming. I was a bit dissapointed with the view of the 17 stone crosses as that was the main reason I took the boat. I probally expected to much in that regards! Oh god I can't imagine been on that small rubber dingy in the cold for 2 hours brrrrrrrrrrHi, it depends which boat you are on and who the crew are. The first time I was in a rubber dinghy (with a few people sitting on the sides, as there were not enough seats in the main section), and the journey took about 2 hours, mainly because the captain stopped for a long long time at the mussel platforms explaining (in Spanish) all about them. It was very very cold on the boat (this was beginning of June). The second time there were many people and they put on the big boat, which took about 1 hour. It was also cold (late September), so it was so good to be able to sit inside and drink hot coffee. They also explained, as we were sailing, over the intercom (in Spanish and English) about the mussel farming. On the big boat we had to sail very early in the morning, in the dark, to catch the high tide, so we missed all the scenery at the beginning. The sun came up just before we reached Pontecesures. Two very different trips!
We just finished starting from Porto and the VE was not included in our distance, rather the Coastal Route 280km. We took the boat from Vilanova de Arousa to Padrón. We stayed in Tui, but if we do the route again we’d stay in Valencia, you will then get your distance.Hi, I did the V E this year in March. When I got my compostella the km that I had walked on the VE was not included. When I asked about this the guy just shrugged at the pilgrim office and said we don't include the VE. This might have chaged since March so not sure just in case if this is part of what you are asking
Remember that you can receive a certificate in Padron
[/QUOTe
How do you qualify for a credential if you walk the Camino Portuguese?
The boat ride time will depend on the weather and the tide.Glad you mentioned the boat is 2 hours--as you pointed out, Brierley writes it is 1.
We're walking the Camino Portuguese from Porto to Santiago. Where will we pick up the Variate Espiritual? Will we qualify for a pilgrims credential after we finish in Santiago?We just finished starting from Porto and the VE was not included in our distance, rather the Coastal Route 280km. We took the boat from Vilanova de Arousa to Padrón. We stayed in Tui, but if we do the route again we’d stay in Valencia, you will then get your distance.
Where on the Camino Portuguese does one pick up the Variante Espiritual on our way to Santiago? Please RSVP. Thanks.According to a document posted a few days ago, you will qualify for the Compostela starting in O Porriño, even doing the Variante Espiritual. So looks like you are fine starting a bit further back in Tui. Sounds like a wonderful camino!
Camino de Santiago
Bienvenido a la Web de la Federación Española de Asociaciones de Amigos del Camino de Santiago. Todo sobre el Camino de Santiago, información, guías, descripción, planos, consejos, albergues, hospitaleros, noticias, Asociaciones de Amigos del Camino.www.caminosantiago.org
Yes it is after you leave Pontevedra. You can't miss the big signs even if you triedAfter you leave Pontevedra there is a path to the left that is well signed . I've not walked the espirituel but I definitely saw the signs.
It's 2.5km from the Burgos bridge (which was being renewed in the end of July, detours are well marked and the next bridge is just a few metres away)Where on the Camino Portuguese does one pick up the Variante Espiritual on our way to Santiago? Please RSVP. Thanks.
Did you go already? Would you like to share your experience and recommendations if any of monasteries and albergues, please? In my radar for next year. Thank you kindly!I’m planning a camino with a few friends along the CP and the Variente. We plan to stop one night at Combarro before tackling the climb to Armentiera. I have been in contact with the Monastery and it is possible for us to book rooms here, and then walk to Vilanova the following day. I think this is what I’d like to do… but… I have a few questions.
Four of my group will be new to the camino and I don’t want to make any days too long or arduous. I am also keen for them to experience the kind of camino that I love… and I do love staying in convents and monasteries.
- Are there options for eating at Armentiera? We can have breakfast at the monastery but what about lunch or dinner?
- The monastery closes at 13:30 - I've read that the climb from Combarro is taxing, is it reasonable to expect to arrive from Combarro to Armentiera in good time before the door closes?
- Has anyone stayed at the monastery? What was your impression of your stay? On previous walks I’ve always opted to stay wherever possible at Monasteries and on the whole we’ve always had a wonderful experience. I read an account on a blog which said don’t stay here (the reason was that they did the tour in 30 minutes and there was nothing else to see or do?) I do realise though that this is just one opinion!
- I’ve read some folks mention that they visit the monastery and walk on to Hospedaxe Os Castaños in Barrantes. Those who have walked route would you say this was preferable?
I’ve walked the CP before but not the variente… The stages I am planning so far are :
Any feedback or suggestions will be very welcome. (thank you)
- Tui (Valenca)
- O Porinno
- Redondella
- Pontevedra
- Combarro (via Poio)
- Armenteira
- Vilanova de Arousa
- A Escravitude (via ferry & Padron)
- Santiago
Did you go already? Would you like to share your experience and recommendations if any of monasteries and albergues, please? In my radar for next year. Thank you kindly!
Thanks! God willing, I'm planning it for May 2020.Hello - no I'm planning for next June
Thank you all for these replies... all helpful! I have been able to reserve accommodation along this route... even with the Nuns but I'm nervous now that perhaps that might not be fixed in stoneI did consider the albergue but as there will be 7 in our group I think I'd rather have a confirmed booking? (but I'm noting Susan's comments!)
I've also been reading the other thread about compostella and that also makes me a little nervous... so a little more homework perhaps? Our group will start from Valenca which I thought would be ok but I will double check this too.
Many thanks for the input... I really hope this does work as I'd love to walk the variente.
Hello,
Quick question
How far ahead did you book your accommodation? And do you have a contact for the Hotel Xeito? With a group of friends we are thinking of this route for next year. Thanks
The web site HotelXeito.com has contact information.
Fleur-- Did you stay in Caldas de Reis? How was it? I'm thinking I want to go that way instead of the Variante...Any thoughts?After you leave Pontevedra there is a path to the left that is well signed . I've not walked the espirituel but I definitely saw the signs.
I'm not the OP but I walked it a couple of months ago and loved it. I talk about the highlights of the Variante Espiritual in written and podcast form on my website.Did you go already? Would you like to share your experience and recommendations if any of monasteries and albergues, please? In my radar for next year. Thank you kindly!
Yes I did this 3 years ago stayed at monastery really beautiful and great accomodation rooms excellent.40 euros what a wonderful walk from Pontevedra to Santiago although I did from Pontevedra to armenteria same day yes tough long day probably have been better to do your plan split stage.stage from armenteria along the route De aqua complete heaven of walk best days walk I've done in my 14 Camino's hope to do it again this year god willing don't miss it you'll love iiI’m planning a camino with a few friends along the CP and the Variente. We plan to stop one night at Combarro before tackling the climb to Armentiera. I have been in contact with the Monastery and it is possible for us to book rooms here, and then walk to Vilanova the following day. I think this is what I’d like to do… but… I have a few questions.
Four of my group will be new to the camino and I don’t want to make any days too long or arduous. I am also keen for them to experience the kind of camino that I love… and I do love staying in convents and monasteries.
- Are there options for eating at Armentiera? We can have breakfast at the monastery but what about lunch or dinner?
- The monastery closes at 13:30 - I've read that the climb from Combarro is taxing, is it reasonable to expect to arrive from Combarro to Armentiera in good time before the door closes?
- Has anyone stayed at the monastery? What was your impression of your stay? On previous walks I’ve always opted to stay wherever possible at Monasteries and on the whole we’ve always had a wonderful experience. I read an account on a blog which said don’t stay here (the reason was that they did the tour in 30 minutes and there was nothing else to see or do?) I do realise though that this is just one opinion!
- I’ve read some folks mention that they visit the monastery and walk on to Hospedaxe Os Castaños in Barrantes. Those who have walked route would you say this was preferable?
I’ve walked the CP before but not the variente… The stages I am planning so far are :
Any feedback or suggestions will be very welcome. (thank you)
- Tui (Valenca)
- O Porinno
- Redondella
- Pontevedra
- Combarro (via Poio)
- Armenteira
- Vilanova de Arousa
- A Escravitude (via ferry & Padron)
- Santiago
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