Boat from Villanova de Arousa to Padron & Compostela

[Mamarich]

Forgive me, for asking re: a topic frequently discussed; But I’m having difficulty finding the thread. When walking the Variante Espiritual, if one takes the boat is it possible to obtain a Compostela? If not, do you have recommendations for stopping half way. I don’t see a clear stopping point around the halfway mark and 22 miles is more than I can do in a day. Thanks

 

[Tincatinker]

Yes. No

Edit: The boat journey counts towards the Pilgrimage Performance Certificate or Compostela

 

[Mamarich]

Thanks for both.

 

[jungleboy]

The VE is not recognized by the Pilgrims Office

I think it would be best if you stopped repeating this line, as it creates confusion. Just say this part:

You only can obtain a Compostela if you walk 100 kms either from O Porriño or Vigo and you obtain 2 stamps per day during these last 100 kms. 200 kms by the way if you bike .

 

[jungleboy]

The truth must be told. This is why this forum is for where people ask for advice and expect an honest answer. Suppose this pilgrim starts in Pontevedra, he will be disappointed when he asks for a Compostela at the Pilgrim Office.and does not get it. So if necessary in the future I will continue to repeat this.

That’s why I said to say the part about needing to start from Vigo or O Porriño but don’t say the part about the VE not being recognised. In the past that has caused confusion among pilgrims who think it means they can’t get a compostela if they walk the VE even if they started from Porto.

 

[MariaSP]

The truth must be told. This is why this forum is for where people ask for advice and expect an honest answer. Suppose this pilgrim starts in Pontevedra, he will be disappointed when he asks for a Compostela at the Pilgrim Office.and does not get it. So if necessary in the future I will continue to repeat this.

If you start in Pontevedra, you don't walk 100km into Santiago, and that's why you don't get your Compostela.
The credenciales issued by Santiago's cathedral have little maps of the routes on the back, and the Variante Espiritual is mentioned there ("Para poder obtener la Compostela, la variante espiritual debe iniciarse, como mínimo en Porriño o Vigo"). Why would they mention it if they don't recognize it?

 

[Mamarich]

For clarity, I will be walking from Porto. I will enter Spain at Tui, I will walk through O porrino. At Ponteverdra there is a choice to be made re: the EV. The final day of the EV from Villanova to Padron is 22 miles. I believe it to be a distance I am unable to cover in a day. There does not appear to be a good way to spread the stage into 2 days. If I take the boat that day, will a Compostela be issued? If I’m reading the responses correctly, it seems like I can continue with this plan, take the boat and received a Compostela. Am I understanding this correctly? Sadly this feels clear as mud for me right now.

 

[auburnfive]

Yes, you will receive a compostela with this plan

 

[MaxHelado]

It’s a big fat “YES!!”
In the circumstances you describe you can take the boat AND receive a Compostela.
I have done it 3 times.

 

[MariaSP]

For clarity, I will be walking from Porto. I will enter Spain at Tui, I will walk through O porrino. At Ponteverdra there is a choice to be made re: the EV. The final day of the EV from Villanova to Padron is 22 miles. I believe it to be a distance I am unable to cover in a day. There does not appear to be a good way to spread the stage into 2 days. If I take the boat that day, will a Compostela be issued? If I’m reading the responses correctly, it seems like I can continue with this plan, take the boat and received a Compostela. Am I understanding this correctly? Sadly this feels clear as mud for me right now.

Yes, you can take the boat and receive a Compostela. I did it last month. The boat trip was one of the highlights of the route for me, after the stretch immediately after Armenteira (Ruta da Pedra e da Auga, but I had walked this part at least 3 times before). I don't recommend walking Vilanova-Pontecesures, as it's a long stage, mostly on roads.

 

[Grousedoctor]

What a shame it would be if pilgrims walking from Porto or even further away couldn’t qualify for the Compostela just because they chose to walk the Variante Espiritual! Having walked the Central Route previously, our most recent Camino from Porto included the VE. To honor my wife’s father, we walked to remember him (vicarie pro). For this reason, in part, the Variante held particular meaning to us as it included a visit to and overnight at the Monestario Armenteria. The final leg, the boat from Vilanova de Aruza to Pontecesures was perhaps the most reflective and spiritual segment of our Camino. Getting to see the numerous cruceiros along this route would make most take pause to appreciate the role the pilgrimage has played in people’s lives for centuries. In any case not only did we get our Compostelas in Santiago, we also picked up the Pedronía certificate at the municipal albergue in Padrón for having walked the VE.

 

[Steven Dwyer]

we also picked up the Pedronía certificate at the municipal albergue in Padrón for having walked the VE.

The Pedronia is not issued for having walked the VE. The Pedronia is issued to acknowledge your visit to the Church of Santiago in Padrón. One can receive the Pedronia having walked either the VE or the central route.