Variante Espiritual - A Few Questions

[LesBrass]

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.

• 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?

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.

I’ve walked the CP before but not the variente… The stages I am planning so far are :

• Tui (Valenca)
• O Porinno
• Redondella
• Pontevedra
• Combarro (via Poio)
• Armenteira
• Vilanova de Arousa
• A Escravitude (via ferry & Padron)
• Santiago

Any feedback or suggestions will be very welcome. (thank you)

 

[Morning Waters]

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.
Combrarro

 

[LesBrass]

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

Brilliant thanks for this. Xeito is the hotel I've contacted for booking rooms so good to know it's comfortable. The Monastery have said they close at 13:30 but if they offer dinner for 10€ that would be great. It sounds like our plan is a good one? We can always buy food for lunch before we leave Combarro and eat this once we arrive.

I will double check the compostela rules... I think I read that if we walk every step from Tui (Valenca) we'll be ok? I have several already but I know for a couple in my group this will be important.

Many thanks for the info! lovely photo!

 

[John Gilliland]

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?

There is a cafe and a restaurant in the area in front of the monastery. The vesper service is powerful. We weren't able to eat dinner there but you might be able to with an advance reservation. The nuns have a specific schedule so they want you to arrive before 13:30 or later in the afternoon. There is a gift shop that can help you when you arrive. There isn't much to do but it is a very peaceful, refreshing stay.

 

[Rosaleenq]

Hi there,

I walked from Pontevdra to Combarro, Combarro to Armenteira and there to Vilanouva + boat last week on my own. I stayed in small hotels so no use to you on the monastery for accom am afraid.

A few hopefully helpful tips otherwise:
I really enjoyed it The walk from PdeV to Poio is lovely. The last bit nearing Combarro is a wee bit confusing but Combarro itself really gorgeous village.
Having read about ' the climb' to Armenteira on here I was quite nervous but it's actually fine. The first 3-4 km are steep but it really levels off after that. Energy-wise I was initially kind of sorry I hadn't planned to go on to Os Barrantes but actually I really loved Armenteira and it was nice the day before to hang out in Combarro at leisure which is really beautiful.

The cafe beside the monastery in A has fab food and the vespers (at 7) at the monastery are really nice (about 20-30mins) with a blessing for pilgrims. It's just a really nice small restful village.
Having got to Os Barrantes the next morning there isn't a whole lot there. I bought my boat ticket from the extremely helpful girl in the little tourist 'garden shed' opp the cafe. I would stop there for a '2nd breakfast" ad there isn't a whole lot then until reach Vilanouva. I had assumed that I could have a nice lunch in Pontesearlas but only option there was not great tbh. There is a short steep hill out of P/s which I didn't see mentioned here. It is short though! I sent on my bags.

The boat was fine but was cold/wet (got 7am one) so layer up! Dawn over bay in Vilanouva on walk TO the boat was a highlight.

Have a great time!

Rosaleen

 

[PDO]

Hello... even though we did not stay in the monastery, my husband and I did attend a pilgrim’s blessing in one of the small chapel rooms in the monastery. It was so beautiful! The nuns sang for half hour or so, the priest ended with an emotional prayer, said in the languages of all of us there... then he came around to each of us and laid his hand on our head for a blessing. It was a powerful spiritually emotional, intimate service. I will never forget it! Check in at the gift shop to see if they are having a pilgrim blessing . My feeling is that they do one each evening. We went at 7pm I think. Buen Camino!

 

[GIOVANBATTISTA]

Near monastery there are 2 bar restaurant. To sleep at the monastery is expensive, 500 meters after there is the albergue municipal, very good.

 

[jerby]

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.

• 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?

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.

I’ve walked the CP before but not the variente… The stages I am planning so far are :

• Tui (Valenca)
• O Porinno
• Redondella
• Pontevedra
• Combarro (via Poio)
• Armenteira
• Vilanova de Arousa
• A Escravitude (via ferry & Padron)
• Santiago

Any feedback or suggestions will be very welcome. (thank you)

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.
The 1st mile out of combarro was tough but don't forget to look back and admire the view. Not sure about the monastery but I can't see a problem about booking in. You should make it in plenty of time.
Not much to do in the village but why rush. You'll do enough rushing when you get back to the real world. We walked onto Villanova the next day, which is a beautiful walk. Plenty of places to eat along the way. Stayed in the albergue, which is upstairs in the local sports hall. You can also buy your ticket for the boat there. One bit of advice. Wear warm clothes. Long trousers and warm jacket for the boat trip and even gloves if you had them. Took ages for my fingers to warm up after.
Don't forget to vist the church in Padron and see the stone under the alter. Just outside the church on the right is a lovely little coffee shop. Enjoy and Buen Camino.

 

[Susan Peacock]

We had planned to stay in the Monastery, but the nuns had mixed up the dates (even though we had sent the required money) and "the nuns were having none of us." They didn't even seem particularly bothered by the mistake and sent us on our way. We stayed in the municipal for 6 euro and it was nice and clean. As others have said there are two restaurants. We also had wished that we had stayed in Combarro. We actually found the hill pretty taxing as the second half of our day, after a big lunch and vino in Combarro.
I loved the spiritual variant, particularly the walk down from Armenteira and playing in the ocean as we approached Vilanova de Arousa. Enjoy!

 

[LesBrass]

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 stone I 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.

 

[Susan Peacock]

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 stone I 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.

 

[LesBrass]

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.

great... that's good to know! thank you!

 

[Abigail Kelly]

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 stone I 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

 

[Mycroft]

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, 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.

 

[Abigail Kelly]

Hi, 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.

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 boat The 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

 

[FLEUR]

Remember that you can receive a certificate in Padron

 

[Mycroft]

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 boat The 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

Glad you mentioned the boat is 2 hours--as you pointed out, Brierley writes it is 1.

 

[peregrina2000]

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

 

[LesBrass]

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

Brilliant - I met a couple of the other walkers yesterday and they are so excited about this prospect... I hope I can pull it all together. It's been a life changing year for me... and I am so looking forward to my Madrid camino... I need some time to gather my thoughts and decide what next... but the more I read about this camino the more I think it's going to be part of my 2020 plans!

 

[LesBrass]

Remember that you can receive a certificate in Padron

You'll have to tell me where to go... we couldn't find it last time and the council office was closed? x

 

[FLEUR]

You'll have to tell me where to go... we couldn't find it last time and the council office was closed? x

I will message you

 

[jsalt]

Glad you mentioned the boat is 2 hours--as you pointed out, Brierley writes it is 1.

Hi, 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!

 

[Abigail Kelly]

Hi, 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!

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 brrrrrrrrrr

 

[Glamgrrl]

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

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.

 

[whoshebaby]

Remember that you can receive a certificate in Padron
[/QUOTe
How do you qualify for a credential if you walk the Camino Portuguese?

 

[Dina do Couto]

Glad you mentioned the boat is 2 hours--as you pointed out, Brierley writes it is 1.

The boat ride time will depend on the weather and the tide.

 

[whoshebaby]

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.

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?

 

[whoshebaby]

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

Where on the Camino Portuguese does one pick up the Variante Espiritual on our way to Santiago? Please RSVP. Thanks.

 

[FLEUR]

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.

 

[Rosaleenq]

Approx 3-4km outside Pontevdra.The 'main' route goes right, the SV route goes left. It's well digned.

 

[Abigail Kelly]

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.

Yes it is after you leave Pontevedra. You can't miss the big signs even if you tried

 

[TatiLie]

Where on the Camino Portuguese does one pick up the Variante Espiritual on our way to Santiago? Please RSVP. Thanks.

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)
That's what it looks like. We met a woman in Poio who was in the wrong route, so I sometimes it may not be very clear to everybody.

(We've done from Baiona to Santiago and the Variante Espiritual, we got the Compostela, no questions asked. Well, they asked me which day I've started and to my husband where we started from. Probably standard questions)

 

[Celi Anatrella]

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.

• 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?

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.

I’ve walked the CP before but not the variente… The stages I am planning so far are :

• Tui (Valenca)
• O Porinno
• Redondella
• Pontevedra
• Combarro (via Poio)
• Armenteira
• Vilanova de Arousa
• A Escravitude (via ferry & Padron)
• Santiago

Any feedback or suggestions will be very welcome. (thank you)

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!

 

[Dina do Couto]

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.
We stayed at the Monasterio de Poio and walked 13.5km to Armenteira. The climb wasn't bad at all, the views make up for it, stop a few times to recover. It was a max of 6 hours. We got to the monastery fairly early, there was plenty time to book in. There are 2 restaurants and they server pretty much anything. We had lunch and dinner there. And you will be able to rest in the gardens of the monastery. Don't forget the pilgrims mass. Remember that the monastery locks the doors at night, so make sure you in by 21.00.
The tough day is Armenteira to Vilanova de Arousa.

 

[LesBrass]

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!

Hello - no I'm planning for next June

 

[Celi Anatrella]

Hello - no I'm planning for next June

Thanks! God willing, I'm planning it for May 2020.

 

[auburnfive]

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 stone I 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.

 

[auburnfive]

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

 

[LesBrass]

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

Hello - is this the hotel in Combarra? In which case no sadly I haven't been able to contact. I'm struggling a little with the group bookings this far ahead... but I am booking where I can using a mix of google search, gronze and booking.com

 

[Morning Waters]

The web site HotelXeito.com has contact information.

 

[LesBrass]

The web site HotelXeito.com has contact information.

I did email a few weeks ago but not had any replies... but I wonder if they are closed and it was too far in advance for them to take a booking? I'll try again in the new year ☺

 

[Gina73]

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.

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?

 

[FLEUR]

Gina 73 Yes we did stay in Caldas de Reis.

I can't remember the name of the place. It was an apartment block with rooms on one floor for pilgrims. We had a shared room for three, very clean and comfortable. Shared bathroom and kitchen but we never really saw the others who stayed there at the same time. Breakfast in a bag provided.
Places to eat in the town but our lodgings were across the road on the way out and on the Camino .
It might be Estello do Camino where we stayed.

 

[auburnfive]

Although they didn’t reply to email, Hotel Xieto is now listed on booking.com. So we are reserved there

 

[RodlaRob]

Thank you all for your input. This will be part of my Coastal Camino around 2nd to 9th of April 2020.
I start with Camino Teresiano....then onto Camino Torres in part only ....before joining Camino Portuguese in Viano de Castelo to Santiago!

 

[jungleboy]

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 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.

Regarding accommodation, we stayed at the albergue in Armenteira (€8/p) but wished we had paid more to stay at the monastery (€45/double during the pandemic, normally €75 with half board), as pilgrims we talked to who stayed there loved it. The nuns sing and bless pilgrims in their own language. At Vilanova de Arousa, we stayed at A Salazón, a nice albergue (‘casi un hotel’ as it was explained to us when we booked over the phone), paying €18/p for a twin room with private bathroom.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Nick, I stayed at the albergue, too...it was just an "ok" experience.

 

[rogersoncharles1951]

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.

• 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?

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.

I’ve walked the CP before but not the variente… The stages I am planning so far are :

• Tui (Valenca)
• O Porinno
• Redondella
• Pontevedra
• Combarro (via Poio)
• Armenteira
• Vilanova de Arousa
• A Escravitude (via ferry & Padron)
• Santiago

Any feedback or suggestions will be very welcome. (thank you)

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 ii