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Vigo to Redondela: Step By Step Guide to Stage 10 of the Camino Portuguese Coastal

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Today’s walk might look easy on paper. It’s a shorter distance, with well-trodden forest trails, waterfalls, art, and ancient churches to explore. And yet this stage from Vigo to Redondela still has its challenges!

The biggest issue today is getting out of Vigo. It’s no secret that the lack of arrows causes confusion for many pilgrims, and depending on where you start, there’s also the matter of climbing Vigo’s hills.

I’ve walked out of Vigo many times and learned a few tricks to make this part of the journey much easier. Keep reading and I’ll guide you step by step, share how to find those elusive arrows, and tell you about a fabulous little café partway through the day too!

Route Overview: Vigo to Redondela (16.6 km)

As I mentioned earlier, I’ve walked out of Vigo many times, and I’ll admit, the first few times were a challenge. The arrows through the city can be tricky to find and I’ve tried a few different ways to navigate it.

These days, I stick to a reliable mix of familiar streets, where I know I’ll find arrows to make the exit smoother. Once you’ve made it out of the city and over the hills, the route becomes much more straightforward with a mix of small residential streets and forest trails.  

Services along this stage are sparse, but just when you start to think you’ll never find a coffee, a café appears; but you do need to seek it out.

Of course, what goes up must come down, walking poles might help the knees but it is a very manageable descent into Redondela and nothing to worry about.  And as you enter the town the Central Route and the Coastal Route merge and from here, pilgrims walk the same path to Santiago.

The trail is busier today as many people start their journey from Vigo, and as the routes merge, we’ll also join the pilgrims walking on the Central from Tui. 

Towns and Villages Between Vigo and Redondela

Once out of the city, today’s walk feels much like the start of the stage from Esposende to Viana do Castelo. Meandering between rows of residential houses and quiet roads, where communities just seem to roll together.

Amidst the suburbs, the trail weaves through forest paths, with views of Vigo below and some great views of the magnificent Ponte de Rande. Remember that view because tomorrow, it will be just a dot on the horizon.

There are very few services today, so make sure you have breakfast in Vigo and carry plenty of water and snacks.

Vigo

Vigo is Galicia’s largest city and a bustling port, well-known for its thriving fishing industry. It’s also a popular holiday destination and the gateway to some of the region’s best beaches. Cruise ships regularly dock here, often with passengers en route to Santiago, and Vigo serves as the official starting point for the final 100 kilometres into Santiago de Compostela on the Coastal Camino.

In short, Vigo is a big, busy city.

Navigating through it can be a challenge, not only because of its size but also due to the confusion over arrows. The Senda Litoral and the Coastal Route merge in Vigo, sharing the same path and the arrows guide pilgrims on both routes, but they can be sparse and tricky to spot.

After trying several approaches, I’ve opted for a simple and reliable way to navigate out of Vigo:

By this point, you should see arrows along Rua Toledo. If in doubt, the Wise Pilgrim app is a great resource, as the paths for both routes are now the same.

And don’t hesitate to ask for help if you see other pilgrims! On my last walk out of Vigo, I ended up leading my group, and two lovely ladies from Singapore. It felt a bit like being the Pied Piper of Hamelin, with pilgrims falling in behind.

Top Tip : I recently read that there’s now a Camino marker near the Co-Cathedral, showing the distance to Santiago de Compostela as 102 kilometres. I haven’t seen it myself yet, but next time I walk the Portuguese Camino, I’ll be sure to take some photos.

If you’ve walked this stage recently, I’d love to hear how you found the trail. Join our Facebook Community and share your experience to help future pilgrims.

Igrexa Parroquial da Inmaculada Concepción (2.8 km)

The Igrexa Parroquial da Inmaculada Concepción, also known as the Igrexa dos Picos (Church of the Peaks), is a striking example of modernist architecture completed in 1968. Its sharp angles and triangular forms make it stand out and if you get a chance to see inside, you’ll see the designs continue with even the stained glass windows follow the same triangular theme.

As you walk towards the church, you’ll pass shops. If you haven’t stocked up on supplies or had breakfast yet, I recommend doing so now. Once you leave Vigo, there won’t be any more shops until you reach Redondela.

The next couple of kilometres lead you out of the city, through increasingly quiet residential suburbs.

The Senda del Agua (1.9 km)

The Senda del Agua, or Trail of the Water, is a scenic route on the outskirts of Vigo. It traces the path of the water supply channel from the Eiras reservoir to the city. Look out for the information board on the road, it provides insights into the aqueduct’s history and its importance in the 19th century.

This is a wonderful trail and popular with locals, particularly on weekends, you might also encounter cyclists sharing the route. The trail offers softer terrain in places, which provides welcome relief from the tarmac and pavements of Vigo. That said, there’s still some tarmac ahead, as the trail dips in and out of forested areas.

Remember to look back when you can as the trail offers some panoramic views of the Ría de Vigo and the estuary.

Waterfall: Rego Fondón (4.5 km)

The residential streets give way to the forest again and you’ll arrive at the Cascade de Rego Fondón, a small waterfall just on the trail, and easy to spot. 

There’s a small picnic area beside the waterfall, although it can be busy at times. A few hundred metres further along, you’ll discover a wonderful piece of forest art; a brightly coloured fish which reminds me so much of The Rainbow Fish from the children’s story.

Ponte De Rande and Taperia O Eido Vello (1.6 km)

Continuing the trail stays in the forest for a while before leading you back to the road. Here, you’ll be rewarded with fabulous views of the Ponte de Rande, a glorious piece of modern engineering that spans the Ría de Vigo.

The bridge, opened to traffic in 1981, is 1,558 metres in length, with a central span of 401 metres, which was one of the longest cable-stayed spans of its time. Today, it carries around 50,000 vehicles a day!

While we don’t have to cross the bridge, it’s a great place to take a photo and remember that tomorrow you’ll look back at this bridge and it will be just a small point in the horizon!

Leaving the views behind, you might be thinking, surely it’s time for coffee?  And Yes it is! Keep an eye out for Bar and Coffee painted on the tarmac. You’ll have to detour but only 35 metres; but turn right, almost doubling back on yourself and head up a short hill. Trust me, it’s worth it!

The Taperia O Eido Vello is a little gem of a café, serving cakes and coffee and bocadillo and empanadas and fresh apple pie and always a gluten free choice.  Sit inside or out and enjoy your well-deserved break before continuing on to Redondela.

Iglesia de San Andres (4 km)

From your coffee stop there’s a little more forest before we leave the trail and start our decent down to Redondela.  The view from the top is impressive and whilst we’ll follow a tarmac road that’s easy underfoot you may find hiking poles help your knees with the steepness. (p.s don’t forget to length them going downhill.)

A few years ago we were followed downhill by a little pack of goats, being chased by an unhappy owner.  They were on their way to a very nice looking vegetable garden and he was doing his best to stop them!

You’ll reach the Fonte da Mina do Conde, a historical water source for the local communities and the Iglesia de San Andrés de Cedeira. Built in 1743 it is thought to have been constructed on top of a much older medieval church.  Sadly, like many churches in Spain, this is often locked but it’s worth exploring just in case.

From the church you’ll follow arrows onwards and into Redondela.

Redondela (2.3 km)

Redondela is a busy, working town that, at first glance, may seem more functional than a town with thousands of years of history. As you enter the town, you might notice pilgrims approaching from the right. These are pilgrims coming from Tui along the Central Route. From here on, all routes converge and we’re walking the same path to Santiago de Compostela.

I’ve grown fond of Redondela over the years. On my first few Caminos, I walked through, but now I like to linger and if I’m leading groups, we spend the night here.  The town has all services, including several bars, restaurants, supermarkets, and accommodation options; you’ll also walk by a great launderette on the main road.  

If you’re looking for a good place to eat, I’ve enjoyed a few meals at DeCalle, and I’ve also had some good lunches at Barraca de Freddy. If your accommodation has a kitchen, the supermarkets here are good too.

Redondela is often called the Town of Viaducts, thanks to its two imposing railway bridges.  For a thousand years, Redondela has welcomed pilgrims. The Church of Santiago, consecrated in 1114 by Bishop Diego Gelmírez, is a testament to this. Gelmírez was instrumental in promoting the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, further cementing Redondela’s importance along the Camino.

All in all, Redondela is a wonderful place to end your stage, whether you stay overnight or simply stop for a meal and some exploration.

Exploring Redondela

Redondela, in the province of Pontevedra, boasts a rich history that dates back to the Bronze Age, with archaeological evidence of early human settlements. Its strategic location along the Vigo estuary made it a desirable site for ancient communities and it became a hub for trade and travel.

The Romans left their mark, naming the town Salacia and integrating it into their expansive empire. They built infrastructure to support trade and transportation and tomorrow you’ll get to walk along some of those ancient Roman roads.

During the medieval period, Redondela saw its fortunes change hands between Spain and Portugal before being reclaimed by the Kingdom of León and the Crown of Castile.

In the 19th century, the construction of two monumental railway viaducts, the Madrid Viaduct and the Pontevedra Viaduct, transformed Redondela into an industrial hub and earned it the nickname Villa of the Viaducts;  and they remain iconic symbols of the town.

While Redondela may feel like it’s seen better days, there are still plenty of reasons to explore.

Where to Stay in Redondela

Redondela offers a variety of accommodation options, from traditional albergues to private guesthouses. I’ve stayed in town several times, and these are the places I’ve loved and would recommend:

Top Tip : Redondela has many albergue, but private rooms are limited, so it’s best to book ahead if you want a little more comfort.

Potential Challenges Between Vigo and Redondela

The biggest challenge today is finding the arrows.  After that it’s a lovely day and you end in Redondela ready to take the Roman roads to Santiago.

Recommended Apps, Books And Websites for the Coastal Camino

If you’re walking any stage of the Camino Portuguese Coastal, these apps, guidebooks, and websites are invaluable. Be sure to download or purchase them before leaving home:

Final Thoughts: Camino Portuguese from Vigo to Redondela

You’ve left the beaches behind, and the next few days will feel a world away from the wild coasts of earlier stages.

If you thought that Portuguese Coastal Route felt less Camino-like, the following stages will more than make up for that. The days from Vigo to Santiago are as ancient as the Camino Francés.  The trail will be busier but filled with history, landmarks, and more services and the famous yellow Camino arrows.

If you began your journey in Porto, you’ve already walked almost 200 kilometres, and Santiago de Compostela is within reach. You’re entering the land of the Apostle, where James is said to have lived and preached the Gospels. It’s also the land of the Romans and you’ll see remnants of their empire along the way.

Today marks a transition; enjoy today.  From here, Glorious Galicia awaits with her hills, and legends and a journey that brings you ever closer to Santiago.

Are You Walking The Portuguese Coastal Camino?

I’ve walked this glorious trail many times and I know I’ll walk again. If you’re walking from Porto to Santiago de Compostela, I’ve created detailed daily walking guides packed with route tips, accommodation recommendations, and insights to help you along the way.

Here are some posts that may inspire and help you to plan your journey:

If you’re planning your Camino or are already on the trail, I’d love to hear about your experiences! Join my Camino community on Facebook, share your stories, find inspiration and ideas for the road ahead.