For many centuries pilgrims followed this path - the Way of St. James. Since they came from all over the world, there are also different routes. Whether they came from France, Portugal, the north or along the sea, they all lead to Santiago de Compostela in the Spanish province of Galicia.
Our partner offers you the unique opportunity to discover the Way of St. James on horseback. Everything will be taken care of - the food is excellent and you will stay overnight in the most beautiful accommodations along the Way of St. James. You have the choice between the traditional French Way, the Portuguese Way and the Sea Route.

The Sea Route is a particularly scenic route with spectacular sea views. It crosses the south of Galicia, with the southernmost point of departure on the border with Portugal. Accommodation is provided in excellent accommodation (including 4-star hotels) with all comforts, where you will also be pampered with delicious food, seafood and fine wines. The landscape is very varied: it is often mountainous, which is why you will pass many viewpoints with fantastic views. Of course, you will often ride with a view of the sea, through eucalyptus forests and past vineyards - not for nothing is the route of the "Ruta del Mar" most of the time identical to the wine route.

Compared to the other Camino de Santiago, the sea route is the Camino de Santiago for connoisseurs, as the accommodation and food are excellent. Depending on the length chosen, you can also stay in a thalasso hotel on a small beautiful island. The sea route takes 7, 9 or 10 days, depending on your wishes. Every day you will cover about 30-35km on horseback and spend 6-7 hours in the saddle.

Versions: 7 days from Castillo de Soutomaior, 9 days from Baiona, 10 days from La Guardia

Itinerary

Example of a 10-day riding tour:
The 10-day tour lasts from day 1 to 10, the 9-day tour from the evening of day 2 to 10, the 7-day tour from the evening of day 4 to 10.

Day 1: After arrival in Santiago de Compostela or Vigo you will be taken to the starting point of the riding tour in the afternoon to La Guardia, which is located on the border to Portugal - you can also see Portugal from La Guardia. After dinner you will stay overnight in a small beautiful hotel, which is located close to the water.

Day 2: After a breakfast that leaves nothing to be desired, the first stage on horseback begins. At La Guardia there is an impressive viewpoint on top of a small mountain, Castro de Santa Tegra, which you will climb on horseback to enjoy a breathtaking view of the sea and the mainland of Portugal and Spain. A special moment! From here you will ride to Baiona and see the sea again and again. The path is often in mountainous terrain, which allows great views. In Baiona, a charming little harbour town, you will stay overnight in a small lovingly run hotel on the outskirts of the town.

Day 3: Today the sea route takes you through mountainous terrain and through picturesque eucalyptus forests to Vigo. The riding days usually run in such a way that you have a small break in the late morning before you stop for lunch in a good restaurant (rarely there is also a picnic in the open air). In the afternoon you will continue your ride, maybe there will be another break before you reach your destination. Today would be the Vigo, where you stay in a nice hotel.

Day 4: After you have ridden a bit near the water, you leave the Ruta del Mar and head inland, passing some vineyards where the wine Albariño is grown. Around late afternoon you will reach the Castelo de Soutomaior, a well-preserved 15th century fortress that towers majestically over the valley. Right next door is your hotel, picturesquely embedded in the vineyards.

Day 5: Today you will leave the fortress again (it can be visited on request) and ride back on the sea route. Today´s riding stage is a little shorter, but still beautiful through mountainous terrain past idyllic vineyards and fairytale forests. At Pontevedra you will stay overnight outside the town in a small, pretty hotel.

Day 6: From Pontevedra you will ride today to the beautiful little island of La Toja. Either this day or the next you will also ride to a viewpoint from where you can overlook the sea and the island - fantastic! You will stay overnight on the island in a 4-star Thalasso hotel located directly on the sea. Here you can also visit the spa and, for example, book a massage (for an extra charge).

Day 7: After breakfast with a view of the sea, you will get back in the saddle, leave the island and head for Vilagarcía, passing by historical monuments, through beautiful landscapes and always with great views of the sea.

Day 8: From Vilagarcía you will ride through mountainous terrain and fairytale forests to Padrón, where you will stay overnight in a noble former bishop´s residence - a medieval, very inviting ambience will inspire you! When the accommodation in Padrón is fully booked, you will stay in Catoira in a very idyllic small hotel.

Day 9: Today is the last riding stage to Monto del Gozo! On the way, as in the previous days, you will often pass old churches worth seeing. From the famous Monto del Gozo, the mountain of joy, you will enjoy the view over Santiago de Compostela and catch the first glimpse of the towers of the cathedral. You will stay overnight in a luxurious 4-star hotel, which is located a little below Monto del Gozo and also offers a view of Santiago.

Day 10: After a hearty breakfast, you will make your morning pilgrimage into the city on foot (or by car) to pick up your pilgrim´s pass, the Compostelana. At 12 noon you will visit the mass in the impressive cathedral before you are taken back to the airport, train or bus station of Santiago de Compostela in the afternoon.

Subject to changes due to unforseeable incidents.

Accomodation
You will stay in hotels, country houses, pazos and paradores.

Saddle & Tack: Spanish saddles and bridles (English, Brazilian or Western saddles are also available on request).

Experience: The riding tempo on the riding tours is moderate. However, due to the sometimes challenging terrain and occasional gallops, you should have sufficient riding experience and be confident in all gaits.

Horses: Andalusian and Spanish mixes with good character, persistent and sure-footed.