Route of the Sea of Arousa and River Ulla

The Route of the Sea of Arousa and River Ulla commemorates the “Translatio,” i.e. when the Apostle James’ remains were brought from Jaffa, Palestine, to the region of Galicia. It was officially recognised as a Way of St. James by the Xunta de Galicia’s Law 3/1996, of May 10, on the Protection of the Ways of St. James.

Obtaining the diploma:

You must begin the pilgrimage route in one of the departure ports: the Pedras Negras marina in San Vicente do Mar, O Grove, or the port of Ribeira. You can also begin your voyage in ports further away, even abroad.

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Camiño de Santiago en Padrón

How to obtain 

the diploma

1. Download the Navigation Log (“Cartilla de Navegación”)  or ask for it in one of the two departure ports.​

2. You must obtain the first stamp in the departure port and at least two more in some of the ports in the municipalities bordering the Ria of Arousa or the River Ulla. Each stamp should correspond to a minimum of one port on each side of the Ria of Arousa, where you have to stay for at least one hour. There is no time limit for completing the route.

3. When you arrive in Padrón, you must receive a stamp from the Town Council and another from the foundation called “Fundación Ruta Xacobea do Mar de Arousa e Ulla”.

4. Visit the sites linked to St. James: the “Pedrón” stone and the Church of Santiago de Padrón; the “Fonte do Carme” (fountain), featuring a depiction of the “Traslatio” (the Apostle’s body being brought to Galicia) and Queen Lupa’s baptism; and Santiaguiño do Monte, identified as the place where the Apostle preached and hid from his persecutors, and the Church of Santa María de Iria Flavia, the former episcopal see.

5. Request your “Traslatio” diploma in the tourist office.

If you want, you can complete the rest of the “Traslatio” route on foot as far as the city of Santiago de Compostela, where you can obtain another stamp.