Camino Portugués Coastal – Day 10
Redondela → Pontevedra
April 24, 2026
Distance: ~13 miles
Back on it this morning.
Left the hostel around 8:45, later than most. Definitely among the last few pilgrims heading out.
This was the one we half-jokingly referred to as the homeless shelter. Somewhere between that and a military barracks. Very basic. Thin foam mattresses, extras for everything.
And yet, oddly, between the two of us, probably the best night’s sleep we’ve had so far.
The morning
Good steady start.
Straight into a climb again, and a bit of comedy along the way with Victor doing a full wardrobe adjustment mid-path, which got plenty of laughs from passing pilgrims.
We’re seeing more and more people now as we get closer to Santiago. The trail is definitely busier.
Along the way
A lot of today was through woods and shaded paths.
Classic Galician countryside:
- Forest trails
- Small streams
- Stone paths
- Occasional glimpses of small villages
We also passed a number of old stone crosses (cruceiros) and small chapels, which are scattered along this route. They’ve been guiding pilgrims for centuries.
There’s a real sense that you’re walking something historic, not just a trail.
At points, you come across sections of old Roman-style paving and medieval paths, which reminds you this route has been used for a very long time.
Quiet, peaceful, and very reflective for most of the day.
Midday
About halfway through, still moving well.
Body holding up. Knees strong.
Just general fatigue in the legs now, which is expected.
And the markers are making it real.
74 km to go.
Arrival into Pontevedra
Came into Pontevedra and it didn’t disappoint.
First, the albergue.
A proper, purpose-built setup. Clean, organised, clearly designed for pilgrims. Big step up from the night before.
Victor got washing done. I got sorted.
The blister
First real issue for me.
Blister on the heel of my right foot.
Felt the hotspot earlier but didn’t realise it had fully formed underneath.
Didn’t even get one on the Francés, so slightly frustrating.
Got Compeed on it now. Should be manageable if I stay on top of it.
The town
Pontevedra has history everywhere.
It’s one of the most important medieval towns in Galicia, and you can feel that straight away walking in.
- The old town is largely car-free
- Narrow stone streets
- Historic squares
- Churches and old buildings everywhere
It used to be a significant port and trading city in the Middle Ages, particularly known for fishing and maritime activity.
The Basilica of Santa María and the Church of the Pilgrim (Virgen Peregrina) are key landmarks tied directly to the Camino.
There’s a real sense of preservation here. It hasn’t been over-modernised.
The atmosphere
Very lively.
Lots of energy, people out, restaurants full, proper atmosphere.
Plenty of outside dining, groups gathering, a bit of a buzz about the place.
You can tell it’s a destination, not just a stop.
The people
Met a lot of good people today.
Pilgrims from Scotland, Boston, and all over.
Short conversations, shared laughs, everyone on their own journey but overlapping for a moment.
Looking ahead
Now very much within striking distance.
- Tomorrow: ~13 miles
- Then: ~11 miles
- Then: ~16 into Santiago
It’s getting real now.
The close
Sitting in the square now, near the centre, having a beer to finish the day.
Body tired, but in a good way.
Good town. Good energy.
Another solid day done.
