Redondela

Two massive stone viaducts arc across the valley above the old town, carrying the railway between Vigo and Pontevedra. The Viaducto de Madrid and the Viaducto de Pontevedra were built in the 19th century and are now iconic landmarks of the town. Seen from below, with trains crossing high above and the old town in the foreground, they create a dramatic urban landscape. Several viewpoints around the town offer different perspectives on the viaducts.

The casco historico of Redondela has narrow cobbled streets, granite houses with wooden balconies, and a relaxed atmosphere. The Praza da Constitución is the main square, surrounded by cafes and restaurants. The Igrexa de Santiago (Church of Saint James) has a fine Romanesque portal. The town feels genuinely Galician, with local life continuing around and despite the passing pilgrims.

Redondela has excellent restaurants and tapas bars in the old town. The seafood is good here, benefiting from the proximity to the Ria de Vigo. Try the mejillones (mussels), the zamburinas (small scallops), or the pulpo. The town also has good wine bars. Galician Albarino from the Rias Baixas is the natural pairing for everything from the sea.

Redondela is where the Coastal and Central routes of the Camino Portugues merge. If you walked the coast (via Baiona and Vigo), you now share the path with pilgrims who walked inland (via Barcelos and Ponte de Lima). Compare stories. The experiences are quite different, but from here the Camino is the same for everyone. The trail is busier now. The social dynamics shift. You are on the final 80 km to Santiago.

The approach to Redondela from the north (if coming from O Porrino) offers stunning views over the Ria de Vigo. The estuary stretches westward towards the Atlantic, with the Cies Islands visible on the horizon on clear days. The Ponte de Rande, a modern suspension bridge, spans the ria in the distance. The combination of water, mountains, and islands makes this one of the most scenic stretches of the Camino Portugues.