Prevue July-August 2017 - 62

Below: Pilgrims take a breather in O'Cebreiro
Right: Lining up to walk through Santiago de Compostela
Cathedral's Holy Door (photo credits: Johnalee Johnston)

THE PORTUGUESE WAY
The last leg of the Portuguese route guides
pilgrims through Spain's coastal region,
where the seaside resort town of Baiona
mixes medieval history with a five-star hotel
and breezy, Cape Cod-like vibe. Columbus'
La Pinta ship docked here in 1493 carrying
plant and animal species unknown to this
area of the world, making Baiona the first
port in Europe to receive the news of the
"discovery" of America. Groups can tour a
scaled replica of the boat and museum that
is moored just offshore. The 12th century
Monterreal Castle (mentioned as far back
as Julius Caesars' time), overlooking the Cies
Islands, now houses the 122-room Parador
de Baiona luxury hotel. Groups of more than
500 can meet here and experience sailing
excursions with the Baiona Royal Yacht
Club, hang-gliding, hiking, cycling, and, of
course, the region's famous Albarino wine
and shellfish. We sampled classical regional

62 | prevuemeetings.com

An extra bonus awaits groups on the rooftop
of Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, which
is completely explorable with a guide.
dishes (many of which can be customized
to various dietary needs, as this vegetarian
noted) while overlooking the hotel gardens.
Vigo, Galicia's economic powerhouse,
is another coastal city along the Portuguese
Way that will offer your pilgrims a unique
experience. Aside from its array of beaches
that are edged by winding walking trails,
Vigo's old quarter is somewhat of a
hidden treasure. Full of museums, heritage
monuments and statues and tucked away
cafes, there's something new to discover
around every corner. Be sure to also check
out Parque Monte del Castro for the best
views in the city.

CAPE FINISTERRE WAY
Before holding the footsteps of pilgrims, this
pre-Christian route held the secrets of the
pagans as the perceived end of the known
world. The stone "0,00 K.M." marker in
front of the Virxe da Barca church testifies
to this heritage and is also a spot that
generates more than a few selfies.
En route to the Cape, we pass through
Ponte Maceira, a charming village lined with
pazos (country mansions) and waterfalls
and a medieval bridge that was built upon
Roman foundations.
A Romanesque chapel dedicated to
Santa Maria das Areas, holds a muchworshipped figure of Christ whose hair
and nails have been growing since the
statue washed ashore, according to locals.
Equally magical are the fertility-bestowing
San Guillerme chapel ruins. En route
to the Cape, we pass through Ponte
Maceira, a charming village lined with
pazos (country mansions) and waterfalls
and a medieval bridge that was built upon
Roman foundations. A Romanesque chapel
dedicated to Santa Maria das Areas, holds
a much-worshipped figure of Christ whose
hair and nails have been growing since the
statue washed ashore, according to locals.
Equally magical are the fertility-bestowing
San Guillerme chapel ruins.
Reaching Cape Finisterre, many pilgrims
embrace the age-old tradition of hiking down
the side of the cliff, where the roar of the
Atlantic pounds against the rocky peninsula
and distant lighthouse, to burn their clothes
at a seaside altar. It's a beautiful metaphor
that signifies the letting go of everything that
does not serve the next chapter of one's
life, as discovered on this "journey into self,"
as Pensado Barbeira, and nearly all of the
pilgrims we interviewed along the Camino,
call it. Acoustic musicians often hang out by
the Cape and local lace makers greeted us
with their delicate creations.
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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Prevue July-August 2017
