El Camino del Mar: Una ruta jacobea llena de paisajes espectaculares y patrimonio histórico

2. History and origin of the Camino del Mar

The existence of the Camino del Mar as a pilgrimage route is more than demonstrated by the presence of pilgrims in cemeteries, churches and hospitals in the Mariña Lucense region. Numerous documents from the Cathedral of Mondoñedo and other episcopal ones refer to the deaths and burials of pilgrims, as well as the existence of a hospital network for their care.

Fortunately, practically all the old pilgrim hospitals that were part of this network are preserved, such as those in Ribadeo, San Martiño, Cervo, Celeiro (Viveiro) and Santiago de Viveiro. This historical evidence supports the existence of this ancient Jacobean route that ran along the Galician coast.

3. Stages of the Camino del Mar

The Camino del Mar is divided into 12 stages that add up to a total of approximately 275 kilometers from Ribadeo to Ferrol, where it connects with the Camino Inglés to reach Santiago de Compostela. Below are the main stages and locations through which this route passes:

• Ribadeo to Foz
  The first stage of the Camino del Mar begins in Ribadeo, where pilgrims can admire the impressive Playa de las Catedrales, one of the natural jewels of this route. From there, the path continues to San Cosme de Barreiros and Foz, where the Basilica of San Martiño de Mondoñedo is located, the oldest cathedral in Spain.
• Foz to Viveiro
  This stage passes through towns such as Burela, Cervo and Xove, where you can visit the remains of the Santo Tirso Monastery and the Chapel of the Virgen del Pilar in Espiñeira. In Viveiro , the Santa Ana Hospital in Celeiro stands out, one of the old pilgrim hospitals that are preserved on this route.
• Viveiro to Ortigueira
  From Viveiro, the Camino del Mar enters the Ortegal region, passing through O Vicedo and the Port of Espasante. In this stage, pilgrims will be able to enjoy impressive coastal landscapes and visit the emblematic Sanctuary of San Andrés de Teixido, one of the main pilgrimage centers in Galicia after Santiago de Compostela.
• Ortigueira to Cedeira
  After visiting San Andrés de Teixido, the road continues towards Cedeira, passing through Cariño. This stage offers the opportunity to contemplate the impressive cliffs of Cabo do Mundo, considered the highest in Europe.
• Cedeira to Ferrol
  The last stages of the Camino del Mar pass through towns such as Valdoviño, Covas and Ferrol, where you can visit the Co-Cathedral of San Julián before connecting with the Camino Inglés to reach Santiago de Compostela.

4. Featured natural landscapes

• Playa de las Catedrales
  One of the main natural attractions of the Camino del Mar is the impressive Playa de las Catedrales in Ribadeo. This beach, made up of impressive rock formations reminiscent of Gothic cathedrals, is only accessible at low tide and requires an appointment in summer to avoid crowds.
• Cliffs of Cabo do Mundo
  On the stage from Ortigueira to Cedeira, pilgrims will be able to contemplate the impressive cliffs of Cabo do Mundo, considered the highest in Europe. These imposing rock formations offer spectacular views over the Cantabrian Sea.
• The Grandfather of Chavín
  In Viveiro, pilgrims will be able to admire the so-called “Grandfather of Chavín”, an imposing century-old chestnut tree that is considered the largest tree in Spain. This majestic natural presence is a true symbol of the natural wealth of the Mariña Lucense region.

5. Historical and artistic heritage

• Basilica of San Martiño de Mondoñedo
  One of the architectural jewels of the Camino del Mar is the Basilica of San Martiño de Mondoñedo, the oldest cathedral in Spain, located in Foz. This imposing Romanesque-style construction, begun in the 8th century, stands out for its majestic façade and its impressive interior, where you can admire valuable works of art.
• Pilgrims’ hospitals
  Along the Camino del Mar, pilgrims will be able to visit some of the old hospitals that were part of the hospital network for their care. One of the most notable is the Hospital de Santa Ana in Celeiro (Viveiro), founded in the 16th century and which underwent numerous renovations in the following centuries. Other pilgrim hospitals that are preserved on this route are those of Ribadeo, San Martiño, Cervo and Santiago de Viveiro.
  These hospitals are a living testimony of the historical importance of the Camino del Mar as a pilgrimage route and of the tradition of hospitality and welcome to the walkers who traveled this route towards Santiago de Compostela.

6. Accommodation and services for pilgrims

Along the Camino del Mar, pilgrims will find a varied range of accommodation in private establishments, such as hotels, hostels, pensions and rural houses. However, unlike other Jacobean routes, there are no public hostels for pilgrims on this route, so it is advisable to make reservations in advance.

In some towns, such as San Andrés de Teixido and Fazouro, the accommodation offer is more limited, so pilgrims can choose to take a taxi to the previous or subsequent town to spend the night and resume their journey the next day.

Despite these peculiarities, the Camino del Mar has a good infrastructure of services for pilgrims, including restaurants, supply stores and bicycle repair shops in the main towns through which it passes.

7. Connection with the Camino Inglés

After traveling the stages of the Camino del Mar from Ribadeo to Ferrol, pilgrims connect with the Camino Inglés, one of the oldest and most emblematic Jacobean routes. This route, which receives its name because it is the one used by pilgrims from England and Ireland, runs through towns such as Pontedeume, Betanzos and Abegondo before reaching Santiago de Compostela.

The connection between the Camino del Mar and the Camino Inglés allows pilgrims to enjoy a complete experience, combining the beauty of the Galician coast with the historical and cultural richness of this ancient Jacobean route.

8. Advice and recommendations for the pilgrim

For those who decide to undertake the Camino del Mar, it is important to take into account some recommendations and practical advice:

• Carry a GPS and detailed Camino del Mar maps: Although the route is signposted, in some sections the signage can be scarce or confusing, so it is advisable to carry a GPS device with loaded tracks and updated maps.
• Book accommodation in advance: As there are no public hostels, it is necessary to reserve accommodation in private establishments well in advance, especially in high season.
• Be prepared for long and demanding stages: Some stages of the Camino del Mar are quite long and pass through rugged terrain, so it is important to be in good physical shape and wear the appropriate equipment.
• Respect nature and heritage: Along the route, pilgrims will enjoy impressive natural landscapes and visit places of great historical and cultural value. It is important to respect and care for these environments so that they can be enjoyed by future generations.
• Enjoy the experience: Beyond the physical challenges, the Camino del Mar offers a unique opportunity to connect with the nature, history and culture of Galicia. It is important to enjoy every moment and let yourself be carried away by the magic of this Jacobean route.

9. Camino del Mar Conclusions

The Camino del Mar is a unique and fascinating Jacobean route that combines the beauty of the natural landscapes of the Galician coast with a rich historical and cultural heritage. From the impressive Cathedral Beach to the imposing cliffs of Cabo do Mundo, passing by old pilgrim hospitals and architectural gems such as the Basilica of San Martiño de Mondoñedo, this route offers an unforgettable experience for pilgrims who decide to travel it.

Despite being less known than other Jacobean routes, the Camino del Mar has a long historical tradition and great natural and cultural wealth that make it an attractive and challenging option for those looking for an authentic and transformative experience on their way to Santiago de Compostela.