
Day 14: Vilanova de Arousa to Padrón
Dave and I were awake long before dawn today, needing to be at La Barca del Peregrino (The Pilgrim’s Boat) by 7:15 AM. We were taking the Traslatio Route from Vilanova de Arousa to Padrón, a 28-kilometre journey. According to legend, this is the very route Saint James’ disciples followed to bring his remains back to Spain after he was martyred.

The story begins in Jerusalem, where Saint James was beheaded in the year 44AD by King Herod Agrippa. His devoted disciples, Athanasius and Theodore, carried his decapitated body to the coast where they got a stone boat and set off on their journey. Navigating the Mediterranean, they sailed toward Spain and up the river to the port of Murgadan in Iria Flavia where Saint James had once spread his teachings.
Our journey by boat this morning went up the same river. At first everything was shrouded in fog and darkness, so no beautiful sunrise for us! At least we got to enjoy coffee, juice, croissants, cake, and even a stamp for our credentials while seated inside. 😃 Once the fog lifted, we went out to the top deck to enjoy the views of the river and surrounding countryside.






Back to the legend of the stone boat’s arrival at the port of Murgadan …Saint James’ disciples tied the boat to a Roman milestone, a stone that became legendary. It’s said that Padrón gets its name from this very stone—the one to which Saint James’ boat was moored.
That same stone can still be seen today under the high altar of the Iglesia de Santiago (Church of Saint James) in Padrón. It links the town’s identity to the ancient voyage that brought one of Christianity’s most beloved figures, Saint James, to Spain.


We were happy to bump into Sandy on the boat, and enjoyed walking and chatting from the dock to the Church of Saint James. After grabbing a bite to eat, we parted ways as Sandy has a few more miles to walk today, while we are staying in Padrón for the night. We’ll stay in touch and perhaps cross paths again further along the Way.

4 thoughts on “Day 14: Vilanova de Arousa to Padrón”
More exciting adventures and stunning pictures.
Love that Sandy keeps popping up
So many ways to be on the Camino.
Savour your time as autumn draws in. Enjoying the vicarious journey.
Thank you
💕💕💕Bon
We are so glad the fog lifted. We made an instant connection with Sandy, who is a fun and interesting lady. I could be describing you, Bon! 😂
Beautiful photos Judy, the fog enhanced the spiritual nature of the journey. I heard Nancy talk about Padron and I feel that the original word Padron meant/ translates into stone. I will find her talk and send 🤗🤗
Thank you, Janine! It was amazing to follow the same route as the stone boat – being in the same place where history happened. That goes for knowing the history of all of the Caminos before you go. It makes them all much more meaningful.