Portuguese Camino Day 7: Pontevedra to Padrón

Leaving Pontevedra before sunrise — calm skies before the rain set in.

Rain and Resolve

The forecast promised non-stop rain, and it kept its word. We had roughly 40 km ahead — a first for both Andrea and Hani. My plan was simple: start at 7 a.m., split the day into two 20 km halves, and take it 10 km at a time. Hani joked, “Then we should split the 10 km further too!” I laughed: “That would make it last forever.”

We left Pontevedra just after dawn, rain already falling steadily. The night before at Albergue Aloxa Hostel had been restless — voices from the kitchen until midnight — but I woke at 5:30 refreshed and ready. It was the penultimate day of the Camino, and that thought alone carried me forward.

The Camino in full downpour — spirits high, ponchos on, laughter intact.

Walking Together

I let Andrea and Hani take the lead. Though they’d only met once before I joined them in Redondela, their friendship now felt effortless. “If we lived in the same city,” Hani said, “we’d be best friends — we’d hike and train together.”

Every so often I passed them, then slowed again. “We’re holding you back,” Andrea said once. “Go ahead.” “No,” I told her. “I need to be slowed down.” And I meant it — this stage wasn’t about speed but presence. I’ve said before that the Camino would be even richer if I’d walked only 10 to 16 km per day.

Arrival in Padrón

We reached Padrón around 6:30 p.m., soaked, sore, and smiling. The town itself — more industrial than picturesque — mattered less than what it symbolised. Tomorrow we’d reach Santiago. The end was near, but the feeling was less about finishing and more about gratitude for everything the Camino had already given.

Map of the 40 km stage from Pontevedra to Padrón via Caldas de Reis — Source: Camino Ninja.

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