The Sea Way is one of the great unknowns for those who set out on their journey to Santiago de Compostela, but in reality it is the origin of the Jacobean tradition. According to the Codex Calixtinus, the body of the apostle was transferred in the year 44 from the port of Jaffa, in Palestine, to the coast of Galicia, a journey that ended in the ancient Roman city of Iria Flavia, now known as Padrón. This journey, known as Traslatio, gave rise to the maritime-river route that can now be experienced as a historical and spiritual journey.

The ports of Ribeira and O Grove mark the start of the route where that boat moored centuries ago. The route follows the Arousa Sea and the Ulla River, combining approximately an hour and a quarter by boat with 25 kilometres on foot in the final stretch to the heart of Compostela. Every year, the crossing is celebrated with a procession in which decorated boats travel along the estuary to Pontecesures and Padrón, keeping the tradition alive.

Despite the fact that this Camino continues to be invisible to the general public, the Fundación Ruta Xacobea do mar de Arousa e Ulla, which includes 22 surrounding municipalities, has contributed to its promotion. Thanks to its activity, in the 1960s, stone crosses began to be placed on the banks and islets of the estuary, making the Ruta Traslatio the only maritime Way of the Cross in the world.

Along the way, pilgrims will encounter places steeped in history and natural beauty. Highlights include the Torres de Oeste in Catoira, ancient fortresses that protected Santiago from invasion, the mussel beds of the Arousa estuary, and the beaches and landscapes where the islands of Ons and Toxa emerge, making each stage a discovery.

If this spiritual experience leaves you wanting more, there are other longer sea-based options. This is the case with the routes that set sail from La Rochelle (south-west France) and cross the entire Bay of Biscay in a month. This adventure, although unforgettable, may not be suitable for everyone, both because of exposure to adverse weather conditions that can hinder and lengthen the duration of the crossing, and because of the demanding adaptation to life on board.