I must confess, we didn’t ride today because of the rainy weather. We were lucky though, we rode every other day. The weather ended up being decent for our entire trip.
The final day of our Portuguese Camino explored the spiritual variant of the Camino, which follows the Translatio—the legendary route taken by the remains of Saint James to the city of Santiago de Compostela. Along the way, we were lucky to discover the Rías Baixas wine region, home to albariño wine, which has the Protected Denomination of Origin status.
Our day began with the spectacular Monastery of Armenteira, a beautifully-preserved 12th century Cistercian abbey. From there, we enjoyed a beautiful route through the forests and vineyards of the Rías Baixas, passing by Cambados, a fishing village that has been inhabited since the first century AD. At the monastery I purchased a medicinal eucalyptus liqueur—going to enjoy with Mike, Evan, Lindsay and Sam in Tbilisi. I also purchased some cookies—not medicinal. ; ) But will still enjoy!
We crossed over the longest bridge in Spain (at least we were told) for a quick tour around the beautiful Illa de Arousa, before finishing our route at a charming winery set in a historic Galician pazo (manor house), to enjoy a delicious lunch, paired with local albariño wine.
Lunch at Paço Granbazan Winery. Started with a pear and Cabrales cheese—the king (or queen) of Spanish blue cheeses on a delicious accordion shaped thin, flakey pastry shell. Next, octopus with pineapple on a aioli sauce (my personal favorite today). Followed by pork tenderloin with mushrooms and roasted potatoes. Finished with cheese cake dollops in an out of this world berry sauce topped with fresh blueberries and blackberries. Everything was so delicious! Yum! The wine was a crisp white, Granbazan, Albariño, Etiqueta ambar and complex(?) Bai Gorri with aromas of freshly picked black fruits and spices. All I can say is double YUM!
We made it.
on the Way of St James since the Early Middle Ages and marks the traditional end of the pilgrimage
route. The building is a Romanesque structure, with later Gothic and Baroque additions
And since we didn’t ride today, I am not tired. Karen, Phil and I have dinner this evening at A Curtidoria. A restaurant serving classic Spanish rice dishes with Galician ingredients plus fish and meat in an elegant venue.
of the south facade of Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, Casa da Parra, Monastery of Saint Pelagius of
Antealtares and Casa da Conga.
Buenas noches nos vemos mañana.
Dream to Travel from NCM 
One response to “Bike trip, last day. Rias Baixas to Santiago de Compostela.”
The pics as usual are charming and interesting. Your description of the food and wine – wow – so jealous. Next time I eat out, I am going think of you and order out of my wheelhouse. Rest up. Plenty of adventures await.
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