Day 3 - Baiona to Pontevedra

Finally, it's here, my first camino day. I wake up quite early and try to find my way in the cramped room, the bathroom is even tighter. It’s probably the smallest bathtub in the world, which can only be used as a shower tray. It gets interesting when I want to use the hotel’s own shampoo and shower gel. It's sealed in one of those instant packages so tightly that I can't open it with my teeth or any pressure techniques.

After a small breakfast at the hotel’s café, I begin my tour. I haven’t seen the scallop shell even once and already at the beginning of my journey I have to ask which direction to go. Luckily, there are enough pilgrims walking the route, so I make my first contact. Gray clouds hang over the sky. The wonderful sea air can be sensed and breathed in. The atmosphere is mild and somehow quiet. The pilgrims simply go about their way.

It's interesting that just the decision to walk the Camino leads one to reflect on their thoughts.

However, my backpack and shoes are not quite in sync yet, I still have to work on that.

In Gaifar, I treat myself to a cappuccino.

In the following hours, I walk kilometer after kilometer along the coast. Lined by green hills, surrounded by coves that bring the scent of the sea.

Along the way, I come across a Camino Mobile, offering all pilgrims free drinks and fruits, now that’s something! Additionally, a walking stick, where you can donate and take a shell necklace with you. The stamp for the pilgrim’s passport is also ready, that's what I call service.

Over everything lies the beauty of Galicia, I feel almost like I'm in a daze.

I only lose the path briefly out of sight, and a friendly Frenchwoman recommends the Gonze Maps app to me.

This is truly excellent, even with navigation, specifically for all Camino routes, as well as indicating hostels or accommodations. Later, I treat myself to some tapas and a glass of wine at lunchtime, charge my phone with the friendly service, and enjoy the view of the water.

Overall, this is the starting signal for the white beaches. Some of the pictures even resemble Caribbean conditions, don’t they?

I seize the opportunity to doze in the sun for about an hour at a nearly empty beach.

Unfortunately, I can hardly find a hostel in this area, so I drop off at a small guesthouse in Pontevedra, right by the sea. It's around 3:30 PM and it’s the end of the workday for me.

I’ve walked about 15 km fairly quickly, and now I'm hitting the brakes. The rest of the day is for the sea and me!

My first Camino day was basically a perfect one. Beautiful landscapes enveloped by the winding sea. Buon Camino!

Note:

Aside from a few kilometers on wooden planks, most of this was mostly asphalt paths. I would strongly advise against classic hiking shoes here, and instead opt for trail shoes, just like I did. This way, you have good cushioning.