The English Way crosses Paderne, which is also home to a 14th-century bridge, churches from different periods, and the Ruta de Zarzo a Chelo circular trail. This gives visitors a range of options for their stay: a section of the Way of St. James, historic architectural and funerary monuments, hiking, fishing, and a tour focused on tea and aromatic plants. When planning your day, it is worth distinguishing between the trails’ length, route type, and stated duration.

Following the English Way through Paderne

The English Way includes the 11 km Miño–Betanzos section, which crosses the municipality of Paderne. It begins at Ponte do Porco and passes the mouth of the River Lambre and A Alameda beach. Check local trail conditions before hiking.

A bridge, churches, and an early tomb

Ponte de Lambre is in the parish of Viñas. Fernán Pérez de Andrade the Good commissioned the bridge in the 14th century to improve connections between Pontedeume and Betanzos. So alongside its religious buildings, Paderne also has a bridge with a specific historical purpose.

Igrexa de San Xoán de Paderne is a Baroque church in the center of Paderne. Another architectural landmark is the 12th-century Romanesque Igrexa de San Pantaleón das Viñas, located in Montecelo, in the parish of San Pantaleón das Viñas. Visitors interested in church architecture can compare Baroque and Romanesque styles at these two buildings.

Behind the parish church of Santiago de Adragonte is the Sartego de Santiago de Adragonte, an anthropomorphic—in other words, human-shaped—tomb dating from before the 13th century. Its rounded shape and simple decoration on the lid make it an unusual and important piece of Galician cultural heritage.

A circular trail and a fishing stretch

The Ruta de Zarzo a Chelo begins at Central do Zarzo in the parish of San Xulián de Vigo, Paderne. The circular trail is 10.5 km long and is described as taking approximately three hours, with a moderate difficulty level. For comparison, the named section of the English Way is 11 km long. The distances are similar, but the Ruta de Zarzo a Chelo is also specified as a circular route, with an approximate duration and difficulty level. Check local trail conditions before hiking.

O Coto de Chelo is an 11 km fishing stretch on the River Mandeo. It runs from the mouth of the Mainzoso stream, on the border between Coirós and Paderne, to the place known as Inferniño, on the border between Aranga and Irixoa. Salmon, sea trout, and trout can be caught there. If you plan to fish this stretch, check the fishing regulations and seasonal conditions in advance.

Tea, plants, and living traditions

In Donín, Paderne, Orballo offers a tour of the company’s organic growing fields. Visitors learn about growing aromatic plants and tea, and can sample the products. The tour lasts a little over an hour and a half. Dates are listed for 2026; check that they fit your travel dates before your trip.

The traditional Entroido de Samede features the characters Bonitos and Vixigueiros, as well as a procession through the hamlet. CORAX offers another connection to the Way of St. James: the zoo is located on the route in San Xulián de Vigo, Paderne. If you are considering a visit, check opening hours and access in advance.

Discover more destinations: Reguengo, Castrelo, Reborido, Marcelle, Cesuras, Pontedeume, Granxa, Corcubión

For the main travel overview: Coruña.