.. Portuguese Coastal Camino ..
Women’s Walking, Writing,
& Creativity Retreat
Experience Galicia: A Journey of Inspiration and Creativity
Step into the enchanting region of Galicia, Spain, where lush forests, ancient castles, and shimmering waterways set the stage for a transformative creative adventure. With its rich Celtic heritage and iconic Camino de Santiago trails, Galicia offers an inspiring blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Imagine writing and creating amidst the mystic landscapes, with the melodies of nature and echoes of centuries past motivating your every word.
A Holistic Creative Journey
Each day, you’ll combine guided walks, mindfulness practices, and dedicated time for writing and journaling. The pace is gentle, allowing you to fully absorb the Camino’s calming energy, with accommodations for shorter walks if needed. Stay in historic lodgings, from a medieval monastery to a luxurious seaside resort, and savor the flavors of Spain through local cuisine and wine. Along the way, explore Spanish literary heritage, discover coastal treasures, and enjoy enriching group experiences, including a special dinner with the grandson of renowned Galician playwright Ramón del Valle Inclán. Together, we’ll create, connect, and be inspired by the heart of Galicia.
Day 1: Make your way to Vigo where we spend our first night and attend a welcome dinner to meet your fellow attendees.
Day 2 : Vigo – Baiona. Breakfast & guided journaling in the morning. Walk approximately 9km (5.5 miles) and transport back to Baiona for lunch, strolling around the seaside town and guided writing in the evening. Dinner on your own.
Day 3: Baiona – Redondela. Breakfast & guided journaling in the morning. Walk approximately 8-9km (5.0–5.5 miles). Have lunch. Visit a medieval castle. Transport back to Redondela for guided writing in the evening. Light dinner at our accommodation.
Day 4: Redondela – Pontevedra. Light breakfast & guided journaling in the morning. Walking culture and food tour in Pontevedra. Free time in this magnificent city with Roman origins. The beautifully preserved historical center blends with a modern vibe of bars, restaurants, and museums. We will have a dinner-included discussion with the grandson of renowned Galician playwright, Ramón del Valle-Inclán.
Day 5: Pontevedra–Combarro–Armenteira. Breakfast & guided journaling in the morning. Walk the scenic path of Stone and Water in Armenteira. It is approximately 8km (5 miles) and is one of the most scenic and lush segments on the Camino Portugues with old stone mills, bridges, and fast moving waterways. We will have lunch in a nearby charming fishing village. Some call it Galicia’s most beautiful fishing village. There will be time to explore and relax in this enchanting place. Transport back to Armenteira for guided evening writing and dinner at the monastery.
Day 6: Armenteira – Combados. Light breakfast & guided journaling in the morning. Spend the morning in Armenteira with free time resting, relaxing, and walking in the garden. Take time to soak in the peace and tranquility of the monastery. Optional visit to another nearby monastery. Lunch and wine tour in another nearby picturesque town. Transport back to Armenteira for guided evening writing and dinner at the monastery.
Day 7: Armenteira – Parque Nacional de Carreiron – Vilanova de Arousa. Light breakfast & guided journaling in the morning. Walk in Parque Nacional de Carreiron, known for its coves, pine forest, boulder-strewn sandy beaches, and wetlands. Transport to Vilanova de Arousa for lunch and visit the museum of Ramón del Valle-Inclán. Guided evening writing and dinner on your own.
Day 8: Vilanova de Arousa – Padrón. Light breakfast & guided journaling in the morning, boat schedule permitting. Boat to Pontecesures–Padrón. Walk the Pilgrim’s Loop. Have lunch and visit museum of writer and Galician cultural icon Rosalía de Castro. Guided evening writing and dinner on your own.
Day 9: Padrón – Santiago. Light breakfast & guided journaling in the morning. It’s our last day and we will explore the city of Santiago de Compostela, with it’s magnificent and breathtaking cathedral, which welcomes pilgrims from all over the world. This is where the faithful believe that the remains of St. James rest. We will have our despedida (farewell) dinner and likely share a lot of insights, laughs, and maybe even some joyous tears.
You don’t have to sit in a room staring at a blank computer screen in order to write and create. In fact, that doesn’t work well for me, but does increase my stress!
What’s a solution? I have successfully used evidence-based mindful writing, journaling, and walking as tools to motivate my own projects. Walking has been shown to have a positive effect on creativity, including writing. Walking in nature contributes to both physical and mental well-being. Mindfulness practices provide whole-body benefits as well, including reducing anxiety by developing coping strategies for dealing with everyday stressors. Faculty have also had success developing courses that incorporate walking into their teaching.
All of these proven techniques are central to Camino Scholar’s Women’s Walking, Writing, & Creativity Retreat. You, too, will learn techniques that can enhance your creativity in teaching, writing, and other projects. Whether you are an academic researcher/writer, artist, or do other similar work, you can benefit from combining walking in nature with dedicated focused time for writing, walking, meditating, journaling, and creativity. We will go where our minds and bodies take us.
Guided Walking, Writing & Creativity activities led by award-winning author & teacher, Rebecca
Martinez. Ph.D.: Shared or Single Accommodation including a monastery & historic boutique hotels
of cultural interest): All Group Meals. Snacks & Non-alcoholic beverages: Group ground transport.
Airfare to/from Spain; Transportation to Vigo, Spain; Travel Insurance: Alcohol; Travel Documents;
Meals outside of group activities.
Meet Rebecca
Rebecca (Becky) an award-winning author, teacher, cultural anthropologist, and former tenured professor of women’s and gender studies.
“I’m loving this new career helping women apply mind-body well-being to their work productivity and innovation.”
She has formally studied mindfulness meditation and incorporates it into her daily practice. Becky has co-led workshops on Ford Foundation Difficult Dialogues. She speaks fluent Spanish, lived in Galicia, Spain and has walked many Caminos.
Meet Andrea
Meet Andrea, a dynamic guide and storyteller whose adventurous spirit was forged in the wilds of British Columbia, Canada. A history enthusiast and passionate photographer with an insatiable case of wanderlust, Andrea’s journey has been anything but ordinary. She’s hammered iron in the 19th century, chased giants in Northern Ireland, ridden motorcycles with an iconic brand, and curated fine wines for the rich and infamous in London.
Now based in the fishing village of Santa Maria de Oia, Andrea is a Camino Guide, website guru, and jack-of-all-trades. She brings the landscapes of Galicia to life with her rich storytelling, sharing insights into the flora, fauna, history, myths, and legends of the region. As a dedicated student of the ancient cultural heritage of this land, Andrea approaches her work with curiosity & reverence, always seeking to deepen her understanding and share that knowledge with those she guides.
As a steward of these awe-inspiring environments, Andrea is committed to preserving and protecting the wild places she explores. Her guiding ethos ensures that every journey enhances the natural beauty of the landscape, creating meaningful, lasting experiences for adventurers while safeguarding its future. Together, you’ll discover not just the beauty of the Camino but the deeper story it tells—and perhaps, a little of your own wild spirit along the way.
