Historical Milestone! The Largest Maritime Pilgrimage of the Modern Era Set sails from Bayonne to Compostela
Baiona. An unprecedented event in the recent history of the Jacobean pilgrimages set sail today from the Monte Real Baiona Yacht Club. The V Route Rías Baixas-Camino de Santiago de la Ría de Muros Noia has begun what is already considered the largest maritime pilgrimage in modern history, with the participation of more than 200 pilgrims aboard 52 sailboats.
This non-competitive journey, promoted by the Vía Querinissima Association, recovers an ancient medieval tradition, recreating the route that pilgrims once followed by sea to Compostela, just as the famous Venetian navigator Pietro Querini did in 1431.
A Journey Powered by Wind and Tradition
With ideal weather conditions – 25 degrees, gentle breeze and calm sea – the fleet left Baiona. Your route will take you through the impressive Atlantic Islands Maritime-Terrestrial National Park, passing first through the crystalline waters of the Cies Islands. The first stop of the expedition is planned in the Aldán estuary, where the crew will spend the night.
Tomorrow, the sailors will continue their adventure towards the Ons Island, another valuable protected natural enclave, before heading to Portonovo. An authentic gastronomic celebration awaits you there, with local products and seafood, a reflection of the festive spirit and the rich Galician culinary culture.
Beyond the Journey: Connecting Cultures and Traditions
The organizers explain that this massive pilgrimage is part of the ambitious European cultural project Via Querinissima. This initiative seeks to connect territories of 13 countries under a vision of sustainable, cultural and food and wine tourism, promoting unique experiences that merge history, nature and spirituality through these ancient maritime routes. The Vía Querinissima Association, present with an information stand, ensures the proper development and dissemination of this fascinating journey.
