Armenteira Monastery
A serene 16th-century Cistercian monastery on the Camino de Santiago, offering peace, spiritual blessings, and locally crafted goods.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pilgrim blessing service
Armenteira Monastery
Best Time
Pilgrim blessing service
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene 16th-century Cistercian monastery on the Camino de Santiago, offering peace, spiritual blessings, and locally crafted goods.
"An absolutely incredible and atmospheric monastery, truly worth the stop. "
🎯 Book Monastery Stay Early
Rooms at the monastery hostel book up months in advance. Plan ahead to secure your spot! :bed:
✨ Attend Pilgrim Blessing
Don't miss the atmospheric 7 PM pilgrim service and blessing – a truly special experience. :pray:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Armenteira Monastery
Main monastery building
A 16th-century Cistercian monastery, beautifully preserved with a peaceful atmosphere and lush gardens.
Ruta da Pedra e da Auga
Trail starting near the monastery
A stunning 'Path of Stone and Water' winding through forests, past waterfalls and old mill houses.
Monastery Shop
On monastery grounds
Discover locally made products, including divine soaps and lotions crafted by the monks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Accommodation Early
Embrace the Pilgrim Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Monastery Stay Early
Rooms at the monastery hostel book up months in advance. Plan ahead to secure your spot! :bed:
✨ Attend Pilgrim Blessing
Don't miss the atmospheric 7 PM pilgrim service and blessing – a truly special experience. :pray:
🛍️ Shop for Monk-Made Goods
The monastery shop offers divine soaps and lotions crafted by the nuns. :soap:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Many visitors arrive on foot via the Camino de Santiago, so good footwear is essential. 
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Monastery Stay Early
Rooms at the monastery hostel book up months in advance. Plan ahead to secure your spot! :bed:
✨ Attend Pilgrim Blessing
Don't miss the atmospheric 7 PM pilgrim service and blessing – a truly special experience. :pray:
🛍️ Shop for Monk-Made Goods
The monastery shop offers divine soaps and lotions crafted by the nuns. :soap:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Many visitors arrive on foot via the Camino de Santiago, so good footwear is essential.
🚶♀️ Explore Ruta da Pedra e da Auga
This beautiful trail starts near the monastery and is a highlight for many pilgrims.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Armenteira Monastery for its incredible atmosphere, peaceful setting, and the spiritual experience of the evening pilgrim blessing. Many highlight the quality of the monk-made products in the shop and the kindness of the staff, particularly Sister Paula, who is described as a 'Camino Angel'. The main drawback is the difficulty in securing accommodation due to high demand, with bookings often filling up months in advance.
"An absolutely incredible and atmospheric monastery.
I really wanted to stay overnight here, but everything was already fully booked two months in advance, so it wasn’t possible this time.
In the future, I dream of coming back and spending a few days here.
Every evening at 7 PM, there is a beautiful pilgrim service and blessing - truly a special experience.
There’s also an amazing little shop on the monastery grounds where you can find locally made products crafted by the monks.
I was delighted to buy a natural lip balm and body lotion - both of great quality and with a lovely scent.
I highly recommend visiting this place on your journey - it’s unforgettable, and truly worth the stop."
Ольга Євса
"Monastery of Armenteria, ancient Cistercian monastery (Pontevedra). Today is also a hostel, spectacular entrance arch with six arch-flips and a wonderful rosette"
Mazhar Abbas
"We happened upon this impressive monastery as we were wandering around the area near our rental. Wow. Ancient, beautifully preserved, and very peaceful. Lovely little village, too, with a couple of restaurants. Definitely worth a visit if you are near Cambados."
Kym McKenna
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Many visitors arrive by foot as part of the Camino de Santiago, particularly the Variante Espiritual. If driving, it's located in Meis, Pontevedra, Spain.
Yes, it's a significant stop on the Camino Portugués, especially for those taking the 'Variante Espiritual' or 'Spiritual Variant'.
If you're not walking, driving is the most convenient option. It's accessible by car and offers a peaceful escape from nearby towns.
Public transport directly to the monastery can be limited. It's advisable to check local bus schedules or consider a taxi if not arriving via the Camino.
The 'Variante Espiritual' is a scenic route on the Camino Portugués that includes a boat journey and passes through beautiful natural landscapes, with the Armenteira Monastery as a key point.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the monastery grounds and church is generally free. However, accommodation within the monastery requires advance booking.
The monastery church and grounds are typically open during daylight hours. Specific times for accommodation and services should be confirmed directly.
Yes, the monastery operates as a hostel for pilgrims and visitors. Reservations are essential and should be made well in advance, often months ahead.
It's highly recommended to book accommodation at least two months in advance, especially during peak pilgrimage season.
While visiting the monastery itself is usually free, there might be charges for specific tours or events if offered. Accommodation is priced separately.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the historic monastery, enjoy the peaceful gardens, attend the pilgrim blessing, and visit the shop selling local crafts.
Yes, a beautiful pilgrim service and blessing is held every evening at 7 PM, which is a highlight for many visitors.
The shop offers a selection of locally made products, including natural lip balms, body lotions, and divine soaps crafted by the nuns.
The monastery is set in a verdant setting with gardens and a stream, offering a peaceful environment to explore.
This is a scenic trail starting near the monastery, known as the 'Path of Stone and Water,' winding through forests with waterfalls and old mill houses.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the impressive entrance arch, the rosette, the peaceful gardens, and the surrounding natural beauty. The Ruta da Pedra e da Auga also offers picturesque scenes.
Photography rules can vary. It's best to be respectful and check for any signage or ask a member of staff before taking photos inside the sacred spaces.
Early morning or late afternoon light can offer beautiful, soft illumination for your photos, especially in the gardens and on the surrounding trails.
Drone usage is often restricted in and around religious sites and natural parks. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
Look for the spectacular entrance arch with its six arch-flips and the wonderful rosette on the monastery building.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's important to note that the monastery's primary function is as a place of worship and a pilgrim hostel. While welcoming, the atmosphere is generally quiet and contemplative. Families should manage expectations regarding active entertainment and focus on the serene beauty and the opportunity for a peaceful nature walk.
🚶 Pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago
Arriving at the monastery after a challenging day's walk, particularly if the weather has been difficult, can be an incredibly rewarding experience. The camaraderie among pilgrims and the supportive atmosphere provided by the monastery staff, like the famed 'Camino Angel' Sister Paula, are often cited as highlights.
🧘 Solo Travelers Seeking Peace
Staying overnight at the monastery offers a unique chance to connect with fellow travelers and immerse yourself in the contemplative atmosphere. The natural beauty surrounding the monastery, including the Ruta da Pedra e da Auga, also provides opportunities for peaceful solo exploration and connection with nature.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Camino de Santiago Connection
+3For those not walking the Camino, the monastery still offers a profound sense of peace and history. Its integration into the natural surroundings, with the nearby Ruta da Pedra e da Auga, makes it an attractive destination for those seeking tranquility and a connection with nature. The monastery's role as a hostel provides a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the pilgrim atmosphere, even if just for a night.
Key takeaway: Whether you're a seasoned pilgrim or a curious traveler, the Armenteira Monastery offers a unique blend of spirituality, history, and natural beauty, deeply intertwined with the Camino de Santiago tradition.
A Sanctuary of Peace and Craftsmanship
A special aspect of the monastery experience is its small shop, where nuns craft and sell a variety of locally made products. These items, including natural lip balms, body lotions, and particularly divine soaps, are highly praised for their quality and lovely scents. Purchasing these goods is not only a way to support the monastery but also to take a tangible piece of its tranquility home with you.
The evening pilgrim blessing at 7 PM is another deeply moving experience that many visitors highlight. It offers a moment of shared spirituality and community, reinforcing the monastery's role as a sanctuary for both pilgrims and those seeking a spiritual connection.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit