A short ferry ride across the Minho River signals the entry into Spanish Galicia. Leaving Portugal behind, the track hugs a rugged coastline where the Atlantic crashes hard against dark stone cliffs. The first major visual highlight is the old Cistercian monastery of Oia, standing right at the water's edge. Smooth tarmac leads into the historic bay of Baiona, where a replica of Columbus’s ship, the Pinta, sits moored in the harbor. From there, the route cuts inland to trace the deep contours of the Vigo estuary. After rolling through the transit hub of Redondela, the wheels cross the ancient stone bridge of Pontesampaio. The stage wraps up among the lively, pedestrianized stone squares of Pontevedra's old quarter.
