Camino Portugués: Coastal Way

Make sure to arrive in plenty of time to explore the UNESCO World Heritage City of Porto. Take a stroll along the picturesque riverfront and enjoy a glass or two of the famous port wine!

Overnight: Porto

From the city centre of Porto you first take the metro to the Atlantic coastline, wher you start your walk northwards. You will walk on beachside boardwalks while enjoying the sea breeze and wonderful views over the Atlantic Ocean. You will pass through towns such as Labruge and Vila do Conde, as well as the Iron Age ruins of Castro de Sampaio, before arriving at Póvoa do Varzim. This beautiful city is home to the 3,000-year-old Cividade de Terrosso Fort, as well as an ancient aquaduct and a charming old town.

Overnight: Póvoa de Varzim

Today’s walk takes you through the Coastal Natural Park, Parque Natural do Litoral Norte, an area of wetlands and pine forests which is home to mallards, grey herons and cormorants. You will then cross the iron bridge over the Cavadoy river into the town of Esposende.

Overnight: Esposende

A longer walking day today, continuing through the Coastal Natural Park and passing vast sandy beaches and dunes along your way to the beautiful historic town of Viana do Castelo.

Make sure to take the funicular to the Basílica de Santa Luzía for stunning views over the town and surrounding area.

Overnight: Viana do Castelo

A more leisurely day, passing through numerous seaside villages and walking along wooden footbridges over the beaches and dunes on your way to the coastal town Vila Praia de Ancora.

Overnight: Vila Praia de Ancora

Today you leave Portugal for Spain. First follow the coast north to the town of Caminha, at the mouth of the Miño River. Here you will catch the regular ferry service across the river to Galicia to continue your walk to the charming fishing village of A Guarda, followed by the small beachfront village of Oia, dominated by its 12^th century monastery.

Overnight: Oia

Leaving Oia, you along the coast to the Lighthouse of Cabo Silleiro before cutting across the mountains and finally descending into the medieval centre of Baiona.  This historic town was the first place in Europe to hear news of Columbus’ discovery of America. Today it is a busy seaside town a picturesque marina, atmospheric old town and excellent seafood restaurants.

Overnight: Baiona

Walking alongside the Ria de Vigo, you will enjoy wonderful views of the Bay and the Cies Islands, home to some of Galicia’s most beautiful beaches (it is possible to visit the islands by boat from Baiona during the summer months). You will pass the historic fountain of O Pombal, before crossing the Roman bridge at Ramallosa and continuing into the marshland area of Foz del Rio Minor.

Overnight: Vigo

This morning you have an included transfer to take you from Vigo to the start of your walk in Redondela (10km from Vigo).

From Redondela, you will join the traditional Portuguese Way. You will start seeing more pilgrims along the Camino as you pass through typical Galician landscapes with rural areas and lush green Eucaliptus forests. Before the halfway point, you will cross Ponte Sanpaio, the famous bridge where Napoleon’s army once suffered a heavy defeat. Continue by climbing the ancient stone paths to the 13^th century Church of Santa Maria, with its wonderful views over the Bay of Vigo, before arriving in Pontevedra. This small riverside city has an impressive heritage; it was once Galicia’s biggest and most important port and it was here that Columbus’ flagship, the Santa María, was built.

Overnight: Pontevedra

Gentle paths take you through chestnut groves, pine and eucalyptus woods and along river valleys today. You will pass through lots of typical Galician villages, such as the hamlet of Tivo with its lovely fountain. As you reach Lombo da Maceira, look out for a statue of Saint James with his walking stick, showing pilgrims the way. The Romanesque Church of Santa María welcomes you at the entrance to Caldas de Reis, a spa town where you can rest your weary feet in the hot springs on arrival.

Overnight: Caldas de Reis

Today you will leave Pontevedra province to enter the province of A Coruña – Santiago is getting very close!

This is an easy and very pleasant day of walking through pine forests in two river valleys. Padrón is believed to be place where St. James first preached in Spain, as well as being the arrival point where his body was brought to following his martyrdom in Jerusalem, before it was carried onwards by the disciples to Santiago.

Tasting the world-famous Pimientos de Padrón (Padrón peppers) is a must!

Overnight: Padrón

The final stage of your journey. As you approach Santiago you will pass through the same villages as the disciples did when carried St. James’ mortal remains to lay them to rest for eternity. There is inevitably some road walking as you approach the city, but you will also walk through some pleasant sections of forest before spotting the spires of the magnificent cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. You can feel the centuries of history as you walk the cobbled streets of its UNESCO-listed old town and enjoy the sense of achievement in completing your journey!

Overnight: Santiago de Compostela

Your arrangement ends after breakfast this morning, unless you have booked additional nights.

Make sure to arrive in plenty of time to explore the UNESCO World Heritage City of Porto. Take a stroll along the picturesque riverfront and enjoy a glass or two of the famous port wine!

Overnight: Porto

From the city centre of Porto you first take the metro to the Atlantic coastline, wher you start your walk northwards. You will walk on beachside boardwalks while enjoying the sea breeze and wonderful views over the Atlantic Ocean. You will pass through towns such as Labruge and Vila do Conde, as well as the Iron Age ruins of Castro de Sampaio, before arriving at Póvoa do Varzim. This beautiful city is home to the 3,000-year-old Cividade de Terrosso Fort, as well as an ancient aquaduct and a charming old town.

Overnight: Póvoa de Varzim

Today’s walk takes you through the Coastal Natural Park, Parque Natural do Litoral Norte, an area of wetlands and pine forests which is home to mallards, grey herons and cormorants. You will then cross the iron bridge over the Cavadoy river into the town of Esposende.

Overnight: Esposende

A longer walking day today, continuing through the Coastal Natural Park and passing vast sandy beaches and dunes along your way to the beautiful historic town of Viana do Castelo.

Make sure to take the funicular to the Basílica de Santa Luzía for stunning views over the town and surrounding area.

Overnight: Viana do Castelo

A more leisurely day, passing through numerous seaside villages and walking along wooden footbridges over the beaches and dunes on your way to the coastal town Vila Praia de Ancora.

Overnight: Vila Praia de Ancora

Today you leave Portugal for Spain. First follow the coast north to the town of Caminha, at the mouth of the Miño River. Here you will catch the regular ferry service across the river to Galicia to continue your walk to the charming fishing village of A Guarda, followed by the small beachfront village of Oia, dominated by its 12^th century monastery.

Overnight: Oia

Your arrangement ends after breakfast this morning, unless you have booked additional nights.

Your trip begins in the small Galician beachfront village of Oia, dominated by its 12^th century monastery.

Overnight: Oia

Leaving Oia, you along the coast to the Lighthouse of Cabo Silleiro before cutting across the mountains and finally descending into the medieval centre of Baiona.  This historic town was the first place in Europe to hear news of Columbus’ discovery of America. Today it is a busy seaside town a picturesque marina, atmospheric old town and excellent seafood restaurants.

Overnight: Baiona

Walking alongside the Ria de Vigo, you will enjoy wonderful views of the Bay and the Cies Islands, home to some of Galicia’s most beautiful beaches (it is possible to visit the islands by boat from Baiona during the summer months). You will pass the historic fountain of O Pombal, before crossing the Roman bridge at Ramallosa and continuing into the marshland area of Foz del Rio Minor.

Overnight: Vigo

This morning you have an included transfer to take you from Vigo to the start of your walk in Redondela (10km from Vigo).

From Redondela, you will join the traditional Portuguese Way. You will start seeing more pilgrims along the Camino as you pass through typical Galician landscapes with rural areas and lush green Eucaliptus forests. Before the halfway point, you will cross Ponte Sanpaio, the famous bridge where Napoleon’s army once suffered a heavy defeat. Continue by climbing the ancient stone paths to the 13^th century Church of Santa Maria, with its wonderful views over the Bay of Vigo, before arriving in Pontevedra. This small riverside city has an impressive heritage; it was once Galicia’s biggest and most important port and it was here that Columbus’ flagship, the Santa María, was built.

Overnight: Pontevedra

Gentle paths take you through chestnut groves, pine and eucalyptus woods and along river valleys today. You will pass through lots of typical Galician villages, such as the hamlet of Tivo with its lovely fountain. As you reach Lombo da Maceira, look out for a statue of Saint James with his walking stick, showing pilgrims the way. The Romanesque Church of Santa María welcomes you at the entrance to Caldas de Reis, a spa town where you can rest your weary feet in the hot springs on arrival.

Overnight: Caldas de Reis

Today you will leave Pontevedra province to enter the province of A Coruña – Santiago is getting very close!

This is an easy and very pleasant day of walking through pine forests in two river valleys. Padrón is believed to be place where St. James first preached in Spain, as well as being the arrival point where his body was brought to following his martyrdom in Jerusalem, before it was carried onwards by the disciples to Santiago.

Tasting the world-famous Pimientos de Padrón (Padrón peppers) is a must!

Overnight: Padrón

The final stage of your journey. As you approach Santiago you will pass through the same villages as the disciples did when carried St. James’ mortal remains to lay them to rest for eternity. There is inevitably some road walking as you approach the city, but you will also walk through some pleasant sections of forest before spotting the spires of the magnificent cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. You can feel the centuries of history as you walk the cobbled streets of its UNESCO-listed old town and enjoy the sense of achievement in completing your journey!

Overnight: Santiago de Compostela

Your arrangement ends after breakfast this morning, unless you have booked additional nights.