The Full Portuguese Coastal

Porto, world capital of Port wine, is a great place to begin your journey. There is plenty to impress you in this colourful city, from the old city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the picturesque riverfront with its period wine boats to the tasty local cuisine. Enjoy a relaxing tour of the city and charge up for the adventure ahead.

Overnight: Porto

It is recommended to take a Metro to Matosinhos to avoid the industrial outskirts of Porto. From Matosinhos, the ocean will be your constant companion as far as Baiona, 130 km away to the north. The ocean and golden sandy beaches will guide you to Vila do Conde, an important old fishing town with numerous historical and architectural points of interest.

Overnight: Vila do Conde

Depart the historical centre of Vila do Conde and in a few kilometres you will reach the seaside resort of Póvoa de Varzim. Continue along the coast, beautiful beaches on your left, agricultural lands on your right, before reaching Esposende, a town set on the estuary of the River Cavado.

Overnight: Esposende

Leave Esposende and hug the coastline northwards, passing small villages like Marhinas, Behinho, Neiva and Darque until you reach the historic town of Viana do Castelo. You will cross a 600m iron bridge built in 1878 and designed by Gustave Eiffel.

Overnight: Viana do Castelo

Depart from the historical centre of Viana do Castelo and move out into the countryside through several old farms. The path will lead you past the villages of Areosa, Afife and Carreço and the old fishing port of Ancora. Continue on your coastal Camino towards Caminha, right by the Minho estuary, where the ocean and the river meet.

Overnight: Caminha

This stage begins with a ferry crossing of the river Minho to enter Galicia and Spain. After landing ashore in A Guarda, follow a roadside trail, passing through Portecelo and Val da Aguieira. After the chapel of San Sebastián, you will begin your approach to Oia, which boasts the impressive 12^th-century Cistercian Monastery of Santa Maria de Oia.

Overnight: Oia

Leave the village of Oia and weave between beaches, cliffs and cultivated fields, amid the sound of the sea slapping the rocky shore. The Camino ends in Baiona, a popular seaside town with lovely beaches, impressive fortifications and a vibrant atmosphere. Baiona is also a very important town in the history of maritime exploration as it was the first port in Europe to receive the news of the discovery of the New World.

Overnight: Baiona

Today’s stage starts off flat then undulates through a coastal landscape with spectacular views of sand dunes, cliffs and beaches. The trail passes some fine examples of vernacular architecture and stone crosses before reaching Vigo, Galicia’s largest city and economic heart, whose beautiful medieval quarter forms a lovely counterpoint to its bustling modern streets.

Overnight: Vigo

A chance to enjoy panoramic views of the Vigo Estuary, Rande Bridge and islands of San Simón and San Antón. At Redondela, the coastal Portuguese Camino joins the original inland route. You finally arrive at Arcade, where you can taste the oysters for which the town is famous or relax by the historic Sampaio Bridge over the River Verdugo.

Overnight: Arcade

Set off through old narrow alleyways before entering lush forest and sloping cropfields. This is a short stage that ends in the city of Pontevedra, which boasts a beautiful old quarter characterised by charming streets, secluded plazas and such historic buildings as the symbolic Church of La Peregrina (Pilgrim Virgin).

Overnight: Pontevedra

Walk along paved roads and trails through forests, small farmsteads and vineyards. Encounter bridges over streams and stone crosses until you get to the town of Caldas de Reis, where the Umia and Bermaña rivers meet, also known for its hot springs.

Overnight: Caldas de Reis

Today’s trail meanders northward through a typical landscape of villages, cultivated fields and wooded valleys. You finish in Padrón where, according to tradition, the disciples of Saint James landed ashore with the Apostle’s remains. Don’t leave without trying the tasty peppers for which the town is famous.

Overnight: Padrón

Today you trace the original journey of Saint James’ followers as they transported the Apostle’s body from their landing site in Padrón to the place of his burial at Campus Stellae (Compostela). Hike through clustered villages and farms until you get to the outskirts of Santiago de Compostela. Enjoy the elation of arriving in Obradoiro Square and the famous Cathedral—you’ve made it.

Overnight: Santiago de Compostela

Time to relax and enjoy all the things this wonderful city has to offer. Some like to reflect on their journey in the magnificent Cathedral, where they can also visit the shrine containing the relics of the Apostle Saint James. Others may choose to wander the narrow cobbled streets of the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or kick back in a terraza with fellow pilgrims. The vibrancy and beauty of Santiago is a fitting reward for all that walking.

Overnight: Santiago de Compostela

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the end of your Camino adventure. See you next time!