Camino Portugués Coastal Way

Arrive in the vibrant city of Porto, famous for it’s production of port wine. With its medieval old town, baroque churches and plentiful restaurants this is a wonderful place to start your trip. Take a wander through the narrow cobbled streets of the Ribeira district before enjoying dinner and perhaps sampling some delicious vintage Port.

Porto is easily accessible from London and many airports throughout Europe or you can also fly via Lisbon and take a train to Porto (2.5h).

After breakfast, take a short metro journey to the town of Matosinhos, escaping some of the urban sprawl of Porto. From Matosinhos, start your walk along the coast visiting seaside villages such as Leca da Palmeira, Labruge and Vila do Conde before arriving at Povoa do Varzim. This beautiful city is home to the Cividade de Terrosso Fort, more than 3000 years old as well as an ancient aqueduct, and a charming old town.

Ascent: 33m/Descent: 35m

Walk along the esplanade to the Chapel of San Andres before continuing via a wooden walkway to the Natural Park of the Northern Portuguese Coast. Home to many different wildlife habitats including pine forests, wetlands and river estuaries you should be able to spot plenty of birds such as mallards, grey herons and cormorants and more than 200 different species of flora. Cross the iron bridge over the Cavadoy river before arriving in the city of Esposende.

Ascent: 26m/Descent: 32m

Continue along the coastal plains, crossing expansive sandy beaches and dunes, the town of Marinhas, and Church of San Bartolome do Mar. Arriving at the mouth of the Neiva River, head inland briefly before returning to the coast and then walking along a forest path to the small port of Cabedelo. Cross the Eiffel Bridge into one of the most beautiful and best-preserved historical centres in Portugal, Viana do Castelo.

Here you can visit the Church of Our Lady of Conception, the Castle of Mino, the stunning cathedral and a traditional goldsmith’s museum.

Ascent: 284m/Descent: 276m

Before leaving Viana do Castelo, take time to climb the funicular to the eucalyptus-clad hill of Monte de Santa Luzia or visit the exquisite neo-Byzantine Temple to the Sacred Heart of Jesus for panoramic views of Viana. Heading out of the city, cross many beaches via wooden footbridges over the dunes and walk along sea promenades. Discover the Fort of Santiago de Barra as well as the impressive windmills of Montedor.  Reach Praia da Ancora, where you can perhaps take a dip in the sea!

Ascent: 172m/Descent: 174m

Not long after leaving the beach this morning you will arrive at the pretty town of Caminha, the last Portuguese city of your walk, located at the mouth of the Miño River. Take a short ferry crossing (must be booked in advance) to Camposancos where you begin the Spanish part of your journey through Galicia.

Arriving in A Guarda, explore its port, bustling town square with its impressive clock tower and the Church of Santa Maria.

Ascent: 97m/Descent: 182m

With the Atlantic Ocean as your constant companion, just take the time to enjoy the tranquillity of walking along the coast on this stage with wide open views of the sea. Arrive at the fishing village of Oia with its historic Monastery of Santa Marta de Oia. Enjoy an evening meal of grilled fish and sip on a glass of Vinho Verde as you take in the sea views.

Ascent: 157m/Descent: 189m

Leaving Oia behind, walk at the foot of impressive cliffs until reaching the Lighthouse of Cabo Silleiro, the main point of navigation for ships sailing along the Ria de Vigo. Ascend to Baredo and a few kilometres later arrive at the 12th century Castle of Monte Real, now the luxurious Parador de Baiona hotel - speak to us about upgrading your overnight stay to here! Continue to Baiona, the first port in Europe to receive the news of the discovery of America.

In the evening take a wander through the narrow streets of the old town and enjoy an evening meal in one of the atmospheric restaurants — perhaps the delicious Pulpo (octopus) or Merluza a la Gallega (hake).

Ascent: 249m/Descent: 244m

Walk alongside the Ria de Vigo which is protected by the beautiful Cies Islands archipelago, home to some of the most beautiful beaches.  If you want to visit the Cies Islands add an extra night in Baiona from where you can take one of the regular boat services to the islands (only available in summer). This does need to be booked in advance however as visitor numbers to the islands are limited to protect the fragile environment. Pass the historic fountain of O Pombal, before crossing two Romanesque Bridges and continuing into the marshland area of Foz del Rio Minor.  Visit the Votivo do Mar Temple in Nigran before reaching the city of Vigo.

Ascent: 407m/Descent: 341m

Leaving Vigo by a pleasant river walk takes you to the Castle of San Sebastian. Descend to the Barrio de O Berbes, an area well known for its wonderful restaurants and where you can sample Ostras de la Ria (oysters of the river).  Continue to  Redondela, where the route meets the main Camino Portuguese way and cross the historic centre of Cesantes before descending to the seaside village of Arcade.

Ascent: 257m/Descent: 309m

Begin the day by climbing the ancient stone road of the Verea Vella da Canicouva past small fields and into a forest area. Explore the 13th century Church of Santa Marta with its panoramic views over the Bay of Vigo before arriving in Pontevedra. This bustling city has a wonderful atmosphere and some great restaurants offering fine Galician cuisine.

Ascent: 145m/Descent: 161m

Walk through the historic centre of Pontevedra this morning until you reach the Puente del Burgo bridge over the Lerez River. Skirt around the marshland area of A Xunquiera de Alba before entering the beautiful landscapes of Bosques de Reiris and Lombo da Maceira. Walking through fields of crops you eventually reach the pretty spa town of Caldas de Reis.

Ascent: 127m/Descent: 104m

Leaving Caldas de Reis, cross the area of Mount Castelo where deep forests are dotted with the waters of the Valga River and ancient mills. Cross a bridge separating the provinces of Pontevedra and A Coruna to find Padron, home to illustrious Galician writers such as Camino Jose Cela and Rosalia de Castro.

Ascent: 149m/Descent: 163m

Your final day’s walking and a definite highlight brings you to the famous Santiago de Compostela. First of all visit the Sanctuary of Escravitude, and the Alto de O Milladoiro, where pilgrims used to kneel when they first saw the Cathedral of Santiago.  Shortly after, arrive at the historic centre of Santiago by A Porta Faxeira and continue to the famous Plaza del Obradoiro, where the beautiful Cathedral sits and where all pilgrims converge.

Ascent: 374m/Descent: 129m

We strongly recommend adding an additional night in Santiago to allow you to attend the Pilgrims Mass at the Cathedral which takes place at noon each day. Otherwise, enjoy breakfast before checking out and making your way back to the airport.