Portuguese Coastal Camino - 18 Days

You arrive in Porto.

Porto is easily accessible from many airports throughout Europe or you can also fly via Lisbon and take a train to Porto (2.5h). We will be happy to help you plan your arrival into Porto

We start our Camino in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Porto. This day in Porto is just what you need. Time to rest after your long travels and time to explore this vibrant city of Porto. Porto is famous for its production of port wine. With its medieval old town, baroque churches and plentiful restaurants this is a wonderful place to start your pilgrimage.

Wander through the narrow cobbled streets of the Ribeira district before enjoying dinner and perhaps sampling some delicious vintage Port.

A nice short day to get your body started. Today we will take the Metro to Matosinhos to avoid the outskirts of Porto and reach the coast to start your Camino walk. We will enjoy a day of following the coastline, passing fishing villages, forts and chapels, of course, beautiful sandy beaches.

Today will be another short day and another day of following the coastline along a boardwalk. We will pass the prehistoric castro of San Paio and make our way to Povoa de Varzim. Once rested we will walk up to the Convento de Santa Clara to discover the best views of the town and the surrounding coast and explore its medieval district.

As we leave town, we will make sure to enjoy a stroll along the pretty Povoa de Varzim harbor. We will have a nice flat day as we hug the coastline and enjoy the ocean views along with its nice breeze.

Today we will continue our Camino coastal walk from Esposende. We will enjoy quiet country lanes with lovely stretches of woodland paths and river crossings. Once in Viana, take the opportunity to taste the local cuisine, explore the historic center of town and take the funicular to the Basílica de Santa Luzía for great views.

Today we will leave Viana do Castelo and continue along the beautiful Atlantic coastline heading North. This is quite an easy day, giving us plenty of time to enjoy a relaxed pace and have enough time to make the most of the seaside villages and towns along the way.

Today is a short but fun day. We will leave Vila Praia de Ancora and head to Caminha. From Caminha, we will take the ferry-boat Santa Rita de Cássia across the river Minho to Galicia. We are now in Spain. From the ferry we walk into A Guarda or La Guardia.

From the fishing village of A Guarda, our path continues northwards where we have some more breathtaking views of the ocean on your left.

Today we will pass through the busy seaside town of Baiona with its gorgeous marina. We continue on to Nigran, if it is a hot day let us enjoy a swim at the blue flag beach Praia América.

Today we walk into Vigo which is Iberian Spain’s westernmost city, right on the Atlantic Ocean and with lush mountain landscapes all around.

We will leave Vigo and head out through the suburbs, woodland paths and make our way into Redondela.

Today will be our last day along the coast. We will pass through the fishing village of Arcade, if lunch time stop to try the famous oysters. We will cross the Verdugo River over Ponte Sampaio. This bridge is where Napoleon’s army suffered one of its greatest defeats in Galicia. From here we continue along a cobbled road which takes pilgrims to the 13th century Church of Santa María, where you can enjoy magnificent views over the Bay of Vigo while walking towards Pontevedra.

Today, starting in the city of Pontevedra, the Camino will take you through chestnut groves, vineyards, pine and eucalyptus woods. In the village of Pontecabras, take a minute to admire the rectory of Santa María de Alba. We will pass through Lombo da Maceira where you can see a statue of Saint James with his walking stick, showing pilgrims the way. A little further down the way, we will pass through the hamlet of Tivo with its lovely fountain and public washing area. We will be staying in the spa town of Caldas de Reis for the night, with a chance to soak in a natural hot spring.

We will head out of Caldas de Reis and cross the river Umia and the hot springs that have given the town its name since Roman times. We climb back into the forests and make our way to the village of Santa Marina. We will cross the river Fontenlo before making our way through pine forests to today’s final destination: the town of Padron. Padron is believed to be arrival point of the body of Saint James when it was brought to Santiago de Compostela by ship.

Today is the day. Today we will walk into Santiago de Compostela. The entrance to the city along the road does not affect the mood of the pilgrim who has finally arrived to La Plaza del Obradoiro!! You may wish to attend the pilgrims Mass today in the evening. Botafumeiro could be used during this Mass.

After we have rested in the Plaza, we will head to our resting place.

Today is a day in Santiago. A private tour of the city to start the day and then this day is yours.

Today will be the final chance to attend a pilgrims Mass at 12 and have a chance to see the Botafumeiro swing. You will have time to explore this beautiful city. Just make sure you enter the Cathedral and make your way to the tradition of hugging the shining statue of St. James. After the embrace, enter the crypt where Saint James relics are kept. Make sure you take some time and explore the Cathedral, it is formed with Galician granite. It is one of the finest architectural examples in Europe. It encompasses Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles.

Tonight we will have our farewell dinner and have time to reflect on our pilgrimage.

Say goodbye to our new found friends and prayer partners.

Depart hotel and head to airport for flights home