WALKS OF GRATITUDE
"Let him who would move the world first move himself" - Socrates
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THE COASTAL
The Camino Portuguese Coastal or Caminho da Costa is a stunning alternative route to the traditional Portuguese Camino. Starting from colourful Porto, you will discover the wild Atlantic beauty and sandy beaches of Northern Portugal and Galicia, taste delicious seafood and wine, stay in fishing villages and feel refreshed by the coastal feel of this scenic Camino de Santiago trail.
OVERVIEW
The Portuguese Coastal Camino is a stunning and very scenic alternative route to the classic Portuguese Camino. Starting in colourful UNESCO-listed Porto this Camino trail will take you to charming seaside towns and villages in Northern Portugal, along the superb Atlantic Coast. Over the course of 12 days, you will stay in picturesque small cities and visit the most charming towns and villages from coast to the mountains.
From Caminha, you will cross by ferry to A Guarda, in Galicia, and the heart of the Rías Baixas, to continue this memorable journey as it veers inland to more countryside landscapes towards Santiago de Compostela. Discover the wild Atlantic beauty and sandy beaches of Northern Portugal and Southern Galicia, taste delicious seafood and wine, stay in pretty fishing villages and be refreshed by the maritime feel of this scenic Coastal Camino.
*Please note the Caminho da Senda Litoral follows the coastline, while the Caminho da Costa (better signposted) weaves inland at times and overlaps with the Senda Litoral in certain sections. If you happen to take the Caminho da Costa, don’t worry, the trail will take you back to the same finishing point. Check the maps and walking notes provided. This route has excellent reviews with many 5 star ratings.
QUICK FACTS:
No of days: Up to 13 nights
Distance: 270 Km
Difficulty: Medium
Best Time: March to October
ITINERARY
Porto
You arrive in Porto
Póvoa de Varzim
Start your Camino de Santiago journey in gorgeous and colourful Porto, with its UNESCO-listed old town, picturesque river front and home to Port wine. Discover the best of Portuguese hospitality before your walk on the Portuguese Coastal Way!
Today you should take the Metro to Matosinhos to avoid the outskirts of Porto and reach the coast to start your Camino walk. Get off at the ‘Mercado’ stop. You will walk following the coastline, passing fishing villages, forts and chapels, the prehistoric castro of San Paio and of course, beautiful sandy beaches.
*If you choose to cycle the Camino, the route will start from the city center, so the distance for this stage will be 40km.
29 km
Esposende
Enjoy a stroll along the pretty Póvoa de Varzim harbour and explore its medieval district before you continue your Camino. Walk up to the Convento de Santa Clara to discover the best views of the town and the surrounding coast. On your way to Esposende you will pass the popular seaside town of Póvoa de Varzim with its sandy beachfront and cross the Coastal Natural Park, Parque Natural do Litoral Norte
22 km
Viana do Castelo
Today you will continue your Camino coastal walk from Esposende, across the Coastal Natural Park, on your way to Viana do Castelo. 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. Legend has it that the Romans were so impressed by Viana’s beauty when they reached the town in the first century BC that they thought they had reached the paradise
24 km
Vila Praia de Ancora
Today you will leave Viana do Castelo and continue along the beautiful Atlantic coastline heading North. Today is quite an easy day, giving you 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. You will stay in the coastal town Vila Praia de Ancora
19 km
A Guarda
From Vila Praia de Ancora you will continue on your coastal Camino towards Caminha, right by the Minho estuary, where the River meets the Atlantic. From Caminha, you will take the ferry-boat Santa Rita de Cássia across the river Minho to Galicia. There are about 10 crossings per day from Caminha to A Guarda (schedule varies depending on the season, no ferries on Monday). Ticket fare not included in the holiday package. From the ferry to can continue straight to A Guarda or take a detour along the estuary for great coastal views (4km longer). If you have time, once you reach A Guarda, take a visit to its famous hilltop ‘castro’, celtic settlement
13 km
Baiona
From the fishing village of A Guarda, your path continues northwards where you will be afforded some more breathtaking views of the o cean on your left. Tonight you will reach the busy seaside town of Baiona with its gorgeous marina. While in Baiona, visit one of the towns attractions such as the Museo de la Carabela Pinta and the Monumento Encuentro entre dos Mundos
30 km
Vigo
Today you will follow the coast from Baiona to Nigrán and finally to the city of Vigo. You will enjoy fantastic views of the Bay of Vigo, with the magnificent Illas Cíes and its Natural Park in the horizon. On a hot day, stop at the blue flag beach Praia América in Nigrán for a quick swim.
26 km
Arcade
Easy walkin g option. Today is your last day along the coast and quite a short walking day so you can make the most of the seaside. Stop to try the famous oysters in the fishing village of Arcade.
31 km
Pontevedra
Today is your last day along the coast and quite a short walking day so you can make the most of the seaside. Stop to try the famous oysters in the fishing village of Arcade. Your final point is the city of Pontevedra, with its pretty historic centre. At today is quite a short day so you will have time to explore the old town, with its many Romanesque churches and quaint granite squares
12 km
Caldas de Reis
Leaving Pontevedra, today, the Camino will take you through chestnut groves and pine and eucalyptus woods. In the village of Ponte Cabras y ou will see the rectory of Santa María de Alba. At Lombo da Maceira, a statue of Saint James with his walking stick will show you the way. On your way to Caldas de Reis you will pass the hamlet of Tivo with its lovely fountain and public washing bath
21 km
Padrón
From Caldas de Reis you will cross the river Umia and find the hot springs that have given the town its name since Roman times. The trail once again takes you to forests and gradually climbs to the village of Santa Mariña. You will continue on the Camino through pine forests to today’s destination: the town of Padrón. When the body of Saint James was being brought to Compostela by boat, Padrón was said to be the first land it reached
18 km
Santiago de Compostela
Take time to explore this gem of a city, small and vibrant. Its UNESCO listed old town will enchant you. In Santiago de Compost ela you will find not only pilgrims but also locals and students, socialising and enjoying a few bites and glasses of wine in the many bars, restaurants and cosy cafes
25 km
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
All our trips include selected accommodation with private bathroom, holiday pack with route information, maps and GPS files; and 24/7 support number providing assistance during your trip, for instance organising support vehicle if needed.
OPTIONAL: You will also have the option to add or remove the Luggage transfers (one bag up to 20kg per person), dinners (where available), bike rental and airport transfers.
NOT INCLUDED: Flights, drinks, city tax, Travel Insurance (Recommended)
ACCOMMODATION: We aim to book you into each of the towns listed on the itinerary, however in case of low availability we may book you 2 nights in the same town with provided transfers. If you are booking Superior collection or Country cottages, please note it is subject to availability and therefore cannot be guaranteed. Superior/Country cottage accommodation may be away from the route with included transfers.
*This year, important restoration works continue at Santiago Cathedral in order to get the cathedral fully restored ahead of Holy Year 2021.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Porto Airport 12km: The easiest connection between Porto airport and the city center is by metro. The purple metro line (line E) has regular departures; frequency between 5-9 minutes approx. We we can also assist with transfers from the airport.
Accommodation
We have hand-picked family-run hotels and guesthouses along the Camino for their character and warm hospitality. Up to 3-stars, you will be staying in the centre of town and close to your Camino trail
Country Cottages or 'Casas Rurales' are beautifully restored country homes and farmhouses in the heart of peaceful rural communities. Our Country Cottages are renowned for their exceptional food, unique settings and personal touch.
Stay in very special hotels and unique properties along the Camino. We have selected luxurious 4 and 5-star hotels, boutique guesthouses, relaxing country homes and stunning heritage ‘Parador’ hotels so you can feel pampered.
We have hand-picked family-run hotels and guesthouses along the Camino for their character and warm hospitality. Up to 3-stars, you will be staying in the centre of town and close to your Camino trail