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Be challenged and be fulfilled on this coastal Camino.

Challenge yourself to a journey from pretty Porto to the historic Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela on an 11-day alternative coastal Camino trail. This Portuguese Camino trail passes through coastal Baiona, Vigo and Redondela, and joins the pilgrim route onwards to Pontevedra, Caldas de Reis, Padron, and finishing in Santiago de Compostela. You’ll embark on a journey through the countryside in mostly north-western Spain, retracing the ‘Way of Saint James’, trekking past the Bay of Vigo, visiting old churches and quaint villages. As one of the three most important Christian pilgrimages, you’ll take part in a powerful journey through some idyllic landscapes and via some beautiful towns.

Start
Porto, Portugal
Finish
Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Destinations
Portugal, Spain
Style
Original
Theme
Walking & Trekking
Code
ZMXG
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Journey this mostly coastal walk to Santiago de Compostela – a lesser-known trail with fewer pilgrims along the way.

  • Feast on some of the best Spanish seafood and Albarino wine in Arcade, on a substantial lunch stop on the way to Pontevedra.

  • Trek a fair distance each day, but be able to relax along the way, with dedicated rest days in seaside Vigo and inland Caldas de Reis.

  • Visit one of the bodegas (wineries) in the region of Caldas de Rei and have the opportunity to soak in the renowned hot springs in the area.

  • Explore the marvels of Saint James’s resting place at the Cathedral de Santiago and the medieval old town surrounding as a reward for conquering this journey

Is this trip right for you?

  • Just as a heads up before you book: this trip is new to our range this year. And while we have thoroughly researched every detail of the logistics, new destinations can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a great surprise. But every now and again there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’.

  • This is a walking trip. You need to be of good health in order to complete the walks. Please ensure you bring sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes. To make the most of the trip, it's best if you have at least a moderate level of fitness.

  • Please note that there are sections on the walk where it will not be possible to call in a taxi or any other transport.

  • Your main luggage will be transported between stops, but you will still carry a daypack with the essentials, such as water, snacks, a raincoat and so on.

  • The diversity of the seasons here makes for incredible scenery, but the weather in this region can be unpredictable. It’s best to wear layers at all times of the year in case conditions change during the day.

  • While this route is called Portuguese Camino, most of the walking is done on the Spanish territory.

  • Day 5, Redondela, you will be accommodated in the hotel that offers multi shared accommodation. We will stay in triple rooms and you will share a room with your fellow group members of the same sex.

Map of Portuguese Camino including Portugal and Spain
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Itinerary
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Welcome to Porto! You’ll have an important welcome meeting at 6 pm, so feel free to arrive any time before then. As this trip spends very little time in Porto, we recommend you spend arrive a day or two before your trip if you want to experience all the city has to offer. Stretching along the banks of the River Douro, Porto is one of Portugal's most romantic cities, known for majestic bridges, medieval riverside district with its cobbled streets, merchants’ houses and cafes. After your important meeting, get your group together and head riverside to find a delicious dinner.
Optional Activities
  • Clerigos Tower - Porto - EUR5
  • Bolhao Market - Porto - Free
  • Lello Library - Porto - EUR6
  • Serralves Foundation - Porto - EUR5
  • Port Tasting - Porto - EUR10
  • Experience Porto's Bites and Sights - EUR52
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time for the group meeting, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

This morning, transfer to Oia and begin your Camino. This walk you will be undertaking makes up the final section of the Portuguese Coastal Walk, and as a matter of fact, your walking will be taking place in north-western Spain, around 20 kilometres from the Portuguese border. Oia is a small coastal town and marks the beginning of your walk. Take the 19-kilometre journey to seaside Baiona. Once arrived, you can stroll along the port, visit the impressive Monte Real fortress and taste the best of the Rias Biaxas seafood and white wine, before you start your journey to Santiago de Compostela tomorrow.

Total walking distance: 19 km
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

This morning, hug the coastline from Baiona to Nigran, on your way to the city of Vigo. With your trail along the water, pass by beautiful seascapes of the magnificent Bay of Vigo, with the acclaimed Illas Cies natural park on the horizon. These rugged islands form a main focal point of the bay. If you do happen to be walking on a hot day, why not cool off with a swim at Praia America beach in Nigran. Arrive in Vigo in the late afternoon, ready for a leisure day tomorrow.

Total walking distance: 26 km (approximately)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today is free for you to do as you please in Vigo. Vigo is a city cradled by the mountains on one side and the sea on the other, flourishing from a humble fishing village into this region’s most populated city. Perhaps pack a picnic and stroll around parquet Monte del Castro, or head in town and enjoy some local seafood, like oysters, gambas, lubinas and more. If you’re feeling more active, stroll to the Castro Fortress – a defence system built in 1665 in an attempt to protect the city from attacks from the British navy allies of Portugal. Now, the fortress is more so ruins, and is a perfect place to walk around the gardens and admire the surrounding views. In the evening, be sure to get a group together and head to dinner. A good place is Taberna A Pedra – a reasonably priced restaurant, which specialises in traditional Spanish seafood.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning, continue the Camino on your way to Redondela. You will continue to follow the coastline and see the Bay of Vigo from different angles. As this is a shorter walking day, feel free to take in all of your surroundings and relax into the journey. Tonight, stop at Redondela for the evening. This city, at the upper end of the Bay of Vigo, is where you will finish your coastal walk, and will join the original Portuguese Camino trail.

Total walking distance: 16 km (approximately)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Please note today’s accommodation is on multi-shared basis. You will be accommodated in triple rooms with members of your group of the same sex.

Today is your last day along the coast and quite a short walking day, so do make the most of the seaside. On your way, you’ll stop by the fishing village of Arcade for an included lunch. The oysters are delicious here, and without too much walking to do today, enjoy a relaxed seafood lunch and a glass of locally grown Albarino. Continue for about another 3 hours on your hike into Pontevedra. It will be mid-afternoon by the time you arrive, and so, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the old town, with its many Romanesque churches and quaint granite squares.

Total walking distance: 20 km (approximately)
Included Activities
  • Oyster tasting
Meals Included
  • Lunch

Heading inland today, pass by beautiful chestnut groves, and pine and eucalyptus woods on your way to Caldas de Rei. On your journey, you’ll pass through the village of Ponte Cabras, and will have the chance to see the rectory of Santa Maria de Alba. Continue on your way past Lombo da Maceira with a statue of Saint James and the hamlet of Tivo with its fountain and public washing bath. Arrive in Caldas de Reis and spend the night here.

Total walking distance: 21 km (approximately)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

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 today takes you through forests and gradually climbs to the village of Santa Marina. On the way, enjoy an included visit to one of the nearby bodegas to learn about the history of wine in this region. After stopping and looking around, continue on the trail through pine forests to tonight’s stop: the town of Padron.

Total walking distance: 19 km (approximately)
Included Activities
  • Bodega visit and wine tasting
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today is your final day of walking and a longer journey, taking you through small villages and on to the historical sanctuary of A Escravitude. Nearby on a hilltop sits the ruins of Castro Lupario fort, so keep an eye out. Make your way towards Agro dos Monteiros, catching a glimpse of the spires of the cathedral and passing the ruins of the castle of A Rocha Vella. As you come to the end of the final leg, you will walk through the town to the magnificent Plaza del Obradoiro and then to the gates of the marvellous Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. You’ve made it! Be sure to receive your Compostela certificate for your journey. After you’ve rested and freshened up, take the time to wander around the historic quarter of the city and get your group together for dinner. It’s definitely time for celebration!

Total walking distance: 25 km (approximately)
Included Activities
  • Pilgrim passport collection
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

With no walks or activities planned for today, you are free to leave the accommodation at any time. If you wish to spend more time in Santiago de Compostela, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Optional Activities
  • Catedral de Santiago - Free
  • Pilgrimage Museum - EUR2
  • Bike hire- Santiago de Compostela - EUR10
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Transport

Private minivan, Taxi, walking

Accommodation

Hotel (8 nights), multishare pilgrims hostel (1 night)

Included activities

  • Oyster tasting
  • Bodega visit and wine tasting
  • Pilgrim passport collection

Dates & availability

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Important notes

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A Single Supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking. The price of the single supplement does not include the following nights, where a single room does not form part of the package. In this case you will be matched up with another traveller of the same gender. If a single room becomes available at check-in for these nights, there may be the option for you to upgrade to a single room and pay the surcharge locally for that night:
- Day 5 Redondela
- Day 8 Padron
Please also note that due to the small properties we use in Europe there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. If you would like to book a single supplement and enquire about availability please speak to your booking agent.

MULTISHARE
Please note that in Redondela we will stay in typical pilgrim’s hostel where we will be accommodated in triple rooms. You will share the room with members of your group of the same sex. Facilities will also be shared for that one night.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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