What to see on the Portuguese Coastal Way?
The Portuguese Coastal Way offers a unique experience for pilgrims, with a combination of stunning natural landscapes and charming coastal towns. Throughout its 270 kilometers, from Porto to Santiago de Compostela, you will find a wide variety of places that will make your pilgrimage unforgettable.
- Oporto: Starting point of the route, Porto is a vibrant city famous for its architecture, its UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town, and, of course, its Port wine cellars.
- Vila do Conde: This charming coastal town is known for its fishing port and beaches. You can also visit the Vila do Conde aqueduct and the Santa Clara Convent.
- Viana do Castelo: Considered one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal, Viana do Castelo stands out for its imposing Basilica of Santa Luzia, from which you can enjoy spectacular views of the Atlantic coast.
- Caminha: Located at the mouth of the Miño River, this picturesque town offers incomparable natural beauty. From here, you will cross into Galicia, entering Spain.
- Baiona: In Galicia, Baiona is a popular destination among pilgrims for its history and beauty. Here you can visit the Monterreal Fortress and enjoy the views of the Cíes Islands.
- Vigo: The largest city in Galicia on the route, Vigo is famous for its port and lively urban atmosphere. If you have time, you can explore the Atlantic Islands National Park, a natural paradise just a few kilometers from the coast.
- Pontevedra: This city is famous for its well-preserved old town and the Church of the Pilgrim Virgin, one of the symbols of the Camino de Santiago.
- Caldas de Reis: Famous for its hot springs, Caldas de Reis is an ideal stop to relax in the middle of the pilgrimage. In addition, it offers a charming old town and the Umia River that runs through the city.
- Padrón: Known for its connection to the legend of the translation of the body of the Apostle Santiago. Padrón is famous for its peppers and its historic Roman bridge, as well as the church of Santiago de Padrón.
- Santiago de Compostela: The goal of all paths, with its majestic Cathedral of Santiago, is the place where your pilgrimage ends and you can obtain the Compostela.
And of course, lots of beach!