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If you want to do the Camino along the coast and get the Compostela, then this route is perfect for you! The Portuguese Coastal Way from Porto offers you a unique experience in 13 stages.

Explore the Atlantic coast on an unforgettable 13-stage journey from Porto to Santiago de Compostela! Embark on the Portuguese Coastal Route and discover spectacular seascapes, charming fishing villages and a rich history along the way.

Starting in the vibrant city of Porto, famous for its unique architecture and delicious wine, you’ll immerse yourself in a journey that will take you along the picturesque Atlantic coast of Portugal and Spain. Passing through charming coastal paths, you’ll pass through cosy seaside villages where local hospitality will make you feel right at home.

Every day of your journey will offer new adventures and discoveries, from pristine beaches to breathtaking cliffs and ancient historical monuments. You’ll enjoy exquisite seafood cuisine, sampling delicious fresh seafood dishes at every stop along the way.

With a calm and relaxed pace, you’ll have plenty of time to connect with nature, enjoy the serenity of the sea and reflect on every step you take. At the end of your day, the warmth of the hostels and guesthouses along the way awaits you, where you can rest and recharge your batteries for the next day.

Upon arrival in Santiago de Compostela, you will be welcomed with open arms in the majestic cathedral, where you can obtain your well-deserved Compostela as proof of your pilgrimage. This journey along the coast will be a unique and unforgettable experience, full of special moments and deep connections that you will carry with you forever. Join us on this exciting adventure of the Portuguese Way along the coast and discover the transformative power of walking to Santiago!

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Map of the Camino

Portugués Costa - Desde Porto

Stages of the Portuguese Way along the coast from Oporto to Santiago

You will start your adventure in the bohemian and beautiful city of Porto, which is home to a large number of heritage sites and cultural legacies of Portuguese history. We recommend arriving in the city in the morning, leaving your things at your accommodation and hitting the streets. You can start your visit at Avenida dos Aliados, the heart of the city, a flagship for the locals and a meeting place and venue for many cultural events. Drop by Praza da Liberdade and stroll to the famous and beautiful Lello e Irmão bookshop. Afterwards, and immediately next door, you must visit the Clérigos Tower. The town of Porto is, in short, a magnificent start to the Portuguese Way.

For a snack we recommend you try the famous francesiñas and for dessert, a pastel de natas (cream cake). After lunch you can walk down to the Ribeira, passing by the São Bento station and the Cathedral. Porto is a wonderful city to lose yourself in the streets of its monumental area… cobblestones, tiles, colours, wine, culture and tradition all come together in its narrow streets.

With this stage you start your Portuguese Way, having ahead of you a distance of 30 km completely along the coast from Oporto. If you want to avoid the tedious and cumbersome exit from Porto, you should take the metro to Matosinhos, a very common practice among pilgrims who do the Portuguese Way along the coast.

Póvoa de Varzim is a perfect stop for a relaxing day at the beach on its large sandy beaches. One of the iconic sites of this town is its aqueduct, declared a National Monument. Also of great cultural interest are the Fortress of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, the Church of Misericórdia and the Chapel of Santiago. But you can’t miss a stroll through the traditional fishermen’s neighbourhood, along Paseo Alegre and Rúa da Junqueira, appreciating the beautiful tiles of Manueline architecture and enjoying the rich local gastronomy: fresh fish and, for the more carnivorous, the famous picaña.

Today the natural ecosystems will be the main protagonists. You will cross the Parque Natural do Litoral Norte, a protected natural area consisting of various habitats: majestic beaches of fine white sand with imposing dunes, vegetated back dunes, interesting tree formations, wetlands and estuaries, an important fauna and traditional crops located very close to the coastline because they are fertilised with the “sargassum” seaweed. After crossing the iron bridge over the river Cávado you will arrive at the end of the stage: Esposende.

Located at the mouth of the river Cávado, the most representative feature of Esposende is its privileged natural coastal environment. On a cultural level, this town has two important museums: the Maritime Museum and the Municipal Museum. As for its heritage, you can visit several religious sanctuaries, the Castro de São Lourenço, the church of Misericórdia, or the Fort of São João Baptista, among others. Finally, gastronomically, we recommend you try the star dish of the area, “polvo de Esposende”, an octopus, potato and cabbage stew.

From Esposende, the route continues through the Parque Natural do Litoral Norte, crossing ridges, beaches and dunes. After visiting the church of San Bartolomé do Mar, you will reach the mouth of the Neiva River, entering the municipality of Viana do Castelo. During the last stretch you will move a few kilometres away from the coast to return to it at Rodanho Beach, following a forest path. Finally, you will cross the river over the Eiffel Bridge and enter the beautiful city of Viana do Castelo, which has one of the most beautiful and best preserved historic centres in Portugal.

With its seafaring roots, Viana do Castelo is the perfect place to enjoy a good codfish, a food that is closely associated with Portuguese gastronomy. If you wander around the historic centre, you will come to Praça da República, where you can see the Misericórdia building and the chafariz (fountain), built in the 16th century; also in this square, you can visit the Town Hall. As for religious buildings, you should at least visit the Romanesque cathedral and the Iglesia de la Agonía (Church of the Agony).

Known as the city of gold filigree, Viana do Castelo also offers various cultural activities such as visits to the Costume Museum, the Chocolate Museum, the Art and Archaeology Museum and the Gil Eanes Ship.

During this stage the level of difficulty will decrease, as it is a shorter section and the terrain is flatter. Starting from the Cathedral of Viana do Castelo, you can choose whether to continue the route along the coast or go a little further inland. We recommend continuing along the coastal section, where you will pass numerous beaches, promenades and coastal paths. This route is a quiet walk, where you can enjoy the views and get to know heritage elements such as the Montedor windmills. As you complete the route, you will leave behind towns such as Areosa, Carreço and Afife, until you reach Vila Praia de ncora.

Being very close to Galicia, Vila Praia de ncora is a place of fishing tradition, belonging to Caminha. Its most outstanding feature is its enormous and wild beach, along which you can stroll until you reach the Lagarteira Fort, an old military fortress with a star-shaped ground plan. Another of the town’s icons can be found in the centre: the Barrosa dolmen, a good example of the megalithic architecture of the northwest of the peninsula.

On this day you will start the last stage of this Camino. The walk starts from the beach of Vila Praia de ncora, passing by the beach of Moledo, until you reach the town of Caminha. From Caminha you will have to take a ferry to cross the river Minho, and reach Camposancos (A Guarda), crossing the natural border between Portugal and Galicia. From this point, you will have to climb the Monte de Santa Tecla (or Trega), and then continue along the path that runs parallel to the coast. A short distance away you will reach your destination and the end of the stage, A Guarda.

A Guarda is a small seaside town, situated in a privileged natural environment, the majestic estuary formed by the Miño river at its mouth. The view of the estuary, where the river meets the sea, from the highest point of Monte de Santa Tecla is a must-see. Perhaps the Monte de Santa Tecla is the most recommendable place to visit, for its views and its well-preserved Celtic forts. Once in the centre of the village, you can stroll around the port and sample some of the local gastronomy, specialising above all in fish and seafood. A perfect place to end your Portuguese Way along the coast from Porto to A Guarda.

On this day you will start the last stage of this Camino. The walk starts from the beach of Vila Praia de ncora, passing by the beach of Moledo, until you reach the town of Caminha. From Caminha you will have to take a ferry to cross the river Minho, and reach Camposancos (A Guarda), crossing the natural border between Portugal and Galicia. From this point, you will have to climb the Monte de Santa Tecla (or Trega), and then continue along the path that runs parallel to the coast. A short distance away you will reach your destination and the end of the stage, A Guarda.

A Guarda is a small seaside town, situated in a privileged natural environment, the majestic estuary formed by the Miño river at its mouth. The view of the estuary, where the river meets the sea, from the highest point of Monte de Santa Tecla is a must-see. Perhaps the Monte de Santa Tecla is the most recommendable place to visit, for its views and its well-preserved Celtic forts. Once in the centre of the village, you can stroll around the port and sample some of the local gastronomy, specialising above all in fish and seafood. A perfect place to end your Portuguese Way along the coast from Porto to A Guarda.

On the eighth day of your Portuguese Way along the coast, a quiet and picturesque journey awaits you, taking you from the charming village of Oia to the historic town of Baiona, covering a distance of approximately 14 kilometres.

From Oia, you will bid farewell to its breathtaking sea views and begin your walk along the coast, surrounded by the natural beauty of the region. Along the way, you will marvel at the rugged cliffs and pristine beaches that line your route, offering you moments of serenity and contemplation.

Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to explore small fishing villages and enjoy the local hospitality, perhaps stopping to sample some typical local dishes or simply to chat with the locals and soak up their culture.

Finally, you’ll reach Baiona, a town steeped in history and charm. Here, you can wander its cobbled streets and admire its imposing medieval fortress, as well as relax in its lively squares and enjoy the panoramic views of the bay.

In Baiona, you will have the opportunity to rest and recharge your batteries to continue your exciting journey along the Portuguese Way. And who knows, you may even meet new fellow travellers with whom to share experiences and create unforgettable memories on this stage of your journey.

This stage will give you the opportunity to explore beautiful examples of traditional architecture, as well as historic pazos and cruceiros, such as those of Mallón and Pereiro. In addition, you will be able to enjoy stunning beaches of fine white sand, with a pleasant climate almost all year round. The route continues towards Vigo through the well-known paths “Camiño do Souto” and “Camiño da Rosiña”, until you reach Nigrán. Then, the regional road will take you through the whole route until you reach Vigo, the largest city in Galicia, characterised by its industrial dynamism and its important fishing port, surrounded by extensive beaches and beautiful landscapes.

Vigo is a vibrant city that offers the opportunity to explore its old town and its main arteries, such as Príncipe Street. We suggest you visit the oyster street, where you can enjoy the local gastronomy, accompanied by a good Albariño wine from the Rías Baixas. If you still have energy left, you can also take a walk along Samil beach and climb O Castro hill, an emblematic place in the city’s history.

If you travel with time, Vigo is the perfect place to add an extra night to your Portuguese Way route along the coast and take a day trip to the incredible Cíes Islands, a natural paradise of white sandy beaches, considered one of the most beautiful places in Galicia.

After leaving Vigo behind, you’ll continue your route parallel to the coast until you reach Redondela, where it connects with the Portuguese Way inland. One of the most impressive aspects of this route are the panoramic views of the Vigo estuary, from where you can admire the Cíes Islands, the Morrazo peninsula and the iconic Rande Bridge, which once held the title of longest suspension bridge in the world. Finally, you will reach the San Simón inlet, with its beaches, wetlands and islands, completing a visually stunning journey.

Once at the end of your stage, in Arcade, you will find all the necessary services for pilgrims and you will have the opportunity to enjoy the famous oysters of the area in any of the town’s restaurants.

After saying goodbye to Arcade, you will start the next stage by crossing one of the most significant bridges in the history of Galicia, the Ponte Sampaio. This imposing stone bridge crosses the river Verdugo and was the scene of a crucial battle during the War of Independence, which resulted in the withdrawal of French troops from the region. Once you cross the bridge, you will enter a picturesque route between villages, pazos, hórreos and cruceiros until you reach the Brea Vella da Canicouva, an evocative cobbled path along which the old Roman road XIX used to pass.

Pontevedra is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cities in Galicia, and rightly so. A simple stroll through its cobbled streets and squares will reveal the special charm that characterises it. After Santiago de Compostela, Pontevedra is home to the greatest number of heritage treasures on the Portuguese Way route along the coast. Among the places to visit are the Ruins of Santo Domingo in the Provincial Museum of Pontevedra, the majestic Royal Basilica of Santa María la Mayor and the iconic symbol of the city: the church of La Peregrina.

Once you have crossed the river Lérez, the Way will lead you away from Pontevedra and towards the Marismas de Alba observatory, a vast 80-hectare wetland that is home to a wide variety of plant species and 123 species of birds. The route runs along roads where numerous paths and level crossings intersect, so it is important to exercise caution. When you reach Briallos, we recommend you take a five hundred metre detour to visit the impressive Cascadas del Barosa waterfalls, a natural site of extraordinary beauty, where you can see a beautiful sixty metre high waterfall and fourteen windmills along the course of the water.

When you reach the end of your stage in Caldas de Reis, water is still the main feature, as it is one of the most outstanding thermal destinations in Galicia. We suggest the perfect plan for a quiet afternoon: after a short stroll through the botanical garden, sit on one of the terraces and enjoy the serenity while you listen to the murmur of the river.

On this day you will start the last stage of this Camino. The walk starts from the beach of Vila Praia de ncora, passing by the beach of Moledo, until you reach the town of Caminha. From Caminha you will have to take a ferry to cross the river Minho, and reach Camposancos (A Guarda), crossing the natural border between Portugal and Galicia. From this point, you will have to climb the Monte de Santa Tecla (or Trega), and then continue along the path that runs parallel to the coast. A short distance away you will reach your destination and the end of the stage, A Guarda.

A Guarda is a small seaside town, situated in a privileged natural environment, the majestic estuary formed by the Miño river at its mouth. The view of the estuary, where the river meets the sea, from the highest point of Monte de Santa Tecla is a must-see. Perhaps the Monte de Santa Tecla is the most recommendable place to visit, for its views and its well-preserved Celtic forts. Once in the centre of the village, you can stroll around the port and sample some of the local gastronomy, specialising above all in fish and seafood. A perfect place to end your Portuguese Way along the coast from Porto to A Guarda.

On this day you start the last stage of your Camino. The walk starts from the beach of Vila Praia de Âncora, passing by the beach of Moledo, until you reach the picturesque village of Caminha. From there, you will take a ferry across the Miño River to Camposancos (A Guarda), marking the natural border between Portugal and Galicia. Once at this point, the ascent to Monte de Santa Tecla (or Trega) awaits you, from where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the estuary where the river Minho meets the sea. This mountain is also known for its well-preserved Celtic forts, which are well worth a visit. Back in the town centre of A Guarda, you can stroll along the harbour and enjoy the delicious local gastronomy, especially famous for its fish and seafood dishes. This is the ideal place to end your Portuguese Coastal Walk from Porto to A Guarda.

Congratulations on completing your Portuguese Way along the coast to A Guarda! Now, on this last day, the decision is yours: you can either return home or enjoy one more day in Santiago. After all, Santiago de Compostela has its undeniable charm.

Did you know that all roads lead to Finisterre? If you are looking for more adventure and you have 5 extra days, we invite you to walk the 5 stages that separate Santiago from Finisterre. This spiritual and magical route hides real treasures, such as the charming village of Ponte Maceira, considered one of the most beautiful in Spain, and the unforgettable sunset at the Finisterre lighthouse, one of the most beautiful in the world. Are you up for further exploration?

Portuguese Way along the coast from Oporto to Santiago, Accommodation prices

Types of accommodations

Habitación del Occidental Vigo
Habitación del Hotel Eurostars Mar De Vigo
Habitación del Hotel Duarte
Habitación de Hostal

In hotels, guesthouses and rural houses from Oporto (variant by the coast)

Due to the fact that some towns along this route have little variety of accommodation, we have selected the best establishments available for you to have an incredible experience on your Camino de Santiago. You will combine the rest in small and cosy pensions with rural houses and lodgings of superior category, always looking for the best quality and location.

Details of the Portuguese Way along the coast from Oporto to Santiago

Services included

Luggage transfer during the stagesLuggage transfer during the stages
Complete documentationComplete documentation
Pilgrim’s CredentialPilgrim’s Credential
On-the-road emergency telephone assistanceOn-the-road emergency telephone assistance
Travel insuranceTravel insurance
15 days / 14 nights accommodation15 days / 14 nights accommodation

Optional Services

ServiceIn hotels, guesthouses and rural houses from Oporto (variant by the coast)
BreakfastBreakfast149€ per person
Supplement for single roomSupplement for single room390€ per single room
Extra nightExtra night95€ (single room) / 150€ (double room)
Breakfast Breakfast
In hotels, guesthouses and rural houses from Oporto (variant by the coast) 149€ per person
Supplement for single room Supplement for single room
In hotels, guesthouses and rural houses from Oporto (variant by the coast) 390€ per single room
Extra night Extra night
In hotels, guesthouses and rural houses from Oporto (variant by the coast) 95€ (single room) / 150€ (double room)

Photos

panoramic view of the grijo oporto stage of the portuguese way
cathedral grijo stage oporto portuguese way
marinha stage povoa de varzim esposende portuguese way along the coast
route stage povoa de varzim esposende portuguese way along the coast
route stage viana do castelo vila praia de ancora portuguese way portuguese way coast
walk stage viana do castelo vila praia de ancora portuguese way costa

Frequently Asked Questions

In this modality you will do the Camino de Santiago at your own pace and you will only have to worry about choosing the route you like the most, the type of accommodation and your departure date. If you choose this option you will travel alone or with the people that appear in your reservation, and you will have all the services included so that you only have to worry about walking and enjoying the experience.

The Camino de Santiago on your own includes the following services

  • Accommodation
  • Luggage transport
  • Dossier with information about the stages
  • Pilgrim's credential
  • On-the-road helpline
  • Travel insurance

In addition, you can customize your trip by adding the following optional services

  • Breakfast or half board
  • Private transfers to the start of the stage from Santiago de Compostela or from the airport.
  • Extra night at the beginning or end of the stage

Yes, you will have total freedom to choose your departure date. However, if you want to do your Camino de Santiago in the months of December, January and February, we recommend that you check availability before making your reservation. At this time of year most accommodation is closed and many services may not be available.

In your travel documents, you will find the names of the accommodations assigned to you, as well as their contact telephone number and location.   As a general rule, all accommodation are located in the centre of the different towns along the Pilgrims' Route to Santiago de Compostela, without the need to deviate too far from the route. But sometimes, due to lack of availability, it is possible that some accommodation may be a little far from the village or even in neighbouring towns.   For all the accommodations that are at a considerable distance from the route of the Camino, we will provide you with a free taxi service that you can use to get to your accommodation and return to the Camino the next morning.   In any case, these are exceptions that we will inform you at the time of booking.

Luggage transport service by default is included in all our trips and it is not necessary to request it. You can enjoy the Camino de Santiago without the burden of carrying your luggage on your back, knowing that your suitcase will be waiting for you at your next accommodation upon your arrival. Along with your credential, you'll also receive stickers. Cover these stickers with the requested information and stick them in a visible place on your suitcase. Upon arrival at your accommodation, we suggest asking at the reception where you can leave your luggage. You'll need to leave your luggage at the designated spot early in the morning for our carrier to pick it up. This ensures that when you arrive at your next accommodation, your luggage will already be waiting for you.

We have a taxi service that you can hire whenever you need it. You can hire it, for example, to go from the airport to the start of your Camino, or to go from Santiago to your starting point to pick up your car once you finish the stage.

It is the guarantee that you can enjoy your Camino in a safe way. In our trips you already have an insurance included with your trip to be protected during the Camino de Santiago. We will send you the insurance policy along with all the documentation of your trip, so you will have everything you need to enjoy the Camino with peace of mind. Walk without worries!

The basic travel insurance included in our packages offers extensive coverage against unforeseen events, ensuring you'll receive guaranteed medical assistance and numerous benefits. You can review the specifics in the General Conditions of Travel Insurance.

In your travel documents, you'll find an emergency telephone number where we're accessible while you're on the road. This ensures you'll journey with peace of mind, knowin our team members will assist you with any problems, incidents, or questions you encounter along your Camino de Santiago.

To make a reservation, you can follow these steps:
  • Through our website: Select the route you want and follow the steps indicated in the form. Provide your personal information and that of your companions, choose the type of accommodation, room distribution, meals, transfers, bike rental, etc.
  • By email: If you prefer to make the reservation by email or need a personalized trip, you can send us an email to [email protected]. We will provide you with the necessary information to complete the reservation via email.
IMPORTANT: If the routes or services on the website do not meet your specific needs, you can request a personalized quote tailored to what you are looking for by sending an email to [email protected]. If you have any questions or issues when making your reservation, please contact us at (0034) 981 96 68 46, and we will be happy to assist you.
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