Portuguese Way along the coast from A Guarda

Stages

• day 1

  Arrival at A Guarda

  As we have already told you in the information, our journey today starts leaving Vila Praia de Ancora behind, heading towards Moledo and Caminha, from where we will take a ferry to cross to A Guarda. We will disembark in Galicia in the parish of Camposancos, and we will only have to follow the arrows to the left that will guide us along the Camposancos road. Once we cross the district of Saa, we only need to follow the PO-355 to get to the main village of A Guarda.
  A Guarda is a small seaside village, situated in a privileged natural environment: the majestic estuary formed by the Miño river at its mouth. If you go up to Monte de Santa Tegra, you will be able to contemplate the marvellous panoramic view of the estuary, where the Minho and the Atlantic meet. In Monte de Santa Tegra you can also visit one of the best examples of a castreño settlement in Spain.
  

  To consider

  You should consult the ferry timetablesto plan the stage before leaving Vila Praia de Ancora if you want to be able to cross without waiting too long to A Guarda. The journey time is approximately 15 minutes and the ticket price is 1,50€ (there is an extra charge for bringing a bicycle). You can check the schedules in this link.
  

  Places of interest

  • Camposancos Beach
  • Mount of Santa Tegra
  • Promenade
  • Fishing district
  • Historical center
  • Festas do Monte

  Typical dishes

  • Seafood and fish
  • Lobster: there is a gastronomic lobster festival
  • Swordfish: also has its own gastronomic feast
• day 2

  Stage 1. A Guarda - Oia (15 km)

  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.
• day 3

  Stage 2. Oia - Baiona (14 km)

  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.
• day 4

  Stage 3. Baiona - Vigo (23 km)

  We will leave Baiona leaving to our left the beaches of Santa Marta and Ladeira in the direction of Sabarís and in this stretch that separates us from Ramallosa we will be able to enjoy the views of the intertidal environment that is generated behind the arrow of the beach of Ladeira, at the mouth of the Miño river, just before choosing the way to get to Vigo.
  Once we have reached Ramallosa, we have two options to continue the route: the official route, which runs inland; and an alternative route, which runs parallel to the coast. Since we are doing the Portuguese Way along the coast, we recommend to follow the coastal route, much more beautiful!
  From Ramallosa we will follow the Torrente Ballester Avenue towards Foz, we will have to follow the green arrows, which indicate the route along the coast. We will pass through a very beautiful stretch, between Monte Lourido, Playa América, Panxón, Península de Monteferro, Playa de Patos and Playa de Canas.
  

  From Playa das Canas we will take the road to O Portiño towards Saiáns.

  Once in Saiáns, we will continue our way towards Oia, San Miguel de Oia, parish of Vigo, we have already left Oia concello behind. We will continue our coastal walk along the beaches of Canido and O Vao, cross the river Lagares and enter Vigo through the emblematic beach of Samil, with the company of the island of Toralla.
  Vigo is a very dynamic city, where you can't miss a stroll through the old town and its main streets, such as Príncipe. We recommend going to the oyster street to enjoy the biggest gastronomic attraction of the city, accompanied by a glass of Albariño from the Rías Baixas.
  
  

  To consider

  From Baiona you will enjoy the beaches of the Rías Baixaswith all its beaches, but once you have reached the beach of Samil, almost in the Vigo estuary, you will not find any more arrows to continue. However, it is easy to get to the city centre. We hope you enjoy your visit to the city.
  

  Places of interest

  • Panxón
  • Monteferro Peninsula
  • Samil Beach
  • O Castro
  • Historic centre of Vigo

  Typical dishes

  • Oysters
  • Mussels
  • Churrasco
  • Fish and seafood from the Vigo estuary
  • Zamburiñas Empanada
• day 5

  Stage 4. Vigo - Arcade (23 km)

  On this day we say goodbye to Vigo and start the last stage of our Portuguese route along the coast, as once we reach the height of Redondela, our route will merge with the original Portuguese route, having our final stage in Arcade.
  We leave Vigo through Urzaiz street, we cross the Calvario market and then we enter Toledo street and here we meet again our dear friends: the yellow arrows, which will guide us to the end of the stage in Arcade.
  Once we have reached the Fuente da Pouleira, we will continue walking along the path of Traída das Augas, enjoying beautiful views of the Vigo estuary. We will continue along the Madroa road until we reach the Rego de Fondón waterfall. From here, we will go up along the camiño da Fenteira, reaching the highest point of the stage. Then we only have to go down towards the church of San Andrés de Cedeira.
  

  Once in the church of San Andrés, we continue through the Cruceiro neighbourhood until we turn right into the camiño das Cardosas.

  As soon as we meet the train tracks, we will have reached the N-550 road, which we will have to follow, joining the main Portuguese road, until we reach Redondela. From Redondela, we will be very close to the end of the stage in Arcade.
  

  To consider

  If we want to do the Portuguese Way along the coast in as few days as possible, this should be our first stage. Since the minimum to get the Compostela is marked in the city of Vigo.
  

  Places of interest

  • Church of San Andrés in Cedeira
  • Church of Santiago - Redondela
  • Convent of Vilavella - Redondela
  • Tower House - Redondela
  • Jardines Alameda - Redondela
  • Pontesampaio Bridge - Arcade
  • Castle of Soutomaior

  Typical dishes

  • Chocos of Redondela
  • Arcade Oysters
  • Albariño wine
• day 6

  Stage 5. Arcade - Pontevedra (12 km)

  We leave Arcade by the famous bridge of Pontesampaio, a bridge in the province of Pontevedra that is witness to the epic battle against the French troops led by General Ney, during the War of Independence in June 1809. This battle meant the victory of the Galician and Spanish army over the French, with its consequent withdrawal from this territory.
  
  After passing the bridge of Pontesampaio bridge, our path continues along the road until we come across the Pazo de Bellavista. After seeing a crossroads we turn left to Ponte Nova, where there was an old medieval bridge that collapsed during a flood in 2006. This caused the modification of the route of the road until the construction of a new bridge that would allow the passage. Once we have crossed the river, we continue along an evocative walk along the Roman road XIX, where the stone slabs of the road will be the protagonists. This ancient road linked the cities of Braga and Astorga in Roman times. Today we know it as Brea Vella da Canicouva.
  

  The road leads us to Figueirido, where we can stop to refresh ourselves and quench our thirst in its natural spring.

  Once we have rested, we resume our walk through beautiful wooded paths that will lead us to the chapel of Santa Marta. Once here, we will continue along the fluvial path of the river dos Gafos, which forms the current official route of the path, up to the surroundings of the centre of Pontevedra.
  Pontevedra is for many people one of the most beautiful cities in Galicia, and no wonder. A stroll through its cobbled streets and squares will be enough to realize the special charm it hides. After Santiago de Compostela, Pontevedra is the place on this route with the largest number of heritage elements.
  

  To consider

  If you have never been to Pontevedra before, maybe this is a good time to get to know the city, so we recommend you to start walking early from Arcade. As we have suggested throughout the other stages, remember that you can always add extra days to your route to get to know the places that interest you the most.
  

  Places of interest

  • Pilgrim's Square - Pontevedra
  • Church of La Peregrina - Pontevedra
  • Church of San Francisco - Pontevedra
  • Chapel of the Nazarene - Pontevedra
  • Ruins of Santo Domingo at the Provincial Museum of Pontevedra
  • Royal Basilica of Santa María la Mayor - Pontevedra

  Typical dishes

  • Oysters
  • Scallops
  • Mussels
  • Clams
  • Chocos
  • Fish
  • Albariño Wine
  • Typical puff pastry filled with Almonds
• day 7

  Stage 6. Pontevedra - Caldas de Reis (21 km)

  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.
• day 8

  Stage 7. Caldas de Reis - Padrón (18.6 km)

  We leave Caldas de Reis along the valley of the river Bermaña, surrounded by cool woodland and the small Galician hamlets that set the unhurried rhythm of the morning. After a few gentle climbs through eucalyptus, oak and chestnut trees, the Way takes us to Pontecesures, where the river Ulla marks the border with the province of A Coruña. Crossing the historic bridge, the stage ends in Padrón, one of the most literary and pilgrim-rich towns in Galicia. Here in Padrón, the memory of Rosalía de Castro — whose House-Museum is a must-stop for anyone who feels poetry — lives alongside the famous legend of the Pedrón: the stone kept beneath the main altar of the parish church of Santiago, where tradition says the boat carrying the body of the Apostle was moored. A short stage in distance but packed with history, ideal to walk slowly and to save some time at the end to enjoy the famous Padrón peppers.
• day 9

  Stage 8. Padrón - Santiago de Compostela (24.3 km)

  The first milestone of today's exciting journey towards Santiago de Compostela, we will find it in the monumental collegiate church of Iria Flavia, the first parish that we will set foot on after leaving the urban centre of Padrón. After stopping to contemplate this significant monument, our route continues through small villages and neighbourhoods that follow the course of the N-550 road and the railway line. On some occasions, you will have to cross the railway track, so you will have to be extremely careful.
  A Escravitude is the next landmark we will reach. Here, we can visit the Sanctuary built in the 16th century on the so-called "Fonte Santa". As in so many other places along the way, this place has a legend to tell. It is said that the waters of the "Fonte Santa" healed a pilgrim suffering from hypopresia, on his way to Compostela. After three days, the man was miraculously cured and exclaimed: "Grazas Virxe, por librarme da Escravitude do meu mal" (translated into Spanish as: thank you Virgin, for freeing me from the slavery of my evil); and this is where the toponym A Escravitude comes from. We continue our journey taking extreme precautions between the asphalt stretches and the crossings over the train tracks.
  

  The next enclave of reference is A Picaraña, where you can take the opportunity to make a technical stop for refreshments.

  After the short rest, the hardest part of the stage begins: the ascending slopes. We head towards Faramello and Teo along ascending paths. At this point we can make a small detour on the way to Castro Lupario, also known as Castro de Beca. It is believed that this castrexo settlement was the home of the mythical queen Lupa, who appears in the Codex Calixtinus.
  
  There is little left and the next point of our adventure brings us closer to the imminent end. We will pass through Osebe before entering O Milladoiro. Here we can already appreciate a strong change in the landscape that heralds the periphery of the urban space of Santiago de Compostela. Finally, we enter Santiago de Compostela by the hand of the mythical neighborhood of Conxo, a place that once constituted a municipal entity itself, until it was swallowed up and annexed by the growth of the Galician capital. At this point, you can stop to visit the church of Santa Maria, located in the alameda of the neighborhood.
  Dear friends, the end is already counted by the minute. We only have to walk along the streets of Sánchez Freire, García Prieto, Rosalía de Castro and Rúa do Franco to find ourselves in front of the imposing façade of the Cathedral of Santiago in the Plaza del Obradoiro.
  

  Congratulations pilgrim, you made it!

  You are in Santiago de Compostela, the city where rain is art. After having stamped the credential at each stage and having collected your Compostela, after all the effort it's time to enjoy the city, you've earned it. We hope you enjoy strolling through the old town, enjoying a fresh beer accompanied by a delicious tapa, dancing and singing in a foliada, or tasting some of its traditional liqueurs, among a thousand and one other things that this small but great city has to offer.
  

  To consider

  Don't forget to pick up your Compostela at the Pilgrim's Welcome Office in Santiago is located in Rúa Carretas, which is accessed from the Plaza del Obradoiro by Rúa Costa do Cristo, and although it is open from 12:00 to 16:00, we recommend going for a walk early from Padrón and go with time to avoid queues.
  The pilgrim's mass is celebrated every day at 12:00 and 18:00.
  

  Places of interest

  • Collegiate Church of Iria Flavia
  • The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
  • San Martín Pinario Monastery - Santiago de Compostela
  • Saint Dominic of Bonaval - Santiago de Compostela
  • Abastos Market - Santiago de Compostela
  • Faculty of Geography and History - Santiago de Compostela
  • Hostel of the Catholic Monarchs - Santiago de Compostela

  Typical dishes

  • Zorza
  • Raxo
  • Lacón with turnip tops
  • Fish and seafood
  • Galician veal meats
  • Denomination of Origin Wines
  • After-dinner liqueurs: coffee liqueur, herbs, white marc, cream...
• day 10

  End of the Camino

  After arriving... End of the Camino