Portuguese Way along the coast from A Guarda

Frequently Asked Questions

• How difficult is the Portuguese coastal route?

  The Portuguese coastal route, or the Portuguese Coastal Way, with 12 stages and 270 kilometers from Porto, is not considered very difficult. Its first section, practically the entire north of Portugal, is very flat, as it runs along the footbridges of the Ecovia Litoral Norte. In Galicia the relief is a little bumpy, but it does not present large unevenness.

• How long is the Portuguese coastal route?

  The Portuguese coastal route, the Camino Portugues por la Costa, is a route with about 270 km, generally divided into 12 stages. Therefore, divided like this, its duration is 12 days to complete the entire Camino on foot. Each stage would be the distance you travel in one day, from the starting location to the end of the walk, where you will spend the night. The stages can vary in distance and difficulty, and it is important to note that they can be adjusted according to your pace and physical condition. Some pilgrims choose to divide certain long or difficult stages, or lengthen those that are shorter or easier to walk. It all depends on having a place to sleep.

• How many stages does the Portuguese Coastal Way have?

  The Portuguese Camino de Santiago along the Coast is divided into 12 stages. It begins in Porto and has 270 kilometers to go to Santiago de Compostela. It must be taken into account that this distance may vary depending on the possible variants or complementary and alternative paths that the pilgrim decides to take during the route. Each stage would be the distance you travel in one day, from the starting location to the end of the walk, where you will spend the night. The stages can vary in distance and difficulty, and it is important to note that they can be adjusted according to your pace and physical condition. Some pilgrims choose to divide certain long or difficult stages, or lengthen those that are shorter or easier to walk. It all depends on having a place to sleep.

• How many kilometers is the Portuguese Way along the Coast?

  The total kilometers of the Portuguese Way along the Coast are about 270 km from Porto, its beginning. It must be taken into account that this distance may vary depending on the possible variants or complementary and alternative paths that the pilgrim decides to take during the route.

• 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!

• Does the Camino from A Guarda qualify you for the Compostela?

  Yes. From A Guarda to Santiago along the coast it is about 170 km, above the minimum of 100 km on foot that the Pilgrim's Office requires to obtain the Compostela.

• How do you get to A Guarda to start the Camino?

  A Guarda is in the south of the province of Pontevedra, next to the Portuguese border. You can get there by bus from Vigo (about 50 km) —the nearest city with an airport and train station— or from Porto airport, a little over an hour away.