Offers

Camino Portugues

The Coastal Route

Overview

Pilgrimage through Portugal

to Santiago de Compostela


Discover the Camino Portugues coastal route accompanied by sea breeze and beautiful coastlines.

Sunset over the Atlantic on the Camino Portugues coastal route

Your pilgrimage along the Camino Portugues coastal route starting in Porto (or about 2 weeks earlier in Lisbon) to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain. This trail offers breathtaking views of the coast, beautiful beaches, charming fishing villages and historic towns full of interesting sights.
However, it is also considered more challenging due to the hilly landscape and longer distances between towns. We are happy to divide the Camino Portugues according to your individual wishes and advise you on the different levels of difficulty of each stage! As a welcome time out, the Camino Portugues can be a gateway into a new stage of life and powerful support on your individual journey.


Route of the Camino Portugues coastal route Porto to Finisterre

Camino (PR18-210):
Porto (Matosinhos) - Povoa de Varzim  - Esposende - Viana do Castelo - Praia de Ancora - A Guarda - Oia - Baiona - Vigo - Cesantes - Pontevedra - Caldas de Reis - Padrón - Santiago de Compostela

Type of Travel: individual pilgrimage - 15 days
Level of difficulty: easy
Distance: approx. 168 miles / approx. 260 Km
Fare: from 1.190 EUR per person


Camino portugues coastal route Porto-A Guarda

Camino (PR18-220):
Porto - Povoa do Varzim - Esposende - Viana do Castelo - Praia de Ancora - A Guarda

Travel type: Individual - 7 days
Difficulty: easy
Distance: ca. 100 Km
Fare: from 720 EUR per person


Camino portugues coastal route A Guarda-Santiago

Camino (PR18-225):
A Guarda - Oia/ Viladesuso - Baiona - Vigo - Arcade - Pontevedra - Caldas de Reis - Padrón - Santiago de Compostela

Travel type: Individual - 10 days
Difficulty: easy
Distance: approx. 140 Km
Fare: from 850 EUR per person

Itinerary

Pilgrimage through Portugal

to Santiago de Compostela


View of Porto on the Camino portugues coastal route

Day 1: Arrival Individual arrival at your accommodation in Porto.

Day 2: Porto/ Matosinhos - Povoa de Varzim (approx. 16.9 miles/ 27.2 Km / approx. 8 hours)
Your included transfer will take you from your accommodation in Porto to Matosinhos (a district of Porto). Here begins your well-signposted Way of St. James along the coast, often on wooden walkways, via Vila do Conde to the former fishing village of Póvoa de Varzim, which has since developed into a small tourist town.

Day 3: Povoa de Varzim - Esposende (approx. 12.5 miles/ 20.2 Km / approx. 6 hours / very easy)
For about 7 kilometers it continues on the wooden board path along the shore to Aguçadoura from where you keep walking through forests and fields and smaller towns in the green Portuguese hinterland through the natural park Litoral Norte to Apúlia and Fão, where you cross the river Cávado and end your today's pilgrimage day Esposende. Don't miss the chance to jump into the sea.

Strandabschnitt auf dem portugiesischen Jakobsweg bei Castelo do Neiva

Day 4: Esposende - Viana do Castelo (approx. 15.6 miles/ 25.1 Km / approx. 7.5 hours / easy)
Behind Esposende you will leave the coast for today's stage and you will walk via Marinhas into the beautiful green inland and should enjoy, especially in spring, the scent of eucalyptus. But you will also pass a few small Portuguese towns and behind Darque you will cross the river Lima to Viana do Castelo. It is one of the most beautiful places of the Portuguese coastal route. The beautiful old town invites you for a first extensive break. On this occasion, visit the church Santuário de Santa Luzia, which is one of the most beautiful in Portugal.

Day 5: Viana do Castelo - Vila Praia de Âncora (approx. 11.4 miles/ 18.3 Km / approx. 5.5 hours / easy)
A little bit uphill you will continue towards Vila Praia de Ancora. On this stage today you will also be able to look down on the beautiful sea from above and experience the sound of the sea even at this distance.

Day 6: Vila Praia de Âncora - A Guarda (approx. 7.5 miles/ 12.1 Km / approx. 4 hours / very easy)
First, make a pilgrimage today to Caminha, about 8 km away and also the last Portuguese town. Enjoy once again the wonderful, delicious Pastel de Nata in one of the beautiful cafes in the city center. You leave Portugal by ferry, directly in the port for about 1.50 €. There are also small private cab boats for about 5 €. There are signs at the port where you can find them. Or walk back a bit and leave the shore on your right until you reach the boat jetties, where the cab boats are also signposted. After you have crossed the river Miño it goes steeply up the small mountain Monte Santa Tegra, further to A Guarda.

Green fields on the camino portugues by Redondela

Day 7: A Guarda - Oia (approx. 7.9 miles/ 12.8 Km / approx.4 hours / easy)
From A Guarda walk along the coast until you reach the small fishing village of Oia. Here you can visit the Cistercian monastery of Santa María.

Day 8: Oia - Baiona (approx. 11.1 miles/ 17.9 Km / approx. 5.5 hours / easy)
Today is a more relaxed stage. In the morning you will make a pilgrimage along the cliffs, past the Cabo Silleiro lighthouse and Parador Monte Real Castle to the port of Baiona. This is the first European port where the discovery of America became known. Enjoy the well-deserved end of today's stage in the old town of Baiona, which was still a significant trading center until the end of the 19th century.

Day 9: Baiona - Vigo (approx. 16.8 miles/ 27.1 Km / approx. 8 hours / easy)
From here it is a good 1.5 hours to A Ramallosa, from where it goes through small villages and forests over various hills, from which you can enjoy a beautiful panorama of the Ria of Vigo as well as the islands of the gods (the Islas Cies). The bay of Ría de Vigo is densely populated, you walk leisurely along the beautiful beaches until you reach large port city of Vigo. If you still have energy for some sightseeing today, you can visit Berbes, a small fishing village, Castro de Vigo and of course the old town of Vigo.

Day 10: Vigo - Cesantes (approx. 11.3 miles/ 18.2 Km / approx. 5.5 hours / easy)
Along the coast today, you will ride an initially relaxed 16 kilometers to Redondela, where the Portuguese coastal path meets the main trail. Now it is another 2.2 km to Cesantes - your stage end today.

Dense old forests on the portuguese Camino de Santiago by Pontevedra

Day 11: Cesantes - Pontevedra (approx. 10.8 miles/ 17.4 Km / approx. 5 hours / very easy)
The path now becomes a bit hilly and leads through many forests to the capital of Galicia, to Pontevedra, where you will have enough time today for the beautiful old town and cathedral and also the church Capela da Virxe Peregrina, whose floor plan is the image of the scallop shell. Let yourself be surprised.

Day 12: Pontevedra - Caldas de Reis (approx. 13.1 miles/ 21.1 Km / approx. 6.5 hours / easy)
Today's topic is diversity. Because today's stage leads through the beauty of Galicia with its beautiful forests, meadows and small rivers to the thermal springs of Caldas de Reis.

Day 13: Caldas de Reis - Padrón (approx. 11.6 miles/ 18.6 Km / approx. 5.5 hours / easy)
It is your penultimate stage of your pilgrimage. Enjoy the picturesque, hilly landscape of Galicia one last time. Padrón is known for the legend that the ship docked here after carrying the body of Saint James. The small, famous green Pimientos de Padrón also come from here.

Misty morning fields on the portuguese Camino de Santiago in Galizia

Day 14: Padrón - Santiago de Compostela (approx. 15.1 miles/ 24.3 Km / approx. 7 hours / easy)
Your last stage bids you farewell with the beautiful fragrant eucalyptus and pine forests. After 2 weeks, coming from the south, you will reach the historic old town with its imposing cathedral. If you like, crown your Camino de Santiago with the pilgrim mass in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Celebrate your Portuguese Way of St. James in the atmospheric streets of Santiago tonight.

Day 15: Departure
Today it's time to say goodbye and, if possible, slowly enjoy your way home. Alternatively, we recommend that you continue your Camino to the so-called end of the world - to Cape Finisterre, which is almost the most western point of Europe.

Impressions

Pilgrimage through Portugal

to Santiago de Compostela


FAQ

Frequently asked questions

about the Camino in France, Spain & Portugal



The classic "Camino Francés" in its entire length starts in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France and ends in Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Pilgrims need around 34 days to walk the approx. 780 km.

We are also happy to divide your individual Camino into smaller sections, depending on your wishes.

The Spanish coastal path "Camino del Norte" leads from San Sebastián along the Atlantic coast to Santiago de Compostela. We plan 39 days for the approx. 800 km.

On the original "Camino primitivo", you will walk for 15 days for approx. 300 km from Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela.

You can walk the last 114 km from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela in 8 days in a guided group.

The Portuguese Camino from Porto to Santiago de Compostela takes 15 days and is approx. 260 km long.
 


Unfortunately, dogs of any size are only welcome in very few accommodations in Spain. However, you can walk the last 114 km of the Camino de Santiago from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela with your dog upon request, we will be happy to create an an offer for you.
 


The Portuguese Way of St James along the coast, the "Camino portugues de la costa", 15 days from Porto to Santiago de Compostela, or the last 114 kilometres from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela, which pilgrims can walk in 8 days, are both suitable for beginners.
 

  • For pilgrims who want to walk long distances along the rugged North Atlantic coast, the Camino del Norte.
  • For pilgrims who want to walk short distances and love the sea and beaches, the Portuguese coastal route.
  • For pilgrims who are particularly interested in culture and historic old towns, the Portuguese inland route.
  • For pilgrims who want a challenging Camino, definitely the Camino Primitivo.
  • To experience the true Way of St James feeling, the Camino frances in its classic version. Apart from the coast, the Camino frances has everything to offer: challenges, spirituality, diverse landscapes, mountains, great encounters with other people. In its entirety, the Camino frances represents the real, authentic Way of St James experience.
     


All routes on the Way of St James are well identified with signposts showing the typical shell, so it is very unlikely to get lost.
 


Thanks to the many different sections you can walk, there is something for every fitness level. While some of the mountainous sections - like the route from St. Jean Pied de Port across the Pyrenees to Burgos - can certainly be a challenge for your muscles, there are also plenty of more relaxed routes, like the portuguese Camino along the coast.


Services included:

  • Accomodation with breakfast (in either single resp. double room with shower/wc in simple to medium category)
  • Pilgrim´s Starter Kit (Pilgrim's Guide, Pilgrim's Pass, Pilgrim's Shell, description of stages)
  • Luggage transportation service (exclusion of luggage transport upon request)
  • Typical galician cheese tasting in the old town of Santiago de Compostela
  • 24h emergency number
  • Transfers
     

Dates:
From the beginning of April until the end of October.

Add-on:
Camino Finisterre afterwards within about 3-4 additional days.
 


The Compostela is a document issued to pilgrims who have completed the Camino de Santiago, the famous Way of St James that leads to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. This certificate is traditionally awarded to those who have covered at least 100 kilometres on foot or 200 kilometres by bicycle to the shrine Santiago and serves as "proof" of the pilgrimage. The issue of the Compostela is controlled by the Pilgrims' Office in Santiago de Compostela and has become a symbol of the rich cultural and religious heritage associated with the Camino de Santiago.


Apparel    

  • backpack (incl. rain protection): 35-50 l - max. 2 Kg/ 4.4 lbs
  • 2 pair of trekking pants: 1 convertable with zipper & 1 shorts
  • 2 shirts (functional material such as merino wool)
  • 1 long sleeve (best merino wool)
  • 2 pairs of hiking socks (compression socks are also recommended)
  • (possibly also nylon stockings - under the hiking socks against blisters)
  • 2 functional underpants
  • hiking boots (no sneakers)
  • 1 sweater
  • flipflops or crocs and/ or sandals
  • rain jacket & pants (or poncho) - max. 0,5 Kg/ 1.1 lbs
  • wind stopper
  • small travel towel
  • sun hat
  • poss. swimming gear (for the camino to Fisterra, for the portugese and spanish camino along the coast)

    
Sanitary Articles    

  • washbag (or big Zip-Lock-Bag)
  • shower gel (small travel version)
  • toothpaste (small travel version) & dental floss
  • toothbrush
  • disinfectant, needle & thread (best to treat blisters) or blister pads
  • deer cream (to prevent blisters) - 50-100 ml
  • magnesium
  • sun cream - 50-100 ml
  • deodorant
  • headache pills (preferably Ibuprofen 400)
  • razor
  • tissues
  • tiger balm

    
Technical Equipment    

  • headlamp
  • ebook-reader
  • phone
  • camera
  • pocket knife

    
Documents & Money    

  • purse
  • cash
  • credit card
  • passport (for non-europeans) or ID
  • train tickets
  • health insurance ID (or travel health insurance for non-europeans)
  • emergency phone numbers of your insurance and bank

   
Miscellaneous    

  • Pilgrim Guide & Itinerary
  • Pilgrim’s Credencial
  • diary & pen
  • St. James's scallop
  • sunglasses
  • drinking system (e.g. camel bag) - max. 2 l
  • zip lock bags or 10 liter freezer bags (for the modular pack system)
  • first aid kit
  • trekking poles or hiking/ pilgrim stick
  • stone as symbol (especially for the Camino Francés)
     


Luggage must be left at reception by 08.00 in the morning to ensure a smooth collection process. Either simply leave it there before breakfast or leave it at reception the evening before (and keep everything you need, such as a toothbrush, in your small luggage).
The deliverers usually have to deliver the luggage to the next accommodation by 15:30 local time. The accommodations we book accept the luggage even if they do not open for pilgrims to check in until later.
 


You will find the pilgrim's starter kit in your first accommodation, it contains the scallop shell, the pilgrim's passport, the luggage tags and brief descriptions of each stage.

You can get stamps for the pilgrim's passport in every hotel, but also in the restaurants and cafés along the way. You can get an additional stamp at places that you particularly like. Otherwise, please make sure that you get 2 stamps on every stage of the last 100 kilometres, every day. You need them to receive the Compostela at the pilgrims' office at the end.
 


We recommend pilgrimage in April, May, June, September and October due to the more moderate temperatures, but you can choose your travel period individually.
 


Changes to your camino pilgrimage route according to individual wishes, such as certain stage combinations or shortenings, are possible. We will be happy to create an individual offer for you.
 


We are also happy to receive short notice requests and will do everything we can to make your trip possible spontaneously, although this depends on the availability of the accommodations. Otherwise, please try to book your Camino de Santiago with us 6 weeks before your desired departure date.
 


The arrival at the starting point of the Camino must be arranged by travellers individually. We´d be happy to help you find a suitable train connection.
Transfers to/from the train station are not included unless otherwise stated. Upon request, we would be happy to organize a transfer from/to the train station or airport (price for a maximum of 3 people with luggage). Otherwise, we recommend taking a taxi or public transport to your first (or from your last) accommodation.
 


If you have booked a transfer, the driver will be waiting at the airport with a sign with your name on it as soon as you come out of baggage collection.
 


Notes

Please remember to bring your ID or passport.
We recommend - depending on the level of difficulty - to ensure that you are in good physical condition. Sure-footed, broken-in mountaineering boots are a must. A head for heights is also advantageous.
Please note the current entry and health regulations and recommendations, as well as the health and entry regulations of your travel country.
There is no minimum number of participants.
The organizer of this trip is SLOWTRAVEL.

Packing list

Packing list

for the classic french Camino, the portuguese Caminos, the Camino del Norte & Primitivo


What should I pack for my Camino Frances?

Apparel    

  • backpack (incl. rain protection): 35-50 l - max. 2 Kg/ 4.4 lbs
  • 2 pair of trekking pants: 1 convertable with zipper & 1 shorts
  • 2 shirts (functional material such as merino wool)
  • 1 long sleeve (best merino wool)
  • 2 pairs of hiking socks (compression socks are also recommended)
  • (possibly also nylon stockings - under the hiking socks against blisters)
  • 2 functional underpants
  • hiking boots (no sneakers)
  • 1 sweater
  • flipflops or crocs and/ or sandals
  • rain jacket & pants (or poncho) - max. 0,5 Kg/ 1.1 lbs
  • wind stopper
  • small travel towel
  • sun hat
  • poss. swimming gear (for the camino to Fisterra, for the portugese and spanish camino along the coast)

    
Sanitary Articles    

  • washbag (or big Zip-Lock-Bag)
  • shower gel (small travel version)
  • toothpaste (small travel version) & dental floss
  • toothbrush
  • disinfectant, needle & thread (best to treat blisters) or blister pads
  • deer cream (to prevent blisters) - 50-100 ml
  • magnesium
  • sun cream - 50-100 ml
  • deodorant
  • headache pills (preferably Ibuprofen 400)
  • razor
  • tissues
  • tiger balm

    
Technical Equipment    

  • headlamp
  • ebook-reader
  • phone
  • camera
  • pocket knife

    
Documents & Money    

  • purse
  • cash
  • credit card
  • passport (for non-europeans) or ID
  • train tickets
  • health insurance ID (or travel health insurance for non-europeans)
  • emergency phone numbers of your insurance and bank

   
Miscellaneous    

  • Pilgrim Guide & Itinerary
  • Pilgrim’s Credencial
  • diary & pen
  • St. James's scallop
  • sunglasses
  • drinking system (e.g. camel bag) - max. 2 l
  • zip lock bags or 10 liter freezer bags (for the modular pack system)
  • first aid kit
  • trekking poles or hiking/ pilgrim stick
  • stone as symbol (especially for the Camino Francés)