Overview Our longest group trip on the Portuguese Coastal Walk Camino Português group tour (PR18-218)Porto – Povoa de Varzim – Esposende – Viana do Castelo – Caminha – Viladesuso – Baiona – Vigo – Redondela – Pontevedra – Caldas de Reis – Padrón – Santiago de CompostelaType: group tour – 15 daysLevel of difficulty: easy to mediumDistance: approx. 260 km / approx. 161 milesTravel fare: from 2,450 EUR half board Dates 2026 Travel Period Route Fare from 6 Sep 2026 – 20 Sep 2026 Porto – Santiago 2,450 € Your group tour on the Portuguese Coastal Way Experience the magic of the Portuguese Coastal Way – from the lively port city of Porto to the majestic cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. This group tour takes you along the Atlantic coast and through the green heart of Galicia – a pilgrimage route full of scenic diversity, cultural treasures, and inspiring encounters. Coastal magic and maritime flair Your journey begins in Porto, a city full of color, history, and joie de vivre. Stroll through the UNESCO-protected Ribeira district, enjoy the view over the Douro, and marvel at the imposing Ponte Luís I.Leaving the city along the river, you will immerse yourself in the tranquility of dune landscapes, fields, and the Litoral Norte Natural Park. Golden beaches, charming fishing villages, and the scent of the sea will accompany you. In Viana do Castelo, the magnificent old town and the view from the Santa Luzia Church beckon before you bid farewell to Portugal by boat across the Miño River and set foot on Spanish soil.The last few kilometers of this stage take you through rolling hills and forests with views of the Ría de Vigo and the legendary Cíes Islands until you reach Galicia's largest city. From Vigo to Santiago – Galicia's green soul In Vigo, you can expect a lively harbor atmosphere, freshly caught seafood, and views across the bay. From here, the route leads inland – through shady forests, quiet bays, and historic towns such as Redondela and Pontevedra, whose old towns and bridges are steeped in history.In Caldas de Reis, thermal springs invite you to relax, while in Padrón, culinary delicacies such as the famous green peppers beckon.The last few kilometers lead over gentle hills until the towers of Santiago Cathedral appear in the distance – an unforgettable moment for every pilgrim. Once you arrive in the city, you can enjoy the special atmosphere of the old town and, if you like, the moving pilgrim service. A journey that connects The Portuguese Coastal Way from Porto to Santiago combines the warmth of Portugal, the authenticity of Galicia, and the endless expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. It is a journey for body, mind, and soul – accompanied by the sound of the waves, the scent of eucalyptus forests, and the feeling of being part of a centuries-old pilgrimage tradition. Services included: Experience the magic of the Portuguese Coastal Way in a small, harmonious group of 8 to 18 people—traveling together, but each on their own personal pilgrimage. Look forward to: Comfortable accommodation in carefully selected upper mid-range hotels with half board (breakfast and dinner including water and wine) to end each day of hiking in a relaxed manner. An experienced, multilingual tour guide (English, Spanish & German) who not only accompanies you safely on all stages, but is also always at your side during transfers. Airport transfers – from arrival in Vigo to departure in Santiago de Compostela – so you can start and end your trip in complete relaxation. Luggage transport on all stages (up to 20 kg per person) – you hike with a light daypack and enjoy the landscape without any worries. Your personal pilgrim's passport and the traditional pilgrim's shell – your symbolic companions on the way to Santiago. An atmospheric conclusion in Santiago de Compostela: with an extra day's stay, a guided city tour including the cathedral and museum, and a festive farewell dinner in the historic old town – the perfect end to your pilgrimage. The usual age group for guided pilgrimages is mostly 50 and above. Of course, there are also younger people who prefer to hike in a group, but this is rather the exception. The nationalities are mixed, and the guide speaks English, Spanish, and German. Itinerary The itinerary of your group trip along the Portuguese Coastal Walk Day 1: Arrival in Porto Our tour guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your accommodation.Porto is Portugal's second most important city after Lisbon. It has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is renowned for its architectural appeal, spectacular river, and the famous and delicious sweet port wine. It is worth spending a whole day exploring this beautiful city. We are sure you will want to return. 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)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. Day 4: Esposende - Viana do Castelo (approx. 15.6 miles/ 25.1 km / approx. 7.5 hours)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)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)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. Day 5: Viana do Castelo - Caminha (approx. 26,8 km / approx. 8 hours)The route continues slightly uphill towards Vila Praia de Ancora. On today's stage, you will also be able to look down on the impressive Atlantic Ocean from above and hear the sound of the sea even from this distance. The route continues to Caminha, the last Portuguese town before the Spanish border. Enjoy the delicious “Pastel de Nata” puff pastry tarts once again in one of the beautiful cafés in the town center. Day 6: Caminha - Viladesuso (approx. 20 km / approx. 6 hours)Today you will leave Portugal by ferry directly from the port. After crossing the Miño River, you will climb steeply up the small mountain Monte Santa Tegra and continue on to A Guarda. From A Guarda, you will walk along the coast until you reach the small fishing village of Oia. Visit the Cistercian monastery of Santa María here before continuing 2 km further to your destination for today, Viladesuso. Day 7: Viladesuso - Baiona (approx. 14,3 km / 4 hours)Today's stage is a little more relaxed. In the morning, you will walk 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 an important trading center until the end of the 19th century. Day 8: Baiona - Vigo (approx. 27.1 km / approx. 8 hours / easy)From here, it is a good 1.5 hours to A Ramallosa, from where you will pass through small villages and forests over various hills, from which you can enjoy a beautiful panorama of the Ria de Vigo and the Islands of the Gods – the Islas Cies.The bay of Ría de Vigo is densely populated. You can take a leisurely stroll along the beautiful beaches until you reach the large port city of Vigo. If you still have energy for some sightseeing today, why not visit Berbes, a small fishing village, Castro de Vigo, and, of course, the old town of Vigo? Day 11: Cesantes - Pontevedra (approx. 10.8 miles/ 17.4 km / approx. 5 hours)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)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)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. Day 12: Caldas de Reis – Padrón (approx. 11.6 miles / approx. 5.5 hours)Today we cover one of the most scenic stages and enjoy the picturesque Galicia, characterized by agriculture: vineyards, cornfields, the Bermaña Valley, chestnut forests, and eucalyptus trees. We end the stage in Padrón. This town is famous for the legend that the ship carrying the body of St. James docked here. Padrón is also the home of the small green peppers known as “Pimientos de Padrón.” We should not miss the opportunity to try these famous peppers in a cozy tapas bar. Day 13: Padrón – Santiago de Compostela (approx. 24.3 km / approx. 7 hours)Our last stage bids us farewell with beautiful, fragrant eucalyptus and pine forests. We first hike towards Iria Flavia and then begin an ascent to “O Milladoiro” to finally see the towers of the cathedral as we approach Santiago. After almost two weeks, we reach the historic old town of Santiago with its imposing cathedral from the south. Here, the desire to arrive is combined with the sadness of saying goodbye to this unique experience. Celebrate your Portuguese Way of St. James tonight in the atmospheric streets of Santiago! Day 14: Padrón - Santiago de Compostela (approx. 15.1 miles/ 24.3 km / approx. 7 hours)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: DepartureToday 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. Packing list Packing list: What should you pack for your Camino? 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) FAQ Frequently asked questions and answers FAQs about our Camino group tours + Are the group tours also suitable for older people? Yes, absolutely! Our tour guides are well attuned to the needs of seniors. The average age of participants in a group tour is over 50, but even significantly older pilgrims enjoy hiking and do so successfully. + Do I have to stay with the group during the entire hike? Not at all. It is perfectly possible to hike at your own pace and according to your own needs, if you wish. If you want to stay with the tour guide the whole time, that is just as possible as staying independent of the group. + Will I also have time for myself? Yes, of course! On our group tours, it is entirely up to you whether you prefer to stay close to the tour guide and the other participants during the day, or whether you would rather walk alone for a while if you need some time to yourself, until you meet up with the group again in the evening for dinner at your accommodation. + Can I participate in the group trip with my dog? Unfortunately, no. The hotels on the group tour are not equipped for dogs. However, if you would still like to walk one of the Camino de Santiago routes with your dog, we offer this as an individual tour on the last section of the Camino Francés. Take a look at our travel page for the Camino Francés from Sarria and walk this popular section of the Camino together with your four-legged companion! + How athletic do I need to be for one of the group tours? The stages of our group tours are chosen so that they are also suitable for older or less athletic people. This is particularly because the selected routes are in good condition, there is little elevation gain, and there are many opportunities to take a nice break along the way. We are happy to advise you if you are unsure whether one of our group tours is suitable for you based on your fitness level. Please feel free to contact us if you would like to do so. FAQs about the Caminos in general + Is my diet taken into consideration? Please let us know, we will inform the accommodations about intolerances (lactose, gluten) or allergies and it is usually well implemented. + How does luggage transportation work? 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. + How far do I have to walk on the Camino de Santiago to get the Compostela? 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. + What are the cancellation conditions? Cancellation fees up to 30 days before departure 15%, 29-15 days before departure 25%, 14-10 days before departure 50% and from 9 days before departure 100% of the tour price.
