Short Break on the Camino Portugues Coastal
The Short Break of the Camino Portugues Coastal from Porto to Viana do Castelo, or Portuguese Way of the Coast, is one of the most popular routes of the Camino. A quieter route than the French way, this 4-night tour is the perfect way to spend a few days relaxing while walking part of the Camino de Santiago.
Starting from Unesco World Heritage Porto, this route will take you across Porto, Póvoa do Varzim, Esposende, and Viana do Castelo along its 75km and surprise you with traditional fishing villages.
In Porto, get lost in the riverside quarter whose streets are so narrow that cars can’t drive on them!
Take a photo from the viewpoint at the cathedral and cross D. Luis bridge designed by one of the associates of Gustave Eiffel to taste a Port wine in one of the many famous cellars. To top it off, try Francesinha, a signature sandwich from Porto, considered by many the best sandwich in the world.
On the Short Break of the Camino Portugues Coastal from Porto to Viana, observe fishermen going into the ocean to fish in the old way, and at the end of the day, bargain to get the best part of the catch of the day.
Relax at beach bars on golden sandy beaches and enjoy some freshly caught fish in one of the many fish restaurants with ocean views. Enjoy the sunset from old forts, a testimony to the era of the pirates, and visit a full-size replica of a discovery ship docked in one of the most important ports during the discoveries.
At the end of the evening, stroll around Viana do Castelo with its many Roman remains and a lively city centre where in August the biggest fair in the north takes place and women parade with necklaces with kilos of gold.
*Note that the Caminho da Senda Litoral goes along the seaside. The Caminho da Costa follows inland along with coastal towns and follows the same way as the Senda Litoral in some parts. If you choose the Caminho da Costa, the trail will always take you to the same finishing point.