The Camino Portugués por la Costa De Porto a Santiago por la Costa

Start your Camino de Santiago journey in gorgeous and colourful Porto, with its UNESCO-listed old town, picturesque river front and home to Port wine. Discover the best of Portuguese hospitality before your walk on the Portuguese Coastal Way!

Today you should take the Metro to Matosinhos to avoid the outskirts of Porto and reach the coast to start your Camino walk. Get off at the ‘Mercado’ stop. You will walk following the coastline, passing fishing villages, forts and chapels, the prehistoric castro of San Paio and of course, beautiful sandy beaches.

Enjoy a stroll along the pretty Póvoa de Varzim harbour and explore its medieval district before you continue your Camino. Walk up to the Convento de Santa Clara to discover the best views of the town and the surrounding coast. On your way to Esposende you will pass the popular seaside town of Póvoa de Varzim with its sandy beachfront and cross the Coastal Natural Park, Parque Natural do Litoral Norte.

Today you will continue your Camino coastal walk from Esposende, across the Coastal Natural Park, on your way to Viana do Castelo. Take the opportunity to taste the local cuisine, explore the historic center of town and take the funicular to the Basílica de Santa Luzía for great views. Legend has it that the Romans were so impressed by Viana’s beauty when they reached the town in the first century BC that they thought they had reached the paradise.

Today you will leave Viana do Castelo and continue along the beautiful Atlantic coastline heading North. Today is quite an easy day, giving you plenty of time to enjoy a relaxed pace and have enough time to make the most of the seaside villages and towns along the way. You will stay in the coastal town Vila Praia de Ancora.

From Vila Praia de Ancora you will continue on your coastal Camino towards Caminha, right by the Minho estuary, where the River meets the Atlantic. From Caminha, you will take the ferry-boat Santa Rita de Cássia across the river Minho to Galicia. There are about 10 crossings per day from Caminha to A Guarda (schedule varies depending on the season, no ferries on Monday). Ticket fare not included in the holiday package. From the ferry to can continue straight to A Guarda or take a detour along the estuary for great coastal views (4km longer). If you have time, once you reach A Guarda, take a visit to its famous hilltop ‘castro’, celtic settlement.

From the fishing village of A Guarda, your path continues northwards where you will be afforded some more breathtaking views of the ocean on your left.  Tonight you will reach the busy seaside town of Baiona with its gorgeous marina.  While in Baiona, visit one of the towns attractions such as the Museo de la Carabela Pinta and the Monumento Encuentro entre dos Mundos.

Today you will follow the coast from Baiona to Nigrán and finally to the city of Vigo. You will enjoy fantastic views of the Bay of Vigo, with the magnificent Illas Cíes and its Natural Park in the horizon. On a hot day, stop at the blue flag beach Praia América in Nigrán for a quick swim.

From the city of Vigo, you will continue on your coastal Camino with the Bay of Vigo to your left. Today is quite a short day so you can enjoy a more relaxed pace. Your stop for the night is the town of Redondela where you will join the original Portuguese Camino.

Today is your last day along the coast and quite a short walking day so you can make the most of the seaside. Stop to try the famous oysters in the fishing village of Arcade. Your final point is the city of Pontevedra, with its pretty historic centre. At today is quite a short day so you will have time to explore the old town, with its many Romanesque churches and quaint granite squares.

Leaving Pontevedra, today, the Camino will take you through chestnut groves and pine and eucalyptus woods. In the village of Ponte Cabras you will see the rectory of Santa María de Alba. At Lombo da Maceira, a statue of Saint James with his walking stick will show you the way. On your way to Caldas de Reis you will pass the hamlet of Tivo with its lovely fountain and public washing bath.

From Caldas de Reis you will cross the river Umia and find the hot springs that have given the town its name since Roman times. The trail once again takes you to forests and gradually climbs to the village of Santa Mariña. You will continue on the Camino through pine forests to today’s destination: the town of Padrón. When the body of Saint James was being brought to Compostela by boat, Padrón was said to be the first land it reached.

Take time to explore this gem of a city, small and vibrant. Its UNESCO listed old town will enchant you. In Santiago de Compostela you will find not only pilgrims but also locals and students, socialising and enjoying a few bites and glasses of wine in the many bars, restaurants and cosy cafes.

Superior Collection includes complimentary spa in Santiago.