Portugal - Caminho Portugues - Coastal Way between Porto and Santiago de Compostela
Walking the Camino in Portugal along the Coastal Way
The Way of Saint James also exists in Portugal. There are several routes to reach Santiago de Compostela from the city of Porto in Portugal.
In this program we have described the Camino along Coastal Way following the Ocean.The Northwestern coast of Portugal is known as the Costa Verde (the Green Coast) thanks to a lush vegetation growing there. The walking path crosses fishermen villages, coastal sceneries, creeks, coves and also lovely sea resorts.
The walk from Porto (Matosinho) follows the coastline towards the pretty old town of Vila do Conde, Povoa da Varzim, Esposende and Vila Praia de Ancora . The medieval town of Viana do Castelo and its Santa Luzia basilica is worth the detour. Then the route enters a rural area and back to the Atlantic coast near Caminha.
The Coastal Way to Santiago along the coastlines of Portugal and Galicia, is attractive thanks to the rural scenery and historical towns and cities that this ancient pilgrim walking route crosses on its way to Santiago de Compostela.
Day 1
PORTO
Arrival in Porto.
The Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange) is one of the most important historic monuments in Porto and one of the sights that must definitely be on your list of visits.The Church of Sao Francisco is also another major Gothic monument in Porto, known for its outstanding Baroque inner decoration
Day 2
MATOSINHOS ⇒ VILA DO CONDE (21 km / 13 miles)
Short transfer from Porto to the start of the Camino. Walk along the coastline via a series of wide sandy beaches, nature reserves and fishing villages to the historical coastal town of Vila do Conde.
Day 3
VILA DO CONDE ⇒ ESPOSENDE (25 km / 15.5 miles)
Cross the residential areas that connect Vila do Conde with the seaside resort town of Povoa de Varzim.Today's walk mostly occurs along the coast between flowers and sand dunes and across beaches. Then head inland towards Esposende.
Day 4
ESPOSENDE ⇒ VIANA DO CASTELO (23.5 km / 14.5 miles)
After leaving the coast, you will cross villages, forest areas and reach Viana do Castelo that offers beautifu views on the Lima Valley from the long Eiffel bridge.
Day 5
VIANA DO CASTELO ⇒ VILA PRAIA DE ANCORA(19.5 km / 12.2 miles)
Today’s journey is largely inland, with occasional coastal views from a series of hilltop villages. Enjoy the shade of the eucalyptus forest as you make your way uphill before descending to the low-key beachside resort town of Vila Praia de Ancora.
Day 6
VILA PRAIA DE ANCORA ⇒ A GUARDA (14 km / 8.7 miles) The coastal footpath links Ancora to Moleda and then continues to the charming town of Caminha. If you have enough time, make a detour through the pine forest beside the beach before catching the ferry across the River Minho to the peaceful fishing town of A Guarda in Spain.
Day 7
A GUARDA⇒ OIA (14 km / 8.7 miles)
Follow the Camino through the town center and out towards the rugged coastline. A combination of coastal paths, forest tracks and tarmac roads to reach the small beachfront village of Oia, dominated by its 12th century monastery.
Day 8
OIA ⇒ BAIONA (17.5 km / 11 miles)
The day begins with tiny fields, scattered houses and a few villages along the coast before a change of scenery and terrain as you cut across the mountains. A final descent through the countryside and outlying villages bring you into the medieval center of Baiona via two ancient churches.
Day 9
BAINA ⇒ VIGO (25.5 km / 15.5 miles)
Once you leave the residential areas around Baiona, the terrain becomes more rural with villages and woodland areas. A brief section along a busy road and you are back among villages while aproaching Vigo. The Camino takes you through the Castrelos Park to avoid walking through the city.
Day 10
VIGO to ARCADE (22 km / 13.7 miles)
Day 11
ARCADE to PONTEVEDRA (13km / 8 miles)
Day 12
PONTEVEDRA to CALDAS DE REIS ( 22km / 13.7 miles)
Day 13
CALDAS DE REIS to (19km / 11.8 miles)
Day 14
PADRON to SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA (24km / 15 miles)
Day 15
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
END OF THE WALK AFTER BREAKFAST
Included : (see details in Dates and Prices section)
2, 3 and 4 star hotels - B&B
Luggage transfer
An English road book and a map.
English speaking email or phone assistance
Starts in : Porto (O Porto)
Ends in : Santiago de Compostela
Access : train station. airport in Porto
Information : click on "ask for more information"
Phone Cecile : +33 5 58 48 71 65
Customize your tour : add or remove one night or more,combine with another tour
See also :
MORE PHOTOS IN OUR BLOG : CLICK HERE
Highlights
the coastal path
the villages
the landscape
