Camino Portugués along the Coast from Oporto (Caminha option)

Porto is the second most important city in Portugal after Lisbon. It has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is characterized by its architectural appeal, its 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 want to go back.

Accomodation in Porto.

Difficulty: easy.

A transfer takes us from Porto to Matosinhos, where we start the hike. Today shows us different beaches. This first stage leads along the banks of the Duero River and along the coast, through flat terrain and beautiful landscapes. We will cross the dunes along the boardwalks in a simple stage and without major bumps.

Accommodation in Póvoa de Varzim.

Difficulty: easy.

This day brings a little bit of everything with it. We will be able to enjoy the coastal landscapes, but we will also go a little further inland and pass road sections and asphalt. We will cross the Cadavo River to reach Esposende.

Accommodation in Esposende.

Difficulty: medium.

Interior stage. We are moving away from the coastal landscapes that have accompanied us so far to trade them for the nature park on the north coast. We hike down the Neiva riverbed and enter Viana do Castelo. Particularly noteworthy is the beautiful old town of this city. The fact that this stage does not run along the coast does not mean that its scenic beauty is inferior to that of the other stages.

Accommodation in Viana do Castelo.

Difficulty: easy.

Today we will enjoy our last day in Portugal before arriving in Galicia.

We have to start the day with a decision: following the yellow arrows along the official path that leads us inland, or choosing the coastal option and do this stage along the beaches and the sea.

Although the option for the coast is not marked in detail, it does not result in any losses.

Both options lead us to Vila Praia de ncora, a charming fishing village that is characterized by its city beach and long promenade.

As soon as we leave this city, we will head for today’s destination, Caminha, a historic city at the mouth of the Miño River.

Accommodation in Caminha.

Difficulty: easy.

Today’s stage takes us to Galicia. We will say goodbye to the Portuguese landscapes that have accompanied us throughout the tour to make way for the Galician who have nothing to envy.

The first thing we have to do at this point is to cross the Miño River, which is the border between Portugal and Spain, with Xacobeo Transfer. It goes from the Caminha Rowing Club, 50 meters away from the old Ferry, to the ferry station in A Guarda. It can be booked in advance through its website or by calling +34 613011226. It is also possible to do it with Taxi Boats.

The entire stage runs along the coast. A few kilometers after the start of the day we reach A Guarda, a very interesting fishing village. The colorful fishermen’s houses and the architecture should be emphasized. One of the great attractions of this city is the Monte de Santa Tegra, where there is a fortress that dates back to the 4th century BC.

We will continue the route towards Portecelo to arrive in Oia.

From Oia it is worth highlighting the Cistercian Royal Monasteiro of Santa María, which belongs to a place with a strong cultural interest.

Accommodation in Oia.

Difficulty: easy.

In the last stage of the trip we will put the finishing touches on our experience. The first kilometers of this day lead us along the coast, then we go a little inland and enjoy a pleasant route through the mountains until we reach Villa de Baiona. Of particular note are the old town and the marina.

Accommodation in Baiona.

Difficulty: medium.

This first stage fascinates us with its landscapes. At the mouth of Vigo, we hike to Nigrán. We pass beaches such as Panxón, Patos and Samil until we reach the largest city in Galicia, Vigo. The difficulty today lies in the kilometers and differences in altitude. There is also the possibility to hike inland towards Priegue and Coruxo and then let us take you along the river path. This option can be a little less interesting, especially access to Vigo as it’s an industrial area.

Accommodation in Vigo.

Difficulty: easy.

We leave Vigo towards the Senda da Traida das Augas, which takes us to Redondela, the point where our route joins the inland Portuguese Way. Before reaching that point, the Camino passes near Trasmañado. Some pilgrims choose to deviate +/- about 5 km to see its imposing waterfall. The forests and the estuary remain our companions on the way during the stage.

Accommodation in Redondela.

Difficulty: easy.

We leave Redondela towards Arcade, famous for its oysters. Accompanied by the Vigo estuary, we cross lush forests until we reach the historic Ponte Sampaio towards Pontevedra.

Accommodation in Pontevedra.

Difficulty: easy.

Quiet and pleasant route. We move away from the bumps of the previous sections to enter a much flatter and more level terrain. We walk through different villages until we finally arrive in Caldas de Rei, where pilgrims who wish can relax in one of the famous spas.

Accommodation in Caldas de Reis.

Difficulty: easy.

Today’s stage is one of the most beautiful and varied in terms of landscape. Vineyards, grain fields, the Bermaña valley, chestnut forests, eucalyptus … we enjoy agricultural Galicia. In Padrón, we can´t miss the opportunity to try the famous peppers.

Accommodation in Padrón.

Difficulty: easy.

The last stage of the caminos. We will cross the N550 road several times and be guided by the railway line. 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. Here the desire to arrive is combined with the pain of parting, that this unique experience is over.

Accommodation in Santiago.

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