Camino Portugués along the Coast from Oporto (Praia de Ancora 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 so 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.

Accommodation 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 Povoa 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 experience a quiet day, a pleasant walk through flat land, wooden walkways, fishing villages and again the coast. This phase has no significant height differences or complications. We leave Viana do Castelo in this last stage of the Caminos in Portugal and head towards Praia de Ancora.

Accommodation in Praia de Âncora.

Difficulty: medium

We are reaching Galicia. We will cross the Miño River by ferry and leave Portugal behind to spend the last sections of this road in the Galician area. Scheduling is very important here, as the translation of the ferry varies depending on the tide. We have to cross the Miño River with Xacobeo Transfer, which 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.

Once we have reached the other side of the Miño River, we will climb the Monte de Santa Tecla to continue walking parallel to the coast and reach A Guarda, a charming fishing village.

Accommodation in A Guarda.

Difficulty: easy.

Short and pleasant stage, but of great beauty. The Galician landscapes are in no way inferior to the Portuguese. We recommend visiting the Oia monastery.

Accommodation in Oia.

Difficulty: easy.

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 level: 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 level: 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 level: 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 level: 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 de Compostela.

Buen Camino, see you next time!