The Camino Portugues - Coastal Route 

This route combines the treasures of the Atlantic Ocean; fishing villages, boardwalks, lighthouses & beaches with the bucolic beauty of deepest green Galicia. First you get to follow the coast, sampling the generous hospitality, delicious seafood & sparkling vinho verdes of Portugal,  then head over the border into Spain before turning inland at Redondela. So this trail combines the best of both worlds. It’s becoming increasingly popular but is still a good deal less crowded than the camino Frances. 

Though one doesn’t like to raise expectations, it’s fair to say you will be charmed by the choice of hotels. We will stay in characterful, comfortable accommodations known for outstanding service, in some stunning locations and grounds, sometimes slightly off the camino path. Dinners will be in a mix of both local restaurants and hotels, always serving the best of truly local cuisine and wines. Food plays a big part in this trip, especially when you’re building up an appetite walking throughout much of the day. 

There will be a private tour bus at your disposal so the day can be tailored to suit your walking preferences. Very importantly this is your camino, to walk as you see fit, as much or as little as you choose, and at your own pace. The trail is extremely well signposted with yellow arrows, the route clearly marked on an app, and I will be walking & checking unobtrusively in on you along the way. You’ll have the opportunity to walk the full last 100 kilometres entitling you to your ‘compostela’ certificate of completion of the camino. 

DAY 1 - PORTO  

Be sure to arrive a day early to explore this beautiful, bustling city. Set on the banks of the Douro river it is of course most famous for its port wine. But there’s so much more to explore here:  gothic churches, flower-lined cobblestone streets, markets, fado music venues, quaint trams & world class cuisine to enjoy. You’ll definitely want to spend a day immersing yourself in this uniquely colourful place. 

This evening get to know your fellow walkers over a relaxed and delicious dinner, overlooking the iconic Don Luis bridge. 

(D)

Overnight:  Porto

DAY 2 -  PORTO TO VILA DO CONDE

Today we will bypass the less exciting scenery encountered when leaving Porto on foot, by driving to the fishing village of Matshinos to start our waterside walk. We shall be crossing many of the wooden boardwalks so typical of this route, with the Atlantic Ocean tumbling constantly to our left, and meeting our first lighthouse along the way. Some of the fishing villages feel untouched by time - such as Vila Cha with its enchanting jewel-coloured beachfront houses, the pace of life little changed for centuries.  We’ll end the day at a charmingly restored traditional farmhouse in Vila do Conde, which is one of the oldest known settlements in Portugal. 

You will have the option of walking the full 21 kilometres, or shortening the day should you so choose. 

(B, D)

Overnight: Vila do Conde 

DAY 3 - VILA DO CONDE TO ESPOSENDE

Today’s trail combines beach walking with quaint small towns and moss festooned forest paths. We’ll pass through the bustling seaside resort of Povoa da Varzim with its 12 kilometres of beaches and seaside entertainments. There are plenty of options for coffee stops along the way. Or why not sit a while and enjoy a glass of sparkling vinho verde as you contemplate the light bouncing off the sea’s surface. We shall end the day in the popular but less busy resort of Esposende, which has a more local feel to it. And enjoy the stunning location of our home for the night, facing the river in the middle of a pine forest. You might want to try a spot of paddle boarding as the sun sets. 

The full walk length is 24 kilometres, with the option to walk less, should you so choose.

(B, D)

Overnight: Esposende 

DAY 4 - ESPOSENDE TO VIANA DO CASTELO 

Today we turn inland a little and walk on quiet country lanes, crossing babbling brooks and tromping through the woods until reaching one of the highlights of the trip: the beautiful pousada de Viana do Castelo with its superb panoramic views and a sumptuous feast in its lovely dining room. Prepare to be pampered. You might choose to take the fun little funicular train down into the town or simply sit and revel in the gorgeous surroundings of the hotel which is part of the chain of ‘pousadas’ similar to the Spanish paradors; hotels set in historic buildings in areas of outstanding natural beauty. 

The full walk length is 24 kilometres, with the option to walk less, should you so choose.

(B, D)

Overnight: Viana do Castelo 

DAY 5 - VIANO DO CASTELO TO PRAIA DA ANCORA 

Depending on weather conditions we will either walk the coastal route on beach paths, or if the sea is too lively, we will take the inland route, much of which is over paved country lanes. Either option makes for a lovely day’s walking, getting lost in the horizon as you gaze over the ocean or meander along the stone walled country paths. At the end of the day we will hop on the group’s private bus to take us to the lovely town of Caminha, our home for the night. The last town of our camino in Portugal, it’s one of those places that has a very special feel to it. It’s here that the Atlantic meets the river Minho. We will be staying in a Brazilian mansion this evening!  Beautifully preserved, with its original features and furniture, and family run with hosts that truly care for your comfort. It’s quite the treat. 

The full walk length is 19 kilometres, with the option to walk less, should you so choose.

(B, D)

Overnight: Caminha 

DAY 6 - CAMINHA TO A GUARDA

Today you’ll head over the border into Spain. At this point it’s a good idea to take a well-earned rest to recharge batteries for the Spanish section of your adventure. Hop into the water taxi over to the pretty little fishing village of A Guarda for a superb seafood lunch. Those who wish can stretch their legs afterwards on the beach. Or simply rest and relax and pamper yourself in the sumptuous surroundings of the restored convent of San Benito. Another camino gem. 

(B,L,D)

Overnight: A Guarda

DAY 7 - A GUARDA TO MOUGAS  

Time to put our walking shoes back on and head back to the trail, refreshed and ready for action. Today we will visit the Cistercian 12th century monastery of Oia in this quaint village with stunning sea views. This is a special corner of the camino with a distinct feel to it:  wild horses, crop fields that extend down to the water’s front, and a smattering of ‘Castros’ - pre-Roman forts. On arrival at our hotel you might well choose to indulge yourself in the well equipped spa facilities which have a well-deserved fabulous reputation. 

The full walk length is 18 kilometres, with the option to walk less, should you so choose.

(B,D)

Overnight: Mougas  

DAY 8 - MOUGAS TO BAIONA 

Today we’ll have a relatively short walk, following the coastline before going uphill through lush forests for wonderful views back over the ocean. The day will end at another of the trip’s highlights; the elegant walled fortress parador of Baiona in a stunning setting overlooking the ocean and its ‘rias’, or estuaries. This parador is one of the Spanish state-run chain of hotels in areas of outstanding natural beauty and historical significance. Stroll around the ramparts and be transported back in time, before indulging in a fabulous meal in one of its stately dining rooms. 

The full walk length is 12 kilometres, with the option to walk less, should you so choose.

(B,L,D)

Overnight: Baiona 

DAY 9 - BAIONA TO VIGO 

Today is our last day of walking along the coast before saying goodbye to the ocean as we turn inland tomorrow.  We shall skip the deadly dull, heavily industrialised walk into Vigo itself. The old centre of Vigo has a lovely antiquated charm of its own, a bit like stepping back in time. A blend of modern architecture and history awaits us in another treat of a hotel in a converted Galician country house, with stunning views and lovely gardens.

The full walk length is 25 kilometres, with the option to walk less, should you so choose.

(B,D)

Overnight: Vigo

DAY 10 - VIGO TO REDONDELA

Once again we’ll skip the walk out of the city and start at the senda de agua, the water route following the way of the old canal transporting water from the reservoir in Eiras to Vigo. It’s a lovely, relaxing, tree-lined stroll, and we’ll start to see an influx of pilgrims from the inland route. We shall also take a little side trip off the camino.  Our hotel for the night, in the heart of wine country, has outstanding views of the Salnes valley, dotted with vineyards: we shall get to sample a tasting of the delicious local Albariño white wine. You’ll be sure to want to send some on home to relive your camino memories. 

The full walk length is 16 kilometres, with the option to walk less, should you so choose.

(B, D)

Overnight: Redondela

DAY 11 - REDONDELA TO PONTEVEDRA 

Enjoy some easy walking today with gentle undulations in the path, more forest walking and weaving your way through picturesque villages.  We’ll get to cross the iconic Roman bridge in Arcade, which is a lovely spot to sit and enjoy a ‘cafe con leche’ and hear a few pilgrims’ tales. The distinctive smell of a eucalyptus forest reminds you that you’re nearing your goal.  Though you won’t want your camino to end! We shall take the much nicer alternative path along the river into Pontevedra. 

Tonight we stay in another lovely parador, an old palace this time, in Pontevedra; this ‘mini Santiago’ has its own unique charm, steeped in history. It has plenty of monuments to explore, or simply sit and take in the ambience at one of the many terrace bars.  It’s humming with life and energy. 

The full walk length is 20 kilometres, with the option to walk less, should you so choose.

(B, D)

Overnight: Pontevedra 

DAY 12 - PONTEVEDRA TO CALDAS DE REIS

Although nearing Santiago we will continue to walk on small country roads and tracks today. The spa town of Caldas is one of the major health resorts of Galicia. We’ll enjoy a hearty meal in a truly local restaurant tonight - no menu, they just serve the best and freshest produce of the day and it’s spectacular! 

The full walk length is 23 kilometres, with the option to walk less, should you so choose.

(B, D)

Overnight: Caldas de Reis

DAY 13 - CALDAS DE REIS TO PADRON

Ever closer to Santiago but still strolling on quiet country roads and trails. We will enter Padron along a lovely riverside path with plane trees clasping hands overhead.  Padron is a hugely important point on the camino, with a church housing the original mooring stone of St James’s boat, which washed up here. We shall stay tonight in a lovely Pazo - an old country mansion that once belonged to the bishops of Santiago. 

The full walk length is 19 kilometres, with the option to walk less, should you so choose.

(B, D)

Overnight: Padron 

DAY 14 - PADRON TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

Your emotions will be very mixed today: elation at having completed your camino and sadness that it’s nearly over. By now you will totally understand why the camino becomes so addictive. Surprisingly, we still walk along country lanes until hitting the outskirts of the city. We get our first glimpse of the spires of the cathedral at Agros dos Monteiros, and of course finish the day walking down the steps past the lone bagpiper serenading you into the cathedral square. Congratulations! 

The full walk length is 23 kilometres, with the option to walk less, should you so choose.

(B, D)

Overnight: Santiago de Compostela 

DAY 15 - OCTOBER 7TH - SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

You will be transferred to the airport after breakfast to take your flight home, with your own camino tale to tell. That is unless you are so bitten by the camino bug that you choose to walk on to Finisterre, the end of the world… Buen Camino! 

(B)