Portugal Coastal Way to Santiago

Activity Level

Moderate

Activity

Walking & Trekking

Overview

Recently officially certified by the Portuguese Government in February 2022, the Coastal Way is according to some historians, one of the most important routes to reach the Apostle’s home in Santiago de Compostela.

The Portuguese Coastal Way, connects Porto to the northern regions and became important in the 15th century. Before, it was mainly used by locals and those who disembarked in the ports.

The Camino along the coast is one of the most unique routes leading to the shrine. Along your way, you will be amazed by the kindness of the local people, the historical sites on route and the natural landscapes. Each step of the way is accompanied by a light sea breeze which invigorate the mind, challenging the body.

Each day there are moments to enjoy and appreciate, where the immensity of the ocean contrasts against the mountains that surround the Way, bringing emotions that will make you hold your breath. The kind-hearted local people, greet all walkers in a friendly way, trying to support each pilgrim in their mission to reach the next stage. The Coastal Way has a specific spirituality, experienced in a different manner by each pilgrim, which transforms each trip through nature into an emotional journey.

The mountains cross the valleys which reflect the brightness of the rivers and streams, reinvigorating each step of the way. Each day is a new idyllic scenery : admire the contrast between the tranquil beaches and the strong Atlantic waves. The sea breeze with a characteristic smell of seaweed that is drying on the sands, is the setting for a perfect painting.

You will feel The Santiago de Compostela devotion in each towns you will cross on the Coastal way. The unique landscapes attracts serenity. This trail is for those who are looking for new sensations, which go beyond the body and provide clarity to the mind. A journey that offers spiritual and cultural interests with breath-taking sceneries.

Key Information

Trip Code: W14CP
Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
Countries: Portugal, Spain

What's Included

All breakfasts
Luggage transfers between hotels
Walking Transfer
Pilgrim Passport and shell

13 days of Walking & Trekking

Day 2: 20 km / 12.4 miles
Day 3: 25 km / 15.5 miles
Day 4: 23 km / 14.3 miles
Day 5: 19 km / 11.8 miles
Day 6: 15 km / 9.3 miles
Day 7: 13 km / 8.1 miles
Day 8: 13 km / 8.1 miles
Day 9: 25 km / 15.5 miles
Day 10: 22 km / 13.7 miles
Day 11: 13 km / 8.1 miles
Day 12: 22 km / 13.7 miles
Day 13: 19 km / 11.8 miles
Day 14: 25 km / 15.5 miles

Highlights

A spectacular walk on the coastal path from Porto to Santiago
Stamp your pilgrims passport in the villages, chapels, churches and cathedrals.
Medieval treasures, Atlantic landscapes and scrumptious seafood

Itinerary

First Destination: Porto
Next Destination: Santiago

Meals included:None

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

First Destination: Porto
Next Destination: Santiago

A UNESCO World Heritage City and best European City destination for 2013, 2014, and again for 2017, Porto is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The old centre boasts more than 1500 listed monuments, and the history of the traditional Port Wine can be explored by visiting many of the Port cellars which are open to the public.
You stay at Porto Trindade**** (Breakfast included)

Walking transfer in the morning to Matosinhos Wooden boardwalks and pavements will lead you along the coastline via a series of wide sandy beaches, natural reserves and fishing villages to the historical coastal town of Vila do Conde.
You stay at Hotel Brazao*** (Breakfast included)

Meals included:Breakfast

Walk alongside the coast between flowers and sand dunes and across beaches. Then head north crossing the Coastal Natural Park in direction of Esposende, an old fishing village with a great setting on the estuary of the River Cavado.
You stay at Hotel Suave Mar*** (Breakfast included)

Meals included:Breakfast

Pass through various villages and some delightful sections of woodland and rivers. Discover Viana do Castelo, an attractive town famous for its ancient and contemporary architecture, offers magnificent views over the Lima valley and estuary with views of distant mountain ranges.
You stay at Hotel Laranjeira** (Breakfast included)

Meals included:Breakfast

Today’s journey is mostly inland, with occasional coastal views from hillside 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.
You stay at Hotel Meira**** (Breakfast included)

Meals included:Breakfast

Follow the coastal path to Moleda. Then continues to the charming town of Caminha. Option to walk through the pine forest beside the beach. Continue with a scenic ferry journey takes you across the Minho River to the fishing town of A Guarda in Spain.
You stay at Hotel Vila da Guarda** (Breakfast included)

Meals included:Breakfast

Before leaving A Guarda, do not miss the Santa Tegra Celtic settlement – the views are spectacular. Follow the Camino on the coastal way, going through the forest before reaching the seaside village of Oia, dominated by its 12th century monastery.
You stay at Hotel Raina** (Breakfast included)

Meals included:Breakfast

Start your day along fields, coastal villages before a total change of scenery and terrain as you reach the mountains. Continue through countryside before arriving at the medieval center of via two ancient churches.
You stay at Hotel Anunciada** (Breakfast included)

Meals included:Breakfast

From Santa Maria church, walk through the countryside offering peaceful paths and rivers. As your way climb, admire wonderful views before entering to Vigo via a park.
You stay at Hotel Tres Luces*** (Breakfast included)

Meals included:Breakfast

Start your day with peaceful hillside villages with beautiful views over the estuary and port. Then, head down to Arcade, a riverside town famous for its oysters.
You stay at Hotel Duarte** (Breakfast included)

Meals included:Breakfast

Leave Arcade via its iconic bridge. Follow ancient stone paths up through the forest. Enjoy a scenic detour along the River Tomeza to approach Pontevedra surrounded by birdsong and greenery. Explore the historical city centre, its vibrant squares and enjoy some tapas at a local bar.
You stay at Hotel Virgen del Camino*** (Breakfast included)

Meals included:Breakfast

Walk through the lovely countryside and peaceful forest to the riverside spa town of Caldas de Reis. This place is known for its thermal waters and for healing properties. Enjoy the thermal spring on the main square.
You stay at Balneario Acuna** (Breakfast included)

Meals included:Breakfast

Cross a luxuriant landscape alongside the Valga River. Several impressive churches and stone crosses line the route to Padron, the riverside town where St. James’s body is said to have been laid to rest by his faithful followers.
You stay at Pazo de Lestrove**** (Breakfast included)

Meals included:Breakfast

The final stage of the Camino is going through Galician villages. Once you enter the medieval narrow streets of Santiago, the atmosphere changes while reaching the cathedral square.
You stay at Hotel Lux Santiago*** (Breakfast included)

Meals included:Breakfast

Explore the old city of Compostela before airport transfer.

Meals included:Breakfast

Dates & Prices

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Accommodation

This tour offers a mix of accommodation from 2* to 4* hotels from rural family run hotel to modern luxury hotels in big cities.

Essential Information

Route : Coastal path with a mix of Wooden boardwalks and pavements sandy beaches, countryside routes and forest path.

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There maybe others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The routes notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the hotels are normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.

Portugal

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Portugal. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/portugal
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/portugal
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Portugal.html

Spain

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Spain. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/spain
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/spain
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Spain.html

Along the Camino Portugués, here are local specialties you should add to your list of things to taste:

You can’t get more traditional in terms of Portuguese cuisine than salted cod or ‘bacalhau’ or grilled sardines.

Try Portugal’s classic ‘sopa de caldo verde’. Originally from the North of the country and similarly to its Galician ‘cousin’, ‘caldo verde’ basic ingredients are collard greens, potatoes, and onion, with many also adding sausage or other pork meat.

For the sweet tooth do not miss Pastel de Nata : The most famous one with custard tart. A crunchy pastry with exquisitely sweet custard.

The climate here is long, warm summers and mild winters, with most rain falling in the winter months, but possible in all other months. Seasons are marked, with pleasant temperatures in the spring, in the summer and in the autumn. Heat waves can push up temperatures between mid June and September.

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.