The Coastal Portuguese Way from Porto
The Portuguese Way from Porto is one of the most popular routes to reach Santiago de Compostela. This journey offers you the opportunity to explore the charming city of Porto and visit two countries along the way. During your pilgrimage, you'll have the pleasure of enjoying beautiful rural landscapes and the spectacular coast of Portugal, visiting the historic cores of towns like Póvoa de Varzim or Viana do Castelo. Additionally, you can delight in stunning beaches, views of the Cíes Islands from Baiona, the city of Vigo, or relax in the thermal waters of Caldas, uncovering many other surprises. Come and discover it!
What does this route consist of?
261 kms
13 nights
12 stages
€/pax.
Included Services
- Accommodation in hotels and rural houses
- Rooms with private bathroom
- Travel insurance
- Welcome Pack with Credential
- 24-hour assistance
- Complete route itinerary
- Vehicle on hand for emergencies
- Free cancellation up to 15 days before your start date
Optional Services
- Breakfasts
- Transfer to the starting point
- Luggage transport
- Airport transfer
Gallery
Stages of the The Coastal Portuguese Way from Porto
Day 1
Oporto
Night at Oporto
We recommend taking a walk along the riverside and trying the exquisite sweet wine offered by this charming city, at one of the numerous terraces you will find along the Douro River. Don't miss the opportunity to listen to a fado and visit a Port wine cellar.
Day 2
From Oporto to Póvoa de Varzim
Night at Póvoa de Varzim
27,2 km
7 horas
We suggest starting from Porto by train to Matosinhos to shorten the stage by 11.3 km and avoid the initial kilometers. From Matosinhos, your day will take you through small fishing villages, fortresses, and chapels, passing through places like Labruge, Vila do Conde, and reaching Póvoa de Varzim, your end of stage
Day 3
From Póvoa de Varzim to Esposende
Night at Esposende
20,2 km
6 horas
The stage from Póvoa is carried out initially along its seaside promenade. Later, the path will take you through the Northern Coastal Natural Park, with a diversity of flora and fauna. This stage does not have significant slopes, and along the route, you will pass through the towns of Apúlia and the center of Fão. You will cross the Cávado River via its iron bridge, finally arriving in Esposende.
Day 4
From Esposende to Viana do Castelo
Night at Viana do Castelo
25,1 km
6 horas
From Esposende, you will continue along the coastal path, crossing beaches and dunes until you reach the mouth of the Neiva River. Walking along trails and wooden walkways, you will arrive at the Eiffel Bridge, and crossing it will take you to Viana do Castelo, where, among other things, you must not miss its cathedral.
Day 5
From Viana do Castelo to Vila Praia de Âncora
Night at Vila Praia de Âncora
18,3 km
5 horas
Before starting the stage and leaving Viana do Castelo, you can take the funicular to Mount Santa Luzia and enjoy the views. The route continues along the coast, crossing beaches and wooden walkways, passing through towns such as Carreço and Afife, finally reaching Vila Praia de Âncora, the end of the stage.
Day 6
From Vila Praia de Âncora to A Guarda
Night at A Guarda
12,1 km
4 horas
This stage is a bit different from the previous ones, more urban, leaving Portugal to reach Galicia. The exit from the country is done through the town of Caminha, which you will leave by crossing the Miño River on a boat that you will take on your own. Once on the other side of the river, you will cross Monte de Santa Tegra, arriving in A Guarda.
Day 7
From A Guarda to Baiona
Night at Baiona / Sabarís
30,7 km
7 horas
The stage begins in the beautiful fishing village of Guarda. Along the route, you can enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean and its coastline, passing through the town of Santa María de Oia, with its monastery, the only one in Spain with sea views. We will continue until reaching the charming fishing town of Baiona.
Day 8
From Baiona to Vigo
Night at Vigo
27,1 km
6 horas
The stage runs along the coast to Ramallosa, and after crossing its bridge, there are two alternatives: the traditional route and the variant along the coastline (green arrows, 25,3 km). The coastal route skirts several beaches and is a bit shorter. The official path proceeds inland, covering a stretch with a lot of asphalt. Upon entering Vigo, the section through Castrelos Park and the river Lagares' riverside path stands out for its beauty.
Day 9
From Vigo to Redondela / Arcade
Night at Redondela / Arcade
16 km
3 horas
The departure from Vigo runs along the Senda da Traída das Augas, with forests and panoramic views over the estuary. We cross Vigo along the Lagares river promenade, or through the Coia neighborhood and leave the city through the Teis neighborhood to Redondela, a variant along the coast that converges with the interior path.
Day 10
From Redondela / Arcade to Pontevedra
Night at Pontevedra
19,6 Km
5 horas
Leaving Redondela you will cross the Roman bridge of Ponte Sampaio, known for the battle that was fought there against the Napoleonic invasion.
You should reach Pontevedra a few hours later, a city with a fascinating historic town centre and several places of interest worth visiting, such as the Plaza de la Peregrina (Pilgrim Square) and the Basilica of Santa María la Mayor.
Day 11
From Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis
Night at Caldas de Reis
21,1 km
5 horas
During stage five of your pilgrimage, you will depart from Pontevedra by crossing the bridge of O Burgo. It continues through native forests and eucalyptus trees and small streams.
When you get to Caldas de Reis, we recommend a stroll through this beautiful town, known for its thermal waters, where you may like to treat yourself to luxurious rest and relaxation in the spa, to soothe your tired muscles.
Day 12
From Caldas de Reis to Padrón
Night at Padrón
18,6 km
4 horas
Padrón is well known for its illustrious writers Camilo José Cela and Rosalía de Castro. Once again, we feel the need to mention a famous food that has made the town’s cuisine renowned far beyond Spanish borders: Padrón peppers. Don't miss the chance to try them but – proceed with caution – as some of them are spicy hot and some of them aren't!
Day 13
From Padrón to Santiago de Compostela
Night at Santiago de Compostela
24,3 km
6 horas
Shortly after starting this stage, you will reach the village of A Escravitude, with its ornate and beautiful Marian sanctuary. The trail continues to climb as it winds towards Santiago, and you'll soon spot the towers of the cathedral. Enter into the historic city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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