Portuguese Coastal Way – Last 100km
8 days | from 690€
Baiona is one of the most attractive and important coastal towns in Galicia. Its protected bays offer beaches with character and safe harbour in its fishing port.
Blend beaches, countryside and historical towns on an ancient pilgrim walking trail from Porto to Santiago de Compostela.
Experience the very best of the Coastal Camino route from Porto to Santiago by treating yourself to luxury accommodations along the way. After a full day of walking beside the ocean and through forests, fields and villages, you can look forward to quality linens, a dreamily comfortable bed and all the expected comforts of a top-quality hotel.
Some of these lodgings are in Pousadas and Paradores, which are usually historical buildings such as palaces, fortresses and monasteries that have been converted into luxury hotels. Others are stylish, modern hotels in excellent locations, so you can dine onsite or walk to a nearby restaurant.
SUGGESTED ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Porto
When you check into your Porto hotel, you will receive your Welcome Kit, which contains all the information you need to enjoy this self-guided walking holiday fully.
Accommodation: 4-star hotel
Day 2: Walk from Matosinhos to Vila do Conde
Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss):
After breakfast you will meet a member of our team who will drive you to Matosinhos to start your Portuguese Coastal Way of St James. By doing this, you avoid the busy, noisy roads through the urban areas of Porto and its suburbs. Wooden boardwalks and pavements will lead you along the coastline via a series of wide sandy beaches, nature reserves and fishing villages to the historic coastal town of Vila do Conde
Accommodation: 4-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Walk from Vila do Conde to Esposende
Distance: 25 km (15.4 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss):
Cross the residential areas that connect Vila do Conde with the seaside resort town of Povoa de Varzim. Spend a significant portion of the day walking alongside the coast between flowers and sand dunes and across beaches, then head inland towards Esposende via market gardens, forest, villages, and a bridge across the wide Cávado estuary.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Walk from Esposende to Viana do Castelo
Distance: 23.5 km (14.5 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss):
After leaving the coast behind, you’ll pass through various villages and some delightful sections of woodland and rivers. The exceedingly long Eiffel Bridge into 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.
Accommodation: 4-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Walk from Viana do Castelo to Vila Praia de Âncora
Distance: 19 km (11.8 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss):
Today’s journey is mainly inland, with occasional coastal views from a string of 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 Âncora.
Accommodation: 4-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6: Walk from Vila Praia de Âncora to Caminha
Distance: 9.5 km (5.9 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss):
A level coastal path connects Vila Praia de Âncora with Moledo and then continues to the charming town of Caminha.
Accommodation: 4-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Walk from Caminha to Oia
Distance: 17 km (10.5 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss):
If there’s time, take a detour through the pine forest beside the beach before catching the ferry across the River Minho to the peaceful fishing town of A Guarda in Spain, a great place to tuck into fresh seafood. Follow the Camino through the town centre and out towards the rugged coastline. Use coastal paths, forest tracks and tarmac roads to reach the small beachfront village of Oia, dominated by its 12th-century monastery.
Accommodation: Charm hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8: Walk from Oia to Baiona
Distance: 17.5 km (10.9 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss):
The day begins with tiny fields, scattered houses and a few villages along the coast before a change of scenery and terrain as you cut across the mountains. A final descent through the countryside and outlying villages brings you into the medieval centre of Baiona via two ancient churches.
Accommodation: 4-star Parador
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9: Walk from Baiona to Vigo
Distance: 25 km (15.5 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss):
Once you leave the residential areas around Baiona, the terrain becomes ever more rural, with villages and patches of woodland. There is a brief section along a busy road, after which you’ll be back among villages on the approach to Vigo. The Camino takes you through Castrelos Park to avoid walking through the city.
Accommodation: 4-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10: Walk from Vigo to Redondela
Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss):
Walk along Vigo’s main shopping street and out of the city onto a long road that connects a string of peaceful hillside villages with views across the town, estuary and port. Around halfway into the journey, you’ll exchange houses for trees before the steep descent towards Redondela.
Accommodation: Charm Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11: Walk from Redondela to Pontevedra
Distance: 19 km (11.8 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss):
Climb through the woods before heading down to Arcade, a riverside town famous for its oysters. Leave Arcade via its iconic bridge. Follow ancient stone paths up through another forest, then take a scenic detour along the River Tomeza to approach Pontevedra, surrounded by birdsong and greenery instead of traffic. Explore the historical city centre, its atmospheric squares and tapas bars.
Accommodation: 4-star Parador
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12: Walk from Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis
Distance: 22 km (13.6 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss):
Today’s walk to Caldas to Reis takes you through attractive countryside and a section of forest to the riverside spa town of Caldas de Reis. Bathe your weary feet in the thermal spring when you reach the main square.
Accommodation: Charm hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13: Walk from Caldas de Reis to Padron
Distance: 19 km (11.8 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss):
Begin the day with an easy ascent through a series of small villages and the delightful Valga forest. Several impressive churches and stone crosses line the route to Padrón, the riverside town where St. James’s body is said to have been laid to rest by his faithful followers.
Accommodation: 4-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 14: Walk from Padron to Santiago de Compostela
Distance: 25 km (15.5 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss):
The final stage of the Camino is mainly through the countryside, which has a pretty woodland area. Only the final few kilometres are in busy urban areas, and once you enter the ancient narrow streets of the medieval centre of Santiago de Compostela, the atmosphere changes as you approach the cathedral square.
Accommodation: 5-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 15: Departure
After breakfast, prepare for your onward journey. If you have time, explore the old city of Santiago de Compostela before you leave.
Meals: Breakfast
Like what you see but it’s not quite a perfect fit?
Simply get in touch to tell us what you’re looking for. We’re happy to make changes to create your ideal holiday.
For more itinerary suggestions, please consult our specialist Portuguese Camino de Santiago website: www.portugueseway.com
Map
Luxury Coastal Camino
GENERAL CONDITIONS
Duration: 14 nights | 13 walking days
Tour type: Self-guided
Nº of people: From 1
Walking grade: Moderate
Total walking distance: 256.5 km | 158 miles
Region: Minho and Galicia
Highlights: Historical cities, ancient pilgrim trails, coastal trails, gorgeous and varied beaches, rivers, valleys, iconic bridges, beautiful churches, chapels and roadside shrines, forests, farmland, authentic villages, rural lifestyles, regional dishes, spa town, luxury accommodations close to Camino trail, luxury historical hotels, pousadas, amazing seafood, great local wines.
Available: From 1st March to 31st October
Price per person:
Low season: March, April, May and October
> In double room occupancy: 2.040 euros
> Single room supplement: 1.210 euros
Mid season: June and September
> In double room occupancy: 2.190 euros
> Single room supplement: 1.250 euros
High season: July and August
> In double room occupancy: 2.350 euros
> Single room supplement: 1.300 euros
What’s included?
- 14 Nights of accommodation with breakfast included;
- Luggage transfer between accommodations (1 bag per person – maximum 15 kg/bag);
- Private transfer from Porto to Matosinhos on day 2;
- Roadbook with tips, maps and detailed information about the way (in English);
- Pilgrim Kit: Credencial (passport) and Vieira (shell);
- Pre-tour briefing;
- Welcome Kit and pre-departure information;
- 24/7 Emergency support.
What’s not included?
- Transfers from and to Porto airport; Lunches and dinners; Insurance; Tourist taxes; Personal equipment; Other personal expenses; All items not mentioned in the “Included”.
Optional extra services:
- Extra nights in Porto (4/5-star hotel): On request.
- Extra nights in Santiago (4/5-star hotel): On request.
- Transfer from hotel to airport in Santiago de Compostela: 55 euros for up to 3 people; 80 euros for 4 to 7 people.
- Transfer from Santiago de Compostela to Porto city/airport: 360 euros for up to 3 people; 420 euros for 4 to 7 people.
- Transfer from hotel to airport in Porto: 50 euros for up to 3 people; 80 euros for 4 to 7 people.
DIGITAL DETAILED ITINERARY
Click on the button below to download the itinerary with day-by-day details, highlights, prices and the respective general conditions.
