Camino de Santiago Walking Holiday - The Portuguese Coastal Way
Your Guided Camino de Santiago Walking Holiday
Explore the less well-known side of the Camino de Santiago with us on this guided walking holiday along the Portuguese Coastal Way. This section of the Camino follows the Atlantic Coast from the elegant seaside town of Baiona, located in the northwest of Spain, towards the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Santiago de Compostela. We’ll discover the wild Atlantic beauty and sandy beaches of Galicia as we spend 3 days walking along the coastline before heading inland for a 3-day trek through woodlands and small villages, ending in the famous Santiago de Compostela. This 7-night holiday is perfect for those looking to capture the essence of the Camino: an invigorating walk, beautiful Spanish scenery and a chance to take part in this historic journey.
This guided trip involves challenging walks, with an average daily walking distance between 14-25km.
View Camino de Santiago - The Portuguese Coastal Way Walking Map
Trip Itinerary
Activity Level: Challenging
Day
Travel to Spain
Arrive to Vigo
Upon arrival in Porto airport Spain, you will be met by our local representative and transferred by coach to your hotel in Vigo, a city on Spain’s northwest coast. An evening meal will be included at your hotel every night for the duration of your stay in Vigo.
Accommodation
3 star hotel in Vigo (4 nights)
Baiona to Vigo
Walking tour
After breakfast, depart your hotel for your coach transfer to Baiona, where you will begin your first walk. Follow the coast from Baiona to Nigran and onwards to the city of Vigo. Enjoy fantastic views of the Bay of Vigo with the magnificent Illas Cies and its natural park on the horizon.
Walking distance: 23 km/ Duration: 6 to 7 hours/ Maximum altitude: 175 m
Vigo to Redondela
Walking day
After breakfast, you will continue your walk on the coastal Camino, starting in the city of Vigo, with the Bay of Vigo to your left. This bay area was one of the settings for Jules Verne’s Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. Enjoy today at a relaxed pace before reaching Redondela, known as the Village of the Viaducts due to the two 19th century railroad viaducts in the town.
Walking distance: 14 km/ Duration: 3 to 4 hours/ Maximum altitude: 150 m
Redondela to Pontevedra
Walking day
Today is your final day along the coast so make the most of the seaside! Transfer from Vigo by coach to Redondela. From here, walk through the village of Arcade and cross the Romanesque bridge where Napoleon was defeated in the War of Independence, before arriving to Pontevedra. Pontevedra is a city with a long maritime tradition and boasts one of the largest and most elegant historic quarters in the whole of Galicia.
Walking distance: 18.2 km/ Duration: 4.5 to 5.5 hours/ Maximum altitude: 147 m
Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis
Walking day
After breakfast, transfer by coach to Pontevedra, where you will begin your walk to Caldas de Reis. This part of the Camino will take you through chestnut groves, pine and eucalyptus woods. In the village of Ponte Cabras you will see the rectory of Santa Maria de Alba nestled among the trees. At Lombo da Maceira a statue of Saint James with his walking stick will show you the way ahead. Before reaching Caldas de Reis you will pass the scenic village of Tivo, famous for its pilgrim’s fountain and public washing bath.
Walking distance: 23 km/ Duration: 6 to 7 hours/ Maximum altitude: 175 m
Transfer to Santiago de Compostela
After the walk, transfer by coach to Santiago de Compostela where you will check in to the hotel which will be your base for the remainder of your holiday. An evening meal will be included each night at this hotel.
Accommodation
Caldas de Reis to Padron
Walking day
Depart Santiago de Compostela by coach for Caldas de Reis, where you will begin your walk to Padron. Leaving Caldas de Reis behind you cross the bridge over the river Umia to hot spring fountains which have given the town its name since Roman times. This part of the Camino once again takes you to a forest gradually climbing to the village of Santa Marina where you will continue through pine forests to the town of Padron. When the body of Saint James was being brought to Compostela by boat, Padron was said to be the first land it reached.
Walking distance: 18.5 km/ Duration: 3 to 4 hours/ Maximum altitude: 175 m
Padron to Santiago de Compostela
Walking day
Today is your final day walking and the route will take you through a number of small villages on your way to the historical Sanctuary of Esclavitude. You will walk by the ruins of Castro Lupairio, home to Queen Lupa who is said to have provided the oxen to pull the cart carrying the remains of Saint James to Santiago, before viewing the oldest wayside crosses in Galicia. As you make your way towards Agro dos Monteiros you will be able to see the spires of the cathedral in Compostela. You will pass the ruins of a castle known as A Rocha Vella before arriving into Santiago de Compostela.
Walking distance: 25.2 km/ Duration: 6 to 7 hours/ Maximum altitude: 253 m
Return Home
Return Home
In the early morning there will be some time for last minute shopping or sightseeing before you depart your hotel for transfer to Porto Airport for your flight home.
* We aim to operate your tour itinerary according to the format shown. Occasionally, local conditions and unexpected events may result in adjustments to the planned schedule. We kindly ask for your understanding and flexibility in the event of any changes.
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Know before you go
What if there is an emergency?
We have local representatives in all of our destinations who are available 24/7 as well as an emergency contact number for our offices in Ireland should you ever need it.
Do I need a Visa?
Please visit our visa page for information on requirements for each country's entry requirements
Will I be met at the airport?
You will be met on arrival at your destination airport and transferred to your accommodation. You will be accompanied on all included excursions by your TD active guide. Your expert local guide is also available to give you tips and advice on any aspect of your holiday.