The Portuguese Camino Coastal Route - Porto to Baiona

Name: The Portuguese Camino Coastal Route - Porto to Baiona
Brand: UTracks
SKU: PBC
Rating: 4.50 (2 reviews)

Following the Camino shell signage, which points travellers in the right direction. | Dana Garofani

Two keen walkers setting off on the Portuguese Camino Trail. | Dana Garofani

Walking the Portuguese Coastal Camino on a perfect day. | Dana Garofani

Pilgrims walking the Camino Portuguese. | José Antonio Gil Martínez

Following the signage along the Portuguese Camino. | Dana Garofani

Pilgrims walking the coastal way of the Portuguese Camino | John Parker

Try Galicia's famous Arzua cheese on the Camino tour in Spain | @timcharody

Following the Camino shell signage, which points travellers in the right direction. | Dana Garofani

Two keen walkers setting off on the Portuguese Camino Trail. | Dana Garofani

Walking the Portuguese Coastal Camino on a perfect day. | Dana Garofani

Pilgrims walking the Camino Portuguese. | José Antonio Gil Martínez

Following the signage along the Portuguese Camino. | Dana Garofani

Local fisherman in Portugal. | Dana Garofani

Taste testing local food and drinks while on the Portuguese Camino. | Dana Garofani

Try Galicia's famous Arzua cheese on the Camino tour in Spain | @timcharody

24 Trips to Explore in 2024See the List

Duration

9 days

Activities

Self guided walk

Accommodation

8 nights hotels

Meals

6 Dinners
8 Breakfasts

Price

SPECIAL OFFER

$1390USD

Overview

Trip Code: PBC

Trip highlights

Enjoying a quieter pilgrimage route, following in the footsteps of Celtic, Roman and Christian wayfarers
Experiencing the culinary delights of this coastal region
Relaxing at night in comfortable, family run hotels and B&Bs
Visiting lively Porto and picturesque coastal towns and fishing villages

The Portuguese Coastal Route is one of the quieter Camino paths and it offers a wealth of history. Starting in the wonderful city of Porto and a UNESCO World heritage Site, the journey travels north along paths and boardwalks through seaside towns and fishing hamlets, largely following the coast. It takes you past eucalyptus and pine woods, over ancient bridges and along stunning coastal scenery. Throughout the journey there are ample reminders of past pilgrims and the route offers many insights into the religious significance of the Camino.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

Share trip:

Facebook Twitter Google+ Email

Traveller Rating

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Day 1
Arrive Porto

Make your own way to Porto, on the banks of the Douro River. Its maritime legacies and importance as a New World trading port shaped it into a proud city, with an impressive cathedral and port wine lodges. After checking in to your hotel, take the time to explore the city with its many cultural sites. Overnight in Porto.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Metro train to Matosinhos and walk to Povoa do Varzim (7.5hrs, 29km/18mi)

Take the Metro train this morning (to avoid the congested outskirts of Porto) to Matosinhos, alighting at the ‘Mercado’ stop. Your walk today is along the Atlantic coast, passing fishing villages, forts and chapels, the prehistoric castro of San Paio and beautiful sandy beaches. Cross the Ave river to Vila do Conde, with its ancient medieval shipyard. Continue to Povoa do Varzim, where you stay overnight.

Meals: B,D

Day 3
Continue to Esposende (5.5hrs, 22km/13.7mi)

Before continuing your Camino we suggest taking a stroll along the harbour and through Povoa's medieval district. Continue north along the coast crossing the Coastal Natural Park and the Cavado river to Esposende, an old fishing village on the estuary of the Cavado River. Overnight Esposende.

Meals: B,D

Day 4
On to Viana do Castelo (5.5hrs, 23km/14.3mi)

As you leave Esposende enjoy the views as you head north passing the villages of Marinhas, Belinho, Neiva and Darque. Walk into historic Viana do Castelo by way of the Gustave Eiffel designed bridge over the River Lima. Viana do Castelo is a beautiful city located in the Minho region in North Portugal. With an appealing medieval centre, the 5th Century Cathedral and the Basilica of Santa Lucia, and beaches just outside the city there is plenty to see this afternoon.

Meals: B

Day 5
Walk to Praia de Ancora (5hrs, 19km/11.8mi)

The walk today is a gentle one, and you'll be sure to enjoy the sea-air as you walk along the coast. Your destination for the day is the small but charming town of Praia de Ancora. This afternoon you can take the opportunity to swim in the Atlantic ocean. Overnight Praia de Ancora.

Meals: B,D

Day 6
On to Caminha, then by ferry to A Guarda (4hrs, 15km/9.3mi)

As you leave Villa Praia de Ancora you'll continue onto the beach of Praia de Moledo. You then leave the coast slightly, walking through forest and back to a boardwalk before reaching Caminha, the last town before crossing into Spain by ferry. You will need to take the ferry to A Guarda, where you stay overnight (ferry tickets to be purchased locally).

Meals: B,D

Day 7
Continue to Viladesuso or Oia (4hrs, 13km/8mi or 5.5hrs, 19km/11.8mi)

Leaving from A Guardia this morning, the trail takes you around the peninsula, with ample opportunities to stop for a coffee or lunch and enjoy the magnificent beach scenery before continuing your walk to the lovely small village of Oia. Overnight Viladesuso or Oia.

Meals: B,D

Day 8
Walk to Baiona (5.5hrs, 19km/11.8mi or 4hrs, 13km/8mi)

The walk today is a real feast for all senses. For the first 10km the route takes you along a coastal footpath away from the main road. You then continue along picturesque coastline, walking along the boardwalk, all while enjoying stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. On a clear day you should be able to see the Cies islands. Overnight Baiona.

Meals: B,D

Day 9
Trip concludes

Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast. We can assist with booking an extra night or two if you’d like to stay longer in Santiago - please ask for our rates.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

8 breakfasts and 6 dinners. Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices. Dinner will consist of 3 courses, usually starting with a salad, followed by a chicken, red meat, fish or pasta dish & finishing with a dessert of fruit or cakes.
8 nights in comfortable hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
Digital information pack with route notes, maps & GPX
Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
Pilgrim passport
Emergency hotline

What's not included

Travel to Porto and from Baiona
Meals not listed as included, drinks
Travel insurance
Guide – this is a self guided walking trip
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
Entrance fees not listed as included
Transfers unless listed as included
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
Metro train Porto to Matosinhos on day 2, ferry to A Guarda on day 6
Excess luggage
Rest days - these must be added at time of booking
Items of a personal nature

Accommodation

Single Rooms & Solo Travellers

The price of this trip is based on twin-share accommodation. If there are 2 or more people in your party and you choose to have a single room, the Single Room Supplement applies.

If you are travelling solo, a Single Traveller Surcharge will apply to operate the tour for one person.

Grading

moderate

Daily walks are between 12-33km on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to hilly. The trail takes you along quiet rural roads, occasionally on the verges of roads with traffic. Some of the route is on walking trails away from the road and there are often alternative routes available. Route finding is reasonably straight forward following the yellow arrows and granite pillars (showing distance to Santiago), however you still need to be vigilant as markers from other trails such as the GR11 can be confusing (refer below for further details on self guided adventures). However our notes include hints and pointers to help you navigate the route. The route will inevitably cross main roads close to cities and towns, although the majority is on side roads and walking trails. The main areas to concentrate on route finding are arriving and leaving towns and cities. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure

Departure dates

Daily from 1 Mar to 15 Nov

Notes

High Season

Note:

High season is from 1 Jul to 15 Sep - supplement applies

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$1390USD

Options & Supplements*

Extension (1 day/night) to Vigo - twinshare breakfast onlyUSD$140
Extension (1 day/night) to Vigo - single breakfast onlyUSD$190
excess luggage (per piece, max 20kg in weight)USD$200
Single SupplementUSD$560
Solo Traveller SupplementUSD$620

*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand all | Collapse all

?I’m travelling solo on a self guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?

Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love.