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Duration
8 days
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 7 nights in comfortable hotels
Meals
  • 6 Dinners
  • 7 Breakfasts

Price

$1290USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: PC5

Trip highlights


  • Enjoying a quieter pilgrimage route through Galicia in Spain
  • Experiencing culinary delights
  • Enjoying the mix of scenery from the coast to the greenery of Galicia
  • Walking to the fabled church of Santiago de Compostela

The Portuguese Coastal Route is one of the quieter Camino paths and it offers a wealth of history. On the final stage of the Coastal Route from Baiona in Spain, the journey travels north through small hamlets, 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. Walking the last 100kms to the holy city of Santiago ensures you qualify for the Compostela certificate upon your arrival at the cathedral.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

Make your own way to Baiona and check in to the first hotel. If you have time take a walk around the town with its medieval centre, situated on the Vigo Bay. On a clear day you should be able to see the Cies islands.

Meals:  D

As you leave Baiona you will walk alongside sandy beaches for most of the day. There are also plenty of opportunities to take a break in a lovely seaside cafe along the way. This afternoon you will arrive in Vigo, a typical Galician town with a wide sandy beach. Walking along the harbour you'll arrive at your hotel for the night. Overnight Vigo. Distance 23km/14.3mi

Meals:  B,D

The route as you leave Vigo is mainly uphill. The uphill walking will reward you with specatacular views of the city and harbour. Continue walking though to Redondela where you will join the main Portuguese Camino route and then on to Arcade. Overnight Arcade. Distance 22km/13.7mi

Meals:  B,D

You start the day by walking over the beautiful old bridge at Ponte Sampaio. From here there’s a short uphill stretch following ancient stone paths before the path descends to the provincial capital of Pontevedra. There are some interesting sites to be explored here including the Santuario da Peregrin chapel and the Convento de San Francisco. The Medieval town centre is a maze of cobbled laneways with tapas bars and cafes. Overnight in Pontevedra. Distance 12km/7.5mi

Meals:  B,D

Most of this stage is through woodland and countryside along gentle river valleys with virtually no climbing. Closer to Caldas de Reis the route crosses the N550 and follows this road for short sections. Located between the Umia and Bermana rivers, the town of Caldas developed as a result of its thermal waters and continues to be a major health spa. The botanical gardens next to the river are lovely for some respite from the walk. Overnight Caldas de Reis. Option to upgrade to a comfortable 4 star inn with pool or 3 star rural inn - supplement applies and must be requested when initially booking the trip. Distance 21km/13mi

Meals:  B,D

This is a beautiful walk through the Bermana river valley before dropping down into the Valga valley, one short climb. Two short stages of main road, leaving Caldas and entering Padron. The town is lovely, set on the banks of the Sar and Ulla rivers, with some St James relics to be seen at the Igrexa de Santiago (church). Overnight Padron. Distance 19km/11.8mi

Meals:  B,D

The final day takes you through pine, oak and eucalyptus wood, then approaching Santiago the route follows some sections of main road. Arrival in the historic city of Santiago. Overnight Santiago. Distance 26km/16.2mi

Meals:  B

Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast.

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

  • 7 breakfasts, 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.
  • 7 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
  • Visitor tax
  • Pilgrim Passport
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Baiona and from Santiago de Compostela
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Guide – this is a self guided walking holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees not listed as included
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Excess luggage
  • Option to upgrade accommodation in Caldas de Reis - please ask our team for details, must be requested at time of booking
  • Items of a personal nature

Grading

moderate  

Daily walks are between 13-26km (8-16.2mi) on well marked trails over diverse terrain –from relatively flat to hilly. The trail takes you along quiet rural roads, occassionally 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 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 1 Nov

Notes

Note:
Other dates are available on request. Supplements may apply outside of the main season due to additional charges for luggage transfers and hotel closures (some transfers may be required to confirm your booking).
Note:
Departures in winter are likely to experience wetter and colder conditions than at other times. Winter can be a magical time to experience the Camino with fewer people and more local encounters, but the walking day is shorter. In addition, hotel closures are possible which may require a change in overnight towns.

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

$1290USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Caldas de Reis upgrade: 4* Pousada Real - twinshare pp supplement (HB)USD$38
  • Caldas de Reis upgrade: 4* Pousada Real - single supplement (HB)USD$50
  • Fisterra Day Trip ex Santiago - daily departures 15 April to 31 OctoberUSD$80
  • Caldas de Reis upgrade: 3* Torre de Rio - twinshare pp, HB & transfersUSD$110
  • Excess luggage (per piece, max 20kg in weight)USD$140
  • Caldas de Reis upgrade: 3* Torre de Rio - single, HB & transfersUSD$170
  • Single SupplementUSD$450
  • Solo Traveller SupplementUSD$480
*Prices listed are per person

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. 

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