Portuguese Coastal Camino - Porto to Baiona

View of Porto

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

The Coastal route along the Camino Portuguese

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

Pilgrims walking the Camino Portuguese. | José Antonio Gil Martínez

View of Porto and its famous bridge

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

View of Porto

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

The Coastal route along the Camino Portuguese

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

Pilgrims walking the Camino Portuguese. | José Antonio Gil Martínez

View of Porto and its famous bridge

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

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Duration

9 days

Activities

Self guided walk

Accommodation

8 nights hotels

Meals

6 Dinners
8 Breakfasts

Price

$1490USD

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

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Itinerary

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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
Walk to Povoa do Varzim (-7.5hrs)

Today you take the metro train to Matosinhos to avoid the urban sprawl of Porto. From the station you set out on foot across the lifting bridge Ponte Movel to start your walk. Following the shell signs, the route takes you along the coast, past seaside villages such as Leca da Palmeira, Labruge and Vila do Conde, before arriving at Povoa do Varzim. This beautiful city is home to an old town, the Cividade de Terrosso Fort, more than 3000 years old as well as an ancient aqueduct. Overnight in Povoa do Varzim. Distance 27km/16.8mi *It is possible to walk from Porto, in which case this is a long day - 40km/25mi.

Meals: B,D

Day 3
Continue to Esposende (5hrs)

A fairly easy walk as you take the esplanade to the Chapel of San Andres before continuing into Litoral Norte Natural Park a protected natural area consisting of diverse habitats of imposing sand dunes, wetlands and estuaries, and home to many different wildlife habitats. You will reach Fao on the southern side of the Cavadoy river. Cross the iron bridge over the river before arriving in the city of Esposende. Overnight Esposende. Distance 20km/12.5mi

Meals: B,D

Day 4
On to Viana do Castelo (6hrs)

Continue along the coastal plains to the town of Marinhas, and Church of San Bartolome do Mar. Head inland briefly before returing to the coast following a forest path to the port of Cabedelo. Cross the Eiffel Bridge, arriving into Viana do Castelo. Viana do Castelo is a beautiful city located in the Minho region in North Portugal with an appealing medieval centre, a 5th Century Cathedral and the Basilica of Santa Lucia. Distance 25km/15.6mi

Meals: B

Day 5
Walk to Praia de Ancora (5hrs)

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. Distance 19km/11.8mi

Meals: B,D

Day 6
On to Caminha, then by ferry to A Guarda (4hrs)

As you leave Villa Prais 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 - which you do by ferry. Continue on foot either inland or along the coast until you reach A Guarda, today's destination. Distance 15km/9.3mi Ferry tickets to be purchased locally, allow approx EUR6 per person, takes 10 minutes to cross, hourly departures in the main season.

Meals: B,D

Day 7
Continue to Viladesuso or Oia (4 or 5.5hrs)

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. Distance 13km/8mi or 19km/11.8mi

Meals: B,D

Day 8
Walk to Baiona (5.5 or 4hrs)

The last day's walk 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. Distance 19km/11.8mi or 13km/8mi

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 Baiona - 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 - mandatory
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
Rest days - these must be added at time of booking
Excess luggage
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 13-27 km 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, shells and granite pillars (showing distance to Santiago). 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 Oct

Notes

High Season

DN1

High season is 7 to 21 Apr and 15 Jul to 15 Sep. Supplement applies to high season departures.

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).

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

$1490USD

Options & Supplements*

Excess luggage (per piece, max 20kg in weight)USD$200
Single Supplement - low seasonUSD$610
Single Supplement - high seasonUSD$640
Solo Traveller Supplement - low seasonUSD$670
Solo Traveller Supplement - high seasonUSD$690

*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

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?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.

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