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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.
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23kg of CO2-e PP per day
(184kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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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 (7-7.5hrs)
From Porto there are two coastal paths - the original Coastal route which is approx 3km inland and the 'Senda Litoral' which hugs the coast. Both options are well waymarked with signs of the Camino de Santiago. The night stops are the same, the difference is walking through a rural environment or following the coastline. We suggest taking the 'Senda Litoral' as it offers impressive views over the Atlantic Ocean. 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. Home to an old town, the Cividade de Terrosso Fort, more than 3000 years old, and an ancient aqueduct, there is a scenic working harbour and seaside cafes and bars. Overnight in Povoa do Varzim. Distance 27km/16.8mi, ascent/descent approx +-70m/230ft 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 on the Senda Litoral 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, ascent/descent approx +-30m/98ft
Day 4
On to Viana do Castelo (6hrs)
Continuing north on the Senda Litoral and via the town of Marinhas, the trail meanders along the coast offering the opportunity to savour the authentic local gastronomy. At the port of Cabedelo, cross the Eiffel Bridge to arrive at Viana do Castelo. Viana do Castelo is a beautiful city located in the Minho region in northern Portugal with an appealing medieval centre, a 5th Century Cathedral and the Basilica of Santa Luzia which offers great views. Distance 26km/16.2mi, ascent/descent approx +-40m/131ft
Meals: B
Day 5
Walk to Vila Praia de Ancora (5hrs)
The walk today is gentle as you continue along the coast, surrounded by lush vegetation and golden beaches. Your destination for today 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, ascent/descent approx +-20m/65ft
Day 6
On to Caminha, then by ferry to A Guarda (4hrs)
Leaving Vila Praia de Ancora you'll continue to the beach at 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, ascent/descent approx +-40m/131ft Ferry tickets to be purchased locally, allow approx EUR6 per person, takes 10 minutes to cross, hourly departures in the main season.
Day 7
Continue to Oia or Viladesuso (3 or 4hrs)
A more undulating stage, meandering along the coast between the ocean and O'Rosal's prized vineyards. Leaving A Guardia the trail takes you around the peninsula, with opportunities to stop for a coffee or lunch and enjoy the scenery before continuing to the lovely small village of Oia with its Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Oia, a former Cistercian monastery. Overnight in Oia or further along the way in Viladesuso, dependent on availability. Distance 13km/8mi or 18km/11.3mi, ascent/descent approx +-80m/263ft
Day 8
Walk to Baiona (5.5 or 4hrs)
The walk today is a feast for the 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, which belong to the Atlantic Islands National Maritime and Terrestrial Park. Overnight in Baiona. Distance 18km/11.3mi or 13km/8mi, ascent/descent approx +-45m/148ft
Day 9
Trip concludes
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.
What's included
What's not included
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.
GRADE 3 - 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
Per Person, Twin Share
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.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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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.
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