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Portuguese Coastal Camino - Baiona to Santiago Rambler

Highlights of the Camino Portuguese | Sue Marr

Enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Sea on the Portuguese Way

Pilgrims crossing a bridge along the Portuguese Way

Signage on the Camino in Portugal

Typical Portuguese food on Camino Portuguese tours | Jaclyn Lofts

Countryside of Portugal along the Portuguese Camino tour | Jaclyn Lofts

Arriving in the beautiful city of Santiago de Compostela after completing the Camino Trail | Edwina Parsons

The scallop shell can be found all along the Camino | Gesine Cheung

Highlights of the Camino Portuguese | Sue Marr

Enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Sea on the Portuguese Way

Pilgrims crossing a bridge along the Portuguese Way

Signage on the Camino in Portugal

Typical Portuguese food on Camino Portuguese tours | Jaclyn Lofts

Countryside of Portugal along the Portuguese Camino tour | Jaclyn Lofts

Arriving in the beautiful city of Santiago de Compostela after completing the Camino Trail | Edwina Parsons

The scallop shell can be found all along the Camino | Gesine Cheung

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Duration

12 days

Activities

self guided walk

Accommodation

11 nights in comfortable hotels

Meals

10 Dinners
11 Breakfasts

Price

$1990USD

Overview

Trip Code: PC7

Trip highlights

Enjoying a quieter pilgrimage route at a slower pace
Experiencing local culinary delights including oysters and pulpo (octopus)
Enjoying the mix of scenery: the coast, vineyards and 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 this rambler version of the final stage of the Coastal Route from Baiona (in Spain), you'll travel north through small hamlets, past eucalyptus and pine woods, over ancient bridges and along stunning coastal scenery. The shorter distances allow a slower pace and plenty of time to enjoy the sites and towns along the way. 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

introductory to moderate

More info about grading system

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Itinerary

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Day 1
Arrive Baiona

Make your own way to Baiona and check in to your 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. Its best streets are set around the bay next to the mouth of Miñor River. It was here that Pinzón's La Pinta moored in 1493, the first caravel to reach port after the voyage of discovery to the New World. Sunset from Monterreal Fort and its famous Príncipe Tower (where the parador is located) should not be missed.

Meals: D

Day 2
Walk to the small town of Oia (4-5hrs.)

As you leave Baiona you will walk alongside sandy beaches for most of the day. There are plenty of opportunities to take a break at a seaside cafe along the way. Oia is a pretty town on the Ria de Vigo (estuary). Distance 16km/10mi

Meals: B,D

Day 3
Continue to Vigo (3-4hrs)

Continue along the estuary and 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. Vigo's old quarter is home to the neoclassical Church of Santa María and the nearby archaeological site of Castro de Vigo has reconstructed ancient dwellings. Distance 10.7 km/6.7mi

Meals: B,D

Day 4
To Redondela (4-5hrs)

The route as you leave Vigo is mainly uphill, and you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the city and harbour. Continue onto a plateau before descending into Redondela. Enjoy your final steps on the Coastal Route - at Redondela you join the main Portuguese (inland) Camino. Redondela has a rich natural and cultural heritage and some lovely beaches including Cesantes. Distance 16km/10mi

Meals: B,D

Day 5
Walk on the main Portuguese Camino to Arcade (2hrs)

Walking from Redondela you are now on the main Portuguese Camino route. It's a short walk to Arcade, a nice quiet town on the Atlantic coast which is known for its oysters. In early April there is an oyster festival (can be very busy). Arcade has charming old stone houses set on green hills and tranquil bays. Its arched bridge spans the River Verdugo and dates from Roman and medieval times. Stroll the cobblestone streets and narrow lanes through old neighbourhoods where many homes still have traditional 'horreos' (granaries). Time permitting, there is a castle out of town, Soutomaior, dating from the 12th century, and a winery nearby. There are are also several beaches and small coves, perfect for swimming (weather permitting). Overnight Arcade. Distance 7.2km/4.5mi

Meals: B,D

Day 6
Continue to the old town of Pontevedra (3-4hrs)

You start the day by walking over the beautiful old bridge of Ponte Sampaio at the mouth of the river Verdugo. The bridge is famous for having been the scene of the last battle in Galicia against Napoleon’s army during the War of Independence. From here there's a short uphill stretch following ancient stone paths before the trail 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 13km/8.1mi

Meals: B,D

Day 7
Walk to San Amaro, transfer to Pontevedra in the afternoon (2-3hrs)

Most of this stage is through woodland and countryside along gentle river valleys with virtually no climbing. In the afternoon you will be transferred back to Pontevedra for overnight accommodation. Distance 8.8km/5.5mi

Meals: B,D

Day 8
Transfer back to San Amaro, walk to Caldas de Reis (3hrs)

This morning you transfer to San Amaro and continue walking. 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 with pool - supplement applies and must be requested when initially booking the trip. Distance 12km/7.5mi

Meals: B,D

Day 9
Walk via the river valleys of Bermana and Valga to Padron (5-6hrs)

Enjoy a beautiful walk through the Bermana river valley. The path then drops down into the Valga valley. There are two short stages of main road: leaving Caldas and entering Padron. Padron 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 in Padron. Distance 18.7km/11.7mi

Meals: B,D

Day 10
On to Rúa de Francos (3-4hrs)

Breaking the long day to Santiago allows you to enjoy your arrival into Santiago tomorrow even more, and staying in a small town with a lovely hotel gives allows time to reflect on your journey so far. Distance 12km/7.7mi

Meals: B,D

Day 11
Final stage, through Galician villages to Santiago (3-4hrs)

The final day takes you through pine, oak and eucalyptus wood, before there's a climb to reach Santiago. Closer to Santiago the route follows some sections of main road. Overnight in Santiago. Own dinner arrangements. Distance 13km/8.1mi

Meals: B

Day 12
Trip concludes Santiago de Compostela

Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast. If you'd like to stay an extra night 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

11 breakfasts, 10 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.
11 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 Baiona and from Santiago de Compostela
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 not listed as included
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
Excess luggage
Options to upgrade accommodation: in Baiona to the parador, in Caldas de Reis to a city inn or rural inn (both with a pool), and the parador in Santiago - supplements apply, ask our team
Items of a personal nature

Grading

introductory to moderate

Daily walks are between approximately 7-19 km (4.5-11.6mi) 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. Route finding is reasonably straight forward following the yellow arrows, shell signs and granite pillars (showing distance to Santiago), however you still need to be vigilant. 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

High Season

DN1

High season is is from 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 (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.

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Priceper person from

$1990USD

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
Caldas de Reis upgrade: 3* Torre de Rio - twinshare pp, HB & transfersUSD$110
Caldas de Reis upgrade: 3* Torre de Rio - single, HB & transfersUSD$170
Single SupplementUSD$790
Solo traveller supplementUSD$850

*Prices listed are per person

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