Discover the wild Atlantic beauty and sandy beaches of Northern Portugal and Southern Galicia, through the Camino Portugues Coastal, taste delicious seafood and local wines, stay in pretty fishing villages and be refreshed by the maritime feel of this scenic Coastal Camino.

This is a wonderful alternative and quieter Camino route than the more well-known Camino Frances.

We have designed a special and unique itinerary which includes 5 days walking along the coast from Porto to A Guarda  followed by a transfer to Padron in Northern Spain where St James’ body arrived by boat (according to legend). After one night here there is one final walking day from Padron to Santiago de Compostela. There is something special about walking into Santiago de Compostela and ending your pilgrimage at the Cathedral. Enjoy 2 nights in this special city and collect your certificate for completing your pilgrimage. 

Accommodation in 4 and 3 star hotels with en suite.  Fully Escorted. Luggage transfers included so you will just carry a small back pack with what you need for the day.

Day 1 Arrive in Porto

Day 2 Full day in Porto

Day 3 Start your Portuguese Camino Porto to Povoa de Varzim

Reach the coast to start your Camino walk. You will walk following the coastline, passing fishing villages, forts and chapels, the prehistoric castro of San Paio and of course, beautiful sandy beaches. Enjoy a stroll along the pretty Póvoa de Varzim harbour and explore its medieval district.

Day 4  Povoa de Varzim to Eposende

Walk through the port of Povoa de Varzim, explore the city’s medieval architecture. We will continue to follow the Camino until we reach the Convent of Santa Clara, from where we can take in beautiful views of the city and the surrounding coastal area.

Day 5 Esposende to Viana do Castelo

Today you will continue your Camino coastal walk from Esposende, across the Coastal Natural Park, on your way to Viana do Castelo. Take the opportunity to taste the local cuisine, explore the historic center of town and take the funicular to the Basílica de Santa Luzía for great views. Legend has it that the Romans were so impressed by Viana’s beauty when they reached the town in the first century BC that they thought they had reached the paradise.

Day 6 Viana Do Castelo to Vila Praie de Ancora

Today you will leave Viana do Castelo and continue along the beautiful Atlantic coastline heading North. Today is quite an easy day, giving you plenty of time to enjoy a relaxed pace and have enough time to make the most of the seaside villages and towns along the way. You will stay in the coastal town Vila Praia de Ancora.

Day 7  Vila Praia de Ancora to A Guarda

From Vila Praia de Ancora you will continue on your coastal Camino towards Caminha, right by the Minho estuary, where the River meets the Atlantic. From Caminha, you will take the ferry-boat Santa Rita de Cássia across the river Minho to Galicia. There are about 10 crossings per day from Caminha to A Guarda. From the ferry  continue straight to A Guarda or take a detour along the estuary for great coastal views (4km longer). If you have time, once you reach A Guarda, take a visit to its famous hilltop ‘castro’, celtic settlement.

Day 8 Travel to Padron

Today travel by coach to Padron  (1 and a half hours)  Legend has it that when the body of Saint James was transported to Compostela by boat, Padron was the first place where it landed.  From here we can do the last leg of the Camino Portuguese.

We also have an option to walk the final 12 km to Padron.

Overnight in the Padron area.

Day 9 Padron to Santiago

From Padron to Santiago de Compostela, our route will pass through small towns until we reach the historic sanctuary of A Esclavitude. Here we will be able to hear the noise that came from the Castro Lupario Fortress.

Next, on the same route, we will see several crosses on the path. From Agros dos Monteiros we will be able to see the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela and its towers.

We will pass by the ruins of the da Rocha Vella Castle as we approach Santiago de Compostela. Once we get to Santiago, we can admire its rich local architecture and enjoy exploring its historic centre, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We must arrive in Santiago in time to attend the Pilgrim’s Mass.

Day 10 Free day to enjoy Santiago

Day 11 Depart