A quieter, scenic alternative to the main Camino Portugues, following the wild Atlantic coastline of northern Portugal and Galicia from Porto to Santiago de Compostela.
13 Days (full route), 7 Days (Porto to Oia), or 8 Days (Oia to Santiago)
Moderate
Northern Portugal and Galicia, Spain
Year-round
Roughly 18 to 28 km per walking day
€1,780 per person (13-day), €1,080 per person (7-day), or €1,099 per person (8-day)
The Camino Portugues Coastal Way is a quieter, scenic variation of the main central route, following the wild Atlantic coastline of northern Portugal and Galicia. It’s a genuinely good option for summer walking, since the Atlantic breeze keeps temperatures pleasant when it can get very hot further inland. Starting from the UNESCO Heritage city of Porto, the Caminho da Costa passes through seaside towns and fishing villages, over sandy beaches and dunes, before rejoining the inland route at Redondela for the final stretch to Santiago de Compostela.
The route can be walked in full, from Porto to Santiago, or split into two halves, starting or ending in the small Galician village of Oia. Either way, the trip builds toward Santiago’s UNESCO-listed old town and the genuine sense of achievement that comes with completing a Camino.
Accommodation:
Charming guesthouses, double rooms with private bathroom, breakfast included. Guesthouses are generally located in towns and villages with a choice of nearby restaurants for evening meals.
Availability:
Starts any day of the week, year-round, subject to availability.
Difficulty:
Graded moderate overall, with daily distances of 18 to 28 km on the full route.
There's time to explore the UNESCO World Heritage city of Porto, with a stroll along the riverfront and a glass of port wine.
Overnight: Porto
Distance: 26 km
The metro from central Porto reaches the Atlantic coastline, where the walk heads north along beachside boardwalks, through towns including Labruge and Vila do Conde, past the Iron Age ruins of Castro de Sampaio, to Povoa de Varzim, home to the 3,000-year-old Cividade de Terrosso fort.
Overnight: Povoa de Varzim
Distance: 20 km
The route passes through the Coastal Natural Park, Parque Natural do Litoral Norte, an area of wetlands and pine forest home to mallards, grey herons and cormorants, crossing the iron bridge over the Cavado river into Esposende.
Overnight: Esposende
Distance: 25 km
A longer day continuing through the Coastal Natural Park, past sandy beaches and dunes, to the historic town of Viana do Castelo. The funicular to the Basilica de Santa Luzia offers sweeping views over the town.
Overnight: Viana do Castelo
Distance: 18 km
A more leisurely day through seaside villages, along wooden footbridges over beaches and dunes, to the coastal town of Vila Praia de Ancora.
Overnight: Vila Praia de Ancora
Distance: 27 km
The route leaves Portugal for Spain, following the coast to Caminha at the mouth of the Mino River, where a ferry crosses to Galicia, continuing to the fishing village of A Guarda and the beachfront village of Oia, dominated by its 12th century monastery.
Overnight: Oia
Distance: 18 km
The coast leads to the Lighthouse of Cabo Silleiro before cutting across the mountains to the medieval centre of Baiona, the first place in Europe to hear news of Columbus's discovery of America, now a seaside town with a picturesque marina.
Overnight: Baiona
Distance: 28 km
Walking alongside the Ria de Vigo gives views of the Bay and the Cies Islands, home to some of Galicia's most beautiful beaches. The route passes the historic fountain of O Pombal and crosses the Roman bridge at Ramallosa before reaching Vigo.
Overnight: Vigo
Distance: 24 km
A transfer from Vigo to Redondela starts the day, joining the traditional Portuguese Way through typical Galician landscapes and eucalyptus forest. The route crosses Ponte Sanpaio, where Napoleon's army once suffered a heavy defeat, and climbs ancient stone paths to the 13th century Church of Santa Maria before reaching Pontevedra, where Columbus's flagship, the Santa Maria, was built.
Overnight: Pontevedra
Distance: 21 km
Gentle paths through chestnut groves, pine and eucalyptus woods and river valleys lead through typical Galician villages to Caldas de Reis, a spa town where hot springs await on arrival.
Overnight: Caldas de Reis
Distance: 18 km
An easy, pleasant day through pine forest in two river valleys, reaching Padron, believed to be where St. James first preached in Spain. Padron peppers are a local specialty worth trying.
Overnight: Padron
Distance: 25 km
The final stage, with some road walking as the city approaches, alongside pleasant sections of forest, before the spires of Santiago's cathedral come into view.
Overnight: Santiago de Compostela
The trip ends after breakfast.
Follows the same route as Days 1 to 6 of the 13-day version above (Porto to Oia). The trip ends on Day 7 with departure from Oia after breakfast.
The trip begins in the small Galician beachfront village of Oia, dominated by its 12th century monastery.
Overnight: Oia
Follow the same route as Days 7 to 13 of the 13-day version above (Oia to Baiona, Baiona to Vigo, Vigo to Pontevedra, Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis, Caldas de Reis to Padron, Padron to Santiago, then departure).
Not sure if this is the right route, or want to ask about dates? Our team knows this trail firsthand.
