Day 1: Arrival in Porto
Arrival in Porto and independent transport to the hotel in Porto. Free day to explore the city and optional dinner (not included).
Day 2: Porto - Vila do Conde
Together, we take the Metro to get to the Camino de Santiago on the coast. Today, as on every walking-day, we offer a spiritual start into the day, reading a text and preparing for the road ahead. We then walk along the coastline all the way until Vila do Conde. With the sea always to our left, the Camino leads over boardwalks and later through little villages. The further we get from Porto, the more pleasing the scenery becomes, and there will be ample opportunity to have a quick swim.
22.8 km - easy
Day 3: Vila do Conde – Esposende
Leaving Vila do Conde, we will soon be on the coast again and pass through the former fishing village Póvoa de Varzim, which is a popular tourist destination today. Much of the way can be walked on a boardwalk next to the sea before the Camino heads into the green hinterlands. Passing by vegetable fields and crossing a forest, we finally see the river Cávado and reach Esposende.
25.1 km – easy
Day 4: Esposende – Viana do Castelo
Behind Esposende, the Camino leaves the coast for a day. Now it winds through lush forests, smelling of Eucalyptus, and then leads through typical Portuguese villages. Today’s destination, Viana do Castelo, is one of the most beautiful cities along the coastal Camino, boasting a historic city centre that includes a cathedral, and two defence towers that were part of the city’s fortress.
25.3 km – medium
Day 5: Viana do Castelo – Vila Praia de Ancora
Leaving Viana, we follow a hilly pass all the way until Ancora. Walking on small forest trails and past little villages, we always return to the sea and let the sounds of the surf follow our steps. In Vila Praia de Ancora, the Camino finally reunites with the sea again.
17 km – medium
Day 6: Vila Praia de Ancora – Oia
Depending on the tide, we may transfer to Caminha, shortening today’s longer stage. This small city with its many bars, the typically Portuguese main square, the townhouse and its clocktower, is perfect to give Portugal a proper farewell, and be welcomed into Spain. Crossing the river Miño by boat, we enter Galicia. From there, the Camino leads us to the fishing village A Guarda, known as the “capital of lobsters”. Following the rocky coast, we reach our destination in Oia.
28.3 km – medium to difficult
Day 7: Oia - Baiona
We leave Oia on small trails and that later become paved roads. The destination of this stage is Baiona – an important commercial hub until the 19th century, its beautiful old town still tells tails of the once bustling city and its affluent people.
18.8 km – easy
Day 8: Baiona – Vigo (Redondela)
Leaving Baiona, we will hike through villages and forests up the hills around Vigo. From there, pilgrims can see the estuary called Ria de Vigo, that pierces far into the country. Also, the Islas Cies (Isles of the Gods) can be seen. To avoid the metropolitan area of Vigo, we will transfer to Redondela from a checkpoint along the Camino.
22 km – medium
Day 9: Redondela - Pontevedra
Walking mostly through forests, today we arrive in the Capital of the Camino Portugues in Galicia: Pontevedra. After a relatively short stage, there will be plenty of time to explore the ancient old town and see the cathedral.
18.5 km - easy
Day 10: Pontevedra - Caldas de Reis
Walking through beautiful rural landscapes, we get to Caldas de Reis, famous for its thermal springs.
22.9 km – easy, short ascent
Day 11: Caldas de Reis - Padrón
Up and down the green hills of Galicia, we make our way to Padrón. As the legend goes, the ship carrying the body of St. James reached the shore here. The city is known for its historic buildings, but also for its “Pimientos de Padrón”: delicious small, green peppers, roasted at high heat.
18.3 km - easy
Day 12: Padrón - Santiago
Passing by old churches and cemeteries, today we will reach the long-awaited destination of our pilgrimage: Santiago de Compostela.
23 km - medium
Day 13: Santiago de Compostela
Free day in Santiago, with the possibility to do a city tour, visits the pilgrim’s mess and obtain the pilgrim’s certificate, the Compostela.
Day 14: Santiago de Compostela - Home
Return flight from Santiago de Compostela
