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 daily impulse, reading a text and preparing for the road ahead. We then walk along the coastline to the seaside district of Vila do Conde. With the sea always to our left, the Camino leads over boardwalks and later on through little villages. The further we get from Porto, the more pleasing the scenery becomes and there will be plenty of chances to have a quick swim.
22.8 km - easy difficulty
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 backcountry. Passing by vegetable patches and crossing a few foresty areas, we finally see the river Cávado and reach Esposende.
25.1 km – easy difficulty
Day 4: Esposende – Viana do Castelo
Behind Esposende the Camino leaves the coast for a day. Now it winds through overgrown forests and you will soon be accompanied by the smell of Eucalyptus. Further on you will reach several typical Portuguese villages, where you can rest and replenish. Today’s destination, Viana do Castelo, is one of the most stunning 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 difficulty
Day 5: Viana do Castelo – Vila Praia de Ancora
Leaving Viana, we follow a hilly pass until Ancora. Walking on small, pebble 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 difficulty
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 typical Portuguese main square, charming townhouse and its clocktower, is perfect to give Portugal a proper farewell and journey on 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 grade
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 tales of the once-bustling city and its affluent merchants.
18.8 km – easy difficulty
Day 8: Baiona – Vigo (Redondela)
Leaving Baiona, we will hike through rural villages and more dense forests up the hills around Vigo. From there, pilgrims can see the mouth of Ria de Vigo, which pierces far into the country. Also, the Islas Cies, the 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 difficulty
Day 9: Redondela - Pontevedra
Walking mostly through forestry areas, 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 difficulty
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 its “Pimientos de Padrón”, the tasty small, green peppers, roasted at high heat.
18.3 km - easy difficulty
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 difficulty
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 - Departure
Return home from Santiago de Compostela
