Portuguese Coastal Camino

Lisbon

Portugal’s capital is an enchanting must-see destination – alluring alleys, quaint shops, Gothic cathedrals, impressive bridges, colourful neighbourhoods and vintage trams.

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Vila Franca de Xira

The beautiful town of Vila Franca de Xira was founded by French followers of Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques, around 1200. The town is mostly famous for its bull-running festivals in July and October.

Santarém

The small city of Santarém contains the largest amount of gothic churches in Portugal as well as quaint old cobbled streets, ceramic-tiled facades, graceful church portals, museums and fabulous restaurants.

Golegã

The charming equestrian town of Golegã has a great horse-breeding and agricultural tradition. One of the town’s star attractions is the parish church, Igreja Matriz, which was originally founded by King Manuel I and features an impressive 16th-century façade.

Tomar

Tomar was the last Knights Templar town to be commissioned for construction. This medieval pilgrim town is one of Portugal’s historical jewels and a UNESCO World Heritage site. To this day, Tomar retains much of the original layout and architecture of the Templar period. The impressive Aqueduct of Pegões is behind the fortress. Also worth visiting is the 15th century synagogue, said to be the oldest in Portugal, and the many important churches.

Coimbra

Coimbra was once the capital of Portugal. With its cathedrals, churches, university, museums, narrow streets of the old town and lively atmosphere it is a treat to explore on foot. The main square, the Largo da Portagem, is the place to be for outdoor cafes and restaurants.

Mealhada

This town is located in an area famous for its wine making and Mealhada-style roast suckling pig – the symbol of the local gastronomy.

Águeda

Águeda, on the river of the same name, is a large town with many shops and restaurants. In the shady Parque da Alta Villa there are lots of painted pig statues!

Sao Joao da Madeira

The industrial town of Sao Joao da Madeira specialises in the production of shoes and hats. The old hat-making factory is now a museum and has exhibits describing the old hat-making process.

Grijó

The most famous site in Grijó is the Monastery of St Salvador, which dates back to the 13th century. The gardens are shady and inviting, a perfect place to enjoy the silence and to contemplate.

Porto

Porto is one of the most ancient cities in Europe. It has many architectural highlights, the picturesque Ribeira riverfront and UNESCO heritage listed colourful historic old town. No visit to Porto is complete without a river cruise to the port wine sellers of the Douro Valley, a UNESCO world heritage wine region. While you’re in Porto, seek out the city’s namesake dish, Tripas à Moda do Porto, and its most popular sandwich, the Francesinha. You’ll easily burn off the calories if you are starting your pilgrimage from this beautiful seaside port.

Póvoa de Varzim

This is a modern resort and holiday town. The town’s main appeal is the beach. There is also a historic centre and shopping streets.

Esposende

Esposende is a popular resort and fishing town. Along the riverside runs a wide palm-lined boulevard. The broad beach at the mouth of the Cávado River is known for its quality surf. Backed by low dunes the beach is overlooked by the 17th century Forte de São João Baptista and the red metal tower of Esposende lighthouse.

Viana do Castelo

Classified as a mecca of architecture, Viana do Castelo is famous for its monuments in and around the city, and the surrounding natural beauty of its beaches and seafront. You can visit the 15th century cathedral and take the funicular to the Basilica de Santa Lucia on the hill above the town for some of the best views of the West Atlantic coast.

Vila Praia de Ancora

The old fishing village of Vila Praia de Ancora has a great beach and is popular with tourists. The town has an excellent reputation for gastronomy. The festival of the Sea and Sardines is held in early July.

A Guarda

The fishing port of A Guarda has a pretty harbour and Galicia’s most impressive ancient Celtic settlement – the Santa Tecla on the hill above the town is an authentic archaeological gem with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Oia

As you approach the small town of Oia you will see the spectacular 12th-century Monastery of Santa Maria de Oia across the small harbour. The pretty town has several restaurants, and you may find some locals engaged in an impromptu sing along with bagpipes playing typical Galician tunes.

Baiona

Baiona is the most popular seaside tourist town in southern Galicia and has a well preserved old town and numerous important monuments. It was here in 1493 that the Caravel La Pinta returned with news of the discovery of America by Columbus. A replica is moored in the harbour. From Baiona you can travel to the nearby historic town of Tui with its cathedral (a highlight of the inland Central Camino) or to take a ferry trip to the heavenly Cies Islands, which are known as the Caribbean of Spain.

Vigo

Vigo is a busy, cosmopolitan industrial city. The Old Town (Casco Vello) is the city’s heart, packed with lively bars and restaurants serving delicious Galician dishes.

Redondela

The town of Redondela is known as the ‘Village of Viaducts’. It’s where the Coastal and Senda Litoral Camino’s join with the inland Central Portuguese Camino to Santiago de Compostela.

Pontevedra

Pontevedra has a pretty historic centre, pedestrianised streets, plazas and a wonderful atmosphere to soak up. The famous Pilgrim Virgin’s church (Santuario da Peregrina) appears round but is actually in the shape of a scallop shell.

Caldas de Reis

The Roman-influenced town of Caldas de Reis, known as ‘the hot waters of the Kings’. You’ll find the thermal springs after crossing the River Umia.

Padrón

Padrón was said to be where the body of St James first reached land when it returned by boat after being martyred in Jerusalem. The parish church has the legendary Pedron, the stone where St James’ boat was moored. You can find the Pedron under the altar in the Igrexia de Santiago with a replica Pedron over the bridge on the west bank of the Rio Sar.

Santiago de Compostela

The wonderful and historic city of Santiago is the end of the Camino journey for most pilgrims. Praza do Obradoiro and the wonderful ancient Cathedral form the city’s heart. Attend the midday pilgrims mass and watch the steady stream of pilgrims arriving into the square as they finish their epic journey. There are many enticing tapas bars and restaurants in which to celebrate your journey.