length

10 Days

difficulty

Moderate

trip cost

from $2095 pp

Icons / stylised / time Created with Sketch.

length

10 Days

Icons / stylised / difficulty Created with Sketch.

difficulty

Moderate

Icons / stylised /cost Created with Sketch.

trip cost

from $2095 pp

Nature Immersion

Cultural Interest

Self-Guided Trip

our walk expert

  • Overview
  • Highlights
  • Itinerary
  • Map
  • Inclusions
  • Exclusive Guide
  • Similar walks

Overview

Baiona to Santiago

Our 10 day itinerary follows the Galician coastline using the Portuguese Camino da Costa (Coastal Way) to Redondela, and from here the route converges with the Portuguese Camino Central (Central Way) and continues through to Santiago de Compostela. This walk takes in the beautiful Galician towns and villages of Baiona, Pontevedra, Redondela (famous for the best oysters in Galicia) and Caldas de Rei (a spa town with thermal hot springs). Although you will encounter fewer other walkers and less signage than on the Camino Frances the friendly locals, fabulous scenery, fine accommodation and delicious Galician cuisine will make this journey a truly memorable experience.

Please note this particular itinerary is in Spain and does not go through Portugal, even though it is called the Portuguese Coastal Way. If you would like to start your walk in Portugal, please contact us to arrange this. There is an option to walk from Porto (Portugal) to Baiona before you join this trip or the full-length Portuguese Coastal Way Camino from Lisbon.

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Walking the Coastal path

Highlights

get ready for

  • Beautiful Galician scenery, including seascapes, vineyards and shady forests
  • Walk approx. 130km enabling you to receive a Compostela
  • Indulge in local delicacies especially amazing seafood including oysters and pulpo (octopus)
  • Magnificent accommodation with complimentary upgrade to the Parador in Baiona (subject to availability)
Portuguese Coastal Camino
Cod, Portugal
Portuguese Coastal Camino
Portuguese Custard Tart

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

A challenging and personally rewarding experience. Great way to experience another country. Enjoyed the company on the trail, passing through new areas at a slow pace, and the periods of silence and self-contemplation. All accommodation was excellent. We stayed in some very nice places that we wouldn’t normally even see.

Amanda Gadsdon, Bayswater (WA) – September 2024

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

Truly exceptional experience. Loved the accommodation.

Kerry Bellamy, Chelmer (QLD) – June 2024

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

We had the most amazing time. Loved the hike! The places we stayed were stunning. Caldas de Reis accommodation was a highlight. Extremely satisfied with RAW Travel.

Melanie Cowling, Northcote (VIC) - June 2023

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

Thank you! Well-organised support so I enjoyed care-free walking and being outdoors expending energy!

Judy Nickles, Edge Hill (QLD) - May 2023

Itinerary

Daily details

Day 1: Arrive Baiona

Make your own way to Baiona, which lies on the coast at the southern end of Galicia. Baiona is the most popular seaside tourist town in southern Galicia and has a well preserved old town and numerous important monuments. This lovely little coastal town is also home to a medieval fortress, Monte Real, originally intended to deter pirates from this stretch of coast; in 1585 it repelled an English raid led by Sir Francis Drake. 

Spend some time exploring this unique fishing village wandering through the narrow cobblestone streets of the old town. The tourist office is located inside the Baiona Parador, which also has the most amazing views over the Atlantic Ocean and Vigo Bay. Baiona itself has many great cafes and restaurants and a wonderful atmosphere to relax and enjoy.

Day 2: Free day - Baiona

Baiona is a charming seaside town with an authentic Spanish presence. 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. We highly recommend trying the local tapas and meandering through the enchanting cafe-lined streets. There are also a number of small beaches to explore; dip your toes in and test the water.

Meals: B

Day 3: Baiona to Vigo (24km)

Begin the day with a delicious breakfast at the Parador de Baiona then set off for the day’s walk. You will pass through villages with an almost Mediterranean like ambience and enjoy views that are incredible across the bay of Vigo with the Cíes Islands in the background.

The best option out of Baiona is to follow the Senda Litoral Seashore Path and cross the medieval Ponte Ramallosa bridge over the Rio Minor. At this point you can decide to either continue along the coast on the Seashore Path or follow the inland route through the hills on the Coastal Way. The Seashore Path follows coastal roads, promenades, wooden walkways and beaches to the Rio Lagares where it enters the Bay. Here, either continue along the coast into Vigo Baja past the port and docks or take the path alongside the river joining up with the inland Coastal Way and continuing to Vigo Alto.

From Ponte Ramallosa the Coastal Way goes over the hills with the PO-552 to the left, on back roads and some forest, the path becoming more urbanised closer to the large busy and cosmopolitan city of Vigo. Follow the yellow arrows, and as there are several Camino routes into Vigo, you may also encounter green arrows. Make your way to your accommodation in Vigo Baja down the busy and straight Rua de Urzaiz. Vigo is a huge industrial city, so when walking in here expect industrial areas, highways and busy roads, navigating your way may become difficult.

Meals: B

Day 4: VIGO TO REDONDELA (16KM)

There are two ways to depart Vigo. The Seashore Path leaves the old town along the coast past the Vigo Guixar railway station along Rua do Areal and Rua de Garcia Barbon and Sanjurio Badia (the PO-323), before turning right (4km from the railway station), on to Camina Trapa where it joins the Coastal Way.

The alternative is to make your way from the old town along the Rua do Principe mall continuing along the Rua de Urzaiz where it intersects with Avenida do Alcalde Gregorio Espino. This is where we pick up the Camino Coastal Way and the yellow arrows. Follow the pedestrian mall then turn to the left just before the ends on Rua Toledo, then along quiet back streets with the Bay of Vigo on the left where the British sunk many galleons in the 1702 battle of Vigo Bay.

The Camino to Redondela is a pleasant walk with great views of the Vigo estuary as the walk continues through a string of hillside villages and patches of woodland.

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

Meals: B

Day 5: REDONDELA TO PONTEVEDRA (20KM)

Today is a beautiful day of walking. Several kilometers out of Redondela the path leads up to the Alto de Lomba through the forest after which there is a short section on the busy N-550 to the village of Arcade famous for the best oysters in Galicia. Cross the long medieval bridge of Ponte Sampaio over the River Verdugo where Napoleon’s army was defeated by the Spanish in 1809 during the War of Independence. Then walk up through the forest and enjoy one of the most beautiful stretches of the Camino following the ancient narrow stone paths as they climb up the slope.

The path widens among fields and vineyards, arriving at Pontevedra with its pretty historic centre, 13th-century church of Santa Maria, and the famous Pilgrim Virgin’s church (Santuario da Peregrina), which although appears round, is actually in the shape of a scallop shell.

An alternative scenic and peaceful way to enter the town is via the Rio Gafos, turn left shortly after the chapel da Santa Marta and before a play area, not waymarked.

Pontevedra has a wonderful atmosphere to soak up and enjoy with its pedestrianised streets and plazas.

Meals: B

Day 6: PONTEVEDRA TO CALDAS DE REIS (22KM)

Today the Camino Portuguese will take you over the Rio Lerez via the pretty stone Ponte do Burgo bridge decorated with scallop shells and through chestnut groves and pine and eucalyptus trees to the village of San Amaro. Emerging from the woods near Valbon, at the Cruceiro de Amonisa, a statue of Saint James with his walking stick points the way to Santiago. You will pass the pretty village of Tivo with its lovely fountain and public washing area. Continue on through rural fields and vineyards to the Roman-influenced town of Caldas de Reis, known otherwise as ‘the hot waters of the Kings’, where you will find the thermal springs after crossing the river Umia around to the left outside the Hotel Davila. You may wish to soak your feet in the hot thermal water upon your arrival into the town.

Meals: B

DAY 7: CALDAS DE REIS TO PADRÓN (19KM)

Today’s walk is one of the most beautiful of the whole route. The path once again takes you through pine forests and rural areas through the Bermana and Verga valleys to today’s destination across the Ulla River, the town of Padrón. Padrón, the starting point for Saint James ministry in the Iberian peninsular, was also said to be where his body 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.

Meals: B

DAY 8: PADRÓN TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA (26KM)

Your final walking day on the Camino Portuguese will provide some variety through woodlands and on increasingly busy roads. You will pass through a number of small villages and the suburbs of Santiago de Compostela. After making your way to the historic sanctuary of A Escravitude, continue to Faramello and the Chapel of San Martino where you can see one of the oldest wayside crosses (cruceiro) in Galicia. After passing through Milladoiro and the tiny town of Agro dos Monteiros, but before passing under the motorway, pilgrims now for the first time will have a view of the spires of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

After crossing the Sar River, take the left way marked option and continue through the streets of the city via Rua de Porto Faxeira, the old entrance of the Portuguese Way into Santiago de Compostela. Make your way via Rua Franco to Praza do Obradoiro and the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

Meals: B

DAY 9: FREE DAY - SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

Spend the whole day exploring the historical city of Santiago de Compostela. Dine at one of the many cafes or restaurants and reflect on your Portuguese Coastal Camino experience. Attend the pilgrim’s midday mass and spend some time exploring the famous Cathedral or sit and watch the steady flow of pilgrims arriving into the square finishing their epic journey.

Meals: B

DAY 10: DEPART SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

You are free to check out of your hotel any time before 10am. If you would like to explore Santiago further you are able to leave your bags with reception.

Meals: B

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Map

Explore

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.

CLICK ON A PIN TO REVEAL INFORMATION ABOUT THAT LOCATION
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.

 

Inclusions

What's included?

Included
  • Daily breakfasts
  • 2 nights complimentary upgrade to the Parador de Baiona (subject to availability)
  • 7 nights excellent accommodation in casa rurales and hotels
  • Luggage transfer each day from hotel to hotel (1 x 20kg bag per person)
  • RAW Travel navigation app with maps of your hotel locations and emergency contact numbers
  • Local and Australian emergency contact numbers
  • Pre-trip Camino guidance and planning
  • Dedicated local support person in Spain for reassurance
Excluded
  • Single supplement $890
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance

 

Added Extras

For an extra indulgence, upgrade your hotel in Santiago to a Parador from $170 per person/per night twin share and $250 per person/per night single occupancy, when booked 6 months in advance (subject to availability).

For an extra indulgence, upgrade your hotel in Pontevedra to a Parador from $50 per person/per night twin share and $75 per person/per night single occupancy, when booked 6 months in advance (subject to availability).

For any part of your trip that falls between 31 October and 31 March there is an ‘out of season’ luggage transfer surcharge cost of $30 per person per day.

Camino De Santiago destination guide

Exclusive Guide

Portuguese Camino

Discover inspiration, travel essentials, practical information and more in our free Destination Guide. All you need to know about walking the Camino de Santiago routes through Spain, Portugal and France!

Walking the Camino is an incredible journey that will immerse you not only in Europe’s grand history, food and culture but most importantly the extraordinary camaraderie that exists along these routes. The spirit of the Camino de Santiago is alive and well among people from all over the world. It is a ‘bucket list’ experience you will never forget!

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TRIP date selection

when would you like to travel?

Please select your preferred dates for on-demand trips or select a scheduled date for group departures. If you have booked a self-guided trip please understand that because your trip date is on demand and we must check availability of all properties on your chosen dates before it can be fully confirmed

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