Portuguese Camino - Highlights Trip

Today is your arrival day into Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, and a city that is rich in Portuguese culture. The city showcases traditional architecture, cobbled streets, inviting laneways, colourful tiles and gorgeous beaches only a short drive from the city centre. With a year-round Mediterranean climate, Lisbon has one of the warmest winters of any metropolis in Europe! Enjoy exploring this beautiful city by foot and tram and if time permits jump on a train or bus to one of the stunning beaches in the surrounding area.

By night, Lisbon has a real buzz to it, especially in the Bairro Alto district and surrounds. Whether you are after some good food and good wine or a night out dancing, there are many options to suit any taste! We recommend that you do not miss Sao Jorge castle and the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower. Visit the cathedral in Alfama and obtain your first stamp. Opening hours are 9am to 7pm.

Spend the day exploring Lisbon, a vibrant city known for its colourful streets, historic neighbourhoods, charming cafes and beautiful riverside views.

Meals: B

Travel by train from Lisbon to Santarém, heading north through the Portuguese countryside. On arrival, take some time to settle in and explore this historic city, beautifully positioned on a hill overlooking the Tagus River. Often referred to as the Gothic capital of Portugal, Santarém is rich in history, with impressive medieval churches, cobbled streets and charming traditional squares.

Spend the afternoon exploring the historic centre, including the beautiful Igreja da Graça, known for its Gothic architecture and rose window, and Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Marvila, famous for its blue and white tiles. Don’t miss the Jardim das Portas do Sol (Gates of the Sun), set within the old city walls on the site of the former Moorish citadel, with shady gardens and magnificent views across the Tagus River.

Meals: B

Travel by train from Santarém to Coimbra, heading north through the changing landscapes of central Portugal. Enjoy views of open farmland, small villages and rolling countryside along the way before arriving in this historic university city, once the capital of Portugal and home to one of Europe’s oldest universities.

Exploring Coimbra on foot is a treat, with its impressive cathedrals, historic university buildings, museums and winding streets of the old town. Make your way up Rua do Arco Almedina to the Torre da Almedina, a remnant of the city’s original Moorish walls, before continuing to the Sé Velha (Old Cathedral), a beautiful Romanesque building with Arabic influences. Further up the hill in the historic Alta district, you’ll find the Sé Nova (New Cathedral) and the magnificent university buildings, which form part of Coimbra’s UNESCO World Heritage site. Back in the old town, visit the 12th-century Igreja de São Tiago and the nearby Igreja de Santa Cruz, which houses the tomb of Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques. In the evening, enjoy Coimbra’s lively atmosphere and perhaps experience traditional Fado music, closely associated with the city’s university students and heritage.

Meals: B

Travel by train from Coimbra to Porto, heading north through the green landscapes of northern Portugal. Enjoy views of rolling countryside, agricultural fields and small towns along the way before arriving in Porto, one of the oldest cities in Europe, known for its rich history, colourful architecture and famous port wine.

Spend the day exploring Porto’s UNESCO-listed historic centre, with its picturesque Ribeira waterfront, narrow cobbled streets, grand churches and lively atmosphere. Take a stroll across the famous Dom Luís I Bridge over the Douro River, where you’ll enjoy wonderful views of the old city and the traditional port wine boats below. On the southern bank, you’ll find Vila Nova de Gaia, home to Porto’s famous port wine cellars. Other highlights include the impressive Porto Cathedral, where you can collect your first Camino stamp (carimbo in Portuguese and sello in Spanish), and the beautiful São Bento Railway Station, famous for its blue and white tile panels. With its friendly locals, riverside cafes, wine bars and delicious cuisine, Porto is a wonderful place to spend some time before your first walking day on the Camino.

Meals: B

Spend the day exploring Porto, a vibrant riverside city known for its colourful historic streets, beautiful architecture, traditional port wine cellars and lively waterfront cafes overlooking the Douro River.

Meals: B

Travel by train from Porto to Viana do Castelo, following the beautiful coastline of northern Portugal. Enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean, sandy beaches, small coastal towns and green countryside along the way before arriving in Viana do Castelo, a charming historic city renowned for its architecture and beautiful seaside setting.

Spend some time exploring the city, often described as an architectural gem, with its impressive monuments, historic squares and picturesque waterfront. Visit the 15th-century cathedral in the old town or take the funicular up to the magnificent Basilica de Santa Luzia, an impressive hilltop sanctuary overlooking the city. From here, you’ll enjoy spectacular panoramic views across Viana do Castelo, the Lima River valley and the Atlantic coastline. The surrounding beaches and seafront are also well worth exploring.

Meals: B

Today marks your first day walking the Camino! Leaving Viana do Castelo, you’ll follow the wild Atlantic coastline along the official Coastal Way, which heads slightly inland through old farms, quaint villages and narrow cobblestone roads, with beautiful views across the surrounding hills and coastline. Alternatively, you can follow the Seashore Path along quiet roads, sandy beaches and boardwalks above the dunes, although this route is not waymarked. Both routes eventually converge at the old fishing village of Vila Praia de Âncora, your stop for the night. This popular seaside town is known for its lovely beach and relaxed coastal atmosphere, making it a great place to unwind after your first day on the trail.

Meals: B

Depart Vila Praia de Ancora along the coast following the Caminho Portugues da Costa waymarks along the wide concrete walkway and cycle path. Pass the small chapel of Santo Isidoro following the concrete path around to the left and continuing along the shore towards Caminha. Remain on the Seashore Path next to the rocky than sandy coastline; ignore the crossing to the right under the railway line and continue past Moleda beach all the way into Caminha by walking along the path along the Minho estuary. Interesting sites to explore in Caminha are the Torre do Relogio clock tower, the gothic Igreja Matriz church and the Praça do Conselheiro Silva Torres main square.

When ready, take the boat across the river Minho from Caminha (Portugal) to A Guarda (Spain). The river crossing is primarily achieved via a private, small-boat water taxi service. It’s an approximate 10-minute crossing, depending on weather and tides. Once across the estuary in Spain, don’t forget to put your watch forward 1 hour. As an option, after finishing the boat ride, instead of walking directly to A Guarda, consider the scenic walk around the peninsular to enjoy an alternative way to enter the town; this will add an extra 3km but is worth it for the fine views.

The fishing port of A Guarda with its pretty harbour is home to Galicia’s most impressive ancient Celtic settlements: the Santa Tecla on the hill above the town – an authentic archaeological gem with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Meals: B

Enjoy a leisurely morning exploring A Guarda before departing by walking past the harbour to the small fort near the breakwater and continue north on the path on the coast. After several kilometres, the route joins a wide pedestrian and cycle path above the rocky shoreline along the side of the main road, PO-552, most of the way into Oia. This section is flat with very little shade. As you approach Oia you will be rewarded with the spectacular view of the 12th-century Monastery of Santa Maria de Oia cross the small harbour. Oia is a small pretty town with several restaurants; you may find some locals engaged in an impromptu sing-along with bagpipes playing typical Galician tunes.

Meals: B

Start the day by taking the path alongside the dramatic coast where after several kilometres it once again joins alongside the busy PO-552. Just before reaching As Marinos, 11.5km from Oia, the Coastal Way crosses the main road to the right and heads inland and upwards towards Baredo along the old Roman ‘Royal Path’. Look for a small granite Camino sign on the right-hand side of the road near some houses where there will also be a large blue sign. Go through a gate and up the hill; soon you will be rewarded with spectacular views over the coast, the lighthouse and the rocky hill known as Monte de Baredo. Note the prominent wheel ruts worn into the granite rocks as this ancient path goes through the forest and over the pass.

After passing a sports ground, the path enters the village of Baredo and then O’Sinal where you will soon be rewarded with views of the Cíes Islands out of the Bay of Vigo. Follow the yellow arrows to Baiona and enter the town making your way to the main esplanade along the sea where the imposing walls of the old fortress containing the Parador Hotel can be seen on the small promontory. 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.

Meals: B

Today 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 on 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 becomes more urbanised closer to the large busy and cosmopolitan city of Vigo. Follow the yellow arrows. There are several Camino routes into Vigo, so you may also encounter green arrows. Make your way to your accommodation in Vigo 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

Enjoy a well-earned rest day in Vigo, Galicia’s largest city, with plenty of time to explore its lively waterfront, historic old town, shops and seafood restaurants. Take a stroll through the Casco Vello (old quarter), visit the bustling harbour or relax at one of the many cafes overlooking the estuary.

For something a little different, there’s also the option of taking a ferry trip to the beautiful Cíes Islands, often referred to as the ‘Caribbean of Spain’. Part of a protected national park, the islands are famous for their white sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters and stunning coastal scenery. Ferries generally operate from June to September and on weekends in May. Visitor numbers are restricted, so permits and ferry tickets need to be arranged in advance.

Meals: B

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 you 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 Caminos join with the inland Central Portuguese Camino to Santiago de Compostela.

Meals: B

Today is a beautiful day of walking. As you walk on the Camino Portuguese you will notice many pilgrims who have joined from the Central Way from Porto via Tui. Several kilometres 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 amongst fields and vineyards, arriving at Pontevedra with its pretty historic centre, the 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 is another good rest day option as it has a wonderful atmosphere to soak up and enjoy with its pedestrianised streets and plazas.

Meals: B

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

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 Padron. Padron, 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

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

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

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