Spend 2 weeks following ancient footpaths along the picture-perfect coast
The Portuguese Coastal Camino walks along the coast from Porto, and this Caminha option is a variant of the traditional route along the coast, which shortens the route by one day, spends the night in the Portuguese city of Caminha and where the first stage on Galician territory ends in Oia.
In stage 6, you have to cross the Miño River with Xacobeo Transfer, which goes from the Caminha Rowing Club, 50 meters away from the old Ferry, to the ferry station in A Guarda. Caminha is located at the mouth of the Miño River, the natural border between Portugal and Spain. Caminha beach is the northernmost in Portugal. It is a very popular area for sailing sports.
This variant of the Portuguese Way from Porto, Option Caminha, offers a tour through beautiful landscapes on the Atlantic. If the weather is good, we can experience beautiful sunsets at the end of each stage. The Portuguese Way from Porto via Caminha is a 14-day route from Porto to Santiago de Compostela.
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Highlights of the Portuguese Coastal Camino Caminha Variant
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Portuguese Coastal Camino Caminha Variant Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Porto
Arrive in Porto where you journey on the Camino Portuguese Coastal Way begins. After checking into your hotel, set out to explore this UNESCO World Heritage city. Stroll its historic streets and enjoy the wealth of gastronomy on offer here. Then it’s time to enjoy a good night’s rest before your first day of walking tomorrow!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Porto
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Walk to Povoa de Varzim
Your first day departs from the same place as the standard Portuguese Way, but both routes follow different paths onwards (one is on the coast, and the other one, inland). After leaving behind the outskirts of Porto, you’ll be greeted by the stunning coastline its picture-perfect beaches. Continue on the coast until reaching Povoa de Varzim.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in Povoa de Varzim
Distance: 27 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Coastal Beaches on the Walk to Esposende
Set out this morning following breakfast to enjoy more of the captivating coast. Today’s route will introduce you to several lovely beaches and charming, small coastal villages on the path to Esposende.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in Esposende
Distance: 22 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Walk through Scenic Countryside to Viana do Castelo
The walking day from Esponsende to Viana do Castelo combines rural tracks and paved roads, making for a peaceful section. On arrival in Viana do Castelo, cross its bridge, a symbol of the town, you’ll arrive in the town center and head to your next accommodations.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in Viana do Castelo
Distance: 24 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Peaceful Trails to Caminha
Today marks your final day in Portugal before reaching Galicia. You kick off the day with a choice: follow the official path marked by yellow arrows leading inland, or opt for the coastal route, tracing your path along the beaches and the sea. While the coastal option may lack detailed markings, it doesn't entail any setbacks. Both routes guide you to Vila Praia de Âncora, a picturesque fishing village renowned for its urban beach and extensive promenade. Departing from this charming locale, your journey continues towards today's destination: Caminha, a historic city situated at the mouth of the Miño River.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in Caminha
Distance: 27 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Walk from Caminha to Oia
Today's stage will take you into Galicia. You'll bid farewell to the Portuguese landscapes that have accompanied you throughout your Camino, making way for the equally enchanting scenery of Galicia. Your entire route today will run along the coast. After a few kilometers into the day's journey, you'll reach A Guarda, a fascinating fishing village known for its colorful fishermen's houses and distinctive architecture. A highlight of this city is the Monte de Santa Tegra, where you'll find a fortress dating back to the 4th century BC. Continuing your route along the coast, you'll head towards Portecelo before finally arriving in Oia. In Oia, you'll find the Cistercian Royal Monastery of Santa María, adding to the area's cultural significance.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in Oia
Distance: 16.6 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Walk to Baiona
Today's journey starts with an easy stroll along the coast for the initial kilometers. Then, you venture slightly inland, relishing a delightful path through the mountains until you arrive at the charming town of Baiona. Noteworthy attractions include the historic old town and the picturesque marina.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in Baiona
Distance: 18 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Beaches and Islands on the Walk to Vigo
Beginning at the mouth of Vigo, you trek towards Nigrán, passing by scenic beaches like Panxón, Patos, and Samil before reaching Galicia's largest city, Vigo. Today's challenge lies in the distance covered and elevation changes. Alternatively, there's the option to hike inland towards Priegue and Coruxo, then follow the river path. However, this route may be slightly less appealing due to its passage through industrial areas, especially when approaching Vigo.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in Vigo
Distance: 25-27 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 Sandy Shores on the Walk to Redondela
Pilgrims will be able to take in the impressive views of the Estuary of Vigo on the left as you depart this morning. Today you’ll enjoy a shorter, and less intense section and can enjoy a dip at one of the many beaches along the way!
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in Redondela
Distance: 16 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 Walk the Traditional Portuguese Camino to Pontevedra
From this point up to Santiago, the path will be the same as the traditional Portuguese Camino, so you may see more Pilgrims on the way. Pontesampaio is a village which is worth seeing, it is interesting to learn about the historical events which took place here and cross the Roman bridge over the Verdugo river. This stage ends in Pontevedra, a beautiful town which is famous for its historical centre and its squares made of stone.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in Pontevedra
Distance: 19.6 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 Walk to Caldas de Rei
Your way out of Pontevedra this morning will lead you back to the rural side of Galicia, where you will be able to enjoy the woods and streams. Many pilgrims stop in Barro to see the Natural Park of the Barosa River with its cascades and mills, well worth the stop,
Finally, you’ll arrive in Caldas de Reis, a town which is famous for its thermal spring waters and spa resorts.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in Caldas de Rei
Distance: 21 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 Charming Villages on the Walk to Padrón
Today, the Camino passes peacefully through small villages, with dispersed houses along the route.
Padrón is known as the first place on land spotted by the boat which carried the remains of Saint James the Apostle. Also, it is the birthplace of great authors like Rosalía de Castro and Camilo José Cela.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in Padrón
Distance: 19 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13 Final Walk to Santiago
The last stage is the longest of this itinerary, so it is a good idea to get a nice, early start!
Today marks the culmination of your cycling route to Santiago de Compostela. The initial path will take you through rural landscapes as in the previous days, but during the final kilometers, as you approach Santiago, the landscape becomes more urban.
When you get to Santiago do not forget to go to the Pilgrim’s Office with your Pilgrim Passport to get your long-awaited “Compostela” (Pilgrim Certificate)! Enjoy some time taking in the world-famous cathedral and the invigorating sights and sounds of this incredible city.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in Santiago
Distance: 24.5 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 14 Check out Santiago
Following breakfast your Camino adventure comes to an end. Enjoy your last moments in the city before making arrangements for your onwards journey.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
This self-guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only, where the pricing depends on your travelling dates, as well as the types of rooms that you need.
2024 Departures:
- Single room: from $1,725 USD*
- Sharing a double room: from $1,125 USD*
2025 Departures:
- Single room: from $1,795 USD*
- Sharing a double room: from $1,195 USD*
*-Pricing for this tour depends on the dates of your trip. Please click the booking button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates. The prices listed are per person.
Book NowAccommodation on Portuguese Coastal Camino Caminha Variant
During this trip you will mostly stay in hostels and pensions. These accommodations have the necessary services to cover the basic needs of cleanliness and rest. Officially, hostels and guesthouses are 1-star accommodations. However, this rating should not be taken into account when evaluating the level of comfort and quality of their services.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Simple hostels and pensions along the Camino
Stay in basic hostels and pensions along the walking route. These accommodations, although simple, are adequate and are preferred option of a stay for many Camino walkers.
What’s Included in Portuguese Coastal Camino Caminha Variant?
Meals
13 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 13 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for your luggage is included throughout the tour (max. 20 kg per backpack - 1 piece of luggage per person). Airport transfers are not included, but private transfers can be arranged as an optional extra.
Also included
- 24-hour emergency line
- Guided Tour in Santiago de Compostela (old town)
- Galician cheese tasting in Santiago
- Maps for all stages
- Pilgrim pass
- Pilgrim scallop
Not included
- Guide services
- Insurance
- Personal expenses
- Personal transfers not specifically listed as included
Optional Extras
- Half board supplement
- Picnic Supplement
- Private transfers
- Extra piece of luggage
- Extra nights
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