Portuguese Coastal Way: Porto to Santiago de Compostela

A UNESCO World Heritage City,Porto is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The old centre boasts more than 1500 listed monuments, and the history of the traditional Port Wine can be explored by visiting many of the Port cellars which are open to the public.

Transfer in the morning to Matosinhos from where you start your walk. Wooden boardwalks and pavements will lead you along the coastline via a series of wide sandy beaches, natural reserves and fishing villages to the historical coastal town of Vila do Conde.

Walk alongside the coast between flowers and sand dunes and across beaches. Then head north crossing the Coastal Natural Park towards Esposende, an old fishing village with a great setting on the estuary of the River Cavado.

Pass through various villages and some delightful sections of woodland and rivers. Discover Viana do Castelo, an attractive town famous for its ancient and contemporary architecture, offering magnificent views over the Lima valley and estuary with views of distant mountain ranges.

Today’s journey is mostly inland, with occasional coastal views from hillside villages. Enjoy the shade of the eucalyptus forest as you make your way uphill before descending to the low-key beachside resort town of Vila Praia de Ancora.

Follow the coastal path to Moleda. Then continue to the charming town of Caminha. Option to walk through the pine forest beside the beach. Continue with a scenic ferry journey (payable locally) which takes you across the Minho River to the fishing town of A Guarda in Spain.

Before leaving A Guarda, do not miss the Santa Tegra Celtic settlement – the views are spectacular. Follow the Camino on the coastal way, going through the forest before reaching the seaside village of Oia, dominated by its 12th century monastery.

Start your day along fields, coastal villages before a total change of scenery and terrain as you reach the mountains. Continue through countryside before arriving at the medieval centre of Baiona via two ancient churches.

From Santa Maria church, walk through the countryside alongside peaceful paths and rivers. As your way climbs, admire wonderful views before entering Vigo via a park.

Start your day with peaceful hillside villages with beautiful views over the estuary and port. Then, head down to Arcade, a riverside town famous for its oysters.

Leave Arcade via its iconic bridge. Follow ancient stone paths up through the forest. Enjoy a scenic detour along the River Tomeza to approach Pontevedra surrounded by birdsong and greenery. Explore the historical city centre, its vibrant squares and enjoy some tapas at a local bar.

Walk through the lovely countryside and peaceful forest to the riverside spa town of Caldas de Reis. This place is known for its thermal waters and healing properties. Enjoy the thermal spring on the main square.

Cross a luxuriant landscape alongside the Valga River. Several impressive churches and stone crosses line the route to Padron, the riverside town where St. James’s body is said to have been laid to rest by his faithful followers.

The final stage of the Camino is going through Galician villages. Once you enter the medieval narrow streets of Santiago, the atmosphere changes as you reach the cathedral square.

Explore the old city of Compostela before departing.