Portuguese Camino

Ola! Welcome to Portugal. Your Camino adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 6 or 7 pm (please check welcome note at hotel lobby for details). As this trip spends very little time in Porto, we recommend you arrive a day or two before your trip if you want to experience all the city has to offer. Stretching along the banks of the River Douro, Porto is one of Portugal's most romantic cities, known for majestic bridges, medieval riverside district with its cobbled streets, merchants’ houses and cafes. After your meeting, your group might like to get together and head riverside to find a delicious dinner.

This morning, transfer to Oia and begin your Camino. This walk you’re embarking on makes up the final section of the Portuguese Coastal Walk, and most of your time is actually spent in north-western Spain around 20 kilometres from the Portuguese border. Oia is a small coastal town and marks the beginning of your walk. Take the 19-kilometre journey to seaside Baiona. Once arrived, you can stroll along the port, visit the impressive Monte Real fortress and taste the best of the Rias Biaxas seafood and white wine, before you start your journey to Santiago de Compostela tomorrow.

This morning, hug the coastline from Baiona to Nigran on your way to the city of Vigo. With your trail along the water, pass by beautiful seascapes of the magnificent Bay of Vigo, with the acclaimed Illas Cies natural park on the horizon. These rugged islands form a main focal point of the bay. If you do happen to be walking on a hot day, why not cool off with a swim at Praia De Samil beach in Navia? Arrive in Vigo in the late afternoon, ready for a leisure day tomorrow.

This morning, continue the Camino on your way to Redondela. You will continue to follow the coastline and see the Bay of Vigo from different angles. As this is a shorter walking day, feel free to take in all of your surroundings and relax into the journey. Along the way, let your leader guide you through delicious seafood tasting before heading to Redondela for the evening. This city, at the upper end of the Bay of Vigo, is where you will finish your coastal walk, and will join the original Portuguese Camino trail.

Today is your last day along the coast, so do make the most of the seaside. On your way, you’ll stop by the fishing village of Arcade and enjoy a relaxed seafood lunch and a glass of locally grown Albarino (at your own expense). Continue for about another 3 hours on your hike into Pontevedra. It will be mid-afternoon by the time you arrive, and you’ll have plenty of time to explore the old town with its many Romanesque churches and quaint granite squares.

Today is free for you to do as you please. Immerse yourself in one of Galicia’s most beautiful historic centers, a pedestrian-friendly maze of stone streets, lively plazas, and traditional cafés. Highlights include the unique scallop-shaped Church of La Peregrina and the atmospheric Praza da Leña. Stroll along the Lérez River or relax in Alameda Park for a quieter moment. With its mix of history, culture, and gastronomy, Pontevedra is the perfect place to recharge before continuing your hike tomorrow.

Head inland today, passing by beautiful chestnut groves and pine and eucalyptus woods on your way to Caldas de Rei. On your journey, you’ll visit the village of Ponte Cabras, and will have the chance to see the rectory of Santa Maria de Alba. Continue on your way past Lombo da Maceira with a statue of Saint James and the hamlet of Tivo with its fountain and public washing bath. Arrive in Caldas de Reis and spend the night here.

From Caldas de Reis you will cross the river Umia and find the hot springs that have given the town its name since Roman times. The trail today takes you through forests and gradually climbs to the village of Santa Marina. On the way, enjoy an included visit to one of the nearby wineries to learn about the history of wine in this region. After stopping and looking around, continue on the trail through pine forests to tonight’s stop: the town of Padron.

Today is your final day of walking and a longer journey, taking you through small villages and on to the historical sanctuary of A Escravitude. Keep an eye out for the ruins of Castro Lupario fort on a nearby hilltop. Make your way towards Agro dos Monteiros, catching a glimpse of the spires of the cathedral and passing the ruins of the castle of A Rocha Vella. As you come to the end of the final leg, you’ll walk through the town to the magnificent Plaza del Obradoiro and then to the gates of the marvellous Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. You’ve made it! Be sure to receive your Compostela certificate for your journey. After you’ve rested and freshened up, take the time to wander around the historic quarter of the city and get your group together for dinner. It’s definitely time for celebration!