The Best of…Travel

Camino de Santiago: Planning Your Journey on the Camino Portuguese Coastal Route

By Fred Edward on October 29, 2024

If you’ve been dreaming of walking the Camino de Santiago, the Portuguese Coastal Route offers a blend of stunning coastline, charming towns, and the warmth of both Portuguese and Galician cultures. Starting in Porto and following the Douro River to the Atlantic coast, this route is perfect for those who want to experience both the ocean breeze and the history of the Camino. In this blog, I’ll share some insights from our journey and tips to help you plan your own adventure.

Choosing the Camino Portuguese Coastal Route

When we set out to walk the Camino Portuguese in September, 2024, we knew we wanted to walk about 20 km (12.4 mi) per day. The Coastal Route / Senda Litoral Route is about 280 kilometers from Porto to Santiago de Compostela, which we completed in 14 days. Our shorter walking days were about 10 km (6.2 mi) to add in “rest” days, and some of the longer and more challenging days were about 32 km (19.9 mi). The Coastal route joins the Central route in Redondela, which takes you through some of Galicia’s most beautiful towns and hillside villages.

Camino Portuguese Coastal Route: Stages & Distance

Day 1: Porto to Matosinhos, 12 km

A quick escape from Porto’s urban environment, Matosinhos is known for its fresh seafood and expansive beaches. It’s a great place to recharge after the first day’s walk.
Where to stay in Matosinhos: Hotel Senhor de Matosinhos

Day 2: Matosinhos to Vila do Conde, 24 km

In Vila do Conde, we found beautiful architecture and a relaxing atmosphere. The town’s medieval charm makes it a perfect spot for an evening stroll.
Where to stay in Vila do Conde: Venceslau Wine Boutique Hostel

Day 3: Vila do Conde to Fão, 24 km

A quieter stop, but with its own allure, Fão offers a mix of nature and history. The pine forests provide a peaceful break from the road.
Where to stay in Fão: Hostel do Alto - Fão

Day 4: Fão to Viana do Castelo, 32 km

This larger town is one of the highlights of the route, with stunning views from the Sanctuary of Santa Luzia and a lively old town to explore. It’s a great place to spend an extra evening if you have time.
Where to stay in Viana do Castelo: Enjoy Viana - Guest House

Day 5: Viana do Castelo to Vila Praia de Âncora, 18 km

A small coastal town where the ocean feels like a constant companion. We enjoyed walking along the beach here before heading back on the trail.
Where to stay in Vila Praia de Âncora: Albergaria Quim Barreiros

Day 6: Vila Praia de Âncora to Caminha, 10 km

This charming town marks one of the final stops before crossing into Spain. While many pilgrims take a ferry from here across the Minho River to A Guarda, we opted to walk inland toward Valença. From Valença, we crossed the bridge from Portugal into Spain and arrived in Tui, where the Galician leg of our pilgrimage officially began.
Where to stay in Caminha: Design & Wine Hotel

Day 7: Caminha to São Pedro da Torre, 27 km

As you move further inland into Spain, the landscape begins to change, and São Pedro da Torre offers a quiet contrast to the coastal vibe.
Where to stay in São Pedro da Torre: Alvorada Medieval

Day 8: São Pedro da Torre to O Porriño, 25 km

O Porriño is a practical stop with plenty of pilgrim-friendly services and a good place to rest up before tackling the more challenging sections ahead.
Where to stay in O Porriño: Alojamientos Central

Day 9: O Porriño to Redondela, 16 km

Redondela marks the convergence of the Coastal and Central Portuguese routes, so it’s a bit busier. The energy of meeting fellow pilgrims from other paths adds to the experience.
Where to stay in Redondela: A Boa Estrela Pension

Day 10: Redondela to Pontevedra, 22 km

A vibrant city with a well-preserved old town. Pontevedra’s lively squares and churches make it an excellent spot for exploring.
Where to stay in Pontevedra: Hostel Charino

Day 11: Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis, 23 km

Known for its thermal springs, this town offers a chance to rest tired feet in warm waters. It’s a lovely place to unwind after a long day’s walk.
Where to stay in Caldas de Reis: Kalidas Hostel Suites

Day 12: Caldas de Reis to Padrón, 20 km

With deep ties to the Camino’s history, Padrón is where St. James’s remains were said to have arrived in Spain. It’s also famous for its peppers—be sure to try some!
Where to stay in Padrón: Villa Galicia

Day 13: Padrón to O Milladoiro, 18 km

Our final stop before Santiago. This town offers one last rest before the final push to the cathedral, with a sense of anticipation building as you get closer to your destination.
Where to stay in O Milladoiro: B&B HOTEL Santiago Milladoiro

Day 14: Milladoiro to Santiago de Compostela, 7 km

Arriving at the Cathedral of Santiago is an unforgettable moment. After walking 280 kilometers, you can’t help but feel a mix of joy, relief, and a sense of accomplishment as you stand before the cathedral’s grand facade. It’s the perfect place to reflect on your journey and the experiences shared along the way.
Where to stay in Santiago de Compostela: Hotel Plaza Obradoiro

Tips for Planning Your Camino Portuguese Coastal Route

Pack Smart: Comfortable shoes, lightweight clothing, and a good backpack are essential. Keep your pack as light as possible—you’ll appreciate it after the first few days of walking. A rain poncho is a must for this region, especially in Galicia.
Plan Your Accommodation: We stayed in a mix of hostels and hotels, finding that booking ahead worked well for us. Booking in advance made it less stressful knowing that we had a comfortable place to stay at the end of each day. When booking hostels, we recommend reserving a private room so you don’t have to worry about bunkbeds or hearing others snoring.
Prepare for Varied Terrain: The coastal route offers plenty of flat walking, but there are also some hilly sections, especially as you move further into Galicia. Take your time and enjoy the scenery—there’s no need to rush.
Embrace the Journey: The beauty of the Camino lies not just in reaching Santiago but in the everyday experiences along the way. Talk to fellow pilgrims, try local food, and take in the landscapes as you walk.