The Portuguese Atlantic Camino — Self-Guided Tour

Distance: 20 km.

Elevation Gain: 100 m.

Transfer: 00:15 h.

Today you are going to cross the Cavado River! 

The village of Vila do Conde is ancient, from before the foundation of Portugal. Its toponym has not changed - the first reference to Vila do Conde is from 953. You'll find lots of points of interest to discover. 

Your destination today is Esposende. Once you cross the Cavado River, it means you are nearly at the end of your route. Your hotel is very close to the river mouth. If there is any energy left, check it, and enjoy a lovely sunset.

Distance: 27 km.

Elevation Gain: 100 m.

Let the adventure begin. 

Today your destination is Viana do Castelo. You will know you got there once you cross the charming Lima River on a bridge. A blessed town with an appealing medieval center filled with churches, monasteries, palaces decorated with coats of arms, and monumental fountains with interesting water features. 

Part of the route today is done in the interior, but that doesn't mean it loses any beauty. Crossing the Neiva River is one of the highlights of the day, but don't forget to visit the Church of São Tiago in Castelo de Neiva and the Monastery of São João do Neiva.

Distance: 26 km.

Elevation Gain: 300 m.

Today you will get closer to the border with Spain. 

Along the way, we will discover mills and fortresses (such as Ínsua and Lagarteira Fortress) and cross several coastal towns, such as Areosa, Carreço, and Afife. 

You will arrive at Vila Praia de Âncora at the end of the day. A lovely town that sits just in front of the sea. While you are here, make sure to look for a traditional restaurant since this will be your last chance to taste a delicious Portuguese dinner.

Distance: 19 km.

Elevation Gain: 200 m.

Today you will enter Galicia by crossing the magnificent Minho River by ferry. 

Once you make it to the other side of the river, you will make your way to the city of Guarda. This first stage of the Portuguese Coastal Path through Galician lands offers us natural landscapes of great beauty and places of enormous historical and cultural interest. 

Close to Guarda, you will find ruins of what was once a great city: the citânia (Castro) of Santa Trega/Santa Tecla. It's estimated that between 3,000 and 5,000 people lived here in the 4th century BC.

Distance: 15 km.

Elevation Gain: 200 m.

Ferry Boat: 00:15 h.

Immerse yourself in Spanish culture. 

In the first kilometers of the day, you will have some points of interest, for example, the Castle of Santa Cruz and the Catárea Redonda, a nursery used decades ago for raising shellfish. 

Along the route, you will find the Pilgrim's Meditative Garden. Make sure to stop there to recover your energy. Once you get to Oia, you can also visit the medieval monastery of Oia, located right on the coast. Although the lands of Oia face the sea, fishing has not developed much, and what remains is the artisanal type. 

Enjoy Oia, where the coast resists the agitation of the ocean. The spectacle can be seen from the hills where wild horses graze freely.

Distance: 14 km.

Elevation Gain: 200 m.

Today your day ends with a wonderful view. 

Your company will be nothing less than the Atlantic Ocean and the granite, with spectacular views along the way to Vigo's Bay. Baiona is where you will stay this night, with points of interest to explore. La Pinta arrived in this bay in 1493, the first caravel to return to a Spanish port after an adventure in the New World. 

Contemplating the sunset is aninexcusable reason to visit the Monterreal fortress and its famous Prince's Tower. The enclosure has three kilometers of walls. Also worth a visit is the collegiate church of Santa María, from the 13th century. The monument keeps Romanesque reminiscences between a Gothic layout that resembles a fortification.

Distance: 20 km.

Elevation Gain: 300 m.

Get to Vigo, a historical city and one of the biggest fishing ports in Europe. 

There will be some uphill hiking today, but greatly compensated with a stunning view of the horizon. The official route takes us through the interior, which requires walking along roads for some time.

From this stage, we highlight the Saiáns' Forest Park with magnificent panoramic views of Vigo's Bay. Once in Vigo, visit the historical center, the Stone Market, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Cathedral of Santa Maria, and the Museo Quiñones de León.

Distance: 23 km.

Elevation Gain: 400 m.

The challenge for today will be heading towards Redondela, which still lies on the Saint James path along the national road. 

Feel the breeze on your face and take some awesome photos over Redondela and Vigo's Bay. Before you arrive at the final town, the path will take you down to some rural villages with water streams and local spiritful people! 

You will be sleeping in town, but before you call it a day, enjoy the monuments in the center and have a beer as the sun goes down.

Distance: 23 km.

Elevation Gain: 300 m.

Your adventure today will start in the beautiful town of Redondela, and it will be gorgeous! 

You will see a fjord-like scenery when you step inland through kilometers of forest areas that will take you to little and old Roman villages. All this while following the Camino spirit and atmosphere where people are always friendly and hospitable. 

As you pass the Arcade Village, you will go up a small hill that will take you to Pontevedra. It is a wonderful town full of history and superb terraces where you can have a delicious meal.

Distance: 21 km.

Elevation Gain: 300 m.

After your breakfast, and once you feel fully energized, you will start one of the longest days of the trip! 

The route will take you through old railways, rural paths, and a section of wetlands. This is a place of extreme biodiversity, with many different species calling it their home. The beauty of the natural landscape makes this place all the more special. Explore this day with all your senses, step by step, as we head to Caldas dos Reis. 

Open yourself to the smells, tastes, sounds, and textures of nature! As you arrive in town, make sure to visit the waterfall and the watermill system of the Barrosa River before you check in to your hotel.

Distance: 24 km.

Elevation Gain: 300 m.

Your day will begin with a nice walk along fertile agricultural fields blessed by their thermal waters.

As you head towards Valga, the path will take you through beautiful scenery by the river and dark forest. As you head out of this forest, you will hike along little roads that will take you to Pontecesures, a place full of religious architecture. 

You will then cross the river and arrive in Padrón, your last stop before Santiago de Compostela. This town has beautiful gardens and monuments to appreciate. Look for typical food and delight yourself with a great dinner.

Distance: 22 km.

Elevation Gain: 200 m.

Today will be the last day of your adventure! Santiago is awaiting you and lies just 25 km ahead. 

This day will be the longest but also the most significant, so make sure to keep a positive mindset. The path will leave the town of Padrón and head up north to the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria la Mayor, which was the episcopal center before being transferred to Santiago de Compostela. 

Soon, you will be arriving on the outskirts of Santiago. During the afternoon, feel free to explore Santiago and its old quarter. There is so much to see here! 

Make sure to check out all the religious buildings and the new museum of the Galician people, filled with things to see. Later, you can enjoy a fantastic meal listening to the sound of the pipes!

Distance: 25 km.

Elevation Gain: 400 m.

This is it! It went by so fast. We hope the memories and experiences we have created and shared stay with you forever. 

Come back soon to discover some more of Portugal's Nature Trails!

Transfer to Santiago de Compostela | Porto: 0:30 h | 2:30 h.