8-Day Portuguese Coastal Camino in Deluxe Hotels Tour

Finding your way to the Spanish coastal town of Baiona, you’ll have the afternoon to familiarize yourself with your surroundings as well as complete any last-minute preparations for the start of your pilgrimage of the last 100 km of the Portuguese Coastal Way.

If there’s time before you settle into your top-rated accommodations, consider visiting the Museo de la Carabela Pinta to see the first ship, the Caravel Pinta, that arrived from the Americas.

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll lace up your hiking boots to begin the coastal route where you’ll follow the Atlantic coast north toward Vigo, stopping to check out any of the beaches that fringe Nigrán and the Cíes Islands in the distance!

As you find your way to Vigo, you’ll notice the changing landscape in the last few kilometers become more urban.

Take advantage of a shorter and less intensive pilgrimage stage to check out the Ría de Vigo, an estuary that provides postcard-perfect views of the Rías Baixas in southern Galicia. When you’re ready, continue your walk making sure to indulge in an ocean swim at any of the beaches that strike your interest en route to Redondela.

Leaving Redondela behind, the Coastal Portuguese Way merges with the traditional Portuguese Camino resulting in an increase of peregrinos traversing the route—a fine time to make new friends with other pilgrims.

If you’re a history buff, break up the day’s walk in Ponte Sampaio and delve into the past with a visit to an important site of the 1809 Peninsular War and be sure to stroll across the Roman bridge over the Verdugo River. When you’ve had your fill of history, carry on your way to rest tired feet in Pontevedra, a beautiful town famous for its historic centre and squares made of stone.

Once out of Pontevedra, the Camino leads you into rural Galicia offering peaceful environs as you hike amid woods and streams. A highlight of the day’s walk includes a stop in Barro to see the numerous waterfalls and stone mills in the Natural Park of the Barosa River before ending the day in Caldas de Reis.

A town known for its thermal springs and spa resorts, make a reservation in Caldas de Reis to pamper yourself with a much-deserved spa treatment.

Following the Camino out of Caldas de Reis, you’ll happen upon quaint villages dotted throughout the quiet countryside as you slowly make your way to Padrón.

Known as the first place on land spotted by the ship carrying the remains of St. James the Apostle, Padrón is also the birthplace of great authors like Rosalía de Castro and Camilo José Cela. Spend an evening absorbing Padrón’s culture over a glass or two of local wine.

Rise with the sun today to complete the last (and longest) stage of this Portuguese Coastal Way itinerary. The day’s route first leads you through similar rural landscapes as in the previous days, but slowly takes you through the urban sprawl as you find your way to the heart of Santiago de Compostela.

Celebrate your efforts with your new friends, drink wine, and collect your Compostela (Pilgrim certificate) at the Pilgrim’s Office before enjoying the rest of your evening in revelry.

After a week of stunning scenery and overnight stays in decadent lodgings, spend your last moments soaking in Santiago de Compostela’s historic charm before it’s time to continue your homeward journey.