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Spiritual Variant of the Camino de Santiago Portugues from Porto (by the coast)

15 Days
166 miles | 268 Km
Oporto - Santiago de Compostela
From
15 Days
166 miles | 268 Km
Oporto - Santiago de Compostela
From
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Spiritual Variant of the Camino de Santiago Portugues from Porto (by the coast)

15 Days
166 miles | 268 Km
Oporto - Santiago de Compostela
Personalised Quotation
Luggage Transfers
24/7 Travel Assistance
Selected Accommodations

Discover the Spiritual Variant of the Camino Portugues starting in the vibrant city of Porto. Walk along the coastal area of Portugal as you pass through the beautiful towns of Povoa de Varzim, Esposende and Viana do Castelo. The walking tour immerses you in the stunning Jacobean landscapes, which will delight you with the sea views and the valuable architectural and historical richness of Portugal and Spain.

Your journey ends at the enigmatic Cathedral in the city of Santiago de Compostela. Explore the cultural and scenic richness of the Spiritual Variant of the Camino Portugues! Explore the most significant localities of the Spiritual Variant, in the region of O Salnes. Discover, along 166 miles, the coastal beauty of Portugal and Spain.

Delight yourself with the exquisite gastronomy of the region of Galicia and enjoy the emblematic octopus "a" feira. Go through, at your own rate, along the quiet paths of the Spiritual Variant. Visit the beautiful and traditional fishing villages of the Spiritual Variant of the Camino Portugues.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Porto

The charming city of Porto is in charge of welcoming you to this fascinating tour. You can visit Ribeira, its UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town, and dine in one of the pier's beautiful restaurants on the banks of the River Douro.

Overnight in Porto

Porto City Hotel

This hotel in Porto offers all the comforts for a great stay. The rooms have private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi service.
You can also enjoy a delicious breakfast to start your day.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.

Day 2 - Porto to Povoa de Varzim 16,7 miles | 27 km

Today you will walk along the coast and among the beautiful and traditional fishing villages. You can stop and visit the San Paio castro. Discovered in the 1950s, it is the only marine castro in the Portuguese part of the northwest peninsula.


Ascent: 31m (101ft) / Descent: 38m (124ft)

Overnight in Povoa de Varzim

Hotel Avenida

The rooms at this hotel have a private bathroom, free Wi-Fi, cable TV and a mini-bar.
The property is located very close to a beach area where you can find a variety of hotels and bars.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.

Day 3 - Povoa de Varzim to Esposende 13,6 miles | 22 km

Before embarking on the road today, you will get to know a little more about Povoa de Varzim, a city that in the 18th century was the main fishing port in the north of the country. On your way to Esposende, you will have the option to visit the Convent of Santa Clara, one of the largest and richest in Portugal, founded in 1318. From there, you can enjoy the incredible views of the beautiful landscapes that surround it. Fao: in case there is no availability in Esposende, we will accommodate you in Fao, a small neighbouring village, only 3 km away.


Ascent: 0m (0ft) / Descent: 0m (0ft)

Overnight in Esposende

Hotel Suave Mar

This hotel is located just a few metres from the Atlantic Ocean and offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
This accommodation has multiple facilities and a restaurant, where you can enjoy a good breakfast.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.

Day 4 - Esposende to Viana do Castelo 14,9 miles | 24 km

Today, the pilgrim trail will take you inland, where you can enjoy incredible landscapes and walk on the banks of the River Neiva.

Later you will arrive in Viana do Castelo, considered one of the most beautiful cities in northern Portugal. Walk through its streets and discover its fascinating heritage. You can also visit the Basilica of Santa Luzia, located on a mountain top, from where you can observe the city, located next to the sea and the mouth of the River Lima.


Ascent: 148m (486ft) / Descent: 151m (495ft)

Overnight in Viana do Castelo

Hotel Laranjeira

Located in the coastal town of Viana do Castelo, this hotel offers rooms with private bathroom, TV and free Wi-Fi.
A continental breakfast is served here.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.

Day 5 - Viana do Castelo to Ancora 11,8 miles | 19 km

Today you can choose between walking inland or along the coast. The first option will allow you to follow the official path of the traditional yellow arrows and the second to enjoy the breeze and tranquillity of the Atlantic coast, while discovering some charming fishing villages.


Ascent: 183m (600ft) / Descent: 69m (226ft)

Overnight in Ancora

Hotel Meira

Located a few metres from the Atlantic Ocean, its beautiful rooms feature a TV and a private bathroom.
The restaurant serves a delicious buffet breakfast and offers Portuguese cuisine.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.

Day 6 - Ancora to A Guarda 8 miles | 13 km

Today you will leave Portugal behind to enter Spain. To get to Caminha, you can continue along the coastal route, and from there you will have to take a ferry to cross the River Minho and reach Pasaxe, Galicia. Then you will continue towards A Guarda and if you want to enjoy incredible views you can ascend Mount San Trega, at 341 metres of altitude, where you will find one of the most interesting and well-preserved Galaicos-Roman castros.


Ascent: 111m (364ft) / Descent: 177m (580ft)

Overnight in A Guarda

Hotel Eli-Mar

This hotel is located close to several beaches and offers spacious rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
The accommodation has a bar and a buffet breakfast is served in the dining room.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.

Day 7 - A Guarda to Baiona 18,6 miles | 30 km

Discover Galician lands on a charming tour that will take you through beautiful landscapes and always enjoying the magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean. Take beautiful postcard views from Cape Silerio and the Monastery of Santa Maria de Oya, a building dating from the 12th century and considered the main monument in the municipality of Oya. Later on, you will arrive in Baiona, the first port in Europe where, with the arrival of La Pinta, and the discovery of America, was announced. There you can visit places that precisely refer to this event as are the Monument to the Encounter between Two Worlds or the Pinta Caravel Museum.


Ascent: 48m (157ft) / Descent: 80m (262ft)

Overnight in Baiona

El Mosquito

Located in the charming town of Baiona, this accommodation is within walking distance of several beaches.
It offers rooms equipped with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.

Day 8 - Baiona to Vigo 16,2 miles | 26 km

Today, you will have the freedom to choose the route that best suits your tastes and needs. After crossing the Romanesque La Ramallosa bridge, dating back to the 13th century, and crossing the River Minor, you can continue along the coast and, why not, enjoy a little of the beach in Nigran. Another possibility is to walk inland, where you will also have the option to choose to go through O Freixo, a town in the municipality of Outes. Whatever your decision, you can enjoy the incredible views of the Bay of Vigo and the Cies Islands, a beautiful archipelago located in the province of Pontevedra, in the northwest of Spain. When in Vigo, you can walk through its charming streets and get to know the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria, a construction dating from the early 19th century, or the house of Estanislao Duran, an architectural jewel of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.


Ascent: 217m (712ft) / Descent: 223m (732ft)

Overnight in Vigo

Hotel Compostela

Enjoy a pleasant night in this comfortable hotel located in Vigo.
All rooms have private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.

Day 9 - Vigo to Arcade 14,3 miles | 23 km

After leaving Vigo behind, you will enter the Bay of Vigo, pass through Sete Fontes and later you can make a stop in Redondela, known as the village of the viaducts, as you will find the Madrid and Pontevedra viaducts there, both from the 19th century. In addition, in this municipality, the Camino Portugues Coastal Route and the Camino Portugues Interior Route converge. Later, on your way to Arcade, the Galician oyster and seafood capital of the world, you can enjoy the incredible views over the Vigo Estuary, one of the deepest geographical features in the Rías Baixas in Galicia.


Ascent: 482m (1,581ft) / Descent: 439m (1,440ft)

Overnight in Arcade

Hotel Duarte

This family hotel offers rooms equipped with a private bathroom, TV and free Wi-Fi.
The accommodation has a restaurant and a nice bar.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.

Day 10 - Arcade to Pontevedra 7,5 miles | 12,1 km

Today will be a short walk. You will start by crossing the River Verdugo over Ponte Sampaio, a medieval bridge recognized for having been the scene of the last battle in Galicia against Napoleon's army, where he was defeated. Then you will continue along a cobbled path until you encounter several towns and you will have charming panoramic views of the Bay of Vigo. Later you will continue to Pontevedra, a city that is definitely worth knowing. Enjoy a walk through its historic quarter and take advantage of its exquisite gastronomy. A must-see is the Shrine of the Virgin Pilgrim, one of the most emblematic buildings dating from the 18thcentury and where Our Lady, the Virgin Pilgrim is venerated.


Ascent: 64m (209ft) / Descent: 76m (249ft)

Overnight in Pontevedra

Hotel Avenida Pontevedra

Located in Pontevedra, this accommodation offers rooms with private bathroom, TV and free Wi-Fi access.
Enjoy its cosy bar and a delicious buffet breakfast.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.

Day 11 - Pontevedra to Monasterio de Santa Maria de Armenteira 14,4 miles | 23,2 km

You will start the day leaving the enigmatic city of Pontevedra to enter the beautiful region of O Salnes. On your way to the Monastery of Santa Maria de Armenteira, you will come across the baroque church of San Pedro de Campaño, which dates back to the Middle Ages and was rebuilt in the 18th century. You will continue to the beautiful parish church of San Xoan de Poio, which has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest since 1971. You will then continue to the coastal town of Combarro, where you can visit the beach of Padron and the horreos (raised granaries) located on the seashore. You will end your journey at the Monastery of Santa Maria de Armenteira, a building with more than 800 years of history. It is currently inhabited by Cistercian nuns.


Ascent: 453m (1,486ft) / Descent: 203m (666ft)

Overnight in Armenteira

Casa Carballo de Prado 1900

This charming accommodation stands out for its family atmosphere and natural surroundings. It has cozy rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
You will start the day with a filling breakfast and you can also enjoy its garden and bar.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.

Day 12 - Monasterio de Santa Maria de Armenteira to Vilanova de Arousa 14,1 miles | 22,7 km

Today, you will walk along the outstanding "Ruta da Pedra e da Auga", a route that runs along the banks of the Armenteira River. You will see several water mills, some wholly abandoned and others restored. Further on, you will come across the Umia River, one of the most important tributaries of the province of Pontevedra, which you will follow for a long stretch. You will leave its banks at the village of Ponte Arnelas. Once there, you will head towards the coast in the direction of Vilanova de Arousa. In this small coastal town, you can visit the Casa Museo de Valle Inclan, declared a National Historic Monument in 1976, and enjoy its beautiful beaches: O Terron and Castelete.


Ascent: 105m (344ft) / Descent: 356m (1,167ft)

Overnight in Vilanova de Arousa

Hotel Leal La Sirena

Located in the coastal town of Vilanova de Arousa, has comfortable and bright rooms, private bathroom, TV and free Wi-Fi.
You can enjoy a complete breakfast and taste traditional dishes in its restaurant.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.

Day 13 - Vilanova de Arousa to Padron 1,2 miles | 1,9 km

You will start the day with an included boat transfer from Vilanova de Arousa to Pontecesures. This boat tour will allow you to contemplate the Ulla River, one of the most outstanding rivers in Galicia. Arriving at Pontecesures, you will take a short walk along the banks of the Sar River until you reach Padron, a village in the province of La Coruña, famous for its peppers. In Padron, you can stroll through its charming streets and visit the Convent do Carmen, built in the 18th century, or the Church of Santiago, built just a few meters from where the disciples of Santiago moored the boat in which they transported the body of the Apostle.


Ascent: 187m (613ft) / Descent: 109m (357ft)

Overnight in Padron

Casa Antiga Do Monte

Casa Antiga do Monte offers its guests an authentic and quality rural tourism.
The rooms are warm and fully equipped, with private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.

Day 14 - Padron to Santiago de Compostela 16 miles | 25,7 km

Start the route by crossing the small and characteristic villages until you reach A Escravitude, where you can pause to visit its sanctuary and the fountain at the bottom, which has curative powers according to the story. Later, you continue along a path of oak trees until you start a 0,14 miles ascent, which takes you to Agros dos Monteiros, the highest point of this hiking route. Afterward, you will pass near the Castle of Rocha Forte or Churruchaos, which in ancient times was a symbol of feudal oppression over the inhabitants of the region. Gradually, the arrows that indicate the way will disappear, giving you a sign that you are close to reaching the culmination point of this unforgettable pilgrimage route. You will enter the old quarter of the city, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, through Porta Faxeira. As you take Rua do Franco, the excitement will begin to take hold of you. You will be just a few steps away from the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where the remains of the apostle Santiago lie. If you prefer, you can divide this stage into 2, staying overnight in Parada de Francos.


Ascent: 226m (741ft) / Descent: 140m (459ft)

Overnight in Santiago de Compostela

Hospedería San Martin Pinario

This historic monastery is the perfect place to relax in the heart of Santiago de Compostela, combining Galician tradition with maximum comfort.
Enjoy its rooms with private bathroom, free Wi-Fi and a good breakfast.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.

Day 15 - Santiago de Compostela



Before you return home, it is definitely worth taking a little more time to discover the fascinating city of Santiago de Compostela. Walk through its splendid old town and get to know the dozens of churches, palaces, convents and squares such as Quintana, Obradoiro and O Toural. You can also head to the banks of the River Sar and visit the beautiful Santa Maria Collegiate church dating back to the 12th century, and declared a National Monument in 1895. End of our services.



Itinerary Map

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    Services

    Included

    • Accommodation in en suite rooms
    • Breakfasts
    • Luggage transfers between accommodations
    • Camino de Santiago pilgrim credential
    • Tickets for the boat trip from Vilanova de Arousa to Pontecesures
    • Information dossier with maps and routes
    • 24-hour telephone support
    • Assistance vehicle in case of emergency
    • Travel insurance
    • Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
    • Taxes

    Extras

    • Cancellation insurance
    • Additional nights
    • Dinners
    • Picnics

    Accomodation

    General information


    The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available. Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip. The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip. We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible. The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.


    Room types


    It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms. All rooms have private bathrooms.

    Travel & Transfers

    Our recommendation is to fly to Porto Airport (OPO). You will find 24 hour taxis at the airport, which will take you to the city center in 15 minutes. If you can not find flights to Porto, the second option is to fly to Lisbon Airport (LIS). From Lisbon you can take a train to Porto from "Oriente station". The train company that normally operates this line is Comboios de Portugal”. At the end of your trip in Santiago de Compostela, we recommend flying from Santiago de Compostela airport (SCQ), which is only 15 minutes from the city center. As there is always a big choice of taxis and bus lines running every 10 minutes to the airport, you will be able to return easily.

    FAQs

    Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?

    Absolutely! Each traveller has included 1 piece of luggage that we will transfer between your accommodations. It's important that this piece of luggage meets the following criterias:

    • Maximum weight of 45 lbs (20 kg).
    • Must be only 1 piece of luggage without any attachments or accessories.
    • Should not contain valuables, fragile items, food or medications.
    • Must be correctly identified (booking reference of your trip and the full name of the trip holder).

    The approximate luggage delivery time will be at 4:00 PM.

    What is the best time of year to do this trip?

    You can visit the Camino de Santiago at any time of the year. To choose the time that best suits your needs and tastes, you only have to take into account the season and the weather conditions.

    How far in advance should I book my trip?

    We recommend that you book as soon as you are sure about your dates, as accommodation can fill up very quickly in this area.

    What equipment do I need to bring?

    Once you make your reservation we will send you all the detailed information about the specific equipment you need for this route, considering recommendations for shoes, boots, clothes and a day-to day backpack.

    Do I need to take out travel insurance?

    Yes, this is a requirement to book with us. It's important that this insurance covers your activities, emergency evacuation, and hospital care.

    Will I be free to choose my walks on this route?

    Since it is a self-guided walking holiday, we will give you the instructions for the walking routes and provide you with detailed maps so you can enjoy them at your own pace, safely and with the certainty of always being accompanied by Orbis Ways.

    What does the complete route itinerary consist of?

    The full route itinerary will be sent to you one month before the trip, along with accommodation reservations and baggage transfers. There you can find maps, places of interest and route profiles.

    What should I know about the accommodation?

    All rooms in all accommodations on this tour are private, have an ensuite bathroom and all the comforts necessary to spend an excellent night after a day of walking.

    What should my physical preparation be?

    Before setting off for the Camino de Santiago, it is recommended that both people who live a sedentary life, and those who exercise, physically prepare for a couple of months previously, taking daily walks or at least three times a week, and increasing the amount of time and kilometres that they travel.

    Can some of the longer stages of the itinerary be divided?

    Yes, below is a list of all the stages that we can divide, so that you do not have to walk so many daily kilometres:

    • Póvoa de Varzim to Esposende (with overnight in Apulia).
    • Viana do Castelo to Ancora (with overnight in Afife).
    • Ancora to A Guarda (with overnight in Caminha).
    • A Guarda to Baiona (with overnight in Oya).
    • Baiona to Vigo (with overnight in Nigrán).
    • Vigo to Arcade (with overnight in Redondela).
    • Padrón to Santiago de Compostela (with overnight in Parada de Francos).

    There are some stages that cannot be divided as our quality department has determined that it is not recommended based on our standards. This is because luggage cannot be transported or there are no accommodations available.

    For the stages you find longer, you can take a taxi in the morning after breakfast, to drop you off at a point along the way where you can guarantee to finish the stage. This is the most popular option with walkers.

    You can also take a look at these other options of the Camino Portugues.

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