More and more routes are becoming available to pilgrims walking to Santiago de Compostela, but the Portuguese routes remain among the most popular choices. Let’s explore the stages of the Portuguese Coastal Way from A Guarda, including maps, distances and everything you need to know to plan your journey.
The Portuguese Coastal Way from A Guarda
The Portuguese Coastal Way has grown remarkably in popularity in recent years. Although it is one of the younger Camino de Santiago routes in terms of official recognition, it has quickly become the third most popular Camino route, after the French Way and the Portuguese Central Way. In 2025, around 89,500 pilgrims received their Compostela after walking this route. Source: 2025 Camino statistics.
Many pilgrims choose Baiona as the starting point for the final 100 km of the Portuguese Coastal Way. However, others prefer to start a stage earlier in A Guarda to enjoy the spectacular coastal scenery along the stretch between A Guarda and Baiona.
As you walk north, you will be treated to wonderful views of the Atlantic Ocean on your left, making this section a particularly memorable part of the journey. It is also a great opportunity to discover the region’s rich seafood tradition and sample some of Galicia’s finest local produce. If you are planning to walk this section in early July, look out for the A Guarda Lobster Festival (Festa da Langosta), a popular local event celebrating the town’s seafood cuisine. Check the dates for the year of your visit, as they may vary.
From Redondela onwards, the Portuguese Coastal Way joins the Portuguese Central Way, and the two routes share the same itinerary to Santiago de Compostela. As you continue from Pontevedra, you will gradually leave the Atlantic coastline behind and discover the peaceful rural landscapes of inland Galicia, which are well worth exploring in their own right.
Number of Pilgrims on the Portuguese Coastal Way
The Portuguese Coastal Way has experienced significant growth in recent years. For obvious reasons, we will exclude the 2020 figures, as the COVID-19 pandemic severely restricted travel and the number of pilgrims able to walk the Camino de Santiago.
Looking at the years leading up to the pandemic, the route was already gaining popularity. In 2018, 13,841 pilgrims arrived in Santiago de Compostela via the Portuguese Coastal Way, almost twice as many as in the previous year.
In 2019, the Portuguese Coastal Way ranked third among the most popular Camino de Santiago routes, with 22,292 pilgrims, representing 6.41% of all pilgrims who received their Compostela that year. You can explore more figures in our article on how many pilgrims walk the Camino de Santiago each year.
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Is the Portuguese Coastal Way an Official Camino Route?
Yes. The Portuguese Coastal Way is officially recognised as a Camino de Santiago route in Galicia. This recognition acknowledges the route’s historical and cultural significance as a historic pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela.
Its historical importance is linked to evidence of medieval pilgrimage activity, including the existence of two pilgrim hospitals along the route. Official recognition also supports the route’s preservation and management, including the maintenance of waymarking, walking paths and related infrastructure. However, the availability and condition of facilities may vary along the route.
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Stages of the Portuguese Coastal Way from A Guarda
Stage 1: A Guarda to Baiona (33 km)
The first stage, from A Guarda to Baiona, is relatively long but rewarding, thanks to its spectacular ocean views and generally moderate terrain. However, if you prefer to split this or other stages into two days, that is absolutely possible. At Galiwonders, we offer tailored itineraries, such as our easy Portuguese Coastal Way itinerary, allowing each pilgrim to walk at their own pace.
Both the fishing town of A Guarda and the historic coastal town of Baiona are well worth exploring. Along the way, you can also stop to admire the famous 12th-century Cistercian Monastery of Oia, a remarkable landmark right by the Atlantic coast.
While this stretch can be a beautiful experience for walkers, some sections may be challenging for cyclists. For this reason, we recommend that pilgrims travelling by bike take the stone ramp from Area Grande Beach up to the PO-552 road and follow the cycle lane towards Baiona. This provides a more suitable alternative to the rougher coastal path in this section.
Stage 2: Baiona to Vigo (23 km)
Today’s stage is shorter than the previous one, although it still presents a few challenges. Leaving behind Baiona, considered one of the most beautiful towns along the Camino de Santiago, you’ll continue towards Vigo, the largest city in Galicia. Get ready for a striking contrast between the peaceful coastal landscapes of the previous stages and the lively, bustling atmosphere of a major city.
Along this stretch, you’ll continue to enjoy beautiful coastal scenery and seaside beaches. If you’re walking the Camino during the warmer months, you may even have the chance to take a refreshing dip in the sea.
Vigo is also a popular starting point for pilgrims who want to walk the final 100 km of the Portuguese Coastal Way. This distance meets the minimum requirement for obtaining the Compostela, provided you complete the required walking distance and fulfil the other requirements set by the Pilgrim’s Reception Office.
Stage 3: Vigo to Redondela (15 km)
Today’s stage is considerably easier than the previous ones, and you can complete it in around three hours if you maintain a steady pace. Get ready for a pleasant walk through beautiful natural surroundings, as this section takes you along the Senda da Traída das Augas (Water Supply Trail), a scenic path featuring woodland, peaceful green landscapes and panoramic views over the Vigo estuary.
Once you reach Redondela, the Portuguese Coastal Way and the Portuguese Central Way merge, so you’ll notice more pilgrims on the trail from this point onwards.
Although this stage is relatively short, we recommend bringing some water and snacks with you, as there are limited places to stop for food along certain sections of the route.
If you’re feeling energetic, you can continue to Arcade, adding around 7 km to your walk and making the following day’s stage to Pontevedra a little shorter.
Want to see what’s in store? Take a look at the video below to get a preview of the route!
Stage 4: Redondela to Pontevedra (20 km)
As mentioned earlier, if you decided to walk a few extra kilometres during Stage 3, today’s walk to Pontevedra will be a little shorter.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of the Verdugo River as you pass through the historic village of Pontesampaio, just beyond Arcade. This village is best known for the Battle of Pontesampaio, which took place in 1809 during the Spanish War of Independence against Napoleon’s French forces.
After leaving Pontesampaio behind, get ready for a challenging climb that many pilgrims consider one of the toughest sections of the Portuguese Way: the ascent to A Canicouva. The steepest part lasts just over 1 km, with rocky, uneven terrain that can make the climb particularly challenging for cyclists.
Stage 5: Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis (21 km)
Today’s stage is relatively easy, with few changes in elevation and mostly straightforward paths along paved roads and dirt tracks.
We recommend stopping at the Barosa River Nature Park to cool off and discover one of Galicia’s beautiful natural spots. Surrounded by lush greenery, you’ll find traditional watermills and cascading waterfalls, making it the perfect place to enjoy a well-deserved break before continuing your journey.
Today’s walk ends in Caldas de Reis, a town renowned for its thermal waters, where you can relax and recharge before the next stage of your Camino.
Stage 6: Caldas de Reis to Padrón (19 km)
Today’s stage follows peaceful paths through the Galician countryside, passing small traditional villages along the way. There are a few uphill and downhill sections, but the changes in elevation are generally moderate, making for a pleasant day’s walk.
At the end of today’s stage, you’ll arrive in Padrón, famous for its small green Padrón peppers — some are hot, some are not! The town is also closely linked to the legend of St James the Apostle: according to tradition, Padrón was the first place on land reached by the boat carrying his remains to Galicia.
Padrón is also the birthplace of celebrated Spanish-language writers, including Rosalía de Castro and Camilo José Cela.
Stage 7: Padrón to Santiago de Compostela (24.5 km)
Today’s stage is one of the longest of your journey, so we recommend setting off early to avoid arriving too late in the day.
Your final stage has finally arrived, and soon you’ll be able to enjoy the wonderful city of Santiago de Compostela. After all the kilometres you’ve walked, reaching your destination is a moment to celebrate!
Don’t forget to apply for your Compostela certificate at the Pilgrim’s Reception Office once you arrive. Take some time to explore the city’s charming historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and celebrate the end of your Camino de Santiago adventure.
If you have enough time, we recommend starting your journey in Porto, giving you the opportunity to explore northern Portugal and discover charming coastal towns such as Esposende and Viana do Castelo.
However, if you only have time to walk the Galician section of the route, don’t worry — the natural beauty is just as impressive! Southern Galicia offers the chance to discover traditional fishing towns such as A Guarda, right on the border with Portugal, where you can explore ancient hillforts (castros), as well as the Monastery of Oia and Baiona, a historic town closely linked to the discovery of the Americas.
You’ll also pass through Vigo, the largest city in Galicia, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the Cíes Islands on the horizon.
Planning to walk this or another Camino de Santiago route? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. At Galiwonders, we’ll be delighted to help you plan the perfect itinerary for this unforgettable adventure.
Buen Camino!
