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Camino Portuguese Coastal

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The Portuguese Coastal Way, or Camino Portugués de la Costa, is a very popular alternative to the traditional Portuguese Way (which is basically an inland route). It has been declared an official Jacobean route very recently.

The terrain is not particularly challenging compared to other Camino walks, and the route stands out because of its spectacular views.

Suggested routes for the Portuguese Coastal Way

Besides the coastal landscapes, the route is also recognized because of its natural, artistic and cultural value (O Porto, Baiona, the view of the Cíes Islands…). There are different documents that state that the origin of the scallop shell as a symbol of the Camino de Santiago is located in the coast, between Porto and Vigo. According to the legend, a knight came out of the see covered by scallop shells.

The Portuguese Coastal Way was the route chosen by those pilgrims from overseas, that docked at the Portuguese ports to walk to Santiago de Compostela.

The route departs from Porto (same as the traditional Camino Portugués). Both ways follow different paths until Redondela, were they merge together until Santiago de Compostela.

It is possible to walk the full Portuguese Coastal Way, in 13 walking days, but our itineraries are completely flexible. We can adapt all the details to create the perfect Camino de Santiago tour.

During your walk in Portugal, you will be able to discover some of the most popular coastal towns of the country, such as Povoa de Varzim, Esposende, Viana do Castelo or Vila Praia de Áncora. From A Guarda onwards, the route continues through Spain.

Baiona marks the beginning of the last 100 km of the walk. This town of Southern Galicia was the first one who know about the discovery of America: Caravel la Pinta arrived in this port.

Vigo is also one of the most popular towns of the last 100 km of the Portuguese Coastal Way. You will be able to contemplate the Cíes Islands. Once in Redondela, the route joins together with the traditional one, which will allow to meet you other pilgrims on the way and discover with them really nice places like Pontevedra, Pontesampaio or the Barosa River Natural Park. And finally Padrón, where we strongly recommend you to taste the popular “Padrón Peppers” or “Pimientos de Padrón”.

In case you do not have enough time to walk more than 280 km, from Porto to Santiago, we recommend you to choose the last 100 km (the minimum required to get the certificate), from Baiona to Santigo. If you want to travel in style, we recommend you the Portuguese Coastal Way Lux Package. This way, you will be able to stay at the best accommodations on route, like the “Pazos”. These are historical constructions, where the kings and nobles used to stay from the XVIII to the XIX centuries.

Please keep reading all the information about all the Camino de Santiago tours. We will take care of all the details, so you can enjoy the walk.

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