Portuguese Camino
Experience Overview
Challenge yourself to a journey from pretty Porto to the historic Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela on a 10-day alternative coastal Camino trail. This Portuguese Camino trail passes through coastal Baiona, Vigo and Redondela, and joins the pilgrim route onwards to Pontevedra, Caldas de Reis and Padron, finishing in Santiago de Compostela. You’ll embark on a journey through the countryside in mostly north-western Spain, retracing the ‘Way of Saint James’, trekking past the Bay of Vigo and visiting old churches and quaint villages. As one of the three most important Christian pilgrimages, you’ll take part in a powerful journey through some idyllic landscapes and beautiful towns.
Highlights
- Journey this mostly coastal walk to Santiago de Compostela – a lesser-known trail with fewer pilgrims along the way.
- Feast on some of the best Spanish seafood and Albarino wine in Arcade, on a substantial lunch stop on the way to Pontevedra.
- Trek a fair distance each day, but be able to relax along the way, with a dedicated rest day in seaside Vigo.
- Take a load off – literally! Your luggage will be transferred between your accommodation each day, meaning you’ll only have to carry a day pack, and your luggage will be waiting at your hotel.
- Visit one of the local wineries in the region of Caldas de Rei and have the opportunity to soak in the renowned hot springs in the area.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3270
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private minivan,Taxi,Walking
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: ZMXG
Starts: Porto, Portugal
Finishes: Santiago de Compostela, Portugal
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Demanding
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (9), Dinner (1)Accommodation: Hotel (9 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,920 ($292 /day)
Itinerary
Ola! Welcome to Portugal. Your Camino adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 6 or 7 pm (please check welcome note at hotel lobby for details). As this trip spends very little time in Porto, we recommend you spend arrive a day or two before your trip if you want to experience all the city has to offer. Stretching along the banks of the River Douro, Porto is one of Portugal's most romantic cities, known for majestic bridges, medieval riverside district with its cobbled streets, merchants’ houses and cafes. After your meeting, your group might like to get together and head riverside to find a delicious dinner.
Included Activities:
- Porto - Pilgrim passport collection
Optional Activities:
- Porto - Clerigos Tower (8 EUR)
- Porto - Bolhao Market - Free
- Porto - Livraria Lello (8 EUR)
- Porto - Serralves Foundation (24 EUR)
- Porto - Port Wine Tasting (10 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, transfer to Oia and begin your Camino. This walk you’re embarking on makes up the final section of the Portuguese Coastal Walk, and most of your time is actually spent in north-western Spain around 20 kilometres from the Portuguese border. Oia is a small coastal town and marks the beginning of your walk. Take the 19-kilometre journey to seaside Baiona. Once arrived, you can stroll along the port, visit the impressive Monte Real fortress and taste the best of the Rias Biaxas seafood and white wine, before you start your journey to Santiago de Compostela tomorrow.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, hug the coastline from Baiona to Nigran on your way to the city of Vigo. With your trail along the water, pass by beautiful seascapes of the magnificent Bay of Vigo, with the acclaimed Illas Cies natural park on the horizon. These rugged islands form a main focal point of the bay. If you do happen to be walking on a hot day, why not cool off with a swim at Praia De Samil beach in Navia? Arrive in Vigo in the late afternoon, ready for a leisure day tomorrow.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is free for you to do as you please in Vigo. Vigo is a city cradled by the mountains on one side and the sea on the other, flourishing from a humble fishing village into this region’s most populated city. Perhaps pack a picnic and stroll around parquet Monte del Castro, or head in town and enjoy some local seafood, like oysters, gambas, lubinas and more. If you’re feeling more active, stroll to the Castro Fortress – a defence system built in 1665 in an attempt to protect the city from attacks from the British navy allies of Portugal. Now, the fortress is more so ruins, and is a perfect place to walk around the gardens and admire the surrounding views. In the evening, be sure to get a group together and head to dinner. Your leader will be able to provide all the recommendations you need!
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, continue the Camino on your way to Redondela. You will continue to follow the coastline and see the Bay of Vigo from different angles. As this is a shorter walking day, feel free to take in all of your surroundings and relax into the journey. Tonight, stop at Redondela for the evening. This city, at the upper end of the Bay of Vigo, is where you will finish your coastal walk, and will join the original Portuguese Camino trail.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is your last day along the coast and quite a short walking day, so do make the most of the seaside. On your way, you’ll stop by the fishing village of Arcade for an included tasting of their delicious oysters. If you’re still hungry afterwards, perhaps enjoy a relaxed seafood lunch and a glass of locally grown Albarino. Continue for about another 3 hours on your hike into Pontevedra. It will be mid-afternoon by the time you arrive, and you’ll have plenty of time to explore the old town with its many Romanesque churches and quaint granite squares.
Included Activities:
- Oyster tasting
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Head inland today, passing by beautiful chestnut groves and pine and eucalyptus woods on your way to Caldas de Rei. On your journey, you’ll visit the village of Ponte Cabras, and will have the chance to see the rectory of Santa Maria de Alba. Continue on your way past Lombo da Maceira with a statue of Saint James and the hamlet of Tivo with its fountain and public washing bath. Arrive in Caldas de Reis and spend the night here.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
From Caldas de Reis you will cross the river Umia and find the hot springs that have given the town its name since Roman times. The trail today takes you through forests and gradually climbs to the village of Santa Marina. On the way, enjoy an included visit to one of the nearby wineries to learn about the history of wine in this region. After stopping and looking around, continue on the trail through pine forests to tonight’s stop: the town of Padron.
Included Activities:
- Wine tasting in local bodega or vinoteca
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is your final day of walking and a longer journey, taking you through small villages and on to the historical sanctuary of A Escravitude. Keep an eye out for the ruins of Castro Lupario fort on a nearby hilltop. Make your way towards Agro dos Monteiros, catching a glimpse of the spires of the cathedral and passing the ruins of the castle of A Rocha Vella. As you come to the end of the final leg, you’ll walk through the town to the magnificent Plaza del Obradoiro and then to the gates of the marvellous Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. You’ve made it! Be sure to receive your Compostela certificate for your journey. After you’ve rested and freshened up, take the time to wander around the historic quarter of the city and get your group together for dinner. It’s definitely time for celebration!
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
With no walks or activities planned for today, you’re free to leave your accommodation at any time. If you wish to spend more time in Santiago de Compostela, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Optional Activities:
- Santiago de Compostela - Cathedral (12 EUR)
- Santiago de Compostela - Pilgrimage Museum - Free
- Santiago de Compostela - Bike Hire (10 EUR)
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Steven - Traveled, September 2023
Our guide, Adrian, was a fountain of knowledge about the ecology and plant life, geology, culture and history of Galicia. Along the walk, he pointed out trees, plants, natural features, local food specialties, and points of historical interest. The tip itself has an excellent itinerary, with the right length of walk each day, variety of scenery, and unique inclusions. A great value!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/01/2023
Betsy - Traveled, September 2023
The Portuguese Camino is a not to be missed adventure. It is one of the original Camino paths and an opportunity to walk north along the ocean and enjoy marvelous seafood. All the trip organization and support were flawless and the trip leader was superb. It is a long walk in a terrific setting and September was a great month to do it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/22/2023
Fiona - Traveled, September 2023
Buen Camino!! My husband and I had a wonderful experience on our 10 day walk. The beautiful scenery, delicious food, Spanish hospitality and our wonderful group of fellow travellers as well as our amazing guide Maria. So many wonderful memories.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/16/2023
Jeniffer - Traveled, September 2023
Portuguese Camiño was a great trip, enjoyed the walking experience. Highly recommend the trip and our leader Maria
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/20/2023
Michelle - Traveled, September 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this trip - the accommodation was great, the food delicious, the walking as good, interesting and challenging as expected. Everyone in the group was friendly and we had a great time together. The scenery was spectacular with friendly locals. Maria, our guide, was friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. It’s clear she loves what she does!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/17/2023
Fiona - Traveled, September 2023
Buen Camino!! My husband and I had a wonderful experience on our 10 day walk. The beautiful scenery, delicious food, Spanish hospitality and our wonderful group of fellow travellers as well as our amazing guide Maria. So many wonderful memories.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/16/2023
Jeniffer - Traveled, September 2023
Portuguese Camino was an excellent experience. Highly recommend the trip. Maria was a fantastic leader.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2023
Leendert - Traveled, September 2023
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/11/2023
Karen - Traveled, September 2023
My husband and I walked the Portuguese Camino- it gave us time together to reassess our lives and engage with like-minded people along the way. A fantastic journey which I would recommend to everyone.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/10/2023
Rebecca - Traveled, June 2023
A transformative experience in beautiful surroundings, the Portuguese Camino is a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Intrepid’s knowledgeable guides and attention to detail made this a 10/10 travel memory.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/26/2023
Sarah - Traveled, June 2023
This trip was amazing! Only do it if you appreciate long walks. But do it even if you don’t because Mariela is the best tour leader for the Portuguese Camino
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/26/2023
Maria - Traveled, April 2024
This is a great trip for enthusiastic walkers although definitely good fitness is required especially on the hot days. The inclusions were great and our guide was a 10 out of 10!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/29/2023
Sarah - Traveled, June 2023
This trip was amazing! Only do it if you appreciate long walks. But do it even if you don’t because Mariela is the best tour leader for the Portuguese Camino
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/26/2023
Maria - Traveled, June 2023
This is a great trip for enthusiastic walkers although definitely good fitness is required especially on the hot days. The inclusions were great and our guide was a 10 out of 10!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/29/2023
Angela - Traveled, June 2023
A really well paced walk with beautiful scenery to soak in along the way. Make the most of your evenings by wandering around the towns & exploring its churches & eateries, & getting a few bonus pilgrim stamps. A great way to see some of Spain's North West. Bon Camino!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/24/2023
Richard - Traveled, July 2023
The Portuguese Camino is a terrific walk along beautiful coastlines, through quaint villages and picturesque countryside on a range of paths. Our ever-smiling leader Francisca was magnificent at making the group feel connected from the outset.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/24/2023
Clare - Traveled, May 2023
A great trip overall. Our group leader Cristina was excellent! So informative and knowledgable, and with a great sense of humour. She went out of her way to ensure that we all had a super Camino!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/03/2023
Catherine - Traveled, May 2023
Fabulous Camino trip - well organized and led, great group of like minded and fun people with a wonderful cultural and historical experience and gourmet food added to make it that extra bit special! A once in a lifetime experience!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/21/2023
Pamela - Traveled, May 2023
I’ve just completed Intrepid’s Portugese Camino, and loved it although the walking was very challenging. We had outstanding leadership from Cristina Diaz, a local guide, who walked with us and ensured a table with Fred cooked food was often waiting for us at our interim stops. Highly recommend but you need to be fit!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/02/2023
Cathriona - Traveled, May 2023
Cristina Diaz is an excellent tour leader and made the trip an enjoyable experience for everyone.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/02/2023
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