Portugal Coastal Way to Santiago
Experience Overview
The Portuguese Coastal Way, connects Porto to the northern regions and became important in the 15th century. Before, it was mainly used by locals and those who disembarked in the ports.
The Camino along the coast is one of the most unique routes leading to the shrine. Along your way, you will be amazed by the kindness of the local people, the historical sites on route and the natural landscapes. Each step of the way is accompanied by a light sea breeze which invigorate the mind, challenging the body.
Each day there are moments to enjoy and appreciate, where the immensity of the ocean contrasts against the mountains that surround the Way, bringing emotions that will make you hold your breath. The kind-hearted local people, greet all walkers in a friendly way, trying to support each pilgrim in their mission to reach the next stage. The Coastal Way has a specific spirituality, experienced in a different manner by each pilgrim, which transforms each trip through nature into an emotional journey.
The mountains cross the valleys which reflect the brightness of the rivers and streams, reinvigorating each step of the way. Each day is a new idyllic scenery : admire the contrast between the tranquil beaches and the strong Atlantic waves. The sea breeze with a characteristic smell of seaweed that is drying on the sands, is the setting for a perfect painting.
You will feel The Santiago de Compostela devotion in each towns you will cross on the Coastal way. The unique landscapes attracts serenity. This trail is for those who are looking for new sensations, which go beyond the body and provide clarity to the mind. A journey that offers spiritual and cultural interests with breath-taking sceneries.
Profile
— 14 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of 2-star,3-star, and 4-star hotels — Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent — GPS route directions and maps
At a Glance
— 14 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of 2-star,3-star, and 4-star hotels — Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent — GPS route directions and maps
Trip For You
Route : Coastal path with a mix of Wooden boardwalks and pavements sandy beaches, countryside routes and forest path.
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There maybe others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The routes notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the hotels are normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
Eating Drinking
Along the Camino Portugués, here are local specialties you should add to your list of things to taste:
You can’t get more traditional in terms of Portuguese cuisine than salted cod or ‘bacalhau’ or grilled sardines.
Try Portugal’s classic ‘sopa de caldo verde’. Originally from the North of the country and similarly to its Galician ‘cousin’, ‘caldo verde’ basic ingredients are collard greens, potatoes, and onion, with many also adding sausage or other pork meat.
For the sweet tooth do not miss Pastel de Nata : The most famous one with custard tart. A crunchy pastry with exquisitely sweet custard.
Transfer Details
Alternative transfers
If you require alternative transfers (because you will be arriving at a different time to our standard flights), then we can usually arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge).
Weather Information
The climate here is long, warm summers and mild winters, with most rain falling in the winter months, but possible in all other months. Seasons are marked, with pleasant temperatures in the spring, in the summer and in the autumn. Heat waves can push up temperatures between mid June and September.
Highlights
— A spectacular walk on the coastal path from Porto to Santiago — Stamp your pilgrims passport in the villages, chapels, churches and cathedrals. — Medieval treasures, Atlantic landscapes and scrumptious seafood
Trip Details
Product Code: 22738
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport:
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: W14CP
Starts: Porto, Camino de Santiago
Finishes: Porto, Camino de Santiago
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
— All breakfasts — Luggage transfers between hotels — Walking Transfer — Pilgrim Passport and shellAccommodation
This tour offers a mix of accommodation from 2* to 4* hotels from rural family run hotel to modern luxury hotels in big cities.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,690 ($179 /day)
Itinerary
A UNESCO World Heritage City and best European City destination for 2013, 2014, and again for 2017, Porto is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The old centre boasts more than 1500 listed monuments, and the history of the traditional Port Wine can be explored by visiting many of the Port cellars which are open to the public. You stay at Porto Trindade**** (Breakfast included)
Walking transfer in the morning to Matosinhos Wooden boardwalks and pavements will lead you along the coastline via a series of wide sandy beaches, natural reserves and fishing villages to the historical coastal town of Vila do Conde. You stay at Hotel Brazao*** (Breakfast included)
Walk alongside the coast between flowers and sand dunes and across beaches. Then head north crossing the Coastal Natural Park in direction of Esposende, an old fishing village with a great setting on the estuary of the River Cavado. You stay at Hotel Suave Mar*** (Breakfast included)
Pass through various villages and some delightful sections of woodland and rivers. Discover Viana do Castelo, an attractive town famous for its ancient and contemporary architecture, offers magnificent views over the Lima valley and estuary with views of distant mountain ranges. You stay at Hotel Laranjeira** (Breakfast included)
Today's journey is mostly inland, with occasional coastal views from hillside villages. Enjoy the shade of the eucalyptus forest as you make your way uphill before descending to the low-key beachside resort town of Vila Praia de Ancora. You stay at Hotel Meira**** (Breakfast included)
Follow the coastal path to Moleda. Then continues to the charming town of Caminha. Option to walk through the pine forest beside the beach. Continue with a scenic ferry journey takes you across the Minho River to the fishing town of A Guarda in Spain. You stay at Hotel Vila da Guarda** (Breakfast included)
Before leaving A Guarda, do not miss the Santa Tegra Celtic settlement - the views are spectacular. Follow the Camino on the coastal way, going through the forest before reaching the seaside village of Oia, dominated by its 12th century monastery. You stay at Hotel Raina** (Breakfast included)
Start your day along fields, coastal villages before a total change of scenery and terrain as you reach the mountains. Continue through countryside before arriving at the medieval center of via two ancient churches. You stay at Hotel Anunciada** (Breakfast included)
From Santa Maria church, walk through the countryside offering peaceful paths and rivers. As your way climb, admire wonderful views before entering to Vigo via a park. You stay at Hotel Tres Luces*** (Breakfast included)
Start your day with peaceful hillside villages with beautiful views over the estuary and port. Then, head down to Arcade, a riverside town famous for its oysters. You stay at Hotel Duarte** (Breakfast included)
Leave Arcade via its iconic bridge. Follow ancient stone paths up through the forest. Enjoy a scenic detour along the River Tomeza to approach Pontevedra surrounded by birdsong and greenery. Explore the historical city centre, its vibrant squares and enjoy some tapas at a local bar. You stay at Hotel Virgen del Camino*** (Breakfast included)
Walk through the lovely countryside and peaceful forest to the riverside spa town of Caldas de Reis. This place is known for its thermal waters and for healing properties. Enjoy the thermal spring on the main square. You stay at Balneario Acuna** (Breakfast included)
Cross a luxuriant landscape alongside the Valga River. Several impressive churches and stone crosses line the route to Padron, the riverside town where St. James's body is said to have been laid to rest by his faithful followers. You stay at Pazo de Lestrove**** (Breakfast included)
The final stage of the Camino is going through Galician villages. Once you enter the medieval narrow streets of Santiago, the atmosphere changes while reaching the cathedral square. You stay at Hotel Lux Santiago*** (Breakfast included)
Explore the old city of Compostela before airport transfer.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Share a personalized trip brochure!
Why Choose Us?
We Work for You
Our goal to make you happy! That means ensuring our travel consultants have the best product knowledge and excellent customer service. A positive customer experience is our #1 goal!
Our Products
We offer an broad selection of travel products, including all-inclusive vacation packages, pre-packaged tours, custom travel itineraries, destination weddings, and luxury vacations.
Escapes Cares
We believe in giving back. When you book with us, you are contributing to tree planting through our partners at Veritree, as well ocean conservation though Oceana Canada.
