Portuguese Coastal Camino - Viana do Castelo to Santiago

Portuguese Coastal Camino - Viana do Castelo to Santiago

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12 Days From

$1850

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Tour Overview

Embark on a serene pilgrimage along "The Portuguese Camino - Coastal Way to Santiago," traversing the scenic landscapes of Portugal and Spain. This self-guided walking tour offers a quieter route, allowing you to savor the coastal beauty and lush greenery of Galicia. Delight in the culinary experiences and the charming towns along the way, from the medieval allure of Viana do Castelo to the historic Santiago de Compostela. Enjoy comfortable accommodations with ensuite facilities, daily breakfasts, and most dinners included. With luggage transfers and a digital information pack, your journey is well-supported, leaving you free to immerse yourself in the spiritual and natural wonders of this iconic trail. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Enjoying a quieter pilgrimage route

  • Experiencing culinary delights

  • Enjoying the mix of scenery from the coast to the greenery of Galicia

  • Walking to the fabled church of Santiago de Compostela

  • Exploring the medieval center of Viana do Castelo

  • Swimming in the Atlantic Ocean at Praia de Ancora

  • Taking a ferry from Caminha to A Guarda

  • Visiting the 13th Century church of Santa Maria in Pontevedra

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrive Viana Do Castelo

Location: Viana do Castelo

Accommodation Name: hotel

Make your own way to Viana do Castelo and check in to the first hotel. Viana do Castelo is a beautiful city located in the Minho region in North Portugal. With an appealing medieval centre, the 5th Century Cathedral and the Basilica of Santa Lucia, and beaches just outside the city there is plenty to see this afternoon.

Day 2 : Walk To Praia De Ancora (5Hrs, 19Km/11.8Mi)

Location: Praia de Ancora

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

The walk today is a gentle one, and you'll be sure to enjoy the sea-air as you walk along the coast. Your destination for the day is the small but charming town of Praia de Ancora. This afternoon you can take the opportunity to swim in the Atlantic ocean. Overnight Praia de Ancora.

Day 3 : On To Caminha, Then By Ferry To A Guarda (4Hrs, 15Km/9.3Mi)

Location: Caminha

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

As you leave Villa Prais de Ancora you'll continue onto the beach of Praia de Moledo. You then leave the coast slightly, walking through forest and back to a boardwalk before reaching Caminha, the last town before crossing into Spain on your ferry trip. You will need to take the ferry to A Guarda where you will overnight (ferry tickets to be purchased locally).

Day 4 : Continue To Viladesuso Or Oia (4Hrs, 13Km/8Mi Or 5.5Hrs, 19Km/11.8Mi)

Location: Oia

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Leaving from A Guardia this morning, the trail takes you around the peninsula, with ample opportunities to stop for a coffee or lunch and enjoy the magnificent beach scenery before continuing your walk to the lovely small village of Oia. Overnight Viladesuso or Oia.

Day 5 : Walk To Baiona (5.5Hrs, 19Km/11.8Mi Or 4Hrs, 13Km/8Mi)

Location: Baiona

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

The walk today is a real feast for all senses. For the first 10km the route takes you along a coastal footpath away from the main road. You then continue along picturesque coastline, walking along the boardwalk, all while enjoying stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. On a clear day you should be able to see the Cies islands. Overnight Baiona.

Day 6 : On To Vigo (6.5Hrs, 23Km/14.3Mi)

Location: Vigo

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

As you leave Baiona you will walk alongside sandy beaches for most of the day. There is also plenty of opportunities to take a break in a lovely seaside cafe along the way. This afternoon you will arrive in Vigo, a typical Galician town with a wide sandy beach. Walking along the harbour you'll arrive at your hotel for the night. Overnight Vigo.

Day 7 : Join The Main Portuguese Camino As You Walk To Arcade (5-6Hrs, 22Km/13.7Mi)

Location: Arcade

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

The route as you leave Vigo is mainly uphill. The uphill walking will reward you with specatacular views of the city and harbour. Continue walking though to Redondela where you will join the main Portuguese Camino route and then on to Arcade. Overnight Arcade.

Day 8 : A Shorter Walk To Pontevedra (3.5-4Hrs, 14Km/8.7Mi)

Location: Pontevedra

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

On today's walk you will cross a Romanesque bridge which is where Napoleon was defeated by the Spanish during the War of Independence. As you arrive into Pontevedra you will head through the narrow streets before reaching the 13th Century church of Santa Maria. Overnight Pontevedra.

Day 9 : Walk To Caldas De Reis (6-7Hrs, 21Km/13Mi)

Location: Caldas de Reis

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Most of this stage is through woodland and countryside along gentle river valleys with virtually no climbing. Closer to Caldas de Reis the route crosses the N550 and follows this road for short sections. Located between the Umia and Bermana rivers, the town of Caldas developed as a result of its thermal waters and continues to be a major health spa. The botanical gardens next to the river are lovely for some respite from the walk. Overnight Caldas de Reis.Option to upgrade to a comfortable 4 star inn with pool or 3 star rural inn - supplement applies and must be requested when initially booking the trip.

Day 10 : Via The River Valleys Of Bermana And Valga To Padron (5-6Hrs, 19Km/11.8Mi)

Location: Padron

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This is a beautiful walk through the Bermana river valley before dropping down into
the Valga valley, one short climb. Two short stages of main road, leaving Caldas and entering Padron. The town is lovely, set on the banks of the Sar and Ulla rivers, with some St James relics to be seen at the Igrexa de Santiago (church). Overnight Padron.

Day 11 : Through Galician Villages To Santiago (6-7Hrs, 26Km/16.2Mi)

Location: Santiago

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

The final day takes you through pine, oak and eucalyptus wood, then approaching Santiago the route follows some sections of main road. Arrival in the historic city of Santiago. Overnight Santiago.

Day 12 : Trip Concludes Santiago De Compostela

Location: Santiago de Compostela

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast.
If you'd like to stay an extra night in Santiago please ask for our rates.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    11 nights in comfortable hotels

  • 11 breakfasts, 9 dinners. Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices. Dinner will consist of 3 courses, usually starting with a salad, followed by a chicken, red meat, fish or pasta dish & finishing with a de

  • 11 nights in comfortable hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities. Optional hotel upgrade at Caldas de Rei - supplement applies - must be requested at time of booking

  • Digital information pack with route notes, maps & GPX

  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess

  • Pilgrim Passport

  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Viana do Castelo and from Santiago de Compostela

  • Meals not listed as included, drinks

  • Travel insurance

  • Guide – this is a self guided walking trip

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What's Not Included

  • Travel to and from the Tour

    Travel to Viana do Castelo and from Santiago de Compostela is not included.

  • Meals and Drinks

    Meals not listed as included and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is mandatory.

  • Tour Guide

    A tour guide is not included as this is a self-guided walking trip.

  • Solo Traveler Supplement

    A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.

  • Entrance Fees

    Entrance fees not listed as included are excluded.

  • Transfers

    Transfers not listed as included are excluded. This includes transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage.

  • Ferry Ticket

    The ferry ticket on day 3 is not included.

  • Excess Luggage

    A supplement applies for excess luggage.

  • Personal Items

    Items of a personal nature are not included.

Grading

Daily walks are between 13-26km (8-16.2mi) on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to hilly. The trail takes you along quiet rural roads, occasionally on the verges of roads with traffic. Some of the route is on walking trails away from the road and there are often alternative routes available. Route finding is reasonably straight forward following the yellow arrows and granite pillars (showing distance to Santiago), however you still need to be vigilant as markers from other trails can be confusing (refer below for further details on self guided adventures). However our notes include hints and pointers to help you navigate the route. The route will inevitably cross main roads close to cities and towns, although the majority is on side roads and walking trails. The main areas to concentrate on route finding are arriving and leaving towns and cities. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. ...more ...less

What You Carry

As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, good walking boots / shoes, water bottle, lunch supplies, mobile phone and sun protection etc.

Mode of Transport

Travel to Viana do Castelo and from Santiago de Compostela is included, with additional transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage.

Accommodation

Enjoy 11 nights in comfortable hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities, ensuring a restful stay after each day's journey.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes 11 breakfasts and 9 dinners. Breakfasts are usually continental, inclusive of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee, and juices. Dinners will consist of 3 courses, usually starting with a salad, followed by a chicken, red meat, fish, or pasta dish, and finishing with a dessert. ...more ...less

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    You will stay in comfortable hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities for 11 nights.

  • Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?

    Yes, luggage transfer is provided. You can transfer one piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 20kg. A supplement applies for excess luggage.

  • Will I receive any information to help me navigate the route?

    Yes, you will receive a digital information pack that includes route notes, maps, and GPX files to help you navigate the route.

  • Is there any emergency support available during the tour?

    Yes, there is an emergency hotline available for support during the tour.

  • Do I need to arrange my own travel to and from the starting and ending locations?

    Yes, you need to arrange your own travel to Viana do Castelo and from Santiago de Compostela.

  • Is this a guided tour?

    No, this is a self-guided walking trip. You will not have a tour guide.

  • What should I carry with me during the walks?

    As the walks are fully supported, you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements, including wet weather gear, good walking boots or shoes, a water bottle, lunch supplies, a mobile phone, and sun protection.

  • What is the difficulty level of the daily walks?

    Daily walks are between 13-26km (8-16.2mi) on well-marked trails over diverse terrain, ranging from relatively flat to hilly. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.

  • Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?

    Yes, additional costs include meals not listed as included, drinks, travel insurance, entrance fees not listed as included, and transfers not listed as included. A supplement will also apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.

  • How fit do I have to be?

    Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.

  • What happens if something goes wrong?

    On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.

  • I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?

    Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

J. Nicholls(Watford, United Kingdom)  

Portuguese Coastal Camino - Viana do Castelo to Santiago

17 Oct 2023

The Portuguese Camino - Coastal Way was an amazing trip. It was our first walking holiday and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. The organisation was brilliant. Everything progressed very smoothly pre-trip and during the trip. The transfer of our luggage went well and without any hiccups, to our relief. All of the accommodation was great. The scenery is breathtaking and the various towns and villages along the route are beautiful and interesting. We are definitely planning another walking holiday! ...more ...less

A. Spencer(Glace Bay, Canada)  

Portuguese Coastal Camino - Viana do Castelo to Santiago

30 May 2024

I was very pleased with the accommodation and the meals on our recent trip.

A. Wilson(Auckland, New Zealand)  

Portuguese Coastal Camino - Viana do Castelo to Santiago

8 May 2024

Excellent!

Nicola Vaughan(Hexham, United Kingdom)  

Portuguese Coastal Camino - Viana do Castelo to Santiago

29 Jun 2024

An incredible experience!

Bernadette Elkins(Fingal, VIC, Australia)  

Portuguese Coastal Camino - Viana do Castelo to Santiago

24 May 2023

We found the hotels, meals and movement of luggage made our Camino so much easier to navigate. Wise Pilgrim was a great app to use in addition to the maps and apart from Vigo every town was a highlight. The walking was not too difficult, walking poles helped with the occasional hill :) Buen Camino! ...more ...less

M. Thompson(Phippsburg, Australia)  

Portuguese Coastal Camino - Viana do Castelo to Santiago

7 May 2024

Very organized. Good communication.

J. Lane(Olhao, Portugal)  

Portuguese Coastal Camino - Viana do Castelo to Santiago

31 May 2024

We had a fantastic trip, very well organised and great support. Really good hotels and restaurants included. We had illness within our group and the support was fantastic at helping us and arranging early check ins and transport. Highly recommend!

K. Kerris(Anchorage, Alaska, United States)  

Portuguese Coastal Camino - Viana do Castelo to Santiago

16 May 2023

We very much enjoyed our trip on the Portuguese Camino. We loved the walk along the coast, which was beautiful and cooler. It was nice to have a place to stay every night, so we didn't have to consider this during the day. Also, a very enjoyable time not carrying a bag. ...more ...less

P. Argue-Kiefer(USA)  

Portuguese Coastal Camino - Viana do Castelo to Santiago

5 Oct 2022

The Coastal Camino was a fabulous choice. The team did an amazing job picking hotels and restaurants. Our baggage was delivered promptly.

C. Bennetto(Albert Park, Australia)  

Portuguese Coastal Camino - Viana do Castelo to Santiago

24 Sep 2024

We begin our 10 day Camino at Vienna Castelo, A delightful town without tourists and on reflection, a highlight of the trip. We walked along the Atlantic coast for the next few days with very few others and it was terrific. We chanced upon a terrific lunch in Oia overlooking the port. The walk into Vigo included walking through an industrial zone which was very ugly and we were increasingly disappointed how much of the walk was through grim urban areas on the outskirts of towns. A lot more bitumen than anticipated. ...more ...less

Read all 36 reviews

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Portuguese Coastal Camino - Viana do Castelo to Santiago

12 Days Starting in Viana do Castelo, Portugal and ending in Santiago de Compostela, Spain

Visiting: Viana do Castelo, Praia de Ancora, Caminha, Oia, Baiona, Vigo, Arcade, Pontevedra, Caldas de Reis, Padron, Santiago, Santiago de Compostela ...more ...less

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

PC4

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

moderate

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $1850 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 15-Feb-2025 but subject to change.