Camino de Santiago Portuguese by the Coast from Porto, Baiona, A Guarda and Vigo
13 Etapas| 171 miles
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The Coastal Portuguese Way is one of the newest Camino de Santiago routes, growing in popularity due to its stunning coastal beauty. Unlike the traditional Portuguese Way, which passes through inland areas of Portugal and Spain, this route runs along the Atlantic coastline, offering pilgrims unique seaside landscapes.
Popular starting points include Porto, covering approximately 276 km (171 miles), or shorter options for the final 100 km (62 miles), beginning in charming towns like A Guarda, Vigo, or Baiona. Other starting options include Caminha or Viana do Castelo, and some pilgrims choose to walk only half the route, starting in Porto and finishing in A Guarda or Valença do Minho.
This route is known for its flat and gentle terrain, making it accessible for most walkers, and the pleasant weather makes it possible to enjoy nearly year-round. For sea and beach lovers, the Coastal Portuguese Way is the perfect choice, offering unparalleled landscapes along the Portuguese and Galician Atlantic coast.
Key towns along the route include:
- Oporto
- Póvoa do Varzim
- Viana do Castelo
- Baiona
- Vigo
- Pontevedra
- Santiago de Compostela
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Routes of the Camino de Santiago Portuguese along the Coast
Stages of the Camino de Santiago Portuguese along the Coast
he Coastal Portuguese Camino de Santiago begins in Porto and typically takes 13 stages, covering approximately 171 mi to reach Santiago de Compostela.
Other common starting points include Vigo, Baiona, A Guarda, or even Lisbon for those seeking an extended journey. This flexibility makes it an appealing route for pilgrims of varying preferences and schedules.
Whether you choose the full experience from Porto or a shorter segment, this coastal path offers breathtaking views and a unique blend of nature, history, and culture.
Stages of the Camino de Santiago Portuguese along the Coast from Porto
Stage 1: Oporto – Labruge
13,1 Mi
Stage 2: Labruge – Póvoa de Varzim
8,6 Mi
Stage 3: Póvoa de Varzim – Marinhas
15,2 Mi
Stage 4: Marinhas – Viana do Castelo
19,1 Mi
Stage 5: Viana do Castelo – Caminha
16,6 Mi
Stage 6: Caminha – Mougás
14,6 Mi
Etapa 7: Mougás – Ramallosa
9,9 Mi
Etapa 8: Ramallosa – Vigo
14 Mi
Stages of the Camino de Santiago Portuguese along the Coast from Vigo
Stage 9: Vigo – Redondela
14,4 Mi
Stage 10: Redondela – Pontevedra
12,1 Mi
Stage 11: Pontevedra – Caldas de Reis
13,1 Mi
Stage 12: Caldas de Reis – Padrón
11,5 Mi
Stage 13: Padrón – Santiago
15,1 Mi
Stages of the Camino de Santiago Portuguese along the Coast from Baiona
Stage 1: Baiona – Vigo
16,8 Mi
Stage 2: Vigo – Redondela
9,7 Mi
Stage 3: Redondela – Pontevedra
12,1 Mi
Stage 4: Pontevedra – Caldas de Reis
13,2 Mi
Stage 5: Caldas de Reis – Padrón
11,5 Mi
Stage 6: Padrón – Santiago
15,1 Mi
Stages of the Camino de Santiago Portuguese along the Coast from A Guarda
Stage 1: A Guarda – Oia
10,3 Mi
Stage 2: Oia – Baiona
11,6 Mi
Stage 3: Baiona – Vigo
16,8 Mi
Stage 4: Vigo – Redondela
9,7 Mi
Stage 5: Redondela – Pontevedra
12,1 Mi
Stage 6: Pontevedra – Caldas de Reis
13,2 Mi
Stage 7: Caldas de Reis – Padrón
11,5 Mi
Stage 8: Padrón – Santiago
15,1 Mi
History of the Camino de Santiago Portuguese along the Coast
The Camino de Santiago Portugués por la Costa was primarily used by pilgrims arriving by boat from the western lands, who then traveled on foot towards the north, to Santiago de Compostela.
Experts believe this route originated in the 12th century, when some pilgrims traveled from Caminha to A Guarda. According to Hipólito de Sá, the famous Archbishop of Canterbury, Saint Thomas Becket also used this route in the 12th century. The Archbishop began his journey from a monastery in Portugal, and upon reaching Galicia, evidence suggests he stayed at the Monastery of Oia before continuing to Santiago de Compostela.
The popular use of the scallop shell (the iconic symbol of the Camino) is believed to have originated along this coastal route, particularly between Oporto and Vigo, after a man was found on the shore covered in shells.
By the 16th century, this route, like other Jacobean routes such as the Camino Portugués Central and the Camino Francés, saw a decline in the number of pilgrims. However, in the 21st century, it has been revived.
In 2016, the Xunta de Galicia officially recognized it as part of the Camino de Santiago, helping to bring attention to this long-forgotten route. Today, the Camino Portugués por la Costa is thriving and continues to see a steady increase in pilgrims.
FAQ
The Camino Portugués Coastal Route typically starts in Porto, Portugal. From there, pilgrims follow the Atlantic coastline, passing through beautiful coastal towns and villages such as Viana do Castelo, Pontevedra, and Baiona in Spain, before reaching Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain.
However, some pilgrims may choose to start at Caminha or Viana do Castelo for a shorter journey, while others may opt to walk the final 100 km from A Guarda or Baiona to Santiago de Compostela to fulfill the minimum requirement for the Compostela certificate.
The Camino Portugués Coastal Route typically takes about 11 to 13 days to walk, depending on your pace and how many kilometers you walk each day. The route spans approximately 276 kilometers (171 miles), starting from Oporto and ending in Santiago de Compostela.
For those who prefer a shorter journey, many pilgrims opt to start in Vigo, Baiona, or A Guarda, which reduces the distance to about 100 kilometers (62 miles), the minimum distance required to receive the Compostela certificate.
The walk is usually divided into 13 stages, but the number of days can vary based on how long you wish to walk each day, with average stages covering around 20-25 kilometers (12-15 miles).
The Camino Portugués Central and Camino Portugués Coastal are two distinct routes of the Camino de Santiago, offering different experiences. The Central Route is an inland path, taking pilgrims through historic cities like Coimbra and Pontevedra, with varied terrain, forests, and rolling hills. It is more physically demanding and busier, especially between Porto and Santiago. In contrast, the Coastal Route follows the Atlantic coastline, offering stunning sea views, beaches, and coastal villages like Viana do Castelo and Vigo. It is flatter and generally easier, though some sections can be exposed to wind. The Coastal route is quieter and less crowded, and can be shortened by starting in towns like Porto, A Guarda or Vigo.
The Camino Portugués Coastal Route offers a spiritual variant known as the Camino Portugués Spiritual Variant or Camino Espiritual.
The Spiritual Variant is particularly appealing for those looking for a quieter and more introspective journey. It combines nature, history, and the spirituality of the Camino, providing a unique way to experience the Camino de Santiago.
Other Related Caminos
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Camino de Santiago Primitive Way
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