Journey through the centuries as you trace the footsteps of pilgrims from all walks of life who have walked the Way of St. James, a path marked by yellow arrows and steeped in history and spirituality. Join fellow pilgrims who seek solace, adventure, or spiritual enlightenment along this ancient route.
Begin your self-guided pilgrimage on the Portuguese Coastal Camino, starting from the captivating city of Porto. This tour of the Camino starts with a coastal stretch but also winds through enchanting medieval villages, showcasing the distinctive architectural and artistic heritage of northern Portugal and Spain.
Meander along ancient Roman roads and municipal paths, a tapestry of diverse landscapes and delightful surprises. Immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of Minho and Galicia, savoring the tranquility of woodland areas and exploring charming "pueblos" that seem frozen in time, reminiscent of the Middle Ages.
Indulge your senses with the region's rich and varied gastronomy, savoring the iconic Port and Alvarinho/Albariño wines. While you enjoy the comforts of some of the finest hotels along the route, let the flavors of the region transport you to a place of culinary delight.
Finally, arrive at the awe-inspiring Santiago de Compostela, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The majestic Cathedral of Saint James marks the triumphant culmination of your pilgrimage, a moment of realization that your journey was more than just a walk. Your Camino will be a celebration of history, culture, and the joy of discovery, a testament to the power of human endeavor and the enduring legacy of the Way of St. James.
Pick-up from the airport and private transfer to your hotel. A member of our staff will give you an overview of the week-long hiking trip that will begin the next day. You can choose to relax at the hotel or to briefly explore the historic center of the city of Porto, formerly known as 'Portus Cale'. The designation originated in the Roman occupation of this place, which has always been an important trading port and strategic crossing point for the Douro River. A crossing point chosen by numerous pilgrims who, from the 9th century on, traveled to Santiago de Compostela, both on foot and horseback, long before the city became world famous for its precious export good: the fortified Port wine.
Hotel for the night: Vincci Porto or Vincci Ponte de Ferro (included in the premium option)
Private transfer to the Mercado de Matosinhos, right next to Porto's Leixões harbour and fishing dock, where your journey begins. This first scenic stretch of the Coastal Way is an oportunity to breathe in the invigorating Atlantic breeze, as you'll walk mostly on boardwalks and seaside trails. On this day, the elevation changes along the route are irrelevant. The walk will be mostly flat. The highlights of the day are definitely the fishing villages of Angeiras and Vila Chã, or the Castro de S.Paio, where archaeological evidence shows ancient occupation of this territory. Shorten your day's hike by starting in Praia da Memória, a relevant place for the Portuguese, where an obelisk marks the disembark location of a fleet that ultimately led to the implementation of Portugal's first liberal constitutional regime, back in the 19th century.
Hotel for the night: Casas do Rio charm suites or (included in the premium option)
Your day starts with a private transfer to a small place called Balugães. Today's route through the rural Minho region has a few gentle hills. We'll be exploring the green landscape of the Lima river valley, which is home to many vineyards. The Loureiro grape variety is the most common grape variety in the region, used in the making of white wines (Vinho Verde), on its own or blended with other grape varieties. Shorten your day's hike by starting in Vitorino dos Piães, where you can admire its finelly restored church. When in Ponte de Lima, be sure wash down some rice 'de sarrabulho' or pork 'rojões' with a glass of 'Verde' in order to replenish your energy levels for the next day.
Hotel for the day: Inlima or Carmo's Boutique Hotel (included in the Premium option)
Embrace the morning sun as you depart from your hotel in Ponte de Lima, after breakfast and checkout. Your day starts with a private transfer to the vilage of Rubiães. Begin your day's pilgrimage in this rural village, nestled amidst lush greenery and the meandering Coura River. As you set off, the path winds through farmlands and orchards, providing glimpses of the peaceful rural life. Highlight in this day is Valença. Ascend its fortress walls and marvel at the breathtaking views of the Minho River, the border between Portugal and Spain, and the picturesque city of Tui across the river. Immerse yourself in the rich history of this strategic stronghold, once a key defensive point along the Portuguese border line. Cross the old bridge and indulge in a well-deserved rest in your hotel, let your body and spirit be rejuvenated for the next chapter of your Camino journey. Remember that both time and language will shift as soon as you step onto the northern bank of the Minho/Miño River! Hotel
Hotel for the day: Parador de Tui (upgrade to superior room included in “premium” option)
Your day starts with a private transfer to Redondela, in Spain. In this town, the two Portuguese Camino's, Coastal and Central, merge into one. The hiking trail of today will be truly Galician, a landscape characterised by its 'rias', the many inlets that indent the entire North Atlantic coast of Spain, with its own activities linked to the production of seafood and wine. You may shorten your day's hike by transferring to Ponte Sampaio, a bridge over the Verdugo river. The bridge is best known for its role in a pivotal battle that took place in 1809, during the Peninsular War. In this decisive clash, Spanish and Portuguese forces emerged victorious over the Napoleonic army, marking a turning point in the war and ultimately leading to the French retreat from Galicia. After crossing the bridge, prepare for scenic hike through magnificent woodland scenery. The route then descends gently, transitioning into mostly flat terrain as you approach the captivating city of Pontevedra. Pontevedra awaits with its Parador, a former convent transformed into a luxurious hotel, and a captivating historical center brimming with medieval architecture, vibrant plazas, and a lively cultural scene. Take your time to immerse yourself in the city's maze of cobbled streets and beautiful squares with arcades, strolling through the Praza da Ferraria, admiring the iconic Basílica de Santa María, and wandering along the riverside historic district, where an array of restaurants and pubs beckons for an evening of delectable cuisine and lively conversations.
Hotel for the day: Parador de Pontevedra (upgrade to superior room included in “premium” option)
After breakfast and checkout, you'll start the day with a private transfer to Caldas de Reis. It's an old spa town with a rich history dating back to Roman times. The town's name means "Royal Hot Springs" in Galician, and there are still several thermal baths in the area that are popular with locals and visitors alike. Caldas de Reis is also home to a number of well-preserved churches and monasteries, as well as a lively market that takes place every Saturday morning. One of the most notable landmarks in Caldas de Reis is the Fuente de Canedo, a natural spring that is said to have healing properties. Just a few meters away, there's a old washing tank which pilgrims often stop to dip their feet in warm water and relax for a moment. At the end of today's journey, Padrón awaits you: Padrón is renowned for its fiery yet delectable peppers. The surprise lies in the varying levels of spiciness, with some peppers delivering a mild kick while others explode with fiery heat. The saying "Os pementos de Padrón, uns pican e outros non" (Padrón peppers, some are hot and some are not) perfectly captures this delightful gamble.The town Padrón has also been home to prominent figures in Galician literature, including the renowned Rosalía de Castro and the Nobel Prize-winning novelist Camilo José Cela, whose foundation and gravesite are located nearby. The town's roots trace back to the Roman era, evident in the ruins of Iria Flavia, a once-thriving Roman settlement. The town's historical significance is further enhanced by its association with the legend of Saint James the Apostle, who is believed to have been carried in a boat up the Ulla river and landed in Padrón after his voyage from Jerusalem. You can shorten your day's hike by starting in As Cernadas, just as the Santiago route crosses over the AP9 highway (a few meters from Bar o Pardal, a popular stopover for hungry pilgrims. Consider having lunch or a light meal in Padrón, before hiking to your hotel, a rural guesthouse which is located a couple of kms outside town.
Hotel for the day – Os Lambráns (upgrade to superior room included in “premium” option)
After a hearty breakfast and checkout, embark on the final leg of your Camino de Santiago adventure. The anticipation will be palpable as you walk through quaint villages and past churches, increasingly frequent along the road, just like the pilgrims with whom you will share the path, as they become larger in number. You'll be going down to A Anguera de Suso, pass through O Faramello and arrive at Teo. Once the uphill is finished, carry on to Francos and 0 Miradoiro, from where you can see, for the first time, the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. From here, go down to A Rocha Vella and cross the Sar River by the old Roman bridge 'A Ponte Vella'. Follow the course of the river and go up to the historic center, where you will finally enter the Praza do Obradoiro. Upon reaching Santiago de Compostela, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the historic city center. Let your gaze be drawn to the majestic Santiago de Compostela Cathedral,towering over the plaza del Obradoiro's west side, the culmination of your pilgrimage. This millennial city is a treasure trove of captivating sights and sounds, as the melodic sounds of traditional Galician bagpipes merge with audible celebrations by the groups of pilgrims and tourists that arrive every other minute from several directions. Spend the afternoon exploring the city's plazas, strolling along narrow cobblestone streets, and browsing traditional markets. Check into your hotel and then dedicate the rest of the day to visiting the pilgrims' office and uncovering the city's rich medieval heritage. You can shorten your day's hike with a private transfer to the village of Milladoiro.
Hotel – Convento de São Francisco or Parador de Santiago de Compostela (included in the "premium" option)
Breakfast at your hotel, followed by check-out. Free morning in Santiago but, as a suggestion, at noon you can participate in the daily Pilgrims' mass, where you'll possibly be able to witness the “Bota Fumeiro”. At the scheduled time, transfer from Santiago de Compostela back to Porto airport or hotel.
EXTENDED STAY IN PORTO OR SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA: On Demand
Extend your stay in Porto or Santiago de Compostela for an extra day before or after this trip.
If you have a group and want to make this a private tour, or want to schedule a different date than the ones listed above, we are available to customize this and other experiences to better suit your needs and availability. Please contact us at [email protected] for more information.
All prices include VAT and may be subject to change. The information in this program is valid up to 31/12/2019, and may suffer from additional changes, due to the availability of the hotels and activities listed in the program. Does not dispense confirmation of this information by Live Love Hike.
If you have a group and want to make this a private tour, or want to schedule a different date than the ones listed above, we are available to customize this and other experiences to better suit your needs and availability. Please contact us at [email protected] for more information.
All prices include VAT and may be subject to change. The information in this program is valid up to 31/12/2019, and may suffer from additional changes, due to the availability of the hotels and activities listed in the program. Does not dispense confirmation of this information by Live Love Hike.
