The Portuguese Camino Coastal Route – a information & strolling levels

Coastal Route (Caminho da Costa) of the Portuguese Camino is a ravishing various stroll to the Central Route. Its whole distance of the route is 280 km, it begins in Porto and follows the coast until Redondela the place it joins with the fundamental route. About 30% of pilgrims who full the Portuguese Camino stroll the Coastal Approach. The Portuguese Camino is getting increasingly widespread, many pilgrims select this route as an alternative choice to the Camino Frances.

The Portuguese Camino was our first Camino de Santiago stroll. We loved it a lot that two days after finishing the route we took a bus from Santiago to Oviedo and began strolling the Camino Primitivo.

To make your planning simpler we created downloadable PDF information for the Coastal Route of the Portuguese Camino. The primary file accommodates strolling levels from Porto to Santiago de Compostela. The second file accommodates lodging (municipal and personal albergues, resorts, and guesthouses) alongside the route.

As of February 2022, some public albergues are nonetheless closed as a result of journey restrictions. For those who’re going to stroll the Coastal Route this season it’s very probably you’ll have to remain extra typically in non-public albergues, hostels, and resorts.

Updates on the present journey laws and necessities for coming into Portugal you will discover on the official web site Go to Portugal.

The Coastal Portuguese Camino route overview

• Complete distance – 280 km/174 mi
• Variety of days required – 11-13 days
• Start line – Porto, Portugal
• Ending level – Santiago de Compostela, Spain
• Common value – 25-30 Euro per individual per day
• Lodging – albergues, resorts, guesthouses
• Route marking – yellow shells and arrows

The Coastal Route vs the Central Route on the Camino Portuguese

The apparent one is that the Coastal Route goes alongside the ocean however it doesn’t imply it actually sticks to the coast on a regular basis, it meanders between the coast, cities, and fields.

There are fewer folks right here than on the Central Route.

It’s a bit longer – 280 km/174 mi to Santiago in comparison with 260 km/161 mi on the Central Approach.

There may be just a little bit much less infrastructure for pilgrims on the Coastal Route. Truthfully on the Portuguese aspect, we didn’t have any drawback discovering albergues however in Spain, in a single or two locations (Vigo is considered one of them) there have been no albergues, solely resorts. Because the route turns into extra widespread new albergues open yearly.

The Coastal Route has much less up and downhill strolling, it’s mainly flat all the best way.

A bit much less strolling on or alongside busy roads in comparison with the Central Approach.

In scorching summer time months, the Coastal Approach is a superb possibility you’ve got a continuing sea breeze. On wet and windy this route can turn out to be a nightmare. We walked this route in Might and didn’t have any rain.

We’ve got an in depth publish on the Camino Portuguese from Lisbon and the Camino de Fatima. For those who get pleasure from strolling alongside the coast you may like the Camino del Norte, the route alongside the Northern Coast of Spain with breathtaking surroundings.

Easy methods to mix the Coastal Route with the Central Route?

Most pilgrims stroll out of Porto following the identical route the Senda Litoral that goes alongside the coast (there’s a route map within the itinerary part), it’s one of the best ways to start out the Camino. The Coastal Route and the Central route will not be that nice for strolling out of the town; each go subsequent to busy roads, previous some industrial areas, and the airport. From Vila do Conde (the second day) the Coastal Route and the Litoral Approach are just about the identical.

There are a number of locations alongside the Coastal Route the place pilgrims can swap to the Central Route.

1. Vila do Conde – about 33 km from Porto (the second day for many pilgrims). There’s a route from Vila do Conde to Arcos, that connects the Coastal Approach with the Central Route. It’s the identical route pilgrims who stroll out of Porto following the Senda Litoral would take to get to the Central Route.
2. Caminha – about 107 km from Porto (the fifth day for many pilgrims). The Coastal Route continues throughout the Minho River (a brief ferry experience) to Spain when the connection route goes alongside the river to Tui the place it joins with the Central Route.
3. Redondela – about 180 km from Porto (the tip of the primary week on the Camino for most individuals), each routes merge there. From Redondela there is just one route of the Portuguese Camino to Santiago de Compostela.

There may be one other break up on the Portuguese Camino after Redondela. From Pontevedra, there are two routes: the Non secular Approach and the Portuguese Camino. The break up is simply outdoors Pontevedra. The Non secular Approach goes to the coast in direction of Portonovo, the Portuguese Camino continues inland. Each routes merge once more in Padrón. It takes 2 days to get to Padrón on the Portuguese Camino and three days in the event you observe the Non secular Approach. Within the itinerary part of this publish, you will discover extra particulars on the Non secular Approach.

Lodging on the Coastal Camino

Like on some other Camino de Santiago route the Coastal Approach has private and non-private albergues, resorts, guesthouses, and a few campsites alongside the route.

Albergues are hostels for pilgrims they normally have dormitory rooms with bunk beds and shared ablution amenities. Albergues might be public (run by a neighborhood municipality) and personal.

Evaluating public (municipal) and personal albergues

Options	Public albergues	Personal albergues
Just for pilgrims	sure	no
Want a credential to remain	sure	no
Will be booked forward	no	sure
Can keep so long as you need	no, just one evening	sure
Worth	5-6 Euro	10-12 Euro
Settle for backpack supply	no	sure

Public albergues are the most affordable lodging possibility on the Camino. There are municipal albergues nearly on the finish of each stage on the Coastal Route of the Camino Portugues.

There are not any public albergues in

• Praia da Estela
• Carreço
• Ramallosa
• Vigo

Campsites on the Coastal Route might be present in

• Labuge
• Praia da Estela
• A Guarda
• Ramallosa
• Vigo
• Vilanova de Arousa

The price of strolling the Coastal Approach of St.James

The Portuguese Camino might be finished on a unique price range from 20 Euro per individual per day to 40+ Euro relying on how a lot you need or can spend and the way a lot consolation you want. The typical value of strolling the Coastal Route is 25-30 Euro per individual per day. We’ve got an in depth publish on the price of the Camino de Santiago the place you will discover a variety of info for planning your estimated Camino price range.

Strolling the Camino Portugues with 20, 30, and 40+ Euro per individual, per day

20 Euro	30 Euro	40+ Euro
	Lodging
Public albergues, 5-6 Euro	Personal albergues, 10-12 Euro	Personal room, 20-30 Euro
	Meals
Making your personal meals, 10 Euro	Consuming Menu del Día, 10-12 Euro	Consuming out twice a day, 20-25 Euro
	Backpack supply (non-compulsory)
5 Euro	5 Euro	5 Euro
	Additional (entrance charges, espresso, and so forth.)
5 Euro	5 Euro	5 Euro

Ideas for strolling the Coastal Portuguese Camino

My fundamental tip after strolling the 7 Camino de Santiago routes is to stroll the Camino the best way it fits you the perfect. It doesn’t matter how lengthy it takes you to complete it, how far you stroll day by day, the place you keep (albergues, resorts, tenting, and so forth.) in the event you carry your backpack or use a baggage switch service. Bear in mind, it’s your Camino and you may stroll it any means you need.

For those who resolve to stroll within the peak season (European summer time months) and don’t need to stress out about discovering obtainable lodging alongside the best way, e book your beds or rooms prematurely.

Don’t begin with strolling lengthy distances (except you’re used to it) you may get horrible blisters and aches after the primary couple of days. Slightly take it straightforward at first and enhance your day by day distances as you go.

You can begin strolling the Camino from anyplace alongside the route. For those who don’t have sufficient time to stroll from Porto you can begin in Tui as many pilgrims do. Tui is simply over 100 km from Santiago which is the required strolling distance for getting a Compostela certificates. The final 100 km on the Portuguese Camino from Tui is the second widespread route after the final 100 km on the Camino Frances from Sarria.

For staying in public (municipal) albergues on the Coastal Route you’ll want a Credential, a pilgrim’s passport along with your title the place you gather stamps from albergues, and resorts you keep alongside the route. You don’t want it to remain in non-public albergues and resorts on the Camino however you’ll want it if you wish to get the Compostela. You may get the Credential at your native Camino Workplace (in your nation), at Sé Cathedral in Porto, or at many albergues alongside the route.

After finishing the Coastal Portuguese Camino you may get the Compostela. It’s a certificates that you simply get free of charge on the Pilgrim’s Reception Workplace in Santiago for finishing not less than the final 100 km (200 km if biking) on any Camino route. Ensure that to gather 2 stamps per day for the final 100 km, it’s a brand new requirement of the Pilgrim’s Workplace for issuing the Compostela. You get one stem at each place you keep, the second stamp you may get alongside the best way at a bar or a restaurant, many locations alongside the Camino have stamps.

What to pack for the Coastal Portuguese Camino

It’s necessary to recollect to not overload your backpack, be sure to convey solely the mandatory stuff. We’ve seen many first-time pilgrims with closely loaded backpacks leaving a variety of issues in albergues after the primary day on the Camino. For those who’re planning on utilizing a backpack supply service (see the following paragraph) then you’ll be able to pack as a lot as you would like.

The gadgets we all the time pack for the Camino

For extra particulars on what to pack for the Camino for women and men for various seasons learn our packing listing for the Camino de Santiago publish.

Books and guidebooks for the Coastal Route

• A Pilgrim’s Information to the Camino Portugués: Lisbon – Porto – Santiago / Camino Central, Camino de la Costa, Variente Espiritual & Senda Litoral (Camino Guides) by John Brierley. Paperback, 2019
• A Pilgrim’s Information to the Camino Portugués: Lisbon – Porto – Santiago / Camino Central, Camino de la Costa, Variante Espiritual & Senda Litoral by John Brierley. Kindle, 2022
• Camino Portugués Maps: Lisbon – Porto – Santiago / Camino Central, Camino de la Costa, Variente Espiritual & Senda Litoral (Camino Guides) by John Brierley, 2020. Paperback & Kindle
• Camino de Santiago: To Stroll Far, Carry Much less by Jean-Christie Ashmore. Paperback and Kindle.
• Abnormal Magic: Guarantees I Saved to My Mom By Life, Sickness, and a Very Lengthy Stroll on the Camino de Santiago by Cameron Powell.  Hardcover & Kindle. 
• Strolling to the Finish of the World: A Thousand Miles on the Camino De Santiago by Beth Jusino. Kindle and Paperback. 

Useful apps for the Portuguese Camino Coastal Route

• Portuguese Approach Premium. Value US$4, obtainable for Android and Apple.
• Camino Help Pilgrim Santiago. Free obtain, obtainable for Android and Apple.
• Buen Camino de Santiago. Free obtain, obtainable for Android and Apple.
• Correctly + Camino Portugues; a Clever Pilgrim information. Value US$6, obtainable for Android and Apple. We haven’t used it however I noticed many sad customers complaining concerning the app, I’d advocate studying the opinions earlier than shopping for it.

Baggage switch on the Coastal Approach of the Camino Portugues

As an possibility, in the event you don’t need to stroll for two weeks carrying your backpack you should use one of many baggage switch providers on the Camino. Tuitrans and Camino Fácil supply baggage supply on the Coastal Route. Correos delivers backpacks from A Guarda (the primary Spanish city on the Coastal Route).

It really works very simply a automotive picks up your backpack at your lodge or albergue within the morning and drives it to your subsequent lodging place. The service prices 5-7 Euro per backpack per stage. For those who resolve to make use of the supply service needless to say you’ll have to remain in non-public albergues or resorts. Public albergues don’t settle for backpack supply.

If in case you have some further baggage that you simply received’t want on the Camino you’ll be able to ship it on to Santiago de Compostela utilizing one of many backpack shuttle corporations.

Journey insurance coverage for the Camino

Strolling like some other out of doors exercise includes a danger of getting an harm or dropping a number of the gear. It’s all the time really useful to have journey insurance coverage once you go away. The Portuguese Camino de Santiago just isn’t a high-altitude hike by means of distant areas however it’s nonetheless a bodily difficult expertise. Gentle traumas like blisters, knee ache, shin splint, and so forth. are fairly frequent. Ensure that it is possible for you to to get medical help any time you want it. Be aware! If in case you have a European Well being Insurance coverage Card you don’t want any further medical insurance coverage for Portugal or Spain.

Another excuse to have insurance coverage is gear loss, journey cancellation, or flight delay. Having journey insurance coverage makes the stroll much less irritating when you realize you’re coated in case of any unpredictable emergencies. Let your insurance coverage firm fear about you and your belongings whilst you get pleasure from strolling the Camino. 

Porto, the start of the Coastal Route

Porto is a tremendous place to order a few days earlier than or after the Camino to discover the town. Get misplaced within the maze of loopy slender cobblestone streets of Porto, observe them climbing up and down, making unreal U-turns that result in a unusual lifeless finish. There are such a lot of hidden gems on this metropolis that you could spend weeks wandering round and day by day discovering new locations.

Excursions & actions in Porto

If in case you have further time to remain in Porto earlier than you begin strolling the Camino there are a number of tour choices that may assist you to to discover and uncover this superb metropolis;

Locations to remain in Porto

There are lots of albergues within the metropolis together with one municipal albergue N.S. do Rosario de Vilar for 7,5 Euro and one non-public albergue Albergue de Peregrinos do Porto for donation (although the guidebook says 10 Euro). We stayed in the second, it’s good, clear and really social however fairly removed from the historic middle and Sé Cathedral. To get to the path you’ll should take the metro first, the metro station is simply across the nook. The municipal albergue is situated about the identical distance from the cathedral.

For those who quite keep within the middle there are a number of good choices from hostels to good and even luxurious resorts. All of it will depend on your price range.

The Portuguese Camino Coastal Route strolling levels

Day 1. Porto – Labruge, 23,5 km/14,6 mi

Porto – Matosinhos – Lavra – Labruge.

We began within the morning from Sé Cathedral we walked right down to the Rio Douro and adopted the river all the best way out of the town following Senda Litoral. Mainly all day you stroll alongside the shoreline passing small cities and villages. There are lots of eating places and occasional outlets on the best way the place you’ll be able to cease for espresso or lunch.

As an possibility you’ll be able to stroll to Vila da Cha, it’s 3 km additional, there’s a municipal albergue for donation as nicely.

Highlights

• The historic middle of Porto
• Seashore stroll

Labruge

A small coastal city stretched extra inland than alongside the coast

• Municipal albergue – sure
• Personal albergue – no
• Accommodations – sure
• Campsite – sure
• ATM – sure
• Store – sure
• Restaurant – sure
• Pharmacy – sure

Albergue Santiago Labruge, municipal

It’s situated inland, 900m from the seaside, there’s a signal pointing within the route. The place could be very good and neat. Our information e book says there are solely 8 beds, the truth is, there are 24, they not too long ago opened two extra rooms upstairs with 12 beds every. Worth – donation.

• Scorching water bathe – no, we couldn’t get it scorching, the hostess wasn’t there, perhaps we simply didn’t know the place to modify the geyser.
• Wi-fi – sure
• Kitchen with range, fridge, pots, plates, and so forth – sure
• Washer – no, there’s a basin for laundry
• Washing traces – sure
• Towels – no
• Blankets – sure
• Location – 4 out of 5, 900m away from the Camino, near a restaurant, store, and ATM.
• Consolation degree – 4 out of 5, if there was a scorching water bathe it will be 5.

Extra locations to remain in Labruge

Day 2. Labruge – Praia da Estela (Orbitur), 25,6 km/15,9 mi

Labruge – Vila Chã – Vila do Conde – Póvoa de Varzim – Aguçadoura – Praia de Estela.

Many of the day you stroll alongside the coast on wood planks generally the route goes by means of small cities. There are many locations to cease for espresso or lunch alongside the best way.

Highlights

• Vila Cha, a small fisherman village.
• The historic middle of Vila do Conde, lovely slender cobblestone streets, church buildings, previous homes.
• Seashore stroll.

Praia da Estela

It’s mainly only a large campsite with many cabins, a restaurant and a small store at reception.

• Municipal albergue – no
• Personal albergue – no
• Accommodations – sure, +/- 1 km from the campsite
• Campsite – sure
• ATM – no
• Store – sure
• Restaurant – sure. They’ve a particular pilgrim dinner menu for 10 euro; starter, fundamental, drinks, dessert.
• Pharmacy – no

Parque de Campismo Orbitur Rio Alto, non-public  

There is no such thing as a albergue right here, we stayed in a cabin with a shared toilet. Cabins are good however there isn’t any kitchen right here, you should buy fundamental stuff in a small store or eat in a neighborhood restaurant the place you may get scorching water for tea or noodles. Worth – cabin with shared toilet – 20 Euro for 2 folks; 16 Euro for one.

Be aware! This place might be booked on-line however it’s costlier to e book a double cabin. They provide solely deluxe cabins with an hooked up toilet and a kitchen. These cabins are extra spacious and cozy although. There are caravans for five and 6 folks as nicely.

• Scorching water bathe – sure
• Wi-fi – sure, solely within the reception space
• Kitchen – no
• Washer – no
• Washing traces – no
• Towels – no
• Blankets – sure
• Additional – each cabin has a fridge and a small eating space
• Location – 4 out of 5, not removed from the best way.
• Consolation degree – 4 out of 5

Extra locations to remain close to Playa da Estela*

*discover your house earlier than you begin strolling to be sure to received’t miss the flip or stroll previous it. The resorts are unfold by means of the world.

Day 3. Praia da Estela – Castelo do Neiva, 24,4 km/15 mi

Praia Estela – Apúlia – Fão – Esposende – Marinhas – Belinho – Ponte – Castelo do Neiva.

It was a pleasant mixture of strolling by means of the cities, alongside the coast, and just a little on the forest path.

Highlights

• Confeteria (pastry) Marbella in Esposende, great spot with some scrumptious muffins and pastry.
• Cafe/bar O Lampao in Belinho, an superior place with a whole bunch scarfs, mugs and key chains hanging from the ceiling and partitions.
• A small waterfall on the river cross simply earlier than Castelo do Neiva

Castelo do Neiva

A small city just a little bit away from the ocean with a brand new albergue, a restaurant, and a store.

• Municipal albergue – sure
• Personal albergue – no
• Accommodations – sure
• Campsite – no
• ATM – sure
• Store – sure
• Restaurant – sure
• Pharmacy – no

Albergue Dom Nausti, municipal

A brand new albergue, proper on the Camino, is very good, clear, and neat. The homeowners are very pleasant and useful, communicate some English. A neighborhood restaurant is simply 200m away. Capability – 20 folks. Worth 5 Euro per individual together with bedding.

• Scorching water bathe – sure
• Wi-fi – no, may get it sooner or later.
• Kitchen with range, fridge, pots, plates and so forth – sure
• Washer – no
• Washing traces – sure
• Towels – no
• Blankets – sure
• Additional – espresso and chocolate merchandising machine.
• Location – 5 out of 5
• Consolation degree – 5 out of 5

Extra locations to remain in Castelo do Neiva

Day 4. Castelo do Neiva – Carreço, 19 km/11,8 mi

Castelo do Neiva – Chafé – Viana do Castelo – Areosa – Carreço.

A pleasant and relaxed day of strolling by means of countless cities and villages with loads of eating places and pastries to cease for breakfast, lunch, or espresso. For those who resolve to stroll as much as Santuario Santa Luzia in Viana do Castelo add to the day distance 3km. 

Highlights

• Previous excessive stone partitions coated in moss and ivy, we beloved it.
• Santuário de Santa Luzia de Viana do Castelo, it sits on the highest of the mountain, fairly a steep and lengthy uphill, the view from the highest is superior. This stroll is non-compulsory, the route doesn’t go as much as the highest.

Carreço

A typical small city with an albergue, a few pensions, a restaurant, and a small store.

• Municipal albergue – no
• Personal albergue – sure
• Accommodations – sure
• Campsite – no
• ATM – no
• Store – sure
• Restaurant – sure
• Pharmacy – sure

Albergue Casa do Sardao, non-public

For the entire day strolling previous previous homes with thick fortress-like partitions we have been questioning the way it’s to dwell inside considered one of these homes. On the finish of the day, we received an opportunity to expertise it ourselves.

The Albergue is a modernized home of the sixteenth century with thick stone partitions, constructed ceaselessly. The place is simply superior, an previous home with nice trendy amenities, tremendous cozy. The proprietor can drive friends to a grocery store because it’s fairly far to stroll. The workers right here speaks good English, everyone could be very pleasant and useful. Beds are very comfy with actual bedding (not disposable ones), comfortable mattresses, gentle, and heat blankets. Within the season I’d recommend reserving a mattress prematurely the place could be very widespread. Capability – 22 folks.

It mainly has every little thing you want and much more, we beloved this place and stayed right here for 2 nights.

• Scorching water bathe – sure
• Wi-fi – sure
• Kitchen with range, fridge, pots, plates – sure
• Washer – sure, 2 euro per load
• Washing traces – sure
• Towels – sure
• Blankets – sure
• Additional – hearth, TV, lounge space, beer, wine, espresso on the market. You’ll be able to order dinner right here.
• Location – 5 out of 5, proper on the best way
• Consolation degree – 5 out of 5, very comfy beds, nice amenities, very clear.

Extra locations to remain in Carreço

Day 5. Carreço, Portugal – A Guarda, Spain, 22,7 km/14 mi

Carreço – Vila Praia de Âncora – Caminha – ferry to A Guarda.

Good stroll with slight up and down hills by means of the forest, cities, alongside the coast.

Ferry from Caminha to A Guarda (pier)

Timetable will depend on tides, generally the primary ferry leaves at 8 am generally at 2 pm, there are 4 or six ferries day by day. The experience takes 5 minutes, 1,5 Euro pp. If there are not any ferries otherwise you don’t need to wait you’ll be able to take a small boat, 5 Euro pp. Boats don’t go if the wind is just too sturdy. As soon as crossed to Spain don’t overlook to vary the time, +1 hour.

Various! From Caminha as a substitute of constant on the Coastal Route and taking a ferry, you’ll be able to stroll alongside the river in direction of Valença/Tui and from there proceed on the Central Route.

• Day 5. Carreço – Caminha, 20km
• Day 6. Caminha, Portugal – Valença, Portugal/Tui, Spain, 30km.

Highlights

• Sixth-century convent Sao Joao de Cabanas, 30min. stroll Carreço
• The historic middle of Caminho; the fortress, slender cobblestone streets.
• Castillo (fortress) de Santa Cruz in A Guarda

A Guarda

Fairly a giant city with a pleasant fortress within the center, from the fortress you’ve got a pleasant view of the world. No entrance price.

• Municipal albergue – sure
• Personal albergue – sure, a hostel
• Accommodations – sure
• Campsite – sure, Santa Tecla, near the ferry pier, earlier than the city
• ATM – sure
• Grocery store – sure
• Restaurant – sure
• Pharmacy – sure

Albergue Peregrinos, municipal

A pleasant albergue with a fantastic host, good amenities, clear and cozy. It may possibly accommodate 40 folks. Worth 5 Euro pp. together with bedding. Near the fortress, supermarkets, eating places.

• Scorching water bathe – sure
• Wi-fi – sure.
• Kitchen with range, fridge, pots, plates – sure
• Washer – no
• Washing line – sure
• Towels – no
• Blankets – sure
• Location – 5 out of 5, proper on the best way
• Consolation degree – 4 out of 5

Extra locations to remain in A Guarda

Day 6. A Guarda – A Ramallosa, 33 km/20,5 mi

A Guarda – Oia – Viladesuso – Mougas – Baiona – A Ramallosa.

A protracted strolling day more often than not following the shoreline previous small cities, on the second half the path goes uphill by means of the attractive forest from the place you’ve got superb views of the coast and a lighthouse.

Highlights

• Previous City of Baiona; church buildings, cobblestone streets, many avenue cafés.

Baiona/Ramallosa

Two cities which can be merged into one, it’s tough to say once you stroll from Bayona to Ramallosa. Each locations are good, with many cafes and eating places, a few seashores and delightful sea-views.

• Municipal albergue – no
• Personal albergue – sure
• Accommodations – sure
• Campsite – sure
• ATM – sure
• Grocery store – sure
• Restaurant – sure
• Pharmacy – sure

Albergue Pazo Pias, non-public

It’s extra of a lodge than albergue the rooms for pilgrims are situated within the previous monastery, the rooms are ex cellars, don’t anticipate an excessive amount of. It’s very fundamental although the rooms are non-public; double and single with shared loos. Capability 40 folks. Worth 15 Euro pp. They’ve deluxe double rooms that may be booked on-line. These rooms are extra comfy however costlier.

• Scorching water bathe – sure
• Wi-fi – sure
• Kitchen – no, solely a microwave, few cups, and plates
• Washer – no
• Washing lines – sure
• Towels – sure
• Blankets – sure
• Location – 5 out of 5, proper on the best way
• Consolation degree – 4 out of 5, rooms are fairly small and really fundamental

Extra locations to remain in Baiona/Ramallosa

Day 7. A Ramallosa – Vigo, 21,5 km/13,3 mi

Brief day, some up and down hills, just a little little bit of strolling by means of the outskirts of Vigo.

There are not any albergues in Vigo. You have got the choice of skipping the town utterly and staying in an albergue in Freixo, 5 Euro. I’d advocate stopping in Vigo, it’s a lovely place. There are resorts and hostels within the metropolis the place you’ll be able to keep on a price range. Freixo is just a little detour about 3km in whole, there’s nothing there solely albergue. You’ll be able to convey your personal meals or cellphone them beforehand and ask them to make lunch or dinner for you.

Highlights

• The Fortress in Vigo
• The Promenade and the Historic middle of Vigo

Vigo

Vigo is a giant metropolis with a pleasant historic middle, many seafood eating places, and bars. If in case you have time you’ll be able to keep for 2 nights right here to discover the town, its seashores, and perhaps go to the Cies Islands, small islands not removed from the shore with lovely sandy seashores, and several other forest trails.

• Municipal albergue – no
• Personal albergue – sure, a few hostels
• Accommodations – sure
• Campsite – sure, at Playa de Samil, 5 km from the town middle
• ATM – sure
• Grocery store – sure
• Restaurant – sure
• Pharmacy – sure

Resort Compostela

It’s a pleasant place near the town middle. Rooms are clear and neat with a non-public toilet, AC, and TV. There’s a bar and a restaurant downstairs. It was nice for the change to remain in a non-public room with an hooked up toilet and have a very good relaxation. If we had extra time we’d have stayed right here for 2 nights. Within the season I’d strongly advocate reserving your room prematurely, Vigo is a well-liked vacationer vacation spot.

• Scorching water bathe – sure
• Wi-fi – sure.
• Kitchen – no
• Washer – no
• Washing traces – no
• Towels – sure
• Blankets – sure
• Location – 5 out of 5
• Consolation degree – 5 out of 5, not a really luxurious place however fairly comfy and clear

Extra locations to remain in Vigo

Day 8. Vigo – Redondela, 16,3 km/10 mi

The Camino Central and the Coastal route take part Redondela, don’t be stunned to see many individuals round. Although the gap could be very brief this present day you’ll be able to add to it a few further km to get out of Vigo again to the path. 

Highlights

• Lovely panoramic views on bridge Ponte de Rande, the ocean and the Cíes islands. 
• Small waterfall within the forest.

Redondela

A pleasant city with many espresso outlets and plenty of bars and eating places with outdoors tables, a fantastic place to talk with different pilgrims, chill, and drink a beer. There are a number of albergues within the city, one municipal and a few non-public in addition to resorts and pensions.

• Municipal albergue – sure
• Personal albergue – sure
• Accommodations – sure
• Campsite – no
• ATM – sure
• Grocery store – sure
• Restaurant – sure
• Pharmacy – sure

Albergue Casa da Torre, municipal

An enormous previous tower with thick partitions was an albergue, fairly cozy, neat, clear, and spacious. Thanks to those thick partitions in summer time it’s all the time good and funky inside. Capability 44 folks. Worth 6 Euro pp together with disposable bedding.

• Scorching water bathe – sure
• Wi-fi – no
• Kitchen with cooking plates, microwave – sure, no pots, cups, plates, utensils.
• Washer – sure, value between 1,5-3 Euro per load, relying on weight.
• Washing traces – sure
• Towels – no
• Blankets – no
• Extras – drying machine, 1,5 Euro per load.
• Location – 5 out of 5
• Consolation degree – 4 out of 5, the kitchen was fairly a disappointment, we couldn’t even make tea there was no kettle and even cup to boil water in.

Extra locations to remain in Redondela

Day 9. Redondela – Pontevedra, 21 km/13 mi

Redondela – Cesantes – Arcade – Balteiro – Pontevedra.

Be aware! In response to the brand new guidelines for the final 100 km to Santiago de Compostela you want two stamps per day (you may get a second stamp in bars and eating places on the best way) with the intention to get the Compostela. 

Simple stroll with small uphills, by means of the forest, alongside the highway, and thru small cities. A few kilometers earlier than Pontevedra you’ll be able to take a river path as a substitute of following the highway, the gap is identical however the river route is extra picturesque.

Highlights

• The historic middle of Pontevedra

Pontevedra

It’s a pleasant metropolis with many supermarkets, a ravishing cathedral, a pleasant Previous City, many eating places and bars.  

• Municipal albergue – sure
• Personal albergue – sure
• Accommodations – sure
• Campsite – no
• ATM – sure
• Grocery store – sure
• Restaurant – sure
• Pharmacy – sure

Albergue La Virgen Peregrina, municipal

Excellent spot, with all you want, spacious, clear, and nicely organized, it has a pleasant backyard nice for chilling on the grass. Opens at 1 pm. Capability 60 folks. Worth 6 Euro pp. together with bedding.

• Scorching water bathe – sure
• Wi-fi – sure
• Kitchen with range, microwave, cutlery, pots, cups and so forth. – sure, top-of-the-line kitchens on this Camino.
• Washer – sure, 3 Euro per load
• Washing traces – sure
• Towels – no
• Blankets – no
• Extras – large eating space with many tables and chairs, cool drink and snack merchandising machine.
• Location – 4 out of 5, proper on the path however about 1km from the town middle.
• Consolation degree – 5 out of 5

Locations to remain in Pontevedra

Day 10. Pontevedra – Caldas de Reis, 23 km/14,2 mi

A pleasant and simple strolling day by means of the forest, small cities, and villages. At 3,6km there’s a signal the place the route splits right here begins an non-compulsory Variante Espiritual Route that joins the primary Camino 3 day later in Padrón. Test under the Non secular means levels.

Highlights

• An exquisite waterfall in Parque Pure Ría Barosa, between Portela and Briallos, it’s a small detour however the waterfall is price of go to.
• Scorching springs of Caldas de Reis.

Caldas de Reis

A pleasant city with scorching springs, previous church buildings, and a few Roman ruins. If in case you have time you’ll be able to loosen up in scorching springs in one of many balnearios (spas). There are a number of albergues in Caldas de Reis from all that we’ve learn we will advocate to not keep at Posada Doña Urraca, folks say it’s fairly soiled. We didn’t cease right here as we took the Non secular Route from Pontevedra.

• Municipal albergue – sure
• Personal albergue – sure
• Accommodations – sure
• Campsite – no
• ATM – sure
• Grocery store – sure
• Restaurant – sure
• Pharmacy – sure

Locations to remain in Caldas de Reis

Day 11. Caldas de Reis – Padrón, 20 km/12,4 mi

A nice brief day of strolling with a slight hill that begins 3km after Caldas. There are lots of bars and eating places on the best way. If you need you’ll be able to stroll a bit additional this present day to make the final day shorter, there are numerous albergues and hostels all the best way to Santiago. For extra info on Padrón go to Day 12 of Non secular Route.

Highlights

• The Historic Heart of Padrón.
• Pimientos de Padrón, a typical native dish a pleasant snack to have with beer or wine.

Pardón

Lovely city with a surprising pedestrian avenue, cathedral, and church buildings. There are a number of eating places and cafes close by, some open very early within the morning for pilgrims. 

• Municipal albergue – sure
• Personal albergue – sure
• Accommodations – sure
• Campsite – no
• ATM – sure
• Grocery store – sure
• Restaurant – sure
• Pharmacy – sure

Albergue de Peregrinos de Padrón, municipal 

Massive, clear, well-organized albergue with a variety of area, one large dormitory with many bunk beds. Opens at 1 pm. Capability 46 folks. Worth 6 Euro pp. together with bedding. Situated proper on the cathedral, near the eating places and outlets.

• Scorching water bathe – sure
• Wi-fi – sure
• Kitchen with, microwave, range, cutlery, pots, cups – sure
• Washer – no, washing basin solely
• Washing traces – sure
• Towels – no
• Blankets – no
• Extras – eating space.
• Location – 5 out of 5
• Consolation degree – 5 out of 5

Extra locations to remain in Padrón

The Non secular Approach (the choice route). Days 10-12

The Non secular Approach goes again to the coast, the title ‘non secular’ refers back to the origin of the route that’s believed to observe the best way the remainder of the apostle St. James was transferred to Santiago in 44AD. The route begins in Pontevedra and completed in Padron. The whole distance of the route (from Pontevedra to Padrón) is 73 km/45,3 mi. It consists of 3 levels; 2 strolling levels (Pontevedra to Armenteira and Armenteira to Vilanova de Arousa) and 1 boat experience (Vilanova de Arousa to Iria Flavia, near Padron). This marine route is taken into account to be the origin of all of the Caminos de Santiago. 

Day 10. Pontevedra – Armenteira, 22 km/13,6 mi

Pontevedra – Campañó – Combarro – Armenteira.

We determined to stroll the choice route Variante Espiritual it takes you thru vineyards, small cities, and villages and again to the coast. And it was one other probability to go away from the busy Central Route. The path splits at 3,7km from Pontevedra, there can be a giant signal “Variante Espiritual” pointing left towards Combarro, you received’t miss it. From Combarro the route climbs all the best way to the highest of the mountains to Armenteira, 400m up.

Our guidebook predicted a protracted steep uphill for the day, the truth is, it wasn’t very steep on the gravel highway to the highest of the mountain after which just a little bit right down to the village. Ensure you carry sufficient water earlier than beginning the uphill stroll, you’ll be able to ask to fill your bottles in one of many cafés in Combarro.

Highlights

• Centre of Combarro, a comfy little city with good espresso outlets and bakeries by the ocean.
• Lovely view on the world on the best way up
• Monastery of Armenteira

Armenteira

Armenteira is a small village constructed across the monastery, it’s the primary attraction and the rationale folks from close by cities come right here on weekends. There are two eating places however no outlets, not even a small one. For those who don’t need to eat in a restaurant purchase meals in Pontevedra, simply bear in mind there are not any cooking plates within the hostel.

• Municipal albergue – sure
• Personal albergue – no
• Accommodations – sure
• Campsite – no
• ATM – no
• Store – no
• Restaurant – sure
• Pharmacy – no

Albergue de Armenteira, municipal

A model new albergue with good amenities, clear and cozy. Opens at 1 pm. Capability 33 folks. Worth 6 Euro pp.

• Scorching water bathe – sure
• Wi-fi – sure
• Kitchen with microwave, cutlery, pots, cups, and so forth. – sure, no cooking range
• Washer – sure, 3 euro for laundry
• Washing traces – sure
• Towels – no
• Blankets – sure
• Extras – eating space, every mattress has a private gentle, snack merchandising machine.
• Location – 5 out of 5
• Consolation degree – 5 out of 5

Extra locations to remain in Armenteira

Day 11. Armenteira – Vilanova de Arousa, 23 km/14,2 mi

Armenteira – Barrantes – Ribadumia – Pontearnelas – Villanueva de Arousa.

At first, you observe La Ruta de la Piedra y del Agua (The Route of Stone and Water), there will not be many conventional marks (yellow arrows) for the Camino de Santiago however they go the identical means for about 2 hours. At first, the path goes by means of the forest, alongside the small river,  with some randomly positioned rock sculptures this half was very lovely. Then it turns into the fields and vineyards, just a little bit by means of villages and cities.

Highlights

• Ruta de la Piedra y del Agua; lovely forest stroll
• Countryside surroundings, vineyards

Vilanova de Arousa

Fairly a giant sea city with a few fascinating church buildings.

• Municipal albergue – sure
• Personal albergue – sure
• Accommodations – sure
• Campsite – sure
• ATM – sure
• Grocery store – sure
• Restaurant – sure
• Pharmacy – sure

Albergue de Arousa, municipal 

It’s situated in a sports activities advanced which wasn’t too nice as folks performed basketball until after 11 pm and we may hear every little thing. Opens at 1 pm. Worth 6 Euro pp together with bedding. Capability – it has about 20 beds if there’s not sufficient area for pilgrims they put mattresses on the ground within the spare room. It seems like even when there are numerous folks there can be area for everyone. You should purchase a ship ticket right here, it prices the identical as on the pier.

• Scorching water bathe – sure
• Wi-fi – sure
• Kitchen with microwave, range, cutlery, pots, cups and so forth. – sure
• Washer – sure, 3 euro per load
• Washing traces – sure
• Towels – no
• Blankets – sure
• Extras – eating space, snacks merchandising machine.
• Location – 5 out of 5
• Consolation degree – 4 out of 5.

Extra locations to remain in Villanueva de Arousa

Day 12. Vilanova de Arousa – Padrón by boat, 28 km/17,3 mi

From right here most individuals if not everyone take a ship, the boat follows the unique means the physique of St. James was transported to Santiago. The boat prices 19 Euro pp., the experience takes 1 hour. It normally leaves within the morning from the pier, 5min. stroll from the albergue, relying on tides generally it departs at 7 am, generally at 10 am.

Relying on the variety of pilgrims there may be one or two boats. The boat goes previous 17 crosses which can be positioned on small rocky islands alongside the river the boat route is known as Traslatio Xacobeo. The boat experience could be very lovely. From the place the boat arrives it’s about 2km extra to Padrón. 

We determined to stroll to Padrón to take a look at the route and we sincerely advocate you to take a ship, more often than not we walked alongside the highway, solely on the finish, we had some good forest stroll. We did see a number of the crosses on the best way however not from close-by. For those who observe the arrows the strolling distance is about 36km, if you wish to lower it you need to stroll alongside the freeway all the best way to Padrón. Conclusion – don’t stroll.

Some persons are nervous that it’s dishonest to take a ship as a substitute of strolling however it’s not.  You stroll the identical two days as folks on the Central route simply as a substitute of including a protracted strolling day you’ve got a nice boat experience. Plus it provides you the likelihood to progress just a little bit additional in direction of Santiago on that day. Getting off the boat you’ll be able to stroll 10 km or so there are numerous albergues on the best way. On the final day, you’ve got solely 15 km to stroll to Santiago.

Highlights

• Through de los Cruzes – 17 rock crosses alongside the river
• The historic middle of Padrón

Day 12/Day 13. Padrón – Santiago de Compostela, 25 km/15,5 mi

Padrón – Iria Flavia – A Esclavitude – Picaraña – Milladoiro – Santiago de Compostela.

A really thrilling day some folks from our albergue began very early. There have been fairly a number of meals locations within the city opened by 6.30am you’ll be able to have breakfast on the best way. The path more often than not goes by means of the forest and small cities. There are lots of albergues and resorts for pilgrims on the best way between Padrón and Santiago in addition to cafés and eating places. The final couple of kilometers to the cathedral by means of the town I  don’t bear in mind nicely we have been very excited.

Santiago de Compostela, the tip of the Coastal Portuguese Camino

Arriving in Santiago de Compostela is a completely thrilling expertise, you see pilgrims from totally different Caminos coming right here; strolling or biking, taking off their backpacks, and sitting round Plaza del Obradoiro  (the Obradoiro sq.) in entrance of the cathedral, everyone could be very excited, hugging, shaking arms, crying, smiling.

You see right here folks you met someplace on the best way, it’s a tremendous feeling to be a part of this pilgrims’ crowd! You made it, now it’s time to relax, loosen up and rejoice in fact, fortunately there are a whole bunch of bars and eating places round! And don’t overlook to get your Compostela on the Pilgrim’s Workplace in Santiago. 

There are lots of nice issues to do in Santiago de Compostela. If you wish to know extra concerning the cathedral and its historical past you’ll be able to be part of Santiago de Compostela Cathedral and Museum Guided Tour.

If after finishing the Portuguese Camino you are feeling sturdy after finishing the Coastal Route you’ll be able to proceed strolling from Santiago de Compostela to Finisterre/Muxía. It’s a ravishing 3-4-day Camino to “the tip of the world”. As an possibility, you are able to do a day tour from Santiago and go to each capes Finisterre and Muxía.

Excursions and actions in Santiago de Compostela

Locations to remain in Santiago de Compostela

We’d recommend reserving lodging in Santiago prematurely particularly in summer time as the perfect locations may be absolutely booked. We didn’t e book something and couldn’t discover a budget-frienldy place to remain for 2 nights, the following day we needed to transfer to a unique albergue. 

I imagine by the point you might be completed with the Camino you may not really feel like staying in albergues anymore, which is comprehensible, all of us want some privateness. There are a whole bunch of resorts and pensions in Santiago for various budgets.

Portuguese Coastal Camino planning sources

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