The Coastal Route of the Portuguese Camino - a 2026 guide
The Coastal Route is one of the trails of the Portuguese Camino from Porto. The total distance of the route is 274 km/170 mi. It starts in Porto and goes along the coast till Vigo. It merges with the Central Route in Redondela. In 2025 a half of pilgrims who completed the Portuguese Camino walked the Coastal Route. The Portuguese Camino is getting increasingly popular, and many pilgrims choose this route as an alternative to the Camino Frances.
Despite the name only 30% of the route (between Porto and Redondela) is along the coast. If you want to walk by the sea as much as possible the Litoral Way (80% along the coast) might be a better option.
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Coastal Route PDFs
To make your planning easier we created downloadable PDF files for the Coastal Route of the Portuguese Camino. One file is with walking stages from Porto to Santiago de Compostela. One has a list of places to stay (municipal and private albergues, hotels, and guesthouses) along the route.
- Portuguese Camino Coastal Route - walking stages PDF Download
- Portuguese Camino Coastal Route - places to stay PDF Download
Portuguese Camino planner
You can use our free Portuguese Camino planning tool. Combine routes, add the Spiritual Variant, choose the daily distance, and a starting point get a customized itinerary with recommended places to stay.
GPX files of the route
If our PDFs and GPX files helped you plan your Camino, consider buying us a coffee ☕ — it’s a small gesture that means a lot and helps us keep creating quality content for fellow pilgrims!
The Coastal Camino - route overview
- Distance – 274 km/170 mi
- Number of days (stages) – 12-15 days
- Starting point – Sé Cathedral, Porto, Portugal
- Finishing point – Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, Spain
- Difficulty level – moderate
- Total ascent – 3990 m
- Total descent – 3716 m
- Walking surface 155 km/96 mi - asphalt/tar; 29 km/18 mi - cobblestones; 65 km/40.3 mi - footpath/gravel road; 24 km/15 mi - boardwalk; 1 km/0.6 mi - beach.
- Walking along the coast - 77.5 km/ out of 274 km/170 mi. The last 86 km/53.4 mi to Santiago are inland on the Central Route.
- Average cost – 30 euros per person per day if staying in albergues, from 50 euros pp. if staying in hotels.
Travel Insurance for the Camino
Walking like any other outdoor activity involves a risk of getting an injury or losing some of the gear. The Portuguese Coastal Camino is not a high-altitude hike through remote areas but it's still a physically challenging experience. Light traumas like blisters, knee pain, shin splints, etc. are quite common. Read more about Camino travel insurance or get an instant personalized quote from two companies right here. And decide which one works best for you.
World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world.How long is the Coastal Route?
The total distance of the Coastal Route from Porto to Santiago (Porto - Vigo - Redondela - Santiago) is 274 km/170 mi. It takes 12-15 days on average to complete the route. If you incorporate the Litoral Way into your walk the total distance will be around 280 km/173 mi. The stages stay the same but your daily distances might vary.
How to combine the Coastal and Central Route?
You can easily combine the Coastal and Central routes. There are two places along the Coastal Route of the Camino Portugues where pilgrims can switch to the Central Route.
- Vila do Conde - about 30 km from Porto (the second stage for most pilgrims). There is a route from Vila do Conde to Rates, that connects the Coastal Camino/Litoral Way with the Central Route.
- Caminha - about 107 km from Porto (the fifth stage for most pilgrims). The connecting route from Caminha goes along the Minho River to Valença where it merges with the Central Route.
There is another split on the Portuguese Camino after Redondela. From Pontevedra, there are two routes: the Spiritual Way and the main route of the Portuguese Camino.
If you want to know the difference between the two routes you can read our detailed post where we compare the Coastal and Central Route.
What is accommodation like on the route?
Like any other Camino de Santiago route the Coastal Way has public and private albergues, hotels, guesthouses, and a couple of campsites along the route.
Albergues are hostels for pilgrims. They usually have dormitory rooms with bunk beds and shared ablution facilities. Albergues can be public (run by a local municipality) and private.
Comparing public (municipal) and private albergues
| Features | Public albergues | Private albergues |
|---|---|---|
| Only for pilgrims | yes | no |
| Need a credential to stay | yes | no |
| Can be booked ahead | no | yes |
| Can stay as long as you want | only 1 night | yes |
| Price | 10-12 Euro | 20 Euro |
| Accept backpack delivery | usually no | yes |
Public albergues are the cheapest accommodation option on the Camino de Santiago. To stay in public albergues you'll need a Credential.
You can find public (municipal) albergues on the Coastal Route in
- Labruge (1st stage)
- Vila Chã (1st stage)
- Vila do Conde (2nd stage)
- Póvoa de Varzim (2nd stage)
- Aguçadoura (2nd stage)
- Marinhas (3rd stage)
- Castelo do Neiva (4th stage)
- Viana do Castelo (4th stage)
- Caminha (5th stage)
- A Guarda (5th stage)
- Vigo (8th stage)
- Redondela (9th stage)
The campsites on the Coastal Portuguese Camino can be found in
- Labruge
- Vila Cha
- Caminha
- A Guarda
- Baiona
- A Ramallosa
- Vigo
The cost of walking
The Portuguese Camino can be done on a different budget from 30 to 50+ Euros per person per day depending on how much comfort you need. The average cost of walking the Coastal Route is 35-45 Euro per person per day. We have a detailed post on the cost of the Portuguese Camino where you can find a lot of information for planning your estimated Camino budget.
Walking the Camino Portugues with 30, 40, and 50+ Euro per person, per day
| 30 Euro | 40 Euro | 50+ Euro |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ||
| Public albergues, 10 Euro | Private albergues, 15-20 Euro | Private room, from 50 Euro pp. |
| Food | ||
| Cooking, 10 Euro | Eating Menu del Día, 10-12 Euro | Eating out twice a day, 20-25 Euro |
| Backpack delivery (optional) | ||
| 7 Euro | 7 Euro | 7 Euro |
| Extra (entrance fees, coffee, laundry, etc.) | ||
| 8 Euro | 8 Euro | 8 Euro |
What to pack for the Camino?
It's important to remember not to overload your backpack, make sure to bring only the necessary stuff. The two most important items to bring are good walking shoes and a comfortable backpack.
If you're planning on using a backpack delivery service (see the next paragraph) then you can pack as much as you wish.
For more details on what to pack for the Coastal Portuguese Camino for men and women for different seasons read our packing list for the Portuguese Camino post.
Best guidebooks
I believe Camino de Santiago guidebooks by John Brierley are the best. We used his A Pilgrim’s Guide to the Camino Portugués Lisbon – Porto – Santiago: including Camino Central, Variente Espiritual, Camino da Costa, & Senda Litoral on the Coastal Route and it was very helpful.
Looking for some interesting reading on the Camino? See our reviews of some of the Top Novels on the Camino de Santiago.
Coastal Route apps
- Camino Ninja. One of the pilgrims' favorite apps. Free. Available for Android and Apple
- Portuguese Way Premium. Free. Available for Android and Apple.
- Buen Camino de Santiago. Free. Available for Android and Apple.
Luggage transfer
If you don't want to walk with a heavy backpack you can use one of the luggage transfer services on the Camino. Tuitrans, Correos, and Pilbeo offer luggage delivery on the Coastal Route of the Portuguese Camino.
It works very easily a car picks up your backpack at your hotel or albergue in the morning and drops it off at your next accommodation place by lunchtime. The service costs 7 Euros per backpack per stage. If you decide to use the delivery service keep in mind that you'll have to stay in private albergues or hotels. Public albergues usually don't accept backpack delivery.
If you have some extra luggage that you won't need on the Camino you can send it directly to Santiago de Compostela using one of the above companies.
Porto, the beginning of the route
Porto is an amazing place to reserve a couple of days before or after the Camino to explore the city.
Tours & Activities in Porto
If you have extra time to stay in Porto before you start walking the Camino you can do a tour or a guided walk to discover this beautiful city.
- Porto Historic City Center walking tour
- Fado Show with Port Wine
- Douro Valley Wine Tour Including Lunch and River Cruise
- Half Day - Private TukTuk All Around Porto
Places to stay in Porto
There are many albergues in the city including one municipal albergue N.S. do Rosario de Vilar and one private albergue Albergue de Peregrinos do Porto.
If you rather stay in the center there are several options from hostels to luxury hotels depending on your budget.
- Low-end | CATS Porto Hostel | Onefam Ribeira |
- Mid-range | Portuense Alojamento Local | A Portuguesa Guest House |
- High-end | Maria da SÉ Historic House |
How to walk out of Porto: Coastal vs Litoral route?
You can walk out of Porto following the Litoral Way or the Coastal Route. Both routes start from Se Cathedral. The main difference is that the Litoral Way follows the coast from the beginning when the Coastal Route goes inland till Vila do Conde. Both routes merge in Vila do Conde and from there continue along the coast.
I've walked both routes and prefer walking out of Porto following the Litoral Way. It's a lot more scenic than the first stage of the Coastal Route. We have a detailed post on the 3 different routes of the Portuguese Camino from Porto.
The distance on the Litoral Way to Vila do Conde is longer than on the Coastal Route; 33 km/20.5 mi vs 29 km/18 mi. I'd suggest stopping in Labruge (24 km/15 mi) or Vila Cha (26 km/16 mi) instead of walking to Vila do Conde.
We have a detailed post comparing the Litoral Way and Coastal Route.
Coastal Route walking stages
Stage 1. Se Cathedral, Porto to Vila Chã, 26 km/16 mi
Porto - Matosinhos - Lavra - Labruge - Vila Chã
- Distance – 26 km/16 mi
- Time – 5-6 hours
- Accumulated ascent – 242 m
- Accumulated descent – 273 m
- Walking surface – 15 km/9.3 mi – asphalt; 10 km/6.2 mi – boardwalks; 1 km/0.6 mi – cobbled
- Walking along the coast - 23.5 km/14.6 mi are along the Douro River and coast
It’s a beautiful walking stage along the river and later the coast with plenty of restaurants and cafes.
The described stage is technically the Litoral Way, not the Coastal Route but most pilgrims (including myself) choose this route to walk out of Porto.
The first sage on the official Coastal Route from the Cathedral to Vila do Conde is inland. The route exists. It’s well-marked but the scenery is not as spectacular as on the Lirotal Way. In my opinion, the only reason to choose it is the distance. From Se Cathedral to Vila do Conde on the Coastal Route is 29 km/18 mi and on the Litoral Way is 32.5 km/20 mi.
Challenges
The route marking on the first 10 km/6.2 mi from the Cathedral is non-existent. It’s not difficult to find the way, just follow the river till you get to the information office in Matosinhos (10 km) from there you can follow the yellow arrows.
Relatively long distance for the first day on the Camino. There are towns and places to stay before Vila Chã you can shorten your first walking day.
Highlights
- Se Cathedral in Porto, the starting point of the Coastal Route.
- Walking along the Douro River
- Walking along the coast and past beautiful beaches
Stage 1 route description
0-6 km/0-3.7 mi along the Douro River. You can take the famous yellow tram (#1 and #18) for the first 5.5 km/3.4 mi. It follows the same route as the Camino. Passeio Alegre is the name of the tram stop where you get off.
6 km/3.7 mi – São João Baptista da Foz Fortress and Barra do Douro Lighthouse
10.5 km/6.5 mi – Tourist Information Office in Matosinhos. They sometimes sell Credentials. You can get a stamp here. From there the route is well-marked. Some pilgrims get to Matosinhos by bus or metro train. Bus #500 and metro line A go from Porto to Matosinhos. If you do so you can easily walk to Vila do Condo which is 22 km from Matosinhos.
10.5–13 km//6.5-8 mi – the Camino goes inland through Matosinhos. It is the only part of the stage where you have to pay attention to the Camino signs.
11.7 km/7.2 mi – go over the bridge Ponte móvel de Leça to the other side of the river.
13 km/8 mi – the information office where you can get a stamp.
From 13 km/8 mi you walk along the coast to Vila Cha.
15 km/9.3 mi – the beginning of the boardwalks. From here the walk is almost entirely on boardwalks.
20 km/12.4 mi – a big supermarket (ALDI, 400 m away from the boardwalks)
24 km/15 mi – Labruge, a small beach town with cafes, guesthouses, and a municipal albergue 900 m away from the Camino route. You can stop here instead of walking another 2 km/1.2 mi to Vila Chã. Then your next day's walk will be 20 km/12.4 mi instead of 18 km/11 mi. It's a good option if you don't want to stay in the public albergue as accommodation options are quite limited in Vila Chã.
Places to stay in Labruge
- Parque de Campismo Orbitur (1 km/0.6 mi before Labruge)
- Blue Beach Apartment – Caminhos de Santiago (1 km/0.6 mi before Labruge)
- Casa da Praia Labruge
- Municipal Albergue de S.Tiago (900 m inland away from the Camino)
26 km/16 mi – Vila Chã, another small beach town with two or three restaurants and guesthouses. The municipal albergue in Vila Chã is about 800 m from the coast and the Camino route. There are not many accommodation options in the village if you walk another 1.5 km/0.9 mi to Mindelo Beach you'll find more places.
Places to stay in Vila Chã
- Municipal Albergue de S.Mamede in Vila Chã
- Parque do campsimo in Vila Chã
Places to stay in Mindelo, 1.5 km/0.9 mi past Vila Chã
Stage 2. Vila Chã to Aguçadoura, 18 km/11 mi
Vila Chã - Vila do Conde - Póvoa de Varzim - Aguçadoura
- Distance – 18 km/11.1 mi
- Time – 4-5 hours (moving time)
- Accumulated ascent – 119 m
- Accumulated descent – 116 m
- Walking surface – 7.7 km – boardwalk; 4 km - tar road; 6 km – cobblestones; 300 m – sand
- Walking along the coast - 12 km/7.4 mi out of 18 km/11 mi
It’s a relatively short and easy walking day with plenty of places to stop for coffee and lunch.
From Villa Chã the marked route goes parallel to the coast through the town but you can walk along the sea on the boardwalk from the start. After 2 km/1.2 mi the marked route continues on the boardwalk.
At 6 km the Camino trail turns inland across the bridge. It takes you through the towns of Vila do Conde and Póvoa de Varzim and returns to the coast at 12 km/7.4 mi.
Challenges
- Short parts of the boardwalk are covered in sand you walk on dunes which is more tiring
- Walking through the cities (Vila do Conde and Póvoa de Varzim) between 6 km/3.7 mi and 12 km/7.4 mi.
Highlights
- A beautiful walk along the coast between Vila Chã and Vila do Conde
- The historical center of Vila do Conde
- A picturesque coastal walk between Espozende and Aguçadoura
Stage 2 route description
0-6 km/0-3.7 mi - walking along the coast on the boardwalk
2.5 km/1.5 mi - Mindelo, a bar and a cafe
4.8 km/3 mi - Praia do Árvore, hotels, restaurants, cafes, a shop
5.6 km/3.4 mi - a restaurant
6 km/3.7 mi - the Coastal Route turns inland
6-12 km/3.7-7.4 mi - the route goes inland. It’s possible to continue along the coast. After crossing the bridge in Vila do Conde go to Avenida do Brasil.
7.5 km/4.6 mi - Vila do Conde. It’s a big town with many cafes, shops, restaurants, hotels, and a public albergue. From Vila do Conde you can switch to the Central Route of the Portuguese Camino and walk to Rates following the river or the aqueduct route.
7.5-12 km/4.6-7.4 mi on the Litoral Way (along the coast). From Vila do Conde to Póvoa de Varzim the Coastal Route goes inland. It’s possible to continue along the coast. After crossing the bridge in Vila do Conde get to Avenida do Brasil and continue walking along the coast. You’ll see Camino signs again on the promenade in Póvoa de Varzim. Note! You have to go through Vila do Conde to cross the river.
11 km/6.8 mi - Póvoa de Varzim. It is another big town with cafes, shops, and hotels.
12-18 km/7.4-11 mi - the Camino goes along the coast.
18 km/11 mi - Aguçadoura, a small beach town with a public albergue, a couple of guesthouses, shops, and restaurants.
Places to stay in Aguçadoura
Stage 3. Aguçadoura to Marinhas, 18 km/11 mi
Aguçadoura - Praia Estela - Apúlia - Fão - Esposende - Marinhas
- Distance – 18 km/11 mi
- Time – 5 hours
- Accumulated ascent – 81 m
- Accumulated descent – 72 m
- Walking surface – 6 km/3.7 mi – boardwalk; 4.7 km/2.9 mi - tar road/asphalt; 5.4 km/3.3 mi – cobblestones; 2 km/1.2 mi – footpath
- Walking along the coast - 7 km/4.3 mi out of 18 km/11 mi.
It’s another easy and short walking day on the Coastal Route. The first half is on the boardwalk along the beach, the second half is inland except for the walk on the promenade in Esposende.
Challenges
- Nothing, in particular, an easy walk along the beach and through towns with no hills or walking on the sand.
Highlights
- A beautiful walk along the beach between 0 km and 4 km.
- A beautiful small church in Apulia
- The small historical center of Fao
- The historical center and the promenade in Esposende.
Stage 3 route description
0-4 km/0-2.4 mi - on the boardwalk along the beach
4 km/2.4 mi - a bar and a route split. The left route continues on the boardwalk close to the coast, the right route goes inland. Both routes join after about 1,2 km. It’s recommended to take the left route and stay on the boardwalk. The right route goes along the road.
7.5 km/4.6 mi - a small church where you can get a stamp. Apulia, is a small town with a private albergue, guesthouses, cafes, restaurants, and shops.
7.5-12 km/4.6-7.7 mi on the Litoral Way. You can walk from Apulia to Fão along the coast instead of going inland through the forest. In Apulia go to Avenida da Colonia, and continue along the coast till Rua Capital Jorge Larcher. Turn right at the Rua and head to the bridge. The coastal route from Apulia to Fão is 1.5 km longer than the official Coastal Route.
8.7-10.3 km/5.4-6.4 mi - walking on a footpath through the forest.
11 km/6.8 mi - a small church where you can get a stamp. Fão is a small town with a couple of hostels, restaurants, cafes, and shops
11.5 km/7.1 mi - a metal bridge across the Cadavo River
12 km/7.4 mi - a cafe
12.8 km/7.9 mi - Hotel Rio Cavado/restaurant
13 km/8 mi - Esposende, a bigger town with hostels, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, bars, and ATMs.
13-14.5 km/8-9 mi on the Litoral Way. In Esposende the Camino goes inland through the town for 1.5 km. You can continue walking along the coast. At the runaround after Hotel Mira Rio continue walking along the river and the cycling road (soon you’ll see a boardwalk). You’ll start seeing the Camino signs again after 1.5 km.
14.5-15.5 km/9-9.6 mi - walking along the coast
15 km/9.3 mi - Aparthotel Pinhal da Foz, Hotel Suave Mar
16 km/10 mi - a restaurant, the Coastal Route turns inland
17.5 km/10.8 mi - Vila Ribeiro Guesthouse
18 km/11 mi - Public Albergue in Marinhas. There is a shop, a pharmacy, and a couple of restaurants near the albergue. There is a tap with drinking water outside.
Places to stay in Marinhas
Stage 4. Marinhas to Viana do Castelo, 21 km/13 mi
Marinhas - Castelo do Neiva - Chafé - Viana do Castelo
- Distance – 21 km/13 mi
- Time – 5 hours
- Accumulated ascent – 346 m
- Accumulated descent – 361 m
- Walking surface – 7.5 km/4.6 mi - tar road/asphalt, 8 km/5 mi – cobblestones, 5.5 km/3.4 mi – footpath
- Walking along the coast - 0 km, the entire stage is inland
The walk today from the start to the end is inland. Unlike the previous 3 stages that are flat, today's walk has some ascents and descents. In one day you total ascents more than in the first three days combined.
Challenges
- Several ascents and descents along the route
- Walking on hard surfaces e.g. cobbled stones which are tougher on your feet
- Walking on the sidewalk along a busy road for the last 2 km/1.2 mi to Viana do Castelo
Highlights
- A spectacular forest with a river between 6.4 km/3.9 mi and 7.7 km/4.7 mi. One of the most beautiful forest walks on the Portuguese Camino.
- Several beautiful churches where you can get stamps
- A nice forest walk between 9.2 km/5.7 mi and 10.6 km/6.5 mi
- The historical center of Viana do Castelo
Stage 4 route description
Between 3 km/1.8 mi and 5 km/3.1 mi, there are several cafes and small shops
Between 6.4 km/3.9 mi and 7.7 km/4.7 mi - walking on a footpath through the lush green forest next to the river
8 km/5 mi - Public albergue Don Nausti, Castelo do Neiva
9 km/5.5 mi - the church of St.Iago where you can get a stamp
9.2-10.6 km/5.7-6.5 mi - a nice forest walk
10.5 km/6.5 mi - a food stop
13.5 km/8.3 mi - a cafe
16 km/9.9 mi - the small town of Anha with restaurants, cafes, a couple of hotels, and a shop
18.5-20.5 km/11.5-12.7 mi - walking along a busy street with many cars
20 km/12.4 mi - the Eiffel Bridge across the Lima River
21 km/13 mi - The Public Albergue of Viana do Castelo. The Albergue is about 500 m away from the historical center.
Places to stay in Viana do Castelo
Stage 5. Viana do Castelo to Caminha, 28 km/17.3 mi
Viana do Castelo - Carreço - Vila Praia de Âncora - Caminha
- Distance – 28 km/17.3 mi
- Time – 6-7 hours
- Accumulated ascent – 391 m
- Accumulated descent – 385 m
- Walking surface – 16.5 km/10.2 mi - tar road/asphalt, 8.5 km/5.2 mi – cobblestones, 3 km/1.8 mi – footpath
- Walking along the coast - 4 km/2.4 mi out of 28 km/17.3 mi are along the coast
It’s a long and challenging walking day with several ascents and descents. You often can see the sea but not from close by. The route goes through peaceful towns, small villages, forests, and fields. The Camino gets to the coast after Vila Praia de Âncora.
Challenges
- A long walking day, over 28 km/17.3 mi
- Several ascents and descents
- Walking on hard surfaces (tar roads, cobblestones) for most of the day
Highlights
- Narrow cobbled streets with high stone walls in the first half of the walk
- 6th-century convent Sao Joao de Cabanas, 30min. walk Carreço
- 14 km/8.6 mi - a wonderful cafe in the middle of the forest with outside tables and chairs
- A beautiful forest in the middle part
- The historical part of Vila Praia de Âncora
- The walk along the coast between 20.5 km/12.7 mi and 24.5 km/15.2 mi
- The historical center of Caminha
Stage 5 route description
The Camino route loops around Viana do Castelo. The easiest way to get from your accommodation place to the route is to walk to Igreja dos Santos Martires and continue on Rua Dom Moises Alves Pinho.
0-4 km/0-2.4 mi - the route goes through the town and neighborhoods
4-10 km/2.4-6.2 mi - the Camino passes small villages and fields
10 km/6.2 mi - Carreco, a small town with a private albergue Casa do Adro, a shop, an ATM, and cafes.
11 km/6.8 mi - our favorite Albergue on the Coastal Route Casa do Sardão
Between 12 km/7.4 mi and 13 km/8 mi - walking through a beautiful forest
14 km/8.6 mi - a wonderful cafe in the forest by the river with good coffee and nice desserts. It’s a perfect place to stop for a light lunch or coffee.
17 km/10.5 mi - a bar
18 km/11 mi - Vila Praia de Âncora, a town with hotels, restaurants, shops, and cafés.
20.5-24.5 km/12.7-15.2 mi - a beautiful walk along the coast and past several beaches
24.5 km/15.2 mi - the route turns inland and goes through the town of Moledo
25.5-27.3 km/15.8-17 mi - a long straight stretch on the sidewalk along the road
28 km/17.3 mi - Caminha. The end of the Portuguese part of the Coastal Route. From Caminha you can continue on the Coastal Route or switch to the Central Route. To cross from Caminha to A Guarda (Coastal Route) pilgrims can use a boat. Instead of continuing on the Coastal Route and taking a boat, you can walk from Caminha to Valença/Tui and do the last 100 km from Tui to Santiago on the Central Route.
Places to stay in Caminha
Stage 6. Caminha (Portugal) to Viladesuso (Spain), 21 km/13 mi
Caminha - A Guarda - Oia - Viladesuso
- Distance – 21 km/13 mi
- Time – 5-6 hours
- Accumulated ascent – 375 m
- Accumulated descent – 360 m
- Walking surface – 11 km/6.8 mi - tar road/asphalt; 10 km/6.3 mi – footpath/gravel road
- Walking along the coast - 14 km/8.6 mi out of 21 km/13 mi
It's a beautiful walking day that starts with a boat ride across the river, then the Coastal Route goes through the forest to Caminha, and after the town continues along the coast.
First, you take a boat to the other side of the Minho River. There are several departures scheduled throughout the day depending on tides. You can buy a ticket and find departure times online. Tickets can be purchased at the pier as well. The price is 9 euros per person, 10 euros per person with a bicycle. The ride is around 10 minutes.
After a short boat ride you arrive at the pier in A Pasaxe. Keep in mind the time difference, Spain is 1 hour ahead of Portugal. Once you’re on the other side of the river it’s 1 hour later than in Caminha.
Challenges
- A steep ascent from A Pasaxe (the pier)
- It’s a relatively easy walking day mostly along the coast with short parts along the road on the cycling route with coastal views.
Highlights
- A beautiful forest walk from A Pasaxe
- The historical center and beaches in A Guarda
- The spectacular coastal scenery from A Guarda
- The Monastery of Oia
Stage 6 route description
0-2.2 km/0-1.3 mi - the route climbs up
1.2-2.2 km/0.7-1.3 mi - a beautiful forest walk
3 km/1.8 mi - A Guarda, a small beach town with a public albergue, hotels, restaurants, and shops
3-5 km/1.8-3.1 mi - walking through the town
4 km/2.4 mi - a public albergues
5 km/3.1 mi - Praia de Area Grande, a small sandy beach. The Coastal Route and the Litoral Way merge there.
5.2 km/3.2 mi - a restaurant
8-9.6 km/5-6 mi - on a cycling route along the road
11 km/6.8 mi - Portecelo, a small town with hotels and restaurants. Loft As Casetas Peregrinos has excellent reviews.
12.5 km/7.7 mi - Casa Alicia holiday house
14 km/8.6 mi - A Marinha guesthouse
17 km/10.5 mi - Oia, a small beautiful town with a famous monastery
20 km/12.4 mi - Viladesuso, a small coastal town stretched along the road with hotels and restaurants. Loft Oia hotel
20.7 km/12.8 mi - Hotel/restaurant Glasgow, Albergue Caminho Portugues
21 km/13 mi - Albergue da Estrela
Stage 7. Villadesuso to A Ramallosa, 19 km/11.8 mi
Viladesuso - Mougas - Baiona - A Ramallosa
- Distance – 19 km/11.8 mi
- Time – 5-6 hours
- Accumulated ascent – 344 m
- Accumulated descent – 362 m
- Walking surface – 15.5 km/9.6 mi - tar road/asphalt; 3.5 km/2.2 mi – footpath/gravel road
- Walking along the coast - 9 km/5.5 mi
It is a short and easy walking day with several ascents in the second half of it. Unfortunately, if you follow the official Coastal Route you walk inland most of the day. If you want to walk along the coast at 8 km/5 mi continue following the cycling road instead of turning inland.
Challenges
- Several steep ascents in the second half of the day
Highlights
- Beautiful coastal views
- A picturesque forest walk between 8 km/5 mi and 9.5 km/5.9 mi
- The historical center of Baiona
- The Old Bridge at the entrance to A Ramallosa
- The historical center of A Ramallosa
Stage 7 route description
2.6 km/1.6 mi - Aguncheiro Albergue/cafe
4 km/2.4 mi - a campsite/restaurant O Muiño
7 km/4.3 mi - Soremma hotel/cafe, camping Mougas
8 km/5 mi - a right turnoff, the Camino route goes over the hill
8-19 km/5-11.8 mi on the Litoral Way. You can continue walking along the coast on a cycling route to Baiona. The distance is about the same as on the official Coastal Route with no hills. In Baiona you can follow Avenida Montreal to Ladeira Beach. From the beach continue on Avenida Praia Ladeira to A Ramallosa. If you choose this route your entire walk will be along the coast without the hills.
8-9.5 km/5-5.9 mi - a beautiful forest walk with a steep ascent
11 km/6.8 mi - a restaurant
14 km/8.6 mi - Baiona, a coastal town with a nice historical center, many bars and cafes
17.5 km/10.8 mi - Sabaris, a neighborhood
19 km/11.8 mi - A Ramallosa, a nice town with beautiful beaches and a promenade along the river
Placesto stay in Sabaris/A Ramallosa
- Albergue Playa de Sabaris
- Hotel Vasco Da Gama
- Hospedaria Paso Pias (they have a special price for shared rooms, not available for online booking)
Stage 8. A Ramallosa to Vigo, 21.5 km/13.3 mi
- Distance – 21.5 km/13.3 mi
- Time – 5-6 hours (moving time)
- Accumulated ascent – 381 m
- Accumulated descent – 345 m
- Walking surface – 13.5 km/8.3 mi - tar road/asphalt; 8 km/5 mi – footpath/gravel road
- Walking along the coast - 0 km the entire stage is inland
This stage of the Coastal Route is not my favorite. The entire route goes inland you get to the sea only in Vigo. You walk bits and parts through the forest but most of it you walk through towns, neighborhoods, and next to roads.
I’ve walked this stage twice following two routes and prefer the Litoral Way over the Coastal Route. It goes along the coast, offers breathtaking scenery, and less walking through industrial areas and near busy roads. For me, the advantage of the Coastal Route is that it’s better marked.
Highlights
- A forest walk between 10 km/6.2 mi and 12 km/7.4 mi
- A beautiful waterfall at 11 km/6.8 mi
Challenges
- Walking along a busy road between 12 km/7.4 mi and 14 km/8.6 mi
- Walking through the city for 4 km/2.4 mi at the end of the stage
- The lack of route marking in Vigo
Stage 8. Route description
After 1 km/0.6 mi you’re out of the town, walking in the forest.
From 1 km/0.6 mi to 12 km/7.4 mi the Coastal Route goes through the forest and villages/towns, sometimes along the road.
1.6 km/1 mi - a bar
4 km/2.4 mi - a cafe, a restaurant
8 km/5 mi - Albergue San Xurxo, a cafe
Between 10 km/6.2 mi and 12 km/7.4 mi walking on a footpath through the beautiful forest.
11 km/6.8 mi - a route split, the left route goes to the road, the right route continues through the forest
11.3 km/7 mi - a small waterfall
11.6 km/7.2 mi - another route split; the right route goes to an Albergue in Freixo (which is 5 km/3.1 mi away from the Coastal Route), and the left route continues to Vigo
12-14 km/7.4-8.6 mi - the Camino goes on a sidewalk along a busy road
14 km/8.6 mi - left turn, you’ll see the Camino sign
14.3 km/8.8 mi - right turn at the small red bridge, follow the river
14.3-17.5 km/8.8-10.8 mi - along the river through the forest and then the city
17.5-21.5 km/10.8-13.3 mi - through Vigo
Places to stay in Vigo
Stage 9. Vigo to Redondela (the Central Route), 16.5 km/10.2 mi
- Distance – 16.5 km/10.2 mi
- Time – 4-5 hours (moving time)
- Accumulated ascent – 203 m
- Accumulated descent – 210 m
- Walking surface – 11.5 km/7.1 mi - tar road/asphalt; 5 km/3.1 mi – footpath/gravel road
- Walking along the coast - 8 km/5 mi (between 5 km/3.1 mi and 13 km/8 mi) beautiful coastal views from the route
The last 100 km on the Coastal Route start in Vigo so there might be more people on the route.
It’s a short and easy walking stage. The most difficult part is to find the Coastal Route in Vigo as there are very few Camini signs in the city. The easiest is to get to Rua de Urzaiz from your accommodation place and follow that street till the end (the last part is pedestrian). At the end turn left to Rua de Toledo (you’ll see yellow arrows). From there you can follow the Camino signs.
Challenges
- Finding the Camino route in Vigo
- No place to stop for coffee or food once you’re out of Vigo till you reach Redondela
Highlights
- The historical part of Vigo
- Spectacular views of the coast, the bay, and the bridge from the route
- A beautiful waterfall in the forest
- The historical part of Redondela
Stage 9 route description
0-3 km/0-1.8 mi - through the city
5-13 km/3.1-8 mi - on a slope of the hill with beautiful views of the coast
9 km/5.6 mi - a picturesque waterfall in the forest
14 km/8.6 mi - the beginning of a steep descent
16.5 km/10.2 mi - Redondela. Here the Coastal Route merges with the Central Route. Expect to see a lot more pilgrims.
Places to stay in Redondela
Stages 10-13. Redondela to Santiago
You can follow our itinerary from Redondela to Santiago HERE.
Coastal Route planning resources
- The Portuguese Camino de Santiago – a detailed guide
- Comparing the Coastal and Central Route of the Portuguese Camino
- Coastal vs Litoral Way of the Portuguese Camino
- The Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Camino
- How to switch from the Coastal Route/Litoral Way to the Central Route in Vila do Conde?
- Switching from the Coastal Route to the Central Route in Caminha
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The pretty half of Stingy Nomads, responsible for all our land adventures (hiking, climbing, walking the Camino) and following them write-ups. Alya loves walking since she was a child, she prefers to walk 1000 km with a backpack rather than to do a 10 000 km road trip (actually any road trip). Alya is a big fan of Latin America, the Spanish language, and dancing. Every time we go away she desperately misses our dog Chile.
Hi STINGY!
I am so happy thatvi found your website in June. Reading your articles and posts helped me a lot to slowly slowly collect and organise my backpack for Portuguese Coastal Camio. It will be my first trekking walk for so long abroad. I am starting in middle of September from Sofia, Bulgaria. I am willing to walk from Porto to Santiago and then to do the day trip to Fisterra. I wanted to ask you if you would recommend to have more warm clothes with me , than really summer once for September by the sea. My whole luggage is 9 kg and I am doubting if will be OK to carry it on 22 days . I am thinking how to make it lighter. One more question to you -is it safe to leave my backpack not locked in hostels for a night?
Thanks for your reply
Hello, Dessislava! Thank you for the comment! I'm walking the French Camino right now and I must say in the morning it's very chilly, I wear a T-shirt and a fleece I'd recommend taking a fleece or a long sleeve hiking shirt and a rain jacket. 9km is pretty heavy, I'd say 6kg is enough don't bring any unnecessary stuff with; two sets of hiking clothes, fleece, rain jacket, something for sleeping and a pair of flip flops pretty much all you need. The backpack is fine but always try to keep your valuable stuff (money, phone etc.) with you or close by, never leave it unattended when going to the shower or toilet. I haven't heard of anybody's backpack getting stolen by I did hear stores or stolen money and phones. Many albergues have lockers if it's the case just lock your valuables there.
Buen Camino!
Hi there Nomads,
I am planning on my Coastal Camino I mid September. Have you guys mailed any items back to the USA? If so do have any tips for mailing items back? Thanks.
Hello, Robin! We didn't mail anything back we stored our extra luggage at the hostel in Lisbon where we stayed for a couple of days (we walked from Lisbon to Porto first) and fetched it after 3 weeks or so, they didn't even charge us anything for storage.
Cheers!
I would like the pdf that you refer to; however; the pop-up does not appear to access it. Is it possible to receive it via email?
Hello, Lynn! The pop up doesn't work currently, the PDF will be available in the post in a day or two.
Excellent blog - thank you forall the info I need. Can't imagine I need a guide book!
Hello, Tamsin! Thank you very much for the feedback!
Buen Camino!
Well one thing you are certainly not stingy with is helpful information! Thanks so much! I have back problems and when I travel I usually put my backpack on a little camping trolley for easier carrying. Are the paths on this route suitable for this, ie flat (ish) surface as opposed to gravelly/stony paths? I know you say there's boardwalk so apart from this I mean. Thanks a million, Louise.
Hello, Louise! Thank you very much for the comment! I think out of all the Caminos the Coastal Route is the best for walking with a trolley. You walk on sidewalk or boardwalk or cobblestones (in some towns) basically all the time, except some parts on the last day from Padron to Santiago where you do get a little bit of walking through the forest but besides that, it's a solid surface all the way. I'm sure you'll enjoy the Camino!
Great, thanks so much!
Good day
Can you please recommend a guesthouse to sleep about 3km before Padron?Thanks
Memry
Hello! Dear, Memry, please, check the post again, there are suggested accommodation options at the end of every day. Go to Day 11. Caldas de Reis to Padron, there is a paragraph Accommodation on the route, there you'll find a place named Puentecesuras which is about 3km before Padron if you click on the hotel name (A Casa do Rio) it'll open a booking window where you can book that place. To see more options in the area click "show on map" (under the name of the hotel) and it'll open a map with all the available accommodations.
Regards
Hello Stingy Nomads
Thanks a ton for this super useful post! We are looking into walking the Coastal Route with our two toddlers and will happily let you know how that went upon completion 🙂
We really appreciate all the time and effort you put into your blog!
Sunny regards from the Swiss Alps! The Raasta Family
Hello, Sabine! Thank you for the feedback! What a great idea to walk the Camino with kids! I'm sure you'll have an amazing time! We love the Swiss Alps, the scenery in Switzerland is breathtaking! Planning to do some hikes there next year! Looking forward to hearing about your Camino experience!
Buen Camino!
Hi, your info was really helpful and made the route seem very accessible to a novice Camino-er, possibly doing it solo! I am planning to stay in a mixture of hotels and albergues on the Portuguese track. Do you know if it is possible to meet up and eat evening meal with other pilgrims at the albergue they're staying at I'm not staying there?
Hello, Amanda! Thank you for the comment! It depends on the albergue, you can probably ask the hospitalero (a person in charge) if it's possible or not. Not all public albergues have good kitchen facilities and a dining room, for this reason, people often go out for dinner I'm sure you can join them then.
Buen Camino!
Thanks for the great info! Would you be able to send me the pdf too? Hoping to walk next May!
Hello fellow South African's. I'm doing the trail in July and just wanted to say thank you for your posts. It's helped me build my itinerary. You guys are awesome.
Hello, Sandra! Thank you very much for the feedback! We hope you'll enjoy the Coastal Route!
Buen Camino!
Hi guys, I really enjoyed reading your blog. I can't find the downloadable PDF file, can you tell me it is.
Thanks
Pete
Hello, Pete! Thank you for the comment! You can download the PDF file from the pop-up subscription form that appears after you spend about 2 minutes on the page.
Buen Camino!
Hello, thank you for the web and all the information here. I also can't find the downloadable files. No subscription pop-up. I tried to enter my e-mail address and subscribe from the main page, but nothing. Can you help or send it to me?
Thank you!
Hey Guys,
I hope you're well. My husband and I are planning to hike the coastal route starting around the 24th of June. Do you know if we can get the credentials at the church in Porto? I think I have read somewhere that you can but i wanted to double check. Also, do you think we will be fine to just walk and show up at albergues at this time of year? I have read that you said its first in first served, just wanted to see if it was still the case at this time of year. I am a bit nervous about it haha!
Thanks,
Emily
Hello, Emily! We're great continuing our Camino adventure, just finished the Camino Ingles. As I remember you can get credentials at the cathedral in Porto or at one of the albergue. If you walk out of Porto following the Litoral Way (along the coast) there will be an information office on the way where you can get a stamp, I think they sell credentials as well so you have a couple of places in Porto I'm sure at least one of them will have it.
Public albergues can't be booked beforehand regardless the season but you can book private albergues they're more expensive and usually have better facilities. You can always try public albergues first and if there is no space go to one of the private places, there are usually a couple of them around.
Buen Camino!
Thanks for such a great post! Two questions:
I did part of the Frances in September/October 2017 and we spent about 35E pp/pd, not being careful but not being crazy; do you think that seems about right for the Portugese as well?
On the Coastal route, is there a lot of walking on sand/on the beach, or is it paths/roads near the water?
Thanks!
Hello, Dani! Thank you for the comment! We definitely spent less than 35 Euro on the Portuguese Camino but we stayed in public albergues most of the time and cooked our own food though we stopped quite a lot for coffee. I think 35 Euro will be enough for the Camino. We just finished the English Way our budget was about 25 Euro per person per day. As for sand there was no walking on sand at all unless you decide to go down to the beach, most of the time you walk on boardwalks or sidewalk along the beach.
Buen Camino!
Thanks so much for the information on this route guys! Specially the coastal and spiritual variants.
I've done 2 Caminos before: Frances and Primitivo, and I was sceptical about doing the Portugues because I could only find information on the 'central' way and it seems like too much asphalt and city walking, but now you've convinced me and we'll be walking from Porto to Santiago at the end of August and adding a couple of days to the Cies Islands at the end for a well-deserved rest! (I went after my first 5-week Camino and it was amazing). Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks so much and buen camino! 🙂
Hello, Sol! Thank you very much for the comment! We enjoyed walking the Coastal route from Porto it's always nice to walk by the sea. We did the Primitivo and the Coastal route last year May-June, both routes are beautiful and very different. I've heard a lot about Cies islands but we never got around to visit them. I hope you'll like the Coastal route!
Buen Camino!
Hello fellow South Africans!!
I am EXTREMELY interested in doing the coastal trip. Did you do the on your own or through a walking tour?
Hello, Maria! We like the majority of pilgrims on the Camino routes did it on our own without any company or tour involved. The route is well-marked, there is enough infrastructure (accommodation, restaurants, shops, ATMs etc.), it's safe to walk alone etc. Some people do it in a group but most pilgrims do it independently.
Cheers!
Thank you so much for such an informative post. We are walking the coastal route in Early september and plan to have our luggage transported. I gather from your previous replies we will need to stay at private albergues. From your experience, would we be wise to pack sleeping bags? Also, would you recommend wearing high visibility vests? we are reading some information which says this is mandatory in Spain if walking in the dark.
Hello, Kathy! Yes, usually the luggage delivery can be arranged between private albergues and hotels, public albergue don't want to be responsible for the luggage and they can't be booked so even if your luggage is there but there are no beds when you arrive in person you won't get a bed and will have to walk with your luggage and try to find a place to stay.
We stayed most of the times in public albergues and some of them didn't have blankets, private albergues always have blankets or duvets if you're going to stay in private albergues I think it's not necessary to carry a sleeping bag.
We have never had high visibility vests on the Camino and didn't really see people wearing them. As I know it's compulsory to have in your car (for drivers) but we didn't see any signs saying it's compulsory for pilgrims it might be recommended. If you're planning to walk in the dark it's better to have a piece of clothing or a backpack cover with a reflection part on it for safety reasons. We did walk in the dark not much but we never had any problem. Hope it helps!
Buen Camino!
Hi Stingy...Love your blog..so detail and nice pic. I am planning to walk Cmino Portugues. for 8 or 7 days in December. I saw you did the coastal and central route. Which route you will recommend> Thank you. Annie
Hello, Annie! Thank you for the comment! We prefer walking by the sea and liked the Coastal route more but if you're going to walk in December I'd suggest to decide which route to walk based on the weather conditions if it's cold, windy or rainy the Coastal Route won't be that nice. I would recommend to start walking along the coast (it's the best way to walk out of Porto) and see how it goes there are a couple of connections between the Coastal and the Central routes you can always switch.
Buen Camino!
Thank you so much for all the information you have provided. It's a gold mine!
Cheers!
from Wellington, NZ
Hello, Kirsty! Thank you very much for your comment!
Buen Camino!
This is great information. Thank you for such a well set out, accessible blog
Hello, Nola! Thank you very much for the feedback! We hope you'll enjoy the walk!
Buen Camino!
Hi I plan on doing the costal route from porto to santagio from July 7 to 18th .There will be five of us 2 parents 3children. Aged 25yrs female16y fale 14 yrs boy .y .Is it possible for all of us to stay together . Also. My son is coeliac .
Any advice to ensure he has plenty food along the way .
Angela
Hello, Angela! July is busy time for the Coastal Route sometimes it might be difficult to find 5 spots in public albergues unless you arrive early enough before the majority of pilgrims. Most stops on the route have one public and at least one private albergue those are usually more expensive between 10 and 12 Euro pp. but you'll have better chances to get 5 spots there. I'd suggest to walk first to a public albergue and check if there is space for all of you if not go to a private one. Some of the private albergues can be booked over the phone you always can phone a day before your arrival and book 5 beds. A Pilgrim's guide to the Camino Portugues by Brierley (check for the recommended book at the end of this post) has all the albergues and hotels on the route with the phone numbers. In the albergues they usually know what kind of accommodation options you can get on the next day, how big are the albergues etc.
Buen Camino!
I have seen people ride horses on the Camino. In fact, I rode a horse on the Camino Frances a few years ago.