Get Ready for SpringFind Walks & Hikes
3
moderate
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 7 nights in comfortable hotels
Meals
  • 6 Dinners
  • 7 Breakfasts

8 Days£1030GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: PC5

Trip highlights

  • Enjoying a quieter pilgrimage route through Galicia in Spain
  • Experiencing culinary delights
  • Enjoying the mix of scenery from the coast to the greenery of Galicia
  • Walking to the fabled church of Santiago de Compostela

The Portuguese Coastal Route is one of the quieter Camino paths and it offers a wealth of history. On the final stage of the Coastal Route from Baiona in Spain, the journey travels north through small hamlets, past eucalyptus and pine woods, over ancient bridges and along stunning coastal scenery. Throughout the journey there are ample reminders of past pilgrims and the route offers many insights into the religious significance of the Camino. Walking the last 100kms to the holy city of Santiago ensures you qualify for the Compostela certificate upon your arrival at the cathedral.

Countries:

Spain

Starting Point:

Baiona

Finishing Point:

Santiago de Compostela

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Make your own way to Baiona and the first hotel. Once settled you can explore the town with its medieval centre, situated on the Vigo Bay. On a clear day you should be able to see the Cies islands. The Fortress of Monterreal where the parador is located is worth visiting, if you don't book with the option to stay here, for sea views and walks.

Meals:  D

From Baiona you will follow the coastline for most of the day, with plenty of opportunities to take a break at a seaside cafe along the way. It's a long stage with some slopes. Pass by the Roman Villa of Toralla in the neighbourhood of Oia, and continue to the historic centre of Vigo, located near the mouth of the nearby Vigo Estuary and sheltered by the Cíes Islands. Overnight in Vigo. We recommend exploring the narrow streets to discover historical buildings of the old town. Distance 27km/16.8mi, ascent/descent approx +-60m/197ft

Meals:  B,D

The route as you leave Vigo is mainly uphill and will reward you with spectacular views as you enter the Senda da Auga (water trail). Continue to Redondela, where you will join the main Portuguese Camino route, and on to the small town of Arcade, which is known for its oysters. Overnight in Arcade. Distance 25km/15.6mi, ascent/descent approx +-140m/460ft

Meals:  B,D

You start the day by walking over the beautiful old bridge at Ponte Sampaio. From here there’s a steep uphill stretch following ancient stone paths before the path descends to the provincial capital of Pontevedra. There are some interesting sites to be explored in Pontevedra including the Santuario da Peregrin chapel and the Convento de San Francisco. The Medieval town centre is a maze of cobbled laneways with tapas bars and cafes. Overnight in Pontevedra. Distance 12km/7.5mi, ascent/descent approx +-140m/460ft

Meals:  B,D

Most of today's stage is through woodland and countryside along gentle river valleys, allowing you to enjoy the serenity of the Galician rural landscapes. Closer to Caldas de Reis the route crosses the N550 and follows this road for short sections. Located between the Umia and Bermana rivers, the town of Caldas developed as a result of its thermal waters and continues to be a major health spa. The botanical gardens next to the river are lovely for some respite from the walk. Overnight in Caldas de Reis. Option to upgrade to a comfortable 4 star inn with pool or 3 star rural inn - supplement applies and must be requested when initially booking the trip. Distance 21km/13.2mi, ascent/descent approx +-120m/394ft

Meals:  B,D

This is a beautiful walk, first through the Bermana river valley then the path drops into the Valga valley. You'll pass through fields, forests and small villages, and there are two short stages of main road: leaving Caldas and entering Padron. Padron town is lovely, set on the banks of the Sar and Ulla rivers. The "Pedron" stone (a St James relic) is under the altar at Igrexa de Santiago (church). Overnight in Padron. Distance 19km/12mi, ascent/descent approx +-130m/427ft

Meals:  B,D

The final day takes you on a gradual climb through pine, oak and eucalyptus woods, then approaching Santiago the route follows some sections of main road. Highlights include the Colegiata de Iria Flavia, which was the first cathedral in Galicia, and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Escravitude along the way. Arrive in the historic city of Santiago. Overnight in Santiago. 25km/15.6mi, ascent approx +220m/722ft

Meals:  B

Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 7 breakfasts, 6 dinners. Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices. Dinner will consist of 3 courses, usually starting with a salad, followed by a chicken, red meat, fish or pasta dish & finishing with a dessert of fruit or cakes.
  • 7 nights in comfortable hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • Digital information pack with route notes, maps & GPX
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
  • Emergency hotline
  • Visitor tax

  • Travel to Baiona and from Santiago de Compostela
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Guide – this is a self guided walking holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees not listed as included
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Excess luggage
  • Option to upgrade accommodation in Caldas de Reis - please ask our team for details, must be requested at time of booking
  • Tourist tax - if applicable
  • Items of a personal nature

Suitability

moderate

3

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

Departure dates

Daily from 1 Mar to 1 Nov

Notes

H
High Season
Note:
High season is 23 Mar to 6 Apr and 15 Jul to 15 Sep - supplement applies
Note:
Other dates are available on request. Supplements may apply outside of the main season due to additional charges for luggage transfers and hotel closures (some transfers may be required to confirm your booking). Departures in winter are likely to experience wetter and colder conditions than at other times. Winter can be a magical time to experience the Camino with fewer people and more local encounters, but the walking day is shorter and hotel closures are possible which may require a change in overnight towns.
Note:
Santiago airport (code SCQ) will be closed from 23 APR-27MAY 2026 for planned runway works. The nearest airports are in Vigo or A Coruna. Additional bus transfers will be available to these airports during this time or we can assist with a private transfer on request - please ask our team.
Note:
The Triathlon World Championships will be held in Pontevedra 20-30 Sep 2026, it may be necessary to adjust the stage or stay in an alternative town during this time.

Priceper person from

£1030GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Caldas de Reis upgrade: 4* Pousada Real - twinshare HB pp supplementGBP£25
  • Caldas de Reis upgrade: 4* Pousada Real - single supplement (HB)GBP£42
  • Fisterra Day Trip ex Santiago - daily departures 15 April to 31 OctoberGBP£50
  • Fisterra Day Trip ex Santiago - daily departures 15 April to 31 OctoberGBP£50
  • Caldas de Reis upgrade: 3* Torre de Rio - twinshare pp, HBGBP£80
  • Excess luggage (per piece, max 20kg in weight)GBP£110
  • Caldas de Reis upgrade: 3* Torre de Rio - single, HBGBP£110
  • Single SupplementGBP£390
  • Solo Traveller SupplementGBP£420
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

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We've been operating self-guided active holidays since 1973, taking care of every detail so you can relax and explore at your own pace. With many walking and hiking tours departing daily, you'll enjoy the freedom and flexibility to travel when it suits you.

Videos

Walking the Camino Portuguese Coastal Route