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2
introductory to moderate
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 11 nights in comfortable hotels
Meals
  • 10 Dinners
  • 11 Breakfasts

12 Days£1670GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: PC7

Trip highlights

  • Enjoying a quieter pilgrimage route at a slower pace
  • Experiencing local culinary delights including oysters and pulpo (octopus)
  • Enjoying the mix of scenery: the coast, vineyards and 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 this rambler version of the final stage of the Coastal Route from Baiona (in Spain), you'll travel north through small hamlets, past eucalyptus and pine woods, over ancient bridges and along stunning coastal scenery. The shorter distances allow a slower pace and plenty of time to enjoy the sites and towns along the way. 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 check in to your hotel. If you have time take a walk around the town with its medieval centre, situated on the Vigo Bay. On a clear day you should be able to see the Cies islands. Its best streets are set around the bay next to the mouth of Miñor River. It was here that Pinzón's La Pinta moored in 1493, the first caravel to reach port after the voyage of discovery to the New World. Sunset from Monterreal Fort and its famous Príncipe Tower (where the parador is located) should not be missed.

Meals:  D

As you leave Baiona you will walk alongside sandy beaches for most of the day. There are plenty of opportunities to take a break at a seaside cafe along the way. From Oia on the Ria de Vigo (estuary) there will be a transfer back to Baiona and your hotel.. Distance 16km/10m, highest point approx 60m

Meals:  B,D

Transfer back to Oia then continue on foot along the estuary. Later you will arrive in Vigo, a typical Galician town with a wide sandy beach. Walking along the harbour you'll arrive at your hotel for the night. Overnight Vigo. Vigo's old quarter is home to the neoclassical Church of Santa María and the nearby archaeological site of Castro de Vigo has reconstructed ancient dwellings. Distance 10.7 km/6.7mi, highest point approx 40m

Meals:  B,D

The route as you leave Vigo is mainly uphill, and you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the city and harbour. Continue onto a plateau before descending into Redondela. Enjoy your final steps on the Coastal Route - at Redondela you join the main Portuguese (central) Camino. Redondela has a rich natural and cultural heritage and some lovely beaches including Cesantes. Distance 16km/10mi, highest point approx 160m

Meals:  B,D

Walking from Redondela you are now on the main Portuguese Camino route. It's a short walk to Arcade, a nice quiet town on the Atlantic coast which is known for its oysters. In early April there is an oyster festival (can be very busy). Arcade has charming old stone houses set on green hills and tranquil bays. Its arched bridge spans the River Verdugo and dates from Roman and medieval times. Stroll the cobblestone streets and narrow lanes through old neighbourhoods where many homes still have traditional 'horreos' (granaries). Time permitting, there is a castle out of town, Soutomaior, dating from the 12th century, and a winery nearby. There are are also several beaches and small coves, perfect for swimming (weather permitting). Overnight Arcade. Distance 9km/5.6mi, highest point approx 160m

Meals:  B,D

You start the day by walking over the beautiful old bridge of Ponte Sampaio at the mouth of the river Verdugo. The bridge is famous for having been the scene of the last battle in Galicia against Napoleon’s army during the War of Independence. From here there's a short uphill stretch following ancient stone paths before the trail descends to the provincial capital of Pontevedra. There are some interesting sites to be explored here 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 12.3km/7.7mi, highest point approx 140m

Meals:  B,D

Most of this stage is through woodland and countryside along gentle river valleys with virtually no climbing. Overnight is usually in a 'casa rural' in the village of Outeiro. Distance: 11km/6.9mi, highest point approx 100m

Meals:  B,D

Today's route takes you through typical villages, offering a mix of cultural and natural heritage. Approx midway through the stage, you can visit the waterfalls of the Barosa River Natural Park (1km round trip). Near to Caldas de Reis the route crosses the N550 and follows this road for short sections. Located between the Umia and Bermana rivers, Caldas de Reis is known for its thermal waters. The botanical gardens next to the river offer a lovely respite from the walk. Overnight Caldas de Reis. Option to upgrade to a comfortable 4 star inn with pool or 3 star rural inn with pool - supplement applies and must be requested when initially booking the trip. Distance 12km/7.5mi, highest point approx 60m

Meals:  B,D

Today's walk is more undulating, with moderate gradients, past fields, forests and small villages. Enjoy a beautiful walk through the Bermana river valley then the path descends into the Valga valley. There are two short stages of main road: leaving Caldas and entering Padron. Herbón, a small village belonging to the municipality of Padrón, is where the famous "Pimientos de Padrón" are grown. Padron town is lovely, set on the banks of the Sar and Ulla rivers. Igrexa de Santiago (church) is a significant site on the Camino - the "Pedron" (mooring stone) is on display under the altar. Overnight in Padron. Distance 18.7km/11.7mi, highest point approx 140m

Meals:  B,D

Breaking the long walk to Santiago allows you to enjoy your arrival there, and staying in a small town with a lovely hotel allows time to reflect on your journey so far. Distance 12km/7.7mi, highest point approx 100m

Meals:  B,D

The final day takes you through pine, oak and eucalyptus wood, following a mainly paved path. There is a gradual climb to Agro dos Monteiros in O Milladoiro and further along, another to reach Santiago. Closer to Santiago the route follows some sections of main road. Overnight in Santiago. Own dinner arrangements. Distance 13km/8.1mi, highest point approx 240m

Meals:  B

Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast. If you'd like to stay an extra night in Santiago please ask for our rates.

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

  • 11 breakfasts, 10 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.
  • 11 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
  • Transfers as shown on days 2 & 3
  • Pilgrim Passport
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Baiona and from Santiago de Compostela
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Guide – this is a self guided walking trip
  • 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
  • Options to upgrade accommodation: in Baiona to the parador, in Caldas de Reis to a city inn or rural inn (both with a pool), in Santiago to the parador - supplements apply, ask our team
  • Tourist tax - if applicable
  • Items of a personal nature

Suitability

introductory to moderate

2

GRADE 2 - Daily walks are between approximately 7-19 km (4.5-11.6mi) on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to hilly. The trail takes you along quiet rural roads, occasionally on the verges of roads with traffic. Some of the route is on walking trails away from the road. Route finding is reasonably straight forward following the yellow arrows, shell signs and granite pillars (showing distance to Santiago), however you still need to be vigilant. 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
DN1
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 the main season due to additional charges for luggage transfers and hotel closures (which may require a change in the overnight towns or transfers to confirm your booking). Winter can be a magical time to experience the Camino with fewer people and more local encounters, but the walking day is shorter.
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. 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

£1670GBP

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
  • Caldas de Reis upgrade: 3* Torre de Rio - twinshare pp, HBGBP£80
  • Caldas de Reis upgrade: 3* Torre de Rio - single, HBGBP£110
  • Excess luggage (per piece, max 20kg in weight)GBP£160
  • Single SupplementGBP£630
  • Solo traveller supplementGBP£680
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been exploring the world on foot for over five decades, and our passion for walking runs deep. Having hiked nearly every corner of Europe, we take pride in sharing the joy, freedom and perspective that only travelling on foot can bring, all with the exceptional service and care our travellers know us for.

Great Value & Quality

Our trips offer excellent value for money, with everything you need for a seamless walking holiday. Each package includes detailed route notes, maps and navigation app, luggage transfers, and comfortable locally run accommodation. We take care of the planning, so you can simply enjoy the walk.

Self-Guided Specialists

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