17-Day Camino de Santiago (Portuguese Route from Porto) Luxury
17 days
17-Day Camino de Santiago (Portuguese Route from Porto) Luxury
from $2895 USD Request trip informationExperience the Camino with a little bit of luxury! On this hike, you stay in the very nicest 4-star hotels along the route. This is an amazingly special experience!
The Portuguese Coastal Way is another very popular Camino route and is and excellent alternative to the French Way. This stunning walk weaves along the coastline of Spain, taking in some beautiful fishing towns and scenery. The seafood along the route is gorgeous with fresh produce served in most restaurants. Longer treks can start in Portugal.
Spend time on the white sandy beaches of Northern Portugal and Southern Galicia and soak in the laid back atmosphere of maritime culture on this peaceful Camino way.
Meet fellow pilgrims, discover local traditions and get your pilgrim passport stamped as you walk through woodlands, farmland and rustic hamlets. Once in Santiago, get your "Compostela" certificate and explore the magic of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This will be a self-guided hike. It can be customized (itinerary and accommodations), and we can arrange a private guide for you. The hike can be stretched to 9 days.
All treks include luggage transfer, so you just carry a day pack with the things you need for the day.
NOTE: The accommodations listed are sample accommodations. Exact lodging will depend on availability. Most of the luxury accommodations are off the Camino route and require a vehicle transfer from the route to the hotel and back (included).
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Porto
Start your Camino de Santiago journey in gorgeous and colorful Porto, with its UNESCO-listed old town and picturesque riverfront while not forgetting that the city is home to the famous Port wine. Discover the best of Portuguese hospitality before your walk.
We can help with transfers from the Porto Airport. You will be given a full Trip Pack with maps and descriptions of the route.
Meals included: n/a
Mid-Range Accommodations: Villa Galle Porto
Day 2: Free day in Porto (B)
Enjoy a free day in the beautiful town of Porto.
Porto is superbly located facing the open Atlantic Ocean and overlooking the River Douro. It is one of the most ancient cities in Europe and its old town was born and developed from the Northern bank of the river during the Middle Ages - Ribeira do Porto. Porto's architectural heritage is renowned, and its historical center has UNESCO world heritage status. Porto is a cultural center, a creative and contemporary city full of museums, monuments, restaurants, bars and thriving shopping areas. The Music House, National Theatre, Palace of Bolsa, D.Luis Bridge and the Medieval tower of the Cathedral are particularly worth visiting. It is also famous throughout the world for its Port wines and a visit to one of the cellars is essential, many of which are clustered close to the River Douro.
Sleep well tonight as your walking adventure begins tomorrow after breakfast!
Meals included: Breakfast
Mid-Range Accommodations: Villa Galle Porto
Day 3: Hike to Pavoa de Varzim (29-32km) (BD)
You should take the Metro to Matosinhos if you want to avoid the outskirts of Porto and get close to the coast to start your Camino walk along the seaside route. Get off at the 'Mercado' stop in Matosinhos and cross the iron lifting bridge. The coastal route crosses the city center northwards from the cathedral and later the outskirts where the route follows along with some heavily industrialized areas.
Povoa de Varzim is a popular seaside resort for the Portuguese. Many people, especially from Porto, have holiday homes in the area.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: Axis Vermar (Povoa de Varzim)
Day 4: Hike to Esposende (21km) (BD)
On your way to Esposende you will pass the popular seaside town of Povoa de Varzim with its sandy beachfront and cross the Coastal Natural Park, Parque Natural do Litoral Norte.
Esposende is a town facing the Atlantic Ocean with many miles of golden, sandy deserted beaches interspersed with lush, green pine forests. It is an old fishing village with a great setting on the estuary of the River Cavado. This is a very busy resort in summer.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: Axis Ofir Hotel (Esposende)
Day 5: Hike to Viana do Castelo (24km) (BD)
Today you will continue your Camino coastal walk from Esposende, across the Coastal Natural Park, on your way to Viana do Castelo.
Viana do Castelo is a town located on the north bank of the Lima estuary, famous for its handicrafts and local costumes. The Sanctuary of Santa Luzia is worth visiting, with commanding views of the town. In addition, there are numerous beaches such as Cabedelo, Rodanho and Amorosa. The Praca da Republica, the 25 April Monument and the promenade are popular attractions.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: Axis Viana do Castelo (Viana do Castelo)
Day 6: Hike to Vila Paria de Ancora (18km) (BD)
Today you will leave Viana do Castelo and continue along the beautiful Atlantic coastline heading North. Today is quite an easy day, giving you plenty of time to enjoy a relaxed pace and have enough time to make the most of the seaside villages and towns along the way.
Vila Praia de Ancora is a small town with a range of good restaurants and bars, popular with day-trippers. The beaches, port and Lagarteira Fort are popular attractions.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: Hotel Meira (Vila Praia de Ancora / 3-star)
Day 7: Hike to A Guarda (14-16km) (BD)
From Vila Praia de Ancora you will continue on your coastal Camino towards Caminha, right by the Minho estuary, where the river meets the Atlantic.
Caminha - a charming town on the estuary with a long history. Here the estuary is at its widest point of 2 km and marks the border between Spain and Portugal.
Ferry crossing the Minho River:
At Caminha there is a ferryboat, the Santa Rita de Cassia, to cross the river Minho to Galicia. It operates every hour from 10 am to 8 pm (except 2 pm) on weekdays and from
11 am to 8 pm (except 2 pm) on weekends. Price 1€. The ferry schedule varies depending on the season. Check the most up to date timetable beforehand:
- http://www.cm-caminha.pt/ver.php?cod=1E0C
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: Vila Da Guarda (A Guarda / 3-star)
Day 8: Hike to Baiona (31km) (B)
Hike 13-14km to Oia - a charming town of historic significance, with a 12th century Monastery.
Continue hiking 18km to Baiona.
Baiona is the most tourist-orientated seaside town in the south of Galicia. It has a well-preserved Old Town, a wide variety of important monuments, places to visit, and easy access to sandy beaches. There is also a cycle track that goes as far south as A Guarda and, to the north, as far as the edge of Vigo. On 1 March 1493, the ship Carabela La Pinta arrived in the Port of Baiona with news of the discovery of America. There is a replica of the ship, which houses a museum, moored in the harbor. The Parador is located in the Fortress which dates to 1337. At the entrance, there is a Tourist Office with local information in English. The grounds of the Parador, and the seaside walkway, are great places to admire the views of the Bay of Baiona, the Cies Islands, the backdrop of the mountains and impressive sunsets. In summer, between June and the end of September, there is a ferry daily to the Cíes Islands, a place of outstanding natural beauty and perhaps Spain's most important National Park. Tickets are available from a modern building (with a cafeteria) where the boats depart at the end of the Port.
Meals included: Breakfast
Luxury Accommodations: Parador Conde de Gondomar (Baiona)
Day 9: Free Day in Baiona (B)
Enjoy a free day in the beautiful town of Baiona.
The elegant seaside town of Baiona, in the heart of the Rias Baixas, famous for its Albarino white wine and delicious shellfish. This is a superb coastal Camino route, ideal for the summer months. Visit the Monte Real castle, stroll along the port and go for a swim in the bay before you start your journey to Santiago. From Baiona, you will follow the coast towards Vigo, enjoying the views of the magnificent Illas Cies and Vigo Bay.
Meals included: Breakfast
Luxury Accommodations: Parador Conde de Gondomar (Baiona)
Day 10: Hike Baiona to Vigo (28km) (B)
Today you will follow the coast from Baiona to Nigran and finally to the city of Vigo. You will enjoy fantastic views of the Bay of Vigo, with the magnificent Illas Cies and its Natural Park in the horizon. On a hot day, stop at the blue flag beach Praia America in Nigran for a quick swim.
Meals included: Breakfast
Mid-Range Accommodations: Hotel Axis Vigo
Day 11: Hike Vigo to Redondela (15km) (BD)
From the city of Vigo, you will continue on your coastal Camino with the Bay of Vigo to your left. Today is quite a short day so you can enjoy a more relaxed pace. Your stop for the night is the town of Redondela where you will join the original Portuguese Camino.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: Pazo Torres de Agrelo Guest House (Redondela)
Day 12: Hike Redondela to Pontevedra (20km) (B)
Today is your last day along the coast and quite a short walking day so you can make the most of the seaside. Stop to try the famous oysters in the fishing village of Arcade. Your final point is the city of Pontevedra, with its pretty historic center. You will have time to explore the old town with its many Romanesque churches and quaint granite squares. Today, the Camino trail continues downhill, passing the village of Casanova and the delightful village of Leboreiro. You will finish your day in the lively market town of Melide (454m), where you should try octopus, Galicia's most classic dish.
Meals included: Breakfast
Luxury Accommodations: Parador Pontevedra (Pontevedra)
Day 13: Hike Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis (21km) (BD)
Leaving Pontevedra, today, the Camino will take you through chestnut groves and pine and eucalyptus woods. In the village of Ponte Cabras you will see the rectory of Santa Maria de Alba. At Lombo da Maceira, a statue of Saint James with his walking stick will show you the way. On your way to Caldas de Reis you will pass the hamlet of Tivo with its lovely fountain and public washing bath.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: Torre do Rio Guest House (Caldas de Reis)
Day 14: Hike Calas de Reis to Padron (19km) (BD)
From Caldas de Reis you will cross the river Umia and find the hot springs that have given the town its name since Roman times. The trail once again takes you to forests and gradually climbs to the village of Santa Marina. You will continue on the Camino through pine forests to today's destination: the town of Padron. When the body of Saint James was being brought to Compostela by boat, Padron was said to be the first land it reached.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Luxury Accommodations: Pazo de Lestrove (Padron)
Day 15: Hike Padron to Santiago (25km) (B)
Today you will walk through a number of small villages on your way to the historical sanctuary of A Esclavitude. Nearby on a hilltop sit the ruins of a fort known as Castro Lupario. As you make your way towards Agro dos Monteiros you will be able to see the spires of the cathedral in Compostela. You will pass the ruins of the castle of A Rocha Vella, as you approach Santiago de Compostela.
Take time to explore this gem of a city, small and vibrant. Its UNESCO listed old town will enchant you. In Santiago de Compostela you will find not only pilgrims but also locals and students, socializing and enjoying a few bites and glasses of wine in the many bars, restaurants and cozy cafes.
There are 2 Pilgrim Masses at the Cathedral -- 12:00pm and 7:00pm. The Mass at noon is very crowded, but the one at 7pm is very quiet.
No backpacks or bags are allowed in the Cathedral. Leave them at your hotel, or there is a backpack storage area next to the Cathedral.
Meals included: Breakfast
Luxury Accommodations: Parador Reyes Catolicos (Santiago)
Day 16: Free Day in Santiago (B)
Use your free day to explore the beautiful old town in Santiago de Compostela, a UNESCO heritage site since 1985 and home to one of the oldest universities in Spain.
Consider adding a day tour to Finisterre Day or Rias Baixas Day.
Meals included: Breakfast
Luxury Accommodations: Parador Reyes Catolicos (Santiago)
Day 17: Depart Santiago (B)
The transfer to the Santiago Airport is on your own, or we can arrange it for you.
Meals included: Breakfast
Pricing
17-Day Camino de Santiago (Portuguese Route from Porto) LuxuryPrices are Per Person and Valid for Trips through December 31, 2024
| # People in Group: | 2+ |
| 17-Day Camino de Santiago (Portuguese Coastal Route) Luxury: | $3195 |
*** Contact Us for other itinerary and lodging options! ***
NOTE: Prices are per person in U.S. dollars based on double/triple occupancy. All quotations are based on the current rates of park fees, VAT, other government taxes, and current exchange rates. Should any of these be increased or a new tax introduced, these increases will be added on even if your trip has already been paid for.
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