7 Nts Coastal Portuguese - First Stretch

Day 1. Arrival in Porto

Porto, world capital of Port wine, is a great place to begin your journey. There is plenty to impress you in this colourful city, from the old city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the picturesque riverfront with its period wine boats to the tasty local cuisine. Enjoy a relaxing tour of the city and charge up for the adventure ahead.

Overnight: Porto

 

Day 2. Porto (Matosinhos)—Vila do Conde (24 km)

It is recommended to take a Metro to Matosinhos to avoid the industrial outskirts of Porto. From Matosinhos, the ocean will be your constant companion as far as Baiona, 130 km away to the north. The ocean and golden sandy beaches will guide you to Vila do Conde, an important old fishing town with numerous historical and architectural points of interest.

Overnight: Vila do Conde

 

Day 3. Vila do Conde—Esposende (25 km)

Depart the historical centre of Vila do Conde and in a few kilometres you will reach the seaside resort of Póvoa de Varzim. Continue along the coast, beautiful beaches on your left, agricultural lands on your right, before reaching Esposende, a town set on the estuary of the River Cavado.

Overnight: Esposende

 

Day 4. Esposende—Viana do Castelo (23 km)

Leave Esposende and hug the coastline northwards, passing small villages like Marhinas, Behinho, Neiva and Darque until you reach the historic town of Viana do Castelo. You will cross a 600m iron bridge built in 1878 and designed by Gustave Eiffel.

Overnight: Viana do Castelo

 

Day 5. Viana do Castelo—Caminha (28 km)

Depart from the historical centre of Viana do Castelo and move out into the countryside through several old farms. The path will lead you past the villages of Areosa, Afife and Carreço and the old fishing port of Ancora. Continue towards

Caminha, perched upon the Minho estuary, where ocean and river meet.

Overnight: Caminha

 

Day 6. Caminha—Oia (19 km)

This stage begins with a ferry crossing of the river Minho to enter Galicia and Spain. After landing ashore in A Guarda, follow a roadside trail, passing through Portecelo and Val da Aguieira. After the chapel of San Sebastián, you will begin your approach to Oia, which boasts the impressive 12th-century Cistercian Monastery of Santa Maria de Oia.

Overnight: Oia

 

Day 7. Oia— Baiona (15 km)

Leave the village of Oia and weave between beaches, cliffs and cultivated fields, amid the sound of the sea slapping the rocky shore. Your Camino ends in Baiona, a popular seaside town with lovely beaches, impressive fortifications and a vibrant atmosphere. Baiona is also a very important town in the history of maritime exploration as it was the first port in Europe to receive the news of the discovery of the New World. As this is a short stage, you will arrive in Baiona early enough to have lunch in one of the many terraces in the old town or to take a dip in the sea. Transfer to Santiago in the afternoon and enjoy your last night in this amazing city of culture and spirituality.

Overnight: Baiona

 

Day 8. Santiago de Compostela

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the end of your Camino adventure. See you next time!