Portuguese Coastal Camino & Douro Valley

Hike

21.5km

To embark on this section of the Camino, we first take a scenic drive back towards the coast, before setting out on foot from Marinhas for the city of Viana do Castelo. We relish walking what we soon discover is a path less trodden, with fewer pilgrims, until the indisputably lovely skyline of Viana do Castelo shifts into view. 

An unexpected gift on Portugal’s Costa Verde, fabled for its hilltop temple, we behold this ancient city’s blend of architectural styles from Manueline to art deco, and modern-day. Our residence tonight is the Pousada de Viana do Castelo, with lofty views across the Lima River below and the Temple de Santa Luzia nearby.

Hike

26km

Our final day in Portugal takes us across the Minho River to the town of Caminha, on the edge of Spain. Caminha sits lapped by sandy beaches, concealing an understated medieval appeal with Gothic, Renaissance and baroque flourishes, along with the town’s centrepiece, its 17th-century clock tower. 

Our journey continues north, by road, to the far reaches of the Monterreal Peninsula in Baiona, on which the Parador de Baiona proudly stands. This fortress offers us a luxurious safe haven for the night, looking out onto the ocean’s horizon.

Hike

24.4km

Leaving Baiona behind, we set out on foot, crossing the Rio Minor along the Roman bridge of Romallosa. From here, we are bound for the Bay of Samil. Beaches furnish the coastline, luring summer tourists from Spain’s scorched interior. Today’s destination is the world’s largest fishing port, Vigo, sheltered on the Vigo estuary by the Cíes Islands. We ensconce ourselves within Pazo Los Escudos Hotel & Spa Resort, which opens onto the soft white sands of Carril Beach, for a two-night stay.

Hike

15.4km

With just 100kms remaining until we reach Santiago de Compostela, dedicated travellers must walk each remaining leg of the journey in order to qualify for their Compostela certificate. Just north of Vigo, we turn our attention to Redondela, a pretty Galician town, nestled in the recesses of the Ria de Vigo, where the coastal and inland Caminos converge. Our trusty courtesy vehicle returns us to the Pazo Los Escudos Hotel & Spa Resort, where we ready ourselves for the final leg of our Camino journey.

Hike

21.2km

With passports in pockets, we board our courtesy vehicle and return to Redondela. From here, we join the inland Camino for our onward journey north to Pontevedra. Historic towns and villages line our route, strung together by country lanes and forest trails. Notably, we cross the Puente Sampaio Bridge at the village of Arcade. Its roots set down in Roman times, the bridge was once the backdrop to a Napoleonic battle. We tread ancient pathways into the provincial capital of Pontevedra, in the heart of the Rias Baixas region. Pontevedra’s maritime history dates back beyond its shipbuilding days for explorers like Christopher Columbus. Our accommodation for tonight was once home to the Counts of Maceda – The Parador de Pontevedra, perfectly placed near the city’s Old Town.

Hike

25.6km

Today’s walk heralds a return to nature, through pine and Eucalyptus-scented forests. Along the way, we stop at churches to collect our pilgrim’s stamps, impressed by the warmth with which we are always received. This kindness may date back to a time when pilgrims survived upon alms offered by clergy and villagers throughout their journey of faith. The evening brings us to the historic spa town of Caldas de Reis, and our abode for two nights, the Hotel Torre do Rio.

Pacing ourselves today, we take a break from our route to explore the town of Cambados, within the Galician wine-growing region of Rias Baixas. The people here are known to celebrate the area’s wine heritage as much as its seafaring history. It’s believed that 12th-century monks introduced the Albariño grape to the area, a white wine varietal known as ‘the wine of the sea’. During lunch, we discover for ourselves how Albariño complements the local fruits of the sea. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure before we reconvene for dinner.

Hike

18.7km

A gentle climb from Caldas de Reis to Padrón leads us across the river Umia towards the monastic complex Santa Maria de Carracedo. Dense forest and lush farmland flank our path through a string of hamlets and villages, including Cedelo and Condide. Many of these villages hint at their Camino heritage in churches, shrines and along old stone walls. Our journey culminates in Padrón, a focal point for Camino pilgrims, where Jacobean tradition began. This evening, we reside at the elegant Hotel A Quinta da Auga, in A Barcia, while dinner is served at the Filigrana Relais & Chateaux restaurant within sight of Santiago de Compostela.

Hike

25km

Our final day of walking the Camino is here. We return to Padrón once more to begin our final leg. Grey stone walls edge our cobbled way into the city of Santiago de Compostela. Excitement is palpable with each fellow pilgrim we encounter. Reaching the end of our journey, elation can no longer be contained. Like the dozens of other weary travellers we see before us, our experience has been well earned. Take the remainder of the day to explore the city at leisure, then enjoy a deserved rest at the Parador de Santiago de Compostela, just moments from the city’s cathedral. This hallmark property is considered one of the world’s oldest hotels, having been built in 1499 as the Royal Hospital to arriving pilgrims. Settling into the hotel’s cloistered elegance, we’ve certainly arrived.

At long last, we stand before the soaring façade of the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela. Stepping inside, we witness the age-old spectacle of the Botafumeiro, a giant thurible, swing from the cathedral’s heights to dispense a swirl of incense, signalling the successful conclusion to our Camino journey. We are all bound by a sense of fulfilment and shared experience. To take full advantage of our last day, we have arranged a tour of Santiago de Compostela. We take a closer look at the convents, monasteries, monuments, and museums assembled throughout the city, so rich in culture. Enjoy a final evening at the Parador de Santiago de Compostela.

Today, we transfer to the airport, where our journey concludes. Now the proud owners of another passport, one reserved only for Camino pilgrims, we farewell our fellow travellers.