The Way of Saint James along the Portuguese Coast (El Camino de Santiago Portuguese por La Costa) has been known for centuries as an important religious and spiritual pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela for pilgrims visiting the tomb of Saint James in the Cathedral of Santiago. After having being partially forgotten for many years, somewhat overshadowed by the French Camino de Santiago, this pilgrimage is now experiencing a near explosive interest over the last couple of years.
There may be various reasons for this, but probably the most important explanation is the truly unique experience it is in nature, to walk or cycle along the Atlantic Ocean. The Way of Saint James Portuguese by the Coast is therefore, not only a religious journey, but also a spiritual journey through some of the most magnificent natural scenery in Europe. This pilgrimage offers so many unique experiences, historical and as said, in nature, that travelling this route you will definitely have experienced the significance of being a pilgrim. It is no exaggeration to claim that no one arrives at Santiago de Compostela without being touched both physically and mentally by the magnificent experiences that await each pilgrim on this journey.
Your pilgrimage begins at the Cathedral Sé in Porto, in Porto's Old Quarter with its idyllic streets. Thereafter, you will follow the Duero River to its estuary at the Atlantic Ocean. After a beautiful farewell to Porto, you will walk along the Atlantic Coast, and with the exception of a few detours where the route takes you a little inland, you follow the Atlantic Ocean all the way to City of Vigo. At the end of the Bay of Vigo, you might have a melancholic moment, before saying farewell to the ocean, but you will also look forward to the new expereinces awaiting you as you continue your pilgrimage through the beautiful Galician countryside. On your journey through Spain's most north-western region, you will get to know the authentic Galicia as you pass through beautiful villages, try the famous Galician cuisine with its vast array of seafood, taste the exquisite Albariño wines, and of course, meet the local population and the hospitality shown there.
We have organised this pilgrimage in different stages, where you have the opportunity to hike, cycle or do a combination of both hiking and cycling.
✔Daily Departures all year round.
✔Hotel-to-Hotel Baggage Service is optional.
✔Your personal Pilgrim's Passport.
✔Specially Selected Hotels - always with private bathroom - selected for best location, service and authentic charm.
✔Spain is More Camino Guidebook (which you will receive some weeks before departure) contains practical pilgrim information, suggestions for packing list, recommended restaurants, maps of all cities along The Camino- and hotel location, Pilgrim's Passport/Credential, advice and guidance, service phone numbers and much more, all to make your trip on The Camino an experience of a lifetime!
✔This trip can be combined with other Camino routes.
✔Dividing stages: Yes, always!
✔Day trip to Finisterre.
The services are good along the entire stretch. You will pass through a number of largely populated areas, so that you can buy everything you need.
In the section, "detailed itinerary", you will find more detailed information of each stage, as well as maps of the profiles of each stage with photos.
