The Route
The Camino Portuguese is a popular route within the network of Camino de Santiago pilgrimage hikes, leading to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain. The full route starts in Lisbon, Portugal and then splits at Porto into two main routes towards Spain and Santiago: The ‘Camino Central’ or Traditional Route, runs inland for 110 km (70 miles), before it crosses into Spain at Tui.
The increasingly popular ‘Camino da Costa’, or Coastal Route, instead follows the coast for 100km (62 miles) from Porto to the border town of Caminha on the banks of the Minho River. Here the route splits again and pilgrims can choose to cross the river and enter into Spain for the last 164km (102 miles) leg to Santiago via the city of Vigo, or alternatively, they can follow the River Minho for 32km (20 miles) to Tui and join the Traditional Route from there for the last 120 km (75 Miles) of pleasant walking to Santiago. Along the way, the routes via Vigo and Tui meet at Redondella. This all takes place on good, well-marked trails, with plenty of cafes to take breaks and scenic views, making it a comfortable and enjoyable pilgrimage experience.
Our longest itineraries on the Camino Portuguese (Coastal Route) start at Porto, Portugal’s vibrant, second city, famed for its rich history, striking architecture, and world-renowned Port wine. Nestled between the coast and the Douro River, its colorful old town—Ribeira—is a UNESCO World Heritage site, brimming with charm and character. From there the route leads north, often directly along the coast, past endless beaches and at other times across forested hillsides or through rural villages and historic towns, such as Vila do Conde or Viana do Castelo.
From peaceful and scenic Caminha, our tours via Tui stay in Portugal a little longer and continue inland along the River Minho and then join the Camino Portuguese Traditional Route to guide you into Spain and towards Santiago. If you instead like to follow the Camino route via Vigo, you cross the Minho River by ferry into Spain at Caminha and then head north along the breathtaking Galician coast to the fishing town of A Guarda, known for its Celtic heritage. Continuing north, the path leads through the peaceful village of Oia, home to the striking 12th-century Cistercian Monastery of Santa María de Oia, perched dramatically beside the sea.
You gradually make your way toward Baiona, with its bustling promenade before continuing toward Vigo. Look out for the Cíes Islands, whose glimmering presence offshore adds a magical touch to this part of the walk. Passing through Redondela, you’ll join with pilgrims on the inland Traditional Route, deepening the sense of shared purpose and camaraderie. From there, your steps lead to Pontevedra, a beautifully preserved maritime Galician city which is perfect for walking and exploring. Its vibrant centre has an old town and much to discover.
Continue to Padrón, birthplace of the legendary Galician poet Rosalía de Castro and home of the famed Padrón peppers—spicy surprises await! Finally, after days filled with beauty, culture, and reflection, you’ll arrive at Santiago de Compostela, the spiritual heart of the Camino and a place where many find both joy and peace in their journey’s end.
Terrain Overview
The terrain of the Camino Portuguese (Coastal Route) from Porto is well-suited for walking and includes boardwalks coastal trails, promenades, woodland paths, riverside tracks and lanes through pastures and villages, small rural roads and sandy footpaths that run parallel with roads. In Portugal, the route varies between boardwalks and promenades that run directly by the sea as well as cobbled village streets, pavement in towns and woodland paths and tracks.
Particularly along the coast you usually find little shade and wind can be a constant companion. The general feel of Galicia is often described as green, wooded and criss-crossed with old walled lanes. The Camino Portuguese in Galicia is often shaded, so it is cool and pleasant, even in the middle of the day during the summertime. Unlike many modern long distance hiking routes, that might avoid large towns or villages, the ancient pilgrim routes like the Camino Portuguese pass through many settlements where shelter, food and refreshments are available.
The first 50km (30 miles) from Porto, stay quite close to the coast, and the route is almost completely flat which makes for easy walking. After that, the Coastal Route through northern Portugal includes some gentle ascents and descents as well as a handful of longer climbs near Casteleo do Neiva, Viana do Castelo and Vila Praia de Âncora. If continuing from Caminha along the coast via Vigo, pilgrims will encounter some gentle up and down as well as a few more noticeable climbs around Baiona and Vigo, while those who choose to follow the route along the river Minho should also be prepared for a few shorter climbs before that route rises at Tui.
From Tui the first notable climb is just before Redondella, where the route joins the coastal route via Vigo. From there, the rest of the route contains mostly gentle ascents and descents apart from two steeper climbs before and after Arcade. The highest point of the trail is the end point, at the Cathedral in Santiago, where the trail rises to 250m above sea level.
Elevation Profile
