12-Day / 11-Night Gentle📜

From your point of arrival, use the public transport information we provide to make the journey to Oia.

From Oia a scenic coastal trail hugs the shoreline and delights with beautiful, uninterrupted ocean views and dramatic rocky outcroppings. The route then turns inland and begins a long, moderate ascent. The panoramic hilltop vistas and peaceful woodland, where the scent of pine fills the air, make the effort deeply rewarding. After cresting the hill, the trail descends gently into Baiona, a vibrant coastal town steeped in history. It was here that the Pinta, one of Columbus’s ships, first returned from the New World in 1493. Baiona’s old town invites exploration with its narrow stone streets, lively squares, and the imposing Fortaleza de Monterreal, which overlooks the harbor. The town is also known for its excellent seafood and relaxed seaside charm, making it a perfect spot to stop for the night.

From Baiona, quiet paths guide you toward A Ramallosa and the graceful, medieval Ponte Románica bridge that spans the River Miñor. From here, you can choose between two different routes for the following 8km of today’s hike. The Senda Litoral offers wide views across the bay and passes quiet beaches, small fishing harbours and the long beachfront promenade of Praia América. Meanwhile, the official Coastal Camino route meanders through the foothills at the edge of Vigo, where villages, farms and shady woodlands often give a wonderfully remote and rural impression. Both options join at Priegue, from where you are transferred to your accommodation.

In the morning you are transferred back to Priegue and from there the Camino soon continues through wooded hills, past an ancient hill fort and the moss-covered ruins of old water mills. At Coruxo it gets more urban before the route splits again. The old, original route continues up and down through small suburban villages and past old chapels before descending to the city. The new riverside route instead joins the quiet Rio Lagares where a good path provides easy, level walking for 3km to Balaídos. Both routes re-join there and continue along the Rio Lagares through parkland and in the shade of trees before the route climbs through increasingly lively, urban streets up into vibrant, modern Vigo City.

Leaving Vigo’s lively streets, the trail ascends through shaded woodland, where eucalyptus and oak trees form a natural canopy. Passing quiet hamlets and rolling farmland, glimpses of traditional Galician stone houses and horreos appear along the way. A steady climb rewards hikers with stunning views over the Vigo Estuary and the Ponte de Rande bridge before descending through peaceful forest paths, crossing small streams and medieval stone remnants, leading to Redondela, where the Coastal and Central routes merge.

A scenic and varied stage that blends forest paths, Roman roads, and coastal views. Leaving Redondela, the trail climbs steadily through quiet neighbourhoods and wooded hills, offering glimpses of the Vigo estuary. After reaching the coast again at the lovely town of Arcade, pilgrims cross the historic Ponte Sampaio bridge. The route then climbs again and winds through peaceful countryside and shady forests, with occasional chapels and pilgrim shrines along the way. You finish the day at the little church of Santa Marta in Vilaboa, and will be transferred to your accommodation.

After a short transfer, you can choose between the main road or a more tranquil riverside path through Tomeza to guide you to the lively city of Pontevedra, known for its charming old town, the Roman bridge of Ponte do Burgo and the scallop-shaped Church of the Pilgrim Virgin. Leaving the city, the path soon climbs uphill as it follows old Roman roads and rural lanes, gradually transitioning into green corridors lined with stone walls and shaded by trees. Your hike ends at the little village of San Amaro, from where you are transferred to your accommodation.

Short morning transfer to the trail and then a scenic, peaceful and reflective hike, winding mostly downhill through quiet countryside, mossy forests, and small Galician villages. A highlight is the optional detour to the waterfalls at Barosa. The day finishes in Caldas de Reis, a charming spa town known for its thermal springs and riverside setting. Many pilgrims enjoy dipping their feet in the warm waters – a simple but memorable reward after a day on the trail.

This short and gentle stage follows shaded woodland paths and leads through scenic countryside and quiet rural villages. Along the way, you’ll encounter charming churches – whose modest façades often hide rich histories dating back centuries. Rustic water mills nestled beside babbling brooks evoke the region’s agricultural past, while occasional cafés and roadside bars provide welcome opportunities to rest, refresh, and chat with fellow pilgrims. Finish your day at the small hamlet of San Miguel de Valga from where you transferred to your accommodation.

After a morning transfer to San Miguel de Valga, you follow the River Sar into Padrón, home to the Igrexa de Santiago and the legendary Pedrón stone, marking the spot where the boat carrying St James’ remains is said to have landed. From Padrón, you hike along quiet rural lanes and past historic churches, including Iria Flavia, another site deeply tied to the legend of Saint James. At the end of your hike at A Picaraña, you are transferred to your accommodation.

The final stage of the Camino Portuguese is both emotional and symbolic. After a short transfer, the walk begins again with quiet rural lanes that gradually shift from countryside to urban outskirts. Following a long but gentle uphill walk, the spires of Santiago’s cathedral suddenly come into view, at Milladoiro. Here, pilgrims used to be humbled by their first glimpse of the cathedral and they kneeled in reverence. From Milladoiro the last few miles of the Camino lead you into the heart of the city, through bustling streets and historic gates. Reaching the Praza do Obradoiro and standing before the cathedral is a moment of reflection, joy, and accomplishment – a fitting end to your pilgrimage.

There are regular flights from Santiago Airport as well as bus and train services from Santiago to other Spanish cities and airports. Full details provided upon booking.