10-Day / 9-Night Moderate 📜

From your point of arrival, use the public transport information we provide to make the journey to Caminha, Portugal’s picturesque border town. Camimha offers breathtaking and panoramic views of the Rio Minho and Santa Tecla Mountain, where Portugal meets Spain.

Your adventure starts with a ferry crossing of the River Minho, transitioning from Portugal into Galicia, Spain. There you choose between a peaceful forest path or a rugged coastal path to reach A Guarda, the first town in Galicia. A moderate ascent then leads to a viewpoint with expansive Atlantic views before the trail gradually descends into the coastal village of Oia, where the historic monastery overlooks the sea and narrow stone streets reflect the village’s quiet maritime charm.

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 harbour. The town is also known for its excellent seafood and relaxed seaside charm, making it a perfect spot to pause and refuel.

From there, quiet paths guide you toward A Ramallosa where this stage concludes at the graceful, medieval Ponte Románica bridge that spans the River Miñor. A fitting landmark to end this diverse Camino stage.

For the first 8km of today’s hike, you can choose between two different routes. 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 where 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 urban streets up into 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 before descending through peaceful forest paths, crossing small streams and medieval stone remnants, leading to Redondela, where the Coastal and Central routes merge. After a section along the coast, complete a climb through a wooded forest before heading downhill and reaching the coast again at the lovely town of Arcade.

After 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. Near Pontevedra, you can choose between the main road or a more tranquil riverside path through Tomeza. The stage ends in the lively city of Pontevedra, known for its charming old town and the scallop-shaped Church of the Pilgrim Virgin.

A scenic, peaceful and reflective hike, winding through quiet countryside, mossy forests, and small Galician villages. Leaving the city, the path follows old Roman roads and rural lanes, gradually transitioning into green corridors lined with stone walls and shaded by trees. Highlights include the Roman bridge of Ponte do Burgo and an optional detour to the waterfalls at Barosa. The stage ends 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.

Passing through peaceful villages like Carracedo and San Miguel de Valga, the route leads through scenic countryside and woodland paths. You pass historic churches, and rustic water mills, with occasional cafés offering a welcome break. The last section follows 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.

The final, slightly longer stage of the Camino Portuguese from Padrón to Santiago de Compostela is both emotional and symbolic. The path begins with quiet rural lanes and historic churches, including Iria Flavia, a site deeply tied to the legend of Saint James. As you continue, the route gradually shifts from countryside to urban outskirts, with stretches of pavement and gentle climbs. Though not the most scenic part of the Camino, the anticipation builds with every step. Eventually, the spires of Santiago’s cathedral come into view, and the trail leads 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.