Walk the Portuguese Camino

Welcome to Portugal! A representative will be waiting for you at Lisbon Airport to take you to your hotel downtown. Your adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 7 pm where you'll meet your local leader and get the lowdown on the week ahead. Stretching along the banks of the River Douro, Porto is one of Portugal's most romantic cities, known for its medieval riverside district, blue-tiled facades, merchants’ houses and, of course, port wine. After your meeting, you might like to head to a riverside restaurant and get to know your fellow travelers over dinner.

This morning you’ll take a private transfer to the small coastal town of Oia to begin your Camino journey. The trail you’re embarking on makes up the final section of the Portuguese Coastal Walk, and most of your time is actually spent in northwestern Spain around 12.5 mi from the Portuguese border. From Oia, you’ll walk a 12-mi trail to the medieval seaside town of Baiona. When you arrive, the rest of the afternoon is free to rest your legs – maybe at a restaurant with a glass of albarino wine and a plate of Galician-style octopus (Baiona is famous for its seafood from nutrient-rich estuarine inlets). If you're feeling active, maybe take a stroll along the port or visit the Monte Real fortress.

Set off along the coastal trail from Baiona to Nigran on your way to Vigo. You'll pass breezy seascapes of the magnificent Bay of Vigo, with the acclaimed Islas Cies natural park on the horizon. These three rugged islands are part of the UNESCO-recognized Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park. If you happen to be walking on a hot day, why not cool off with a swim at Praia de Samil beach in Navia? You’ll arrive in Vigo in the late afternoon, ready for a leisure day tomorrow. Maybe pull up a chair in the historic quarter of Casco Vello and watch local life go by. Seafood lovers might also like to wander down Rua da Pescaderia, aka Oyster Street, to sample fresh oysters shucked on the spot.

Today you’ll make tracks for Redondela this morning. Continuing along the coast, you’ll get to see the Bay of Vigo from different angles. As this is a shorter walking day, feel free to relax into the journey and take in your surroundings. Before arriving in Redondela for the evening, your leader will also guide you through a seafood tasting so you can sample more of Galicia’s world-renowned fish and shellfish. Sitting at the upper end of the Bay of Vigo, Redondela is where you'll finish your coastal walk and join the original Portuguese Camino trail tomorrow.

Today is your last day walking along the coast, so make the most of the sea views and salty air. Along the way, you’ll stop by the fishing village of Arcade for a relaxed seafood lunch and a glass of locally produced wine (at your own expense). Continue for another three hours to Pontevedra. You'll arrive by the mid-afternoon, so you’ll still have plenty of time to explore the historic center – considered one of the best-preserved in Galicia – with its many Romanesque churches and granite-paved plazas.

Today is free to explore Pontevedra’s beautiful historic center. Wander down the pedestrian-friendly maze of stone streets, lively plazas and traditional cafes. Highlights include the unique scallop-shaped Church of La Peregrina and the atmospheric Praza da Lena. Stroll along the banks of the Lerez River or find a shaded spot to relax in Alameda Park. With a mix of history, culture and gastronomy, it's the perfect place to take a breather before continuing your Camino journey tomorrow. This evening, meet up with your group for an included dinner at one of your leader's favorite local restaurants.

Today’s walk takes you inland, passing chestnut groves and woodlands of pine and eucalyptus on your way to Caldas de Rei. You’ll also stop in the village of Ponte Cabras to visit the historic rectory of Santa Maria de Alba. Continue past the hills and vineyards of the scenic Lombo da Maceira area and see the statue of Saint James and the hamlet of Tivo with its fountain and public washing bath. You’ll arrive in Caldas de Reis, meaning ‘Hot Waters of the Kings’ in Galician, and spend the night here. The town is famous for its thermal waters believed to have healing properties for the body and spirit. Ask your leader about local spas or fountains where you can soak your feet.

From Caldas de Reis, cross the Umia River and see the hot springs that have given the town its name since Roman times. The trail today takes you through forests and gradually climbs to the village of Santa Marina. On the way, enjoy a rest and a tasting of local wine at a winery before continuing through pine forests to tonight’s stop in the town of Padron. While you’re here, don’t miss the chance to sample the town’s famous specialty – Padron peppers pan-fried in olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt.

Get ready for your final day of walking! Today’s journey is slightly longer, taking you through small villages and the historic sanctuary of A Escravitude. Keep an eye out for the hilltop ruins of Castro Lupario fort. Continue towards Agro dos Monteiros, catching a glimpse of the spires of the cathedral and passing the ruins of the castle of A Rocha Vella. As you approach the final leg, you’ll walk through the town to the magnificent Plaza del Obradoiro before reaching the iconic gates of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. You made it! After some victory high-fives, don’t forget to collect your Compostela certificate as a keepsake for the journey you’ve been on. Take some time to rest and refresh at your hotel, then regroup for a final dinner together to celebrate what you’ve achieved.

With no activities planned, your Camino adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to spend more time in Santiago de Compostela, just get in touch with you booking agent ahead of time to book extra accommodation (subject to availability).