The Portuguese Coastal Camino from Baiona
The Camino de Santiago from Baiona to Santiago is the last stage of the Portuguese Way along the coast: This stage begins in the beautiful town of Baiona.
Baiona is an elegant fishing village located in the heart of the Rías Baixas. We recommend visiting the Monterreal Castle, in addition to going for a stroll along Baoina’s famous promenade. Another recommendation is to try Baiona’s famous white wine as well as their delicious seafood.
From Baiona to Santiago, we will walk along the Atlantic coast heading towards Vigo, a perfect stage for doing in the summer months. On this Camino de Santiago route, we will be able to take in the beauty of the Cíes Islands.
We will reach the city of Redondela, where the Portuguese Way that follows the coast meets up with the Portuguese Way that goes inland. We will also visit the city of Padrón, which is known for being the birthplace of the most famous Galician poet of all time, Rosalía de Castroy, as well as for their famous Padrón peppers.
We will continue walking until we reach our final destination, Santiago de Compostela.
Baiona
We will spend our first night in Baiona. Baiona is a spectacular coastal town with an incredible promenade. We will get to enjoy the coast and the magnificence of the Atlantic Ocean.
Overnight: Baiona
From Baiona to Vigo
We will start this route from Baiona heading in the direction of Vigo. Throughout this stage, we will continue to follow the coast, passing through Nigrán before arriving at Vigo. Nigrán is a beautiful town with a splendid beach that is worth visiting in the hot summer months.
We will also enjoy spectacular views of both the Bay of Vigo and the Cíes Islands.
Length: 26 km
Overnight: Vigo
From Vigo to Arcade
We start the day by heading towards Rua Urzaiz to leave Vigo. We will walk around the Bay of Vigo, overlooking the estuary and crossing through pine forests until we reach the village of Setefontes and finally enter Redondela, where the Camino Portugues Coastal Route meets up with the Camino Portugues Interior Route.
After leaving Redondela, we will come across an urban stretch. We'll pass through Cesantes, and have a panoramic view of the Vigo Estuary and the houses that adorn the mountainside. After this, we will have very few kilometres left before we reach our destination for today: Arcade.
Length: 22 km
Overnight: Arcade
From Arcade to Pontevedra
Along today’s route we will cross the Verdugo River in Ponte Sampaio. On this bridge is where Napoleon’s army suffered their greatest defeat in Galicia. From Ponte Sampaio we will continue on our way along a paved road that will take us to the Church of Santa Maria from the 13th century.
From here we can take in breathtaking views of the Vigo Bay while en route to Pontevedra.
Length: 11 km
Overnight: Pontevedra
From Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis
Once we leave Pontevedra, the route will take us through forests of pine, eucalyptus and chestnut trees until we reach the town of Ponte Cabras, where we recommend visiting the parish house of Santa María de Alba.
We can also visit a famous statute of St. James in Lombo da Maceira, which depicts St. James leaning on a walking stick that indicates the way of the Camino. Before reaching Caldas de Reis, we will cross through Tivo, famous for its beautiful fountain and public washhouse.
Length: 24 km
Overnight: Caldas de Reis
From Caldas de Reis to Padrón
After leaving Caldas de Reis, we will cross the Umia River. Thanks to its hot springs, the town of Caldas de Reis has been well-known ever since Roman times. We will continue our route through the woods and will head uphill to the village of Santa Mariña.
Once we have reached this town, we will begin the descent until crossing the Fontenlo River, after which we will arrive at the town of Padrón. Legend has it that when the body of St. James was transported to Compostela by boat, Padrón was the first to arrive on land.
Length: 18 km
Overnight: Padrón
From Padrón to Santiago de Compostela
From Padrón to Santiago de Compostela, our route will pass through small towns until we reach the historic sanctuary of A Esclavitude. Here we will be able to see the noise that used to come from the Castro Lupario Fortress.
Next, on the same route, we will see several crosses on the path. From Agros dos Monteiros we will be able to see the towers of the Compostela Cathedral.
We will pass by the ruins of the Castle da Rocha Vella as we approach Santiago de Compostela. Once we get to Santiago, we can admire its rich local architecture and enjoy exploring its historic centre, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We must arrive to Santiago in time to participate in the Pilgrim’s Mass.
Length: 24 km
Overnight: Santiago de Compostela
Optional from Padrón to Santiago de Compostela staying overnight in Parada de Francos
We can divide the route from Padrón to Santiago de Compostela into 2 routes. The first goes from Padrón to the small town of Parada de Francos where we will spend the night, while the second goes from Parada de Francos to Santiago de Compostela.
This way we will have more time to enjoy visiting the different attractions that we will find along the way.
Length: 12 km
Overnight: Parada de Francos
Santiago de Compostela
The Portuguese Way ends in Santiago de Compostela. Visiting the city centre before returning home is a must, which is why we recommend asking about additional nights or tours through the city’s historic centre. Trips to Finisterre or the Cíes Islands are also recommended.
General information
All the rooms you book with Santiago Ways to make the Camino de Santiago have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort.
Our team checks on site the quality of all the accommodation offered in order for pilgrims to live a comfortable and unforgettable experience on the Camino de Santiago.
Availability
When working with quality accommodations with limited capacity, the exact name of the accommodation will be provided 30 days before the start of the Camino.
All accommodation on the Camino de Santiago is subject to availability. In case we can't offer any of them due to capacity, we'll accommodate you in one of equal or better quality.
Single rooms
Single rooms are available subject to availability. Reservations must be made in advance and come at an additional cost.
Where am I going to stay?
All our accommodation has been selected to ensure tranquillity, rest and enjoyment during your Camino de Santiago:
Baiona
Vigo
Arcade
Pontevedra
Caldas de Reis
Padrón
Parada de Francos
Santiago de Compostela
Included Services
Accommodation in Hotels and Country Cottages.
Rooms with private bathroom.
Meal plan of your choice.
Luggage transport between stages.
Complete itinerary of the route.
24 hours Telephone assistance on route.
Assistance vehicle in case of emergency.
Informative dossier on the Camino de Santiago.
VAT.
Additional Services
Additional single room.
Extra night in Santiago.
Transfer from Santiago (includes airport) to Baiona.
Travel assistance insurance.
Cancellation insurance.
In order to resolve the doubts of all pilgrims, here we answer the questions that are most frequently asked when we receive your inquiries.
If you have any other questions, you can contact us and we will be happy to help you resolve all your doubts.
General Information
What is the best time to do the Camino de Santiago?
The Camino de Santiago can be started on any day of the year, always taking into account the weather and the season in which you want to travel, so that your clothes are the right ones.
How do I get to my starting point on the Camino?
The best way to get to the starting point of your Camino de Santiago is to arrive at the airport, train station or bus station nearest to the town from where you will start walking.
Once you confirm your Camino, you will send us the arrival information for your flight, train or bus and, from there, we organize a private transfer to the town where you should start your Camino.
Can I travel alone?
Yes, you can. All the routes on the Camino de Santiago are suitable for pilgrims to travel solo.
Also, whether you are travelling alone, or travelling accompanied but want to sleep in a single room, Santiago Ways offer this option to you.
We can book all your nights of accommodation in single rooms at an additional cost. We suggest you book well in advance since they are usually in high demand.
On the Camino de Santiago, you will find hundreds of pilgrims walking on their own. Many of them may have come to the Camino alone; others have probably moved away from their fellow travellers for a few hours because of the difference in speed when walking.
In any case, all the routes on the Camino are very well signposted, so you will have no problem if you go on your own.
Am I going to have an accompanying guide on el Camino de Santiago?
Most routes on the Camino de Santiago are done in a self-guided mode. Thus, each traveller has the opportunity to advance on their own and at their own pace along the routes marked on the complete itinerary of the route, which is sent one month before starting the Camino.
However, we also offer organized groups with accompanying guide on the stretch from Sarria to Santiago. We have specific dates already established, and we carry them out in groups of up to 15 people, with guaranteed departures. The guides in charge of these routes speak English and Spanish.
What does the complete route itinerary consist of?
The complete route itinerary of the route is a guide that we prepare for you with information about the maps, route profiles and places of interest, kilometre by kilometre on each of the stages that you will go through on the Camino de Santiago.
The travel distances and travel times indicated for each route on both the website and the itinerary we send you are based on reference values. It depends on each pilgrim exactly how they carry out these times and distances, according to the speed at which they progress.
When do I get the complete route itinerary?
You will receive it by email one month before starting your Camino along with all the documentation for the trip: accommodation reservations, baggage transfers, among others.
How many kilometres should I walk on each stage?
In Santiago Ways, we adapt each stage to the needs of our pilgrims, so that they can travel according to their physical capability and the number of days available.
On average, a stage of the Camino de Santiago has 15 to 20 km. On most routes, however, we can organize your Camino so that you walk fewer kilometres, dividing some stages into two parts, depending on what is most comfortable for you.
Advice
What should I consider to prepare physically?
Both sedentary people and those who regularly exercise should physically prepare for doing the Camino de Santiago.
Sedentary people can start with moderate activity and continue progressively. They should start by taking small 20-minute walks, two or three times a week. It is suggested to increase the time until you reach walk about 4 or 5 kilometres every hour.
People with regular physical activity can start by walking from 45 to 60 minutes a day and increase the amount of time and kilometres they travel in the same span of time.
Generally, it is recommended to start training for about three months before starting the route.
How far in advance should I make a reservation?
There is no minimum number of days in advance to book, although on certain dates the occupancy of the accommodation is higher, especially in high season, and in dates of religious interest such as the San Fermin Festivals in Pamplona, from 7th to 14th July, or the Feast of Santiago the Apostle, on July 25th.
Therefore, in order to guarantee availability in the best accommodation, we suggest you book as much in advance as possible, so that we can meet all of your needs.
What clothes and hiking equipment are indispensable?
For any of the Caminos, we suggest you to bring the following items: light and fast drying clothing, waterproof jacket and trousers, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a pair of shoes suitable for hiking, trekking poles, a pair of shoes to rest in, a jacket that doesn't take up much space and a bottle to carry water.
Depending on the time of year in which you make the route, these items may vary.
Remember that with Santiago Ways, you have included a baggage transfer service between stages, so we will take your backpack from one accommodation to another so that you only worry about walking (maximum 1 piece of 20 kg per person).
For this reason, we suggest you prepare a second backpack, much smaller, that you can carry with you every day with water, sunscreen, cap, sunglasses, documents, some food and cash.
How does the baggage transfer between stages work?
Every day, at 8:00 am, you must bring your luggage, properly labelled, to the reception. One of our carriers will pick it up and take it to the place where you are going to stay on your next stage.
Delivery time varies according to the distance between stages and the carrier's delivery route. Usually, delivery is made before 4 p.m.
Should I take out travel insurance?
To complete any of the routes on the Camino de Santiago, it is advisable to have travel insurance with all the necessary coverage, especially emergency evacuation and medical care.
To do this, we suggest you take out the Travel Assistance Insurance and Cancellation Insurance that we offer you in Santiago Ways. If you want more information about it, we will be happy to answer your questions.
Accommodation
Do all rooms have a private bathroom?
Yes, all rooms you book with Santiago Ways to do the Camino de Santiago have a private bathroom.
Can I sleep alone in a room?
Yes. We offer accommodation in single rooms and double rooms, according to the requirements of each pilgrim.
Single rooms have a special surcharge and are subject to availability according to the location.
When will you tell me where I am going to stay?
We work with multiple accommodations in all locations which allows us to guarantee the best quality rooms for our pilgrims, provided that they are booked well in advance.
The name and exact location of each hotel is sent about one month before the start of the Camino with all the documentation related to the trip.
Am I going to share a room with strangers?
No. All the accommodations we book for our pilgrims have private rooms with private bathrooms in order to guarantee all the comfort needed torest properly.
Is the accommodation close to the route that I should follow?
All the accommodations that we book are in the centre of the towns or villages. In any case, depending on availability, if any accommodation is somewhat far from the centre, most of them are accessible on foot.
When necessary, Santiago Ways could offer a round trip transfer so that the pilgrim can reach their accommodation in the most comfortable way possible and return the next day to the point on the route from where he must continue the Camino.
What type of accommodation do you reserve?
All the accommodation that we book in Santiago Ways offers the necessary comfort to rest after long days of walking.
We work with hotels, traditional Galician homes, country cottages, and charming hostels, always a room with a private bathroom.
We want to talk to you about the Camino de Santiago from Baiona, one of the most interesting alternatives that exist within all possible alternatives that make up the Camino de Santiago. In fact, it is a route that has little use and, at the same time, has a lot of appeal for those who discover it.
From Santiago Ways, we want you to discover this great option that, without a doubt, will surprise you a lot.
Why choose the Camino de Santiago from Baiona?
1.- It is less travelled than other alternatives: compared to other much more crowded options, the Camino de Santiago along the Portuguese coast from Baiona is one of the clearest. Indeed, it does not have so many pilgrims and, for that reason, it gives us the opportunity to enjoy all its journey in great tranquillity.
2.-The settings: one of the most important claims of the road to Baiona are its settings. Indeed, we travel much of the way across the coast along for about 126 kilometres where we will discover some of the most beautiful spots of Portugal and Galicia.
Also, this road travels through beautiful forest areas and the old town of cities like Pontevedra.
3.- Historical heritage: one of the most important attractions of the Camino de Santiago from Baiona is the cultural heritage that it has. Indeed, it is a journey through a fundamental part of history and European heritage.
Being one of the oldest routes, it has a great charm scattered in different churches, historical centres and, in general, ancient remains of a past still very much alive along on all its route. If you are a fan of architecture and if you also like artistic heritage this is a route that you cannot miss.
4.-Low-level difficulties: as a result of the road from Baiona following a route that goes mostly through spaces near the coast, its average altitude is not so high. We’ll talk about this later when we talk about its profile.
However, we can put forward another of the most important reasons to make this path is precisely that it is ideal for those who want to start enjoying the experience of the Camino de Santiago in general.
Information about the route from Baiona to Santiago
The Camino de Santiago Portuguese coastal route from Baiona has a total distance of about 120 kilometres. It is, as we have said, one of the most comfortable for beginners and, at the same time, a great alternative if we want to discover a good landscape, cultural and historical environment.
It is divided into about eight or nine stages, although it can be completed in six. Along the entire route, we will go near the Atlantic coast so the weather at all times will be mild and benign.
It must be said that the Camino Portugues coastal route from Baiona is the last stage of this particular Camino de Santiago. Indeed, from the charming fishing village of Baiona, we start passing through numerous cities of great historical heritage.
It is also very appealing to visit along the route some enclaves of great gastronomic richness, for example, Padrón, with its famous peppers.
The most reserved routes of the Camino de Santiago from Baiona
The Camino de Santiago from Baiona has a unique alternative that departs from Baiona and arrives in Santiago then taking you to Vigo. Along the route you will also pass through the incomparable surroundings of the Cies Islands.
The whole course is of short stages during which excessive fatigue should not be a problem. That is why we can do it without much difficulty and with all the guarantees to enjoy completely the environment that surrounds us.
Route of the Camino de Santiago from Baiona
Maps of the Camino de Santiago from Baiona
Here we enclose the maps necessary to make the route from Baiona to Santiago. You can find all the information you need on our website.
Baiona – Vigo
Map stage from Baiona to Vigo
Vigo – Redondela
Map stage from Vigo to Redondela
Redondela – Pontevedra
Map stage from Redondela to Pontevedra
Pontevedra – Caldas de Reis
Map stage from Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis
Caldas de Reis – Padron
Map stage from Caldas de Reis to Padron
Padron – Santiago de Compostela
Map stage from Padron to Santiago de Compostela
Profile of the Camino de Santiago from Baiona
To have all the information about the route of the Camino Portugues from Baiona, then we will talk about the profile of this route. As we have said previously, it is a section of the Camino Portugues that does not have an average high altitude.
This is due, fundamentally, to what happens as it goes on its way along the coast. This makes this route one of the best, also for those who want to complete the bike ride.
Baiona – Vigo
Profile stage from Baiona to Vigo
Vigo – Redondela
Profile stage from Vigo to Redondela
Redondela – Pontevedra
Profile stage from Redondela to Pontevedra
Pontevedra – Caldas de Reis
Profile stage from Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis
Caldas de Reis – Padron
Profile stage from Caldas to Reis a Padron
Padron – Santiago de Compostela
Profile stage from Padron to Santiago de Compostela
Stages on foot of the Camino Portuguese coastal route from Baiona
Stage from Redondela to Pontevedra
Stage from Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis
Stage from Caldas de Reis to Padron
Stage from Padron to Santiago de Compostela
How long does the Camino de Santiago from Baiona take?
As we have said, the Camino de Santiago from Baiona is divided into in nine stages with Santiago Ways, if we include the one that branches off in Padrón. It is possible, however, to do it in eight. Either way, during its 120 kilometres you will be staying in the best hotels during the 8 nights and 9 days or during the 9 nights and 10 days, depending on the itinerary you choose.
The best time to do the Camino de Santiago from Baiona
Each season of the year has its particular charm when making the Camino de Santiago Portugues coastal route. It must be said that either way, all of them have very mild temperatures because they are in an area of oceanic climate. That means there are mild winters and summers that are not very hot.
This is, without a doubt, another reason why this route is suitable for everyone. However, we want to talk about the main advantages and disadvantages of each season of the year. With this, we want to help you make your own choice.
Spring
Spring is a good time to make the Camino de Santiago Portugues coastal route from Baiona because the temperatures are mild and the scenery is beautiful. We will cross forests that offer us a wonderful symphony of colours throughout the tour. However, as a counterpoint, we could talk about rainfall.
During this time of the year, the weather is more unstable so we may encounter a sharp shower. It must also be said that, since it is a short route (between 9 and 10 days) everything can be prevented in advance to avoid any problem or setback.
Summer
Summer is one of the most important seasons. Most people choose this time of year for several reasons. The first is that this is the season in which we have most available time. On the other hand, the summer has a mild temperature thanks to the oceanic climate and makes the hike very enjoyable.
It must be said that on other routes, summer is not advisable if we want to avoid too many people. However, in the case of the Camino de Santiago from Baiona, this is not a problem because it is not so well-known and not overcrowded. Despite this, we want to remind you that it has a great infrastructure and is perfectly prepared for the adventure of the Camino de Santiago.
Autumn
Just like spring, Autumn has the handicap of having greater weather instability than in other seasons. However, the Atlantic landscapes have deciduous trees that during this season paint the entire surroundings in green, brown and precious yellow tones.
That is why one of the most interesting seasons to make the route taking into account all the beauty that awaits us. Again, we must remember that with good planning we can make our way from Baiona avoiding the dates in which there will be rainfall. Otherwise, the temperatures will be mild during autumn.
Winter
Although in many cases it is not advisable to make the Camino de Santiago during the winter due to the inclement weather that we can experience in other routes, in the case of the Camino de Santiago from Baiona this is not an inconvenience. It must be said that in the climate of that area the winters are generally mild.
Indeed, there is a fairly good temperature because the Atlantic Ocean contributes to positively affecting the effects of this season.
The amount of rainfall that can be reduced with good equipment and preparation. However, the feeling of finishing a stage and getting to the hotel to warm up is priceless. That is why many people are encouraged to enjoy the Camino de Santiago during the winter season.
Guide to the places that you cannot miss on the Camino de Santiago from Baiona
Places of interest
We want to talk now about what are the best places that you cannot miss on this Camino de Santiago from Baiona. Among them are some places of high cultural and historical interest, as well as others of great scenic interest. We detail below which ones you cannot miss:
Baiona
The municipality from which we start our adventure has a great interest in its great beauty. In fact, it is a traditional coastal fishing town, where we can enjoy the most authentic character of this land.
Vigo
The historic centre of Vigo and, in general, its whole atmosphere, is something that you cannot miss. As you will discover, the Camino de Santiago from Baiona has a great charm for all those who do it because of the great wealth of monuments and heritage that it possesses. Vigo is one of the great alternatives.
Islas Cíes
We could consider the Cies Islands as part of the heritage of Vigo. They are one of the most beautiful landscapes in the whole community of Galicia and a place where to lose yourself and to sit down to enjoy all of nature’s majesty.
Redondela
It is the town where the Camino Portugues coastal route joins the Central Camino Portugues. In it, we cannot miss its wonderful storehouses, part of deepest Galician culture. It is an eminently rural environment where we can find a great connection with nature.
Santa María de Alba Parish House
Located in Ponte Cabras, it is a sample of the Baroque neoclassic style, inspired by the Portuguese Baroque, which, by itself, constitutes sufficient reason to do this route.
Where to stay – The best lodgings
From Santiago Ways, we make sure to offer you only the best accommodation in the best hotels all the way between Baiona and Santiago, just as you deserve.
Where to eat – The best restaurants
Casa Marco Restaurant: Located in Vigo, it is an excellent location to enjoy all the specialities of Galician food. It has a cosy and elegant atmosphere to enjoy a pleasant evening.
Sendeiro Restaurant: Located in Padrón, this restaurant has some of the best specialities from all over Spain at a fairly affordable price. It is a better option if we want to eat well and we do not have too many regards related to the environment.
Restaurant Casa Rita: In the starting point, Baiona, you will find this restaurant specializing in barnacles. These are, without a doubt, one of the jewels of the Galician sea that you cannot miss.
Origin of the Camino de Santiago from Baiona
As we have said previously, this route between Baiona and Santiago de Compostela is the last stretch of the so-called Camino Portugues coastal route. Indeed, it is the last stage on the route and includes unique experiences.
When you go along the coast, you find that it has been a busy way for those who were looking for the benign effect of the ocean, its breezes and its temperature.
Thus, since the Middle Ages, the Camino Portugues coastal route has been a very important alternative not only for those who wanted to go on pilgrimage to the sepulchre of the saint.
It was also for those who wanted to trade and, in general, to establish the cultural ties between Spain and Portugal that still persist today.
So it is a wonderful way of remembering a past that, thanks to the great quality of its heritage and the excellent state of infrastructure that it possesses, we cannot miss.
The Camino from Baiona with Santiago Ways
Ideal footwear for the Camino de Santiago from Baiona
Other sections of the Camino Portugues coastal route
Other sections of the Camino Portugues
Other users’ opinions about the Camino from Baiona
And to know the opinion of other people who have already completed the Camino from Baiona with us, here we also attach what they say about us. Think no more and join those who have already lived this adventure.
Photos and videos of the Camino de Santiago from Baiona
The Camino de Santiago with Santiago Ways
Other Caminos de Santiago
- Camino Frances
- Camino Portugues
- Camino Portugues coastal route
- Camino del Norte
- Camino de Finisterre
- Camino Ingles
- Camino Primitivo
- Camino Lebaniego
- The Way of Lighthouses
- The Via de la Plata
Here you can see all the stages of the Camino de Santiago.
In Santiago Ways, we will advise you on which route of the Camino de Santiago is the best fit for you.
Other ways to complete The Camino de Santiago
- The Camino de Santiago in an organized group
- The Camino de Santiago with a dog
- The Camino de Santiago on bike
- The Camino de Santiago as a couple
- The Camino de Santiago at Easter
The quietest Caminos de Santiago
