The Coastal Camino de Santiago from Porto
The Camino Portugues to Santiago from Porto to Baiona is part of the first section of the Camino Portugues Coastal Route.
Porto is an impressive city that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for being the birthplace of Port wine.
Once we leave Porto, the Camino Portugues continues north until we reach Baiona.
As we follow the Camino Portugues Coastal Route, we will be able to enjoy a wide range of coastal landscapes.
Porto
The city of Porto’s old quarter has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. You will love visiting Porto. Here we can enjoy the colourful shore of the River Duero with its vintage boats passing through the area, or the city’s exquisite cuisine.
Overnight: Porto
From Porto to Povoa de Varzim
Once we leave the city of Porto, we will continue walking along the coast, passing by fishing villages, chapels and fortresses. We will also have the opportunity to explore the prehistoric fort of San Paio. If the weather is good, we recommend spending some time on the sandy beaches.
Length: 27 km
Overnight: Povoa de Varzim
From Povoa de Varzim to Esposende
We recommend walking through the port of Povoa de Varzim, in addition to exploring the city’s medieval architecture. We will continue to follow the Camino until we reach the Convent of Santa Clara, from where we can take in beautiful views of the city and the surrounding coastal area.
Length: 22 km
Overnight: Esposende
From Esposende to Viana do Castelo
We continue our journey crossing through the Northern Littoral Natural Park before reaching Viana do Castelo. Here you should take a walk through the city’s historic quarter and also try the local cuisine. Another good idea is to take the funicular railway that goes up to the Basilica of Santa Luzia where you can enjoy some excellent views.
Length: 24 km
Overnight: Viana do Castelo
From Viana do Castelo to Ancora
We will continue our Camino de Santiago along the Atlantic coast. One recommendation is to explore the small fishing villages that we will encounter during our walk along the Camino, before arriving at Ancora.
Length: 19 km
Overnight: Ancora
From Ancora to A Guarda
Today's stage is much more urban. To leave Portugal we will pass through the town of Caminha and then cross the River Minho in a boat that we will take on our own account. This will take us to A Guarda, located in the Autonomous Community of Galicia, Spain.
When we get to the other side of the river, we will cross a mountain covered with eucalyptus trees to go to the centre of A Guarda.
Length: 13 km
Overnight: A Guarda
From A Guarda to Baiona
A Guarda is a beautiful fishing village. We will continue on the Camino de Santiago northwards, enjoying magnificent views over the Atlantic Ocean. We will walk until reaching the town of Baiona.
Length: 30 km
Overnight: Baiona
Baiona
Baiona has a wonderful marina. During your stay in Baiona, you should visit the Caravel Pinta Museum and the “Meeting of Two Worlds” monument.
End of our services.
General information
All the rooms you book with Santiago Ways to do the Camino de Santiago have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure your best comfort.
Our team checks on site the quality of all the accommodation offered in order for pilgrims to have a comfortable and unforgettable experience on the Camino de Santiago.
Availability
When working with quality accommodation 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 lack of capacity, we'll accommodate you in one of equal or better quality.
Single rooms
Single rooms are 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:
Porto
Povoa de Varzim
Esposende
Viana do Castelo
Ancora
A Guarda
Baiona
Included Services
Accommodation in Hotels and Country Cottages.
Rooms with private bathroom.
Meal plan of your choice.
Baggage transfer between stages.
Complete route itinerary.
24 hours Telephone assistance on route.
Assistance vehicle in case of emergency.
Information pack for the Camino de Santiago.
VAT.
Additional Services
Additional single room.
Extra night in Baiona.
Transfer from Baiona to Porto (includes airport).
Travel assistance insurance.
Cancellation insurance.
In order to resolve pilgrims’ doubts, here we answer the questions that are most frequently asked when we receive your enquiries.
If you have any other questions, you can contact us and we will be happy to help you resolve all your queries.
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 adequate for the season.
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 can 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.
We already have all the dates published until 2021, so you are encouraged to reserve your place before the groups are filled.
What does the complete route itinerary consist of?
The complete route itinerary 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 they have available.
On average, a stage of the Camino de Santiago is 15 to 20 km long. 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 will talk to you about the Camino de Santiago from Porto to Baiona, one of the stretches of the Camino Portugues Coastal Route. It is one of the most spectacular routes that we can travel among all those possible on the Camino de Santiago in general.
Therefore, we want to offer you all the necessary information to complete it and, at the same time, everything that you should know to benefit from the service of Santiago Ways.
Why choose the Camino de Santiago Portugues Coastal Route from Porto to Baiona?
Although it is true that each person has their own different reasons from everyone else to make one or another route, one of the most special aspects of the Camino de Santiago is that it has so many possibilities that in all probability we can choose our own.
Therefore, we want to talk about the main reasons for completing the Camino Portugues coastal route from Porto to Baiona.
1.-Its heritage: One of the most important incentives to do the Camino de Santiago Portugues Coastal Route from Porto to Baiona is in its heritage. In fact, we will not only pass through villages, towns and cities with great history but also through environments that have scattered authentic architectural jewels.
Later on, in places of interest that you cannot miss, we will talk about them more in detail.
2.- Infrastructure: Another reason why it is worthwhile to do the Camino Portugues Coastal Route from Porto to Baiona is its magnificent infrastructure. This not only has to do with the supply points and rest necessary for the pilgrim.
It also has to do with other important aspects such as the well-endowed communications and indications to journey along our route. Crucial aspects especially for those who do the pilgrimage for the first time.
3.- Low numbers: Despite having an excellent infrastructure, the Camino Portugues Coastal Route is not as overcrowded as the Camino de Santiago Frances. In fact, there are not so many pilgrims on their journey: this benefits us when it comes to our tranquillity and being able to opt for more and better services. All this, only can be bettered if you travel with Santiago Ways.
4.- The surroundings: One of the characteristics that all pilgrims that do the Camino Portugues Coastal Route most emphasize is the beauty of its natural landscapes.
As a result of that, it crosses areas of oceanic climate where the vegetation is abundant and, at the same time, it has the attraction of the nearby coast. To be able to make our pilgrimage right next to it we will be able to enjoy a calm and an unparalleled environment.
5.- The climate: Another consequence of doing our pilgrimage near the coast is that the climate will be very fresh. That’s right: the influence of the Atlantic Ocean makes the temperatures mild throughout the year. Later, we will detail which is the best season to do the Camino Portugues Coastal Route from Porto to Baiona.
Information about the route of the Camino Portugues from Porto to Baiona
The Camino Portugues from Porto to Baiona has a total length of 105 kilometres, one of the shortest routes that, however, can be extended following beyond Baiona. It is the first section of the so-called Camino Portugues Coastal Route and part of a city declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO: the emblematic and historical city of Porto.
It ends in a fishing village called Baiona. Along its route, we will enjoy the best of the coastal and forest environment.
Route of the Camino Portugues Coastal Route from Porto
Maps of the Camino Portugues Coastal Route from Porto
We now offer you the maps of the Camino de Santiago Portugues Coastal Route from Porto to Baiona.They are fundamental to be able to plan the route and know its points of interest: something especially important for those who are completing the route for the first time. To do it with Santiago Ways is to win in tranquillity.
It is important to note that once you arrive in Caminha, on the stage between Ancora and A Guarda, you will need to take a ferry to A Pasaxe. The ferry times vary according to the tide, which is why each day there is a different schedule.
Porto – Povoa de Varzim
Stage map from Porto to Povoa de Varzim
Povoa de Varzim – Esposende
Stage map from Povoa de Varzim to Esposende
Esposende – Viana do Castelo
Stage map from Esposende to Viana do Castelo
Viana do Castelo – Ancora
Stage map from Viana do Castelo to Ancora
Ancora – A Guarda
Stage map from Ancora to A Guarda
A Guarda – Baiona
Stage map from A Guarda to Baiona
Profile of the Camino Portugues Coastal Route from Porto
We will now talk about the profiles of the Camino Portugues Coastal Route. In this part, we will talk about the difficulty of the whole route in terms of average altitude, length of the stages and, in general, everything included in these points may interest the pilgrim: especially relevant for those who will be completing the route for the first time.
Porto – Povoa de Varzim
Stage profile from Porto to Povoa de Varzim
Povoa de Varzim – Esposende
Stage profile from Povoa de Varzim to Esposende
Esposende – Viana do Castelo
Stage profile from Esposende to Viana do Castelo
Viana do Castelo – Ancora
Stage profile from Viana do Castelo to Ancora
Ancora – A Guarda
Stage profile from Ancora to Guarda
A Guarda – Baiona
Stage profile from Guarda to Baiona
Stages on foot of the Camino Portugues coastal route from Porto
We will talk about the stages that are taken with Santiago Ways along the Camino Portugues Coastal Route from Porto.
Stage from Porto to Povoa de Varzim
Stage from Povoa de Varzim to Esposende
Stage from Esposende to Viana do Castelo
Stage from Viana do Castelo to Ancora
How long does the Camino de Santiago Portugues Coastal Route from Porto to Baiona take?
As we have said, the total length of the Camino Portugues Coastal Route from Porto is 105 kilometres. This route is done in a total of 8 stages with 7 corresponding nights.
This duration is perfect, therefore, for any time of the year and is, in fact, one of the reasons why it is a very popular route among those people who are encouraged to do at Easter. We will give you more information in this regard below.
Best time to do the Camino de Santiago Portugues Coastal Route from Porto
It is true that each person has his or her tastes when completing any of the possible routes of the Camino de Santiago in general and the Camino Portugues Coastal Route in particular. However, there are certain characteristics in each of them that make one season better than another in each case.
To assist you in your choice, we want to offer you some of the advantages and disadvantages of each season to do this Camino de Santiago Portugues Coastal Route We hope it helps you.
Spring
It is a season that is gaining in popularity in recent times. This is due, first of all, to the benign temperatures on the route of the Camino Portugues Coastal Route at this time of year. The second has to do with the many pilgrims who take advantage of Easter to make their journey.
As for the first one, it must be said that the weather is very mild during this time, precisely because it is like this all the way, due to the proximity of the Atlantic coast.
It is true that, at the same time, the risk of precipitation increases, so we must be very careful and choose the right clothing and the precautions that we take. However, another advantage of this time of year is that the number of pilgrims is lower which results in more and a better number of services available.
Finally, there is an especially important reason for nature lovers and it is precisely the emergence of life and nature that is happening all along the route.
Summer
Summer continues to be the most chosen time by pilgrims. It must be said that this season can have serious drawbacks if you do not travel with Santiago Ways in the case of the more crowded routes, such as the Camino Frances. However, in the case of the Camino Portugues Coastal Route as we have said previously, the excessive influx of pilgrims is not a problem.
Despite this, it is best to leave everything in the hands of Santiago Ways to make sure that everything goes to plan. We must say that summer in this area is quite fresh, so an added reason to make the Camino Portugues Coastal route from Porto to Baiona is to “flee” from the torrid temperatures found in the rest of the Iberian Peninsula.
Autumn
Autumn is a time when the risk of precipitation increases again. Pilgrim movements decline considerably, and to plan against increased rains we must increase our planning.
However, one point in our favour is that the whole region, dotted with deciduous vegetation, offers an incredible spectacle. That is why it is another highly recommended time if we take advantage of the last breath of summer.
We want to remind you that with Santiago Ways it is possible to book at any date of the year. At the same time, we remind you that it is not necessary to do so in advance and that, in fact, we are open to possible changes you may want to introduce.
Winter
Winter has gained popularity in recent years as a result of the Christmas break. There are many pilgrims who live a different Christmas in the neighbouring country. The disadvantage for those who do not travel with Santiago Ways is that most of the lodgings are closed during this season. With us, however, you have guaranteed accommodation throughout the entire tour.
Although the risk of precipitation can increase at this time of year, the truth is that temperatures are mild precisely because there are areas of oceanic climate. The influence of the ocean makes temperatures fall and remain stable throughout the year.
In the case of this route, winter is clearly a real option: quite the opposite of other routes such as those of the Camino Primitivo that runs through mountains.
Guide to the places you cannot miss on the Camino Portugues Coastal Route from Porto to Baiona
We have previously said that this particular route has a lot of incentive to complete it. One of them was its heritage, however, there are others that have to do with the gastronomy of the surroundings and, at the same time, and in regards to doing it with Santiago Ways it has to do with the quality of its hotels.
Therefore, we have prepared a selection of places of interest and the best restaurants to eat along the way. At the same time, we present some of the hotels that will welcome you.
Places of interest
We will begin by talking about some places of special patrimonial, natural and historical interest
Povoa de Varzim
This town is of medieval origin and the first mentions of the post-Roman era of its existence are made in the 10th century. It was an enclave of great importance already even before the arrival of the Romans and was, in fact, one of the points of a fiercer struggle between these and the Portuguese in command of Viriato.
The town is at least 3000 years old. It was within an area of strategic importance for owning gold and tin. It is a place that you cannot miss, not only because of its medieval historical quarter, but also because of the Cividade de Terroso ruins, which are very well-conserved.
National Coast Park
It is one of the places most named by the pilgrims who complete the Camino Portugues Coastal Route. In fact, it is an area full of vegetation where we will be able to cross forests of breath-taking beauty and serenity. It is an especially suitable stop for nature lovers.
A Guarda
This picturesque town has a great heritage despite its reduced dimensions. We recommend visiting El Castro and its magnificent cathedral: one of the most beautiful in the Iberian Peninsula.
Where to sleep – The best hotels
With Santiago Ways, you will stay in the best hotels. We take care that you have the best rest with all the attention you deserve. Here are some examples to give you a clear idea of what we are talking about.
Where to eat – The best restaurants
We will now tell you about some recommended places to eat along the Camino Portugues Coastal Route, you can’t miss them.
Restaurante Bodegao
It is an establishment located in Povoa de Varzim with a cosy family atmosphere and great customer service. We will be able to taste some of the specialities from the Porto region, one of the zones of greater gastronomic quality in the world.
Restaurante O´Roxo
This restaurant has a terrace with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean located on top of the wonderful town of A Guarda. It is one of the biggest attractions in the municipality and a spectacular point to stop to recover your energy.
Restaurante Paco Durán
Located in the city of Baiona (our arrival point) This restaurant offers a warm atmosphere with the best specialities of a fishing village that stands out for the great quality of its seafood. Ideal for a well-deserved celebration at the end of your route.
Origin of the Camino Portugues Coastal Route from Porto to Baiona
We can say that the Camino de Santiago Portugues in general and the Camino Portugues Coastal Route, in particular, have great importance not only from a pilgrimage point of view but also from an economic point of view.
Indeed, it is a route that since the Middle Ages has been travelled by thousands of merchants and pilgrims. It does so by connecting and revitalizing an area that has a profound historical significance. After the gradual progress of the reconquest was made through the Roman roads that still remained.
The Camino de Santiago from Porto with Santiago Ways
Recommended footwear for the Camino Portugues Coastal Route from Porto
Other sections of the Camino Portugues Coastal Route
Other sections of the Central Camino Portugues
Other users’ opinions about the Camino Portugues Coastal Route from Porto
So that you know the opinion of other users, we wanted to leave some of them below for you. They are people who have already completed the journey with us and can add their experience when you make your own decision.
Photos and videos of the Camino Portugues coastal route from Porto
We leave you some pictures and videos here of the Camino Portugues Coastal Route from Porto to Baiona so you can see everything that awaits you.
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
