The Litoral Way vs Coastal Route of the Portuguese Camino

The Portuguese Camino from Porto has two routes that go along the sea; the Coastal Route and the Litoral Way (Senda Litoral). Both routes are similar and often follow the same trail. The main difference is that the Litoral Way sticks to the coast as much as possible while the Coastal Route sometimes turns inland. The Coastal Route is 30,5% next to the sea, the Litoral Way is 80%. The start and end of the stages are the same but the trajectory the routes follow is often different. You can combine both routes and switch between them.

There is a third route from Porto – the Central Route is 100% inland.

The Portuguese Camino starts in Lisbon but splits into three routes in Porto.

We have a detailed comparison of the Central and Coastal Route of the Portuguese Camino.

What is the difference between the Coastal and Litoral route?

The main difference is that the Litoral Way sticks to the coast as much as possible when the Coastal Route often goes inland. Some stages of the Coastal Route are entirely inland.

The first stage from Se Cathedral in Porto to Vila do Conde is completely different. The Coastal Route goes inland and the Litoral Way follows the coast.

The stage between Esposende and Viana de Castelo is different on the Litoral and Coastal Route. The routes come together in the middle and split again straight away.

The stage between A Ramallosa and Vigo is completely different as well. The routes split in A Ramallosa and merge in the historical center of Vigo.

As for the rest of the walk, both routes usually split and come together during one stage sometimes more than once.

What is the distance from Porto to Santiago on the Litoral Way and Coastal Route?

The total distance from Porto to Santiago on the Coastal Route is 274 km/170 mi (188 km/117 mi from Porto to Redondela + 86 km/53 mi from Redondela to Santiago).

The distance from Porto to Santiago on the Litoral Way is 280 km/173 mi (194 km/120,5 mi from Porto to Redondela + 86 km/53 mi from Redondela to Santiago).

Walking next to the coast on each route

I calculated how many kilometers you walk next to the coast on each route. On the Litoral Way, you walk next to the sea twice as much as on the Coastal Route.

On the Coastal Route, 77,5 km/48 mi out of 188 km/116 mi (the distance from Porto to Redondela*) are by the sea. Some parts are not close to the sea but offer beautiful sea views.

On the Litoral Way, 150 km/93 mi out of 194 km/120 mi (the distance from Porto to Redondela) are next to the sea.

*The last part from Redondela to Santiago on both routes (86 km/53 mi) is on the Central Route, 100% inland.

Is the Senda Litoral marked? 

The Litoral Way is not marked or marked differently as a part of another walking/cycling route. A good thing is that for the most of the route it’s easy to navigate; you follow the coast from south to north. The worst that can happen is that you get to a dead end and have to walk around.

You need navigation for the stages between Esposende and Viana do Castelo. In the middle of the stage the route goes inland and for that part you need an app, GPX files, or Google.Maps to get back to the coast.

The only part that is well-marked is the first stage of the Litoral Way from Matosinhos to Vila do Conde. 

Which route is easier?

It depends on what you find challenging. 

If you don’t like hills then the Coastal Route is more difficult as some parts have ascents and descents when the Litoral Way is flat. 

To compare the total ascent from Porto to Redondela (the Redondela to Santiago part is the same):

• on the Litoral Way – 1475 m over 9 days
• on the Coastal Route – 2490 m over 9 days

If you prefer walking on a well-marked route so you don’t have to check on your phone if you’re still on the right trail then it’s better to stick to the Coastal Route. Most of the time the Senda Litoral is not marked or partially marked. It’s not difficult to follow it because it goes along the coast but I know seeing the Camino signs makes you feel better and more confident.

Can I combine both routes?

Yes, it’s easy to combine the Litoral and Coastal Route. You can decide which route you want to walk on the day without planning long ahead. The walking stages of both routes are the same. It means whichever route you choose you start and finish in the same place.

Sometimes the routes merge and split several times in one day. Sometimes both routes follow the same trail for a while.

Which stages of the Coastal and Litoral route are completely different?

The first stage from Porto to Vila do Conde. The routes split at Se Cathedral and merge again only in Vila do Conde. The Litoral Way follows the coast while the Coastal Route goes inland past the airport. 

The stage between Esposende and Viana do Castelo (stage 4 in our itinerary). The routes come together briefly in the middle and split again. I call it the “wildest” stage of the Litoral Way because some parts of it are on the beach/dunes or on a footpath in the bush.

The stage between A Ramallosa and Vigo (stage 8 in our itinerary). The routes split in A Ramallos and merge again in Vigo. The Senda Litoral goes along the coast, and the Coastal Route goes inland.

As for other stages, both routes split and merge during the course. This means in one day you can walk both routes switching between them.

Which stages of the Coastal Route are completely inland?

Despite the name “coastal” some stages are entirely inland.

Stage 1. Porto to Vila do Conde, for 29 km/18 mi the route doesn’t come close to the sea. For that reason, most pilgrims walk out of Porto following the Litoral Way.

Stage 4. Esposende/Marinhas to Viana do Castelo, 21 km/13 mi only inland. You can walk the entire stage on the Litoral Way next to the ocean.

Stage 8. A Ramallosa to Vigo, 21,5 km/13,3 mi inland with occasional views of the coast in the middle part. The entire stage can be walked on the Litoral Way along the coast.

Will I miss out on important landmarks on the Litoral Way?

I wouldn’t say that. Every time there is a town or a city both routes merge. You might skip some parts of the forest or countryside if you stick to the Litoral Way. Don’t worry about it you’ll get to walk through the beautiful forest in the last part of the route from Redondela to Santiago. 

The stages of the Litoral Way that I prefer over the Coastal Route

I’ve walked the Coastal Camino twice and the Litoral Way, the last time in summer/fall of 2024. Overall I prefer the Litoral Camino over the Coastal route. Mostly because the Litoral Camino actually goes along the coast most of the time while two thirds of the Coastal Route are inland.

The first stage from Porto to Vila do Conde. The Senda Litoral became the standard route to walk out of Porto. I’ve walked the first stage on the Coastal Route and barely saw any pilgrims. The first stage on the Litoral Way is along the coast past spectacular beaches. On the Coastal Route you walk inland for the first 29 km/18 mi to Vila do Conde.

The stage from Viana do Castelo to Caminha (stage 5). The Litoral Way goes along the coast from Viana do Castelo, that part of the route is one of my favorite; the wild coast, unspoiled beaches, old windmills. The Coastal Route goes mostly inland. Both routes merge in Vila Praia de Ancora.

The part of the stage between Caminha and Viladesuso (stage 6). From the pier (after a boat ride from Caminha) the Litoral Way and Coastal Route split. The Litoral Way goes along the coast and through the forest to A Guarda. The Coastal Route goes inland over the hill. Both routes merge at Praia de Area Grande in A Guarda. The Coastal Route from the pier to the beach is 3 km shorter. 

The part of the stage between Viladesuso and A Ramallosa (stage 7). The Litoral and Coastal Routes split at 8 km and merge just before A Ramallosa. The Litoral Way continues along the coast on a cycling route to Baiona and the Coastal Route goes inland. The distance is the same. The Coastal Route has several ascents and descents. The Litoral Way is flat and offers spectacular coastal scenery. 

The stage between A Ramallosa and Vigo (stage 8). Like the first stage, I’ve walked both routes and like the Litoral Way a lot more. The entire stage of the Coastal Route is inland. The Litoral Way follows the coast. The distance is the same on both routes.

As for the rest of the route, I enjoyed combining the sea and forest/countryside scenery. Keep in mind that the Coastal Route has more hills and the Senda Litoral is usually a bit longer.

The Litoral Way vs Coastal Route, comparing walking stages

Since the Litoral Way is not an official route (except for the first stage) my route suggestions may differ from apps or guidebooks. I’ve tried to find the best route options for the Litoral Way based on my experience, avoiding walking on roads or adding up too many extra kilometers.

Stage 1. Se Cathedral to Vila do Conde 

• The Coastal Route – 29 km/18 mi, inland
• The Litoral Way – 33,5 km/20,8 mi, along the river and the coast. 

If you walk the Litoral Way you can stop in Labruge (24 km/15 mi) or Vila Chã (26 km/16,1 mi) instead of walking to Vila do Conde. Some people take a tram (#1 or #18) from the Cathedral and skip the first 5,5 km/3,2 mi. Some take a metro train to Matosinhos (10 km/6,2 mi from the Cathedral) and start their walk there. 

The Coastal Route is inland. It goes through the city, some industrial areas, near busy roads, and the airport. The first 7 km/3,4 mi from the Cathedral the Coastal and Central Route are the same. There is a quiet part through the forest in the second half. Not many places to stop for coffee or food in the middle. Very few pilgrims take this route from Porto.

The Litoral Way has become the standard route to walk out of Porto. The route is along the coast (along the Douro River first) except for a short part through Matosinhos. Since it’s a popular route there are many pilgrims. It has plenty of places to stop for lunch or coffee.

Some people walk out of Porto following the Litoral Way and then switch to the Central Route in Vila do Conde following the connecting route to Rates.

Stage 2. Vila do Conde (Vila Chã) to Aguçadoura 

• The Coastal Route –  11,5 km/7,1 mi, walking along the coast 7 km/4,3 mi   
• The Litoral Way – 12,5 km/7,7 mi*, walking along the coast – 10,5 km/6,5 mi

*If you stop in Vila Chã on the Litoral Way add 7,5 km/4,6 mi to the distance. 

Both routes follow the same trail along the coast for most of the stage. The only part where the Coastal and Litoral Routes split is between Vila do Conde and Povoa de Varzim. The Coastal Route goes inland for 4,5 km; the Litoral Way goes along the river and then back to the coast.

After crossing the bridge in Vila do Conde the Coastal Route goes inland. 

Stage 3. Aguçadoura to Esposende/Marinhas

• The Coastal Route – 16 km/10 mi (Esposende) and 18 km/11 mi (Marinhas), walking along the coast – 7 km/4,3 mi 
• The Litoral Way – 16 km/10mi (Esposende), walking along the coast – 12 km/7,4 mi

The first 7 km/4,3 mi of the stage are the same on both routes. Then the routes split. The Coastal Route goes inland through the forest and towns. The Litoral Way continues along the coast following Avenida Do Mar/Av. da Colonia in Apulia till Rua Cap.Jorge Larcher in Fão. There you have to turn inland to cross the bridge.

The routes come together at the bridge over the Cavado River and split again 1 km later. In Esposende the Coastal Camino goes through the town, the Litoral Way goes along the promenade. The distance is the same. 

Stage 4. Esposende/Marinhas to Viana do Castelo

• The Coastal Route – 23 km/14 mi from Esposende and 21 km/13 mi (from Marinhas), walking along the coast – 0 km
• The Litoral Way – 25 km/15,5 mi (from Esposende), walking along the coast 13 km/8 mi

The routes from Esposende to Viana do Castelo are completely different. The Coastal Route from Esposende turns inland to the public albergue in Marinhas and goes through towns and forest to Viana do Castelo.

This stage of the Litoral Way I called “wild” because some part of it are on an unclear trails. You won’t get lost but it’s recommended to have navigation for this stage. From Esposende the route follows the coast. The middle part of the route is inland then it gets back to the sea and follows it for 4 km/2,4 mi before turning inland to Viana do Castelo.

The routes come together in the middle at a small stone bridge in the forest and almost immediately split. They merge again at the bridge to Viana do Castelo. The Litoral Way is 2 km/1,2 mi longer.

Stage 5. Viana do Castelo to Caminha

• The Coastal Route – 28 km/17,3 mi, walking along the coast – 4 km/2,4 mi
• The Litoral Way – 27 km/16,7, walking along the coast – 20 km/12,4 mi

I’ve walked this stage twice on the Coastal Route and once on the Litoral Way. And while I like the scenery (small towns, villages, forests, and occasional sea views) on the Coastal Route the sea scenery on the Litoral Camino definitely beats it.

The main disadvantages of the Coastal Route are walking very little along the coast and many hills. The total ascent for the day is almost 400 m. The Litoral route is along the coast, has no hills, and is 1 km shorter.

The Litoral Way is not marked but quite straightforward. In Viana do Castelo follow the river till you get to the coast and continue along the sea for 18 km till Vila Praia da Ancora. Both routes merge at the fortress in Vila Praia da Ancora.

Some pilgrims switch from the Coastal/Litoral Way to the Central Camino following the connecting route from Caminha to Valença/Tui.

Stage 6. Caminha (Portugal) to Viladesuso (Spain)

• The Coastal Route – 21 km/13 mi, walking along the coast – 14 km/8,6 mi
• The Litoral Way – 24 km/15 mi, walking along the coast – 22 km/13,6 mi

The Camino splits at the pier in A Pasaxe after the river cross. 

The Coastal Route goes inland to A Guarda and then through the town to the coast. After 5 km/3,1 mi the Coastal Route reaches Fedorento Beach. The routes merge there and continue along the coast to Viladesuso. The Litoral Way is 3 km/1,8 mi longer.

The Litoral Way goes along the coast for the first 6 km to A Guarda, then on the promenade through the town. It reaches Fedorento Beach after 8 km/5 mi. The Litroal Way is not marked with the Camino signs (here and there you can see an arrow) but it’s straightforward and easy to follow. 

Despite the longer distance I prefer the first part from the pier to A Guarda on the Litoral route. The sea scenery is spectacular, it’s a peaceful and enjoyable walk. The Coastal Route has a short part through the forest at the beginning and then it goes along the road and through the town.

Stage 7. Viladesuso to A Ramallosa

• The Coastal Route – 19 km/11,8 mi, walking along the coast – 9 km/5,5 mi
• The Litoral Way – 19 km/11,8 mi, walking along the coast – 17 km/10,5 mi

The first 8 km/5 mi of the Camino route are along the coast. Then the Coastal Route turns inland till A Ramallosa. In Baiona here and there you get a glimpse of the coast and some coastal views from the top of the hills. The second half of the route has several ascents and descents including two of around 100 m. From Baiona to A Ramallosa the route goes inland through endless residential areas.

The Litoral Way continues on a cycling route along the coast to Baiona. And then on the promenade to A Ramallosa. The cycling path is along the road but it’s wide with not many cyclists. In Baiona the route goes past the impressive Montereal Castle and a picturesque harbor which you don’t get to see on the Coastal Route.

I recommend the Litoral Way because it’s easy to navigate, it has no hills, and the scenery is spectacular. You get nice coastal views on the Coastal Route but I prefer walking next to the sea rather than seeing it from a distance. The total ascent on the Coastal Route is 344 m vs 84 m on the Litoral Way. The distance is the same.

Stage 8. A Ramallosa to Vigo

• The Coastal Route – 21,5 km/13,3 mi, walking along the coast – 0 km/0 mi.
• The Litoral Way – 22 km/13,6 mi, walking along the coast – 18 km/11 mi

Just like with most of the other stages I’ve walked this stage twice on the Coastal Route and once on the Litoral Way. And I 100% prefer the Litoral Way. It is mostly along the coast and is flat. The distance is the same.

The Coastal Route goes inland offering occasional sea views from the hills. It has several ascents and the total elevation gain for the day is 380 m. It has a 2-kilometer stretch of walking along the street with a lot of traffic. I walked this route in November 2024 and overall I found it being better than I remembered. There is no walking through industrial areas but a pleasant walk along the river for 3 km/1,8 mi till Vigo.

The Litoral Way especially the beginning and the end of it (not the last 2 km through Vigo) goes past many spectacular beaches and offers great views of the coastline and Islas Cies, a group of rocky islands. The part (6 km/3,7 mi) on the promenade past many beaches just before Vigo is amazing especially is summer. The route is not marked.

On the Litoral Way at around 8 km/5 mi (when you get to the road) you’ll see green and occasional yellow arrows pointing right, don’t follow them. They will take you inland to the Coastal Route. I don’t know how and why painted them but the arrows are misleading. Continue walking along the road (you’ll soon get to a beautiful long promenade) unless you want to switch to the Coastal Route.

Stage 9. Vigo to Redondela

• The Coastal Route/Litoral Way – 16,5 km/10,2 mi, walking along the coast – 13 km/8 mi (not right next to the coast but with spectacular coastal views)

For this stage, I recommend following the official Coastal Route. It goes on the slope of the mountain and offers spectacular views of the coast. The route goes away from a busy highway and industrial area. Walking closer to the coast is possible but most of your walk will be next to a highway. 

Portuguese Camino planning resources

We’ve created several posts that you might find helpful in preparation for your journey on the Portuguese Camino.

The pretty half of Stingy Nomads, responsible for all our land adventures (hiking, climbing, walking the Camino) and following them write-ups. Alya loves walking since she was a child, she prefers to walk 1000 km with a backpack rather than to do a 10 000 km road trip (actually any road trip). Alya is a big fan of Latin America, the Spanish language, and dancing. Every time we go away she desperately misses our dog Chile.