The Portuguese Camino Coastal Route – a 2024 guide

The Coastal Route is one of the trails of the Portuguese Camino from Porto. The total distance of the route is 274 km/170 mi. It starts in Porto and goes along the coast till Vigo. It merges with the Central Route in Redondela. About 37% of pilgrims on the Portuguese Camino walk the Coastal Way. The Portuguese Camino is getting increasingly popular, and many pilgrims choose this route as an alternative to the Camino Frances.

Officially the Portuguese Camino starts in Lisbon but most pilgrims begin their walk in Porto.

The Coastal Route of the Portuguese Camino was our first Camino de Santiago. We enjoyed the walk so much that two days after completing it we took a bus from Santiago de Compostela to Oviedo to walk the Camino Primitivo.

Portuguese Camino Coastal Route PDF files

To make your planning easier we created downloadable PDF files for the Coastal Route of the Portuguese Camino. One file is with walking stages from Porto to Santiago de Compostela. One has a list of places to stay (municipal and private albergues, hotels, and guesthouses) along the route.

The Coastal Camino – route overview

• Distance – 274 km/170 mi
• Number of days (stages) – 12-15 days
• Starting point – Sé Cathedral, Porto, Portugal
• Finishing point – Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, Spain
• Difficulty level – moderate
• Total ascent – 3990 m
• Total descent – 3716 m
• Walking surface 155 km/96 mi – asphalt/tar; 29 km/18 mi – cobblestones; 65 km/40,3 mi – footpath/gravel road; 24 km/15 mi – boardwalk; 1 km/0,6 mi – beach.
• Walking along the coast – 77,5 km/ out of 274 km/170 mi. The last 86 km/53,4 mi to Santiago are inland on the Central Route.
• Average cost – 30 euros per person per day if staying in albergues, from 40 euros if staying in hotels 

Travel Insurance for the Camino

Walking like any other outdoor activity involves a risk of getting an injury or losing some of the gear. The Portuguese Coastal Camino is not a high-altitude hike through remote areas but it’s still a physically challenging experience. Light traumas like blisters, knee pain, shin splints, etc. are quite common. Read more about Camino travel insurance or get an instant personalized quote from two companies right here. And decide which one works best for you.

World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world.

How long is the Coastal Route of the Portuguese Camino?

The total distance of the Coastal Route from Porto to Santiago (Porto – Vigo – Redondela – Santiago) is 274 km/170 mi. It takes 12-15 days on average to complete the route. If you incorporate the Litoral Way into your walk the total distance will be around 280 km/173 mi. The stages stay the same but your daily distances might vary.

How to combine the Coastal and the Central Route?

There are two places along the Coastal Route of the Camino Portugues where pilgrims can switch to the Central Route.

1. Vila do Conde – about 30 km from Porto (the second stage for most pilgrims). There is a route from Vila do Conde to Rates, that connects the Coastal Camino/Litoral Way with the Central Route.
2. Caminha – about 107 km from Porto (the fifth stage for most pilgrims). The connecting route from Caminha goes along the Minho River to Valença where it merges with the Central Route.

There is another split on the Portuguese Camino after Redondela. From Pontevedra, there are two routes: the Spiritual Way and the main route of the Portuguese Camino.

If you want to know the difference between the two routes you can read our detailed post where we compare the Coastal and Central Route.

Accommodation on the Camino

Like any other Camino de Santiago route the Coastal Way has public and private albergues, hotels, guesthouses, and a couple of campsites along the route.

Albergues are hostels for pilgrims. They usually have dormitory rooms with bunk beds and shared ablution facilities. Albergues can be public (run by a local municipality) and private.

Comparing public (municipal) and private albergues

Public albergues are the cheapest accommodation option on the Camino de Santiago. To stay in public albergues you’ll need a Credential.

You can find public (municipal) albergues on the Coastal Route in

• Labruge (1st stage)
• Vila Chã (1st stage)
• Vila do Conde (2nd stage)
• Póvoa de Varzim (2nd stage)
• Aguçadoura (2nd stage)
• Marinhas (3rd stage)
• Castelo do Neiva (4th stage)
• Viana do Castelo (4th stage)
• Caminha (5th stage)
• A Guarda (5th stage)
• Vigo (8th stage)
• Redondela (9th stage)

The campsites on the Coastal Portuguese Camino can be found in

• Labruge
• Vila Cha
• Caminha
• A Guarda
• A Ramallosa
• Vigo

The cost of walking

The Portuguese Camino can be done on a different budget from 25 Euros per person per day to 40+ Euro depending on how much you want or can spend and how much comfort you need. The average cost of walking the Coastal Route is 25-30 Euro per person per day. We have a detailed post on the cost of the Camino de Santiago where you can find a lot of information for planning your estimated Camino budget.

Walking the Camino Portugues with 25, 35, and 45+ Euro per person, per day

What to pack for the Camino?

It’s important to remember not to overload your backpack, make sure to bring only the necessary stuff. The two most important items to bring are good walking shoes and a comfortable backpack.

If you’re planning on using a backpack delivery service (see the next paragraph) then you can pack as much as you wish.

For more details on what to pack for the Coastal Portuguese Camino for men and women for different seasons read our packing list for the Camino de Santiago post.

Best guidebooks

I believe Camino de Santiago guidebooks by John Brierley are the best. We used his A Pilgrim’s Guide to the Camino Portugués Lisbon – Porto – Santiago: including Camino Central, Variente Espiritual, Camino da Costa, & Senda Litoral on the Coastal Route and it was very helpful.

Looking for some interesting reading on the Camino? See our reviews of some of the Top Novels on the Camino de Santiago. Some of them are fun, some of them are interesting and some of them are just weird. Don´t waste your time and money on buying the wrong books!

Coastal Route apps

• Portuguese Way Premium. Cost US$4, available for Android and Apple.
• Camino Assist Pilgrim Santiago. Free download, available for Android and Apple.
• Buen Camino de Santiago. Free download, available for Android and Apple.
• Wisely + Camino Portugues; a Wise Pilgrim guide. The cost is US$6, available for Android and Apple. We haven’t used it but I saw many unhappy users complaining about the app, I’d recommend reading the reviews before buying it.

Luggage transfer

If you don’t want to walk for 2 weeks carrying your backpack you can use one of the luggage transfer services on the Camino. Tuitrans and Pilbeo offer luggage delivery on the Coastal Route of the Portuguese Camino. Correos delivers backpacks from A Guarda (the first Spanish town on the Coastal Route).

It works very easily a car picks up your backpack at your hotel or albergue in the morning and drops it off at your next accommodation place by lunchtime. The service costs 7 Euros per backpack per stage. If you decide to use the delivery service keep in mind that you’ll have to stay in private albergues or hotels. Public albergues usually don’t accept backpack delivery.

If you have some extra luggage you won’t need on the Camino you can send it directly to Santiago de Compostela using one of the companies.

Porto, the beginning of the route

Porto is an amazing place to reserve a couple of days before or after the Camino to explore the city. Get lost in the maze of crazy narrow cobblestone streets of Porto, follow them climbing up and down, making unreal U-turns that lead to a quirky dead end. There are so many hidden gems in this city that you can spend weeks wandering around and every day finding something new.

Tours & Activities in Porto

If you have extra time to stay in Porto before you start walking the Camino you can do a tour or a guided walk to discover this beautiful city.

Places to stay in Porto

There are many albergues in the city including one municipal albergue N.S. do Rosario de Vilar and one private albergue Albergue de Peregrinos do Porto.

If you rather stay in the center there are several options from hostels to luxury hotels depending on your budget.

The following places are situated just a few minutes from Se Cathedral, the starting point of the Coastal Camino.

Walking out of Porto; the Coastal Route vs Litoral Way

You can walk out of Porto following the Litoral Way or the Coastal Route. Both routes start from Se Cathedral. The main difference is that the Litoral Way follows the coast from the beginning when the Coastal Route goes inland till Vila do Conde. Both routes merge in Vila do Conde and from there continue along the coast.

I’ve walked both routes and prefer walking out of Porto following the Litoral Way. It’s a lot more scenic than the first stage of the Coastal Route. We have a detailed post on the 3 different routes of the Portuguese Camino from Porto.

The distance on the Litoral Way to Vila do Conde is longer than on the Coastal Route; 33 km/20,5 mi vs 29 km/18 mi. I’d suggest stopping in Labruge (24 km/15 mi) or Vila Cha (26 km/16 mi) instead of walking to Vila do Conde.

We have a detailed post comparing the Litoral Way and Coastal Route.

Coastal Route GPX files

Coastal Route walking stages

Stage 1. Se Cathedral, Porto to Vila Chã, 26 km/16 mi 

Porto – Matosinhos – Lavra – Labruge – Vila Chã

• Distance – 26 km/16 mi
• Time – 5-6 hours
• Accumulated ascent – 242 m
• Accumulated descent – 273 m
• Walking surface – 15 km/9,3 mi – asphalt, 10 km/6,2 mi – boardwalks, 1 km/0,6 mi – cobbled
• Walking along the coast – 23,5 km/14,6 mi are along the Douro River and coast

It’s a beautiful walking stage along the river and later the coast with plenty of restaurants and cafes. 

The described stage is technically the Litoral Way, not the Coastal Route but most pilgrims (including myself) choose this route to walk out of Porto. 

The first sage on the official Coastal Route from the Cathedral to Vila do Conde is inland. The route exists. It’s well-marked but the scenery is not as spectacular as on the Lirotal Way. In my opinion, the only reason to choose it is the distance. From Se Cathedral to Vila do Conde on the Coastal Route is 29 km/18 mi and on the Litoral Way is 32,5 km/20 mi.

Challenges 

The route marking on the first 10 km from the Cathedral is non-existent. It’s not difficult to find the way, just follow the river till you get to the information office in Matosinhos (10 km) from there you can follow the yellow arrows.

Relatively long distance for the first day on the Camino. There are towns and places to stay before Vila Chã you can shorten your first walking day. 

Highlights

• Se Cathedral in Porto, the starting point of the Coastal Route. 
• Walking along the Douro River
• Walking along the coast and past beautiful beaches

Stage 1 route description

0-6 km/0-3,7 mi along the Douro River. You can take the famous yellow tram (#1 and #18) for the first 5,5 km/3,4 mi. It follows the same route as the Camino. Passeio Alegre is the name of the tram stop where you get off. 

6 km/3,7 mi – São João Baptista da Foz Fortress and Barra do Douro Lighthouse

10,5 km/6,5 mi – Tourist Information Office in Matosinhos. They sometimes sell Credentials. You can get a stamp here. From there the route is well-marked. Some pilgrims get to Matosinhos by bus or metro train. Bus #500 and metro line A go from Porto to Matosinhos. If you do so you can easily walk to Vila do Condo which is 22 km from Matosinhos. 

10,5 km–13 km//6,5 mi – 8 mi – the Camino goes inland through Matosinhos. It is the only part of the stage where you have to pay attention to the Camino signs. 

11,7 km/7,2 mi – go over the bridge Ponte móvel de Leça to the other side of the river. 

13 km/8 mi – the information office where you can get a stamp. 

From 13 km/8 mi you walk along the coast to Vila Cha. 

15 km/9,3 mi – the beginning of the boardwalks. From here the walk is almost entirely on boardwalks.

20 km/12,4 mi – a big supermarket (ALDI, 400 m away from the boardwalks)

24 km/15 mi – Labruge, a small beach town with cafes, guesthouses, and a private albergue 900 m away from the Camino route. You can stop here instead of walking another 2 km to Vila Chã. Then your next day’s walk will be 20 km instead of 18 km. It’s a good option if you don’t want to stay in the public albergue as accommodation options are quite limited in Vila Chã.

Places to stay in Labruge

26 km/16 mi – Vila Chã, another small beach town with two or three restaurants and guesthouses. The municipal albergue in Vila Chã is about 800 m from the coast and the Camino route. There are not many accommodation options in the village if you walk another 1,5 km/0,9 mi to Mindelo Beach you’ll find more places.

Places to stay in Vila Chã

Places to stay in Mindelo, 1,5 km/0,9 mi past Vila Chã

Stage 2. Vila Chã to Aguçadoura, 18 km/11 mi

Vila Chã – Vila do Conde – Póvoa de Varzim – Aguçadoura

• Distance – 18 km/11,1 mi
• Time –  4-5 hours (moving time)
• Accumulated ascent – 119 m
• Accumulated descent – 116 m
• Walking surface – 7,7 km – boardwalk; 4 km – tar road; 6 km – cobblestones; 300 m – sand
• Walking along the coast – 12 km/7,4 mi out of 18 km/11 mi

It’s a relatively short and easy walking day with plenty of places to stop for coffee and lunch. 

From Villa Chã the marked route goes parallel to the coast through the town but you can walk along the sea on the boardwalk from the start. After 2 km the marked route continues on the boardwalk. 

At 6 km the Camino trail turns inland across the bridge. It takes you through the towns of Vila do Conde and Póvoa de Varzim and returns to the coast at 12 km/7,4 mi. 

Challenges

• Short parts of the boardwalk are covered in sand you walk on dunes which is more tiring
• Walking through the cities (Vila do Conde and Póvoa de Varzim) between 6 km/3,7 mi and 12 km/7,4 mi.

Highlights

• A beautiful walk along the coast between Vila Chã and Vila do Conde
• The historical center of Vila do Conde
• A picturesque coastal walk between Espozende and Aguçadoura 

Stage 2 route description

0-6 km/0-3,7 mi – walking along the coast on the boardwalk

2,5 km/1,5 mi – Mindelo, a bar and a cafe

4,8 km/3 mi – Praia do Árvore, hotels, restaurants, cafes, a shop

5,6 km/3,4 mi – a restaurant

6 km/3,7 mi – the Coastal Route turns inland

6-12 km/3,7-7,4 mi – the route goes inland. It’s possible to continue along the coast. After crossing the bridge in Vila do Conde go to Avenida do Brasil. 

7,5 km/4,6 mi – Vila do Conde. It’s a big town with many cafes, shops, restaurants, hotels, and a public albergue. From Vila do Conde you can switch to the Central Route of the Portuguese Camino and walk to Rates following the river or the aqueduct route.

7,5-12 km/4,6-7,4 mi on the Litoral Way (along the coast). From Vila do Conde to Póvoa de Varzim the Coastal Route goes inland. It’s possible to continue along the coast. After crossing the bridge in Vila do Conde get to Avenida do Brasil and continue walking along the coast. You’ll see Camino signs again on the promenade in  Póvoa de Varzim. Note! You have to go through Vila do Conde to cross the river.

11 km/6,8 mi – Póvoa de Varzim. It is another big town with cafes, shops, and hotels.

12-18 km/7,4-11 mi – the Camino goes along the coast.

18 km/11 mi – Aguçadoura, a small beach town with a public albergue, a couple of guesthouses, shops, and restaurants. 

Places to stay in Aguçadoura

Stage 3. Aguçadoura to Marinhas, 18 km/11 mi

Aguçadoura – Praia Estela – Apúlia – Fão – Esposende – Marinhas

• Distance – 18 km/11 mi
• Time –  4-5 hours
• Accumulated ascent – 81 m
• Accumulated descent – 72 m
• Walking surface – 6 km/3,7 mi – boardwalk; 4,7 km/2,9 mi – tar road/asphalt; 5,4 km/3,3 mi – cobblestones; 2 km/1,2 mi – footpath
• Walking along the coast – 7 km/4,3 mi out of 18 km/11 mi.

It’s another easy and short walking day on the Coastal Route. The first half is on the boardwalk along the beach, the second half is inland except for the walk on the promenade in Esposende.

Challenges

• Nothing, in particular, an easy walk along the beach and through towns with no hills or walking on the sand.

Highlights

• A beautiful walk along the beach between 0 km and 4 km.
• A beautiful small church in Apulia
• The small historical center of Fao 
• The historical center and the promenade in Esposende.

Stage 3 route description

0-4 km/0-2,4 mi – on the boardwalk along the beach

4 km/2,4 mi – a bar and a route split. The left route continues on the boardwalk close to the coast, the right route goes inland. Both routes join after about 1,2 km. It’s recommended to take the left route and stay on the boardwalk. The right route goes along the road.

7,5 km/4,6 mi – a small church where you can get a stamp. Apulia, is a small town with a private albergue, guesthouses, cafes, restaurants, and shops.

7,5-12 km/4,6-7,7 mi on the Litoral Way. You can walk from Apulia to Fão along the coast instead of going inland through the forest. In Apulia go to Avenida da Colonia, and continue along the coast till Rua Capital Jorge Larcher. Turn right at the Rua and head to the bridge. The coastal route from Apulia to Fão is 1,5 km longer than the official Coastal Route. 

8,7-10,3 km/5,4-6,4 mi – walking on a footpath through the forest.

11 km/6,8 mi – a small church where you can get a stamp. Fão is a small town with a couple of hostels, restaurants, cafes, and shops

11,5 km/7,1 mi – a metal bridge across the Cadavo River

12 km/7,4 mi – a cafe

12,8 km/7,9 mi – Mira Rio hotel/restaurant

13 km/8 mi – Esposende, a bigger town with hostels, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, bars, and ATMs.

13-14,5 km/8-9 mi on the Litoral Way. In Esposende the Camino goes inland through the town for 1,5 km. You can continue walking along the coast. At the runaround after Hotel Mira Rio continue walking along the river and the cycling road (soon you’ll see a boardwalk). You’ll start seeing the Camino signs again after 1,5 km.

14,5-15.5 km/9-9,6 mi – walking along the coast

15 km/9,3 mi – Aparthotel Pinhal da Foz, Hotel Suave Mar

16 km/10 mi – a restaurant, the Coastal Route turns inland 

17,5 km/10,8 mi – Vila Ribeiro Guesthouse

18 km/11 mi – Public Albergue in Marinhas. There is a shop, a pharmacy, and a couple of restaurants near the albergue. There is a tap with drinking water outside. 

Places to stay in Marinhas

Stage 4. Marinhas to Viana do Castelo, 21 km/13 mi

Marinhas – Castelo do Neiva – Chafé – Viana do Castelo

• Distance – 21 km/13 mi
• Time –  5 hours
• Accumulated ascent – 346 m
• Accumulated descent – 361 m
• Walking surface –  7,5 km/4,6 mi – tar road/asphalt, 8 km/5 mi – cobblestones, 5,5 km/3,4 mi – footpath
• Walking along the coast – 0 km, the entire stage is inland

The walk today from the start to the end is inland. Unlike the previous 3 stages that are flat, today’s walk has some ascents and descents. In one day you total ascents more than in the first three days combined. 

Challenges

• Several ascents and descents along the route
• Walking on hard surfaces e.g. cobbled stones which are tougher on your feet
• Walking on the sidewalk along a busy road for the last 2 km to Viana do Castelo

Highlights

• A spectacular forest with a river between 6,4 km/3,9 mi and 7,7 km/4,7 mi. One of the most beautiful forest walks on the Portuguese Camino.
• Several beautiful churches where you can get stamps
• A nice forest walk between 9,2 km/5,7 mi and 10,6 km/6,5 mi
• The historical center of Viana do Castelo

Stage 4 route description

Between 3 km/1,8 mi and 5 km/3,1 mi, there are several cafes and small shops

Between 6,4 km/3,9 mi and 7,7 km/4,7 mi – walking on a footpath through the lush green forest next to the river

8 km/5 mi – Public albergue Don Nausti, Castelo do Neiva

9 km/5,5 mi – the church of St.Iago where you can get a stamp

9,2-10,6 km/5,7-6,5 mi – a nice forest walk

10,5 km/6,5 mi – a food stop

13,5 km/8,3 mi – a cafe

16 km/9,9 mi – the small town of Anha with restaurants, cafes, a couple of hotels, and a shop

18,5-20,5 km/11,5-12,7 mi  – walking along a busy street with many cars

20 km/12,4 mi – the Eiffel Bridge across the Lima River

21 km/13 mi – The Public Albergue of Viana do Castelo. The Albergue is about 500 m away from the historical center. 

Places to stay in Viana do Castelo

Stage 5. Viana do Castelo to Caminha, 28 km/17,3 mi

Viana do Castelo – Carreço – Vila Praia de Âncora – Caminha

• Distance – 28 km/17,3 mi
• Time –  6-7 hours
• Accumulated ascent – 391 m
• Accumulated descent – 385 m
• Walking surface – 16,5 km/10,2 mi – tar road/asphalt, 8,5 km/5,2 mi – cobblestones, 3 km/1,8 mi – footpath
• Walking along the coast – 4 km/2,4 mi out of 28 km/17,3 mi are along the coast

It’s a long and challenging walking day with several ascents and descents. You often can see the sea but not from close by. The route goes through peaceful towns, small villages, forests, and fields. The Camino gets to the coast after Vila Praia de Âncora. 

Challenges

• A long walking day, over 28 km/17,3 mi
• Several ascents and descents
• Walking on hard surfaces (tar roads, cobblestones) for most of the day 

Highlights

• Narrow cobbled streets with high stone walls in the first half of the walk
• 6th-century convent Sao Joao de Cabanas, 30min. walk Carreço
• 14 km/8,6 mi – a wonderful cafe in the middle of the forest with outside tables and chairs
• A beautiful forest in the middle part
• The historical part of Vila Praia de Âncora
• The walk along the coast between 20,5 km/12,7 mi and 24,5 km/15,2 mi
• The historical center of Caminha

Stage 5 route description

The Camino route loops around Viana do Castelo. The easiest way to get from your accommodation place to the route is to walk to Igreja dos Santos Martires and continue on Rua Dom Moises Alves Pinho. 

0-4 km/0-2,4 mi – the route goes through the town and neighborhoods

4-10 km/2,4-6,2 mi – the Camino passes small villages and fields

10 km/6,2 mi – Carreco, a small town with a private albergue Casa do Adro, a shop, an ATM, and cafes.

11 km/6,8 mi – our favorite Albergue on the Coastal Route Casa do Sardão

Between 12 km/7,4 mi and 13 km/8 mi – walking through a beautiful forest

14 km/8,6 mi – a wonderful cafe in the forest by the river with good coffee and nice desserts. It’s a perfect place to stop for a light lunch or coffee. 

17 km/10,5 mi – a bar

18 km/11 mi – Vila Praia de Âncora, a town with hotels, restaurants, shops, and cafés.

20,5-24,5 km/12,7-15,2 mi – a beautiful walk along the coast and past several beaches

24,5 km/15,2 mi – the route turns inland and goes through the town of Moledo

25,5-27,3 km/15,8-17 mi – a long straight stretch on the sidewalk along the road

28 km/17,3 mi – Caminha. The end of the Portuguese part of the Coastal Route. From Caminha you can continue on the Coastal Route or switch to the Central Route. To cross from Caminha to A Guarda (Coastal Route) pilgrims can use a boat. Instead of continuing on the Coastal Route and taking a boat, you can walk from Caminha to Valença/Tui and do the last 100 km from Tui to Santiago on the Central Route.

Places to stay in Caminha

Stage 6. Caminha (Portugal) to Viladesuso (Spain), 21 km/13 mi

Caminha – A Guarda – Oia – Viladesuso

• Distance – 21 km/13 mi
• Time –  4-5 hours
• Accumulated ascent – 375 m
• Accumulated descent – 360 m
• Walking surface – 11 km/6,8 mi – tar road/asphalt; 10 km/6,3 mi – footpath/gravel road
• Walking along the coast – 14 km/8,6 mi out of 21 km/13 mi

It’s a beautiful walking day that starts with a boat ride across the river, then the Coastal Route goes through the forest to Caminha, and after the town continues along the coast.

First, you take a boat to the other side of the Minho River. There are several departures scheduled throughout the day depending on tides. You can buy a ticket and find departure times online. Tickets can be purchased at the pier as well. The price is 6 euros per person, 8 euros per person with a bicycle. The ride is around 10 minutes.

After a short boat ride you arrive at the pier in A Pasaxe. Keep in mind the time difference, Spain is 1 hour ahead of Portugal. Once you’re on the other side of the river it’s 1 hour later than in Caminha.

Challenges

• A steep ascent from A Pasaxe (the pier)
• It’s a relatively easy walking day mostly along the coast with short parts along the road on the cycling route with coastal views. 

Highlights

• A beautiful forest walk from A Pasaxe
• The historical center and beaches in A Ramallosa
• The spectacular coastal scenery from A Ramallosa
• The Monastery of Oia 

Stage 6 route description

0-2,2 km/0-1,3 mi – the route climbs up

1,2-2,2 km/0,7-1,3 mi – a beautiful forest walk

3 km/1,8 mi – A Guarda, a small beach town with a public albergue, hotels, restaurants, and shops

3-5 km/1,8-3,1 mi – walking through the town

4 km/2,4 mi – a public albergues

5 km/3,1 mi – Praia de Area Grande, a small sandy beach. The Coastal Route and the Litoral Way merge there.

5,2 km/3,2 mi – a restaurant

8-9,6 km/5-6 mi – on a cycling route along the road

11 km/6,8 mi – Portecelo, a small town with hotels and restaurants. Loft As Casetas Peregrinos has excellent reviews.

12,5 km/7,7 mi – Casa Alicia holiday house 

14 km/8,6 mi – A Marinha guesthouse

17 km/10,5 mi – Oia, a tiny beautiful town with a famous monastery 

20 km/12,4 mi – Viladesuso, a small coastal town stretched along the road with hotels and restaurants. Loft Oia hotel 

20,7 km/12,8 mi – Hotel/restaurant Glasgow, Albergue Caminho Portugues

21 km/13 mi – Albergue da Estrela

More places to stay in Viladesuso

Stage 7. Villadesuso to A Ramallosa, 19 km/11,8 mi

Viladesuso – Mougas – Baiona – A Ramallosa

• Distance – 19 km/11,8 mi
• Time –  4-5 hours
• Accumulated ascent – 344 m 
• Accumulated descent – 362 m
• Walking surface – 15,5 km/9,6 mi – tar road/asphalt; 3,5 km/2,2 mi – footpath/gravel road
• Walking along the coast – 9 km/5,5 mi

It is a short and easy walking day with several ascents in the second half of it. Unfortunately, if you follow the official Coastal Route you walk inland most of the day. If you want to walk along the coast at 8 km continue following the cycling road instead of turning inland. 

Challenges

• Several steep ascents in the second half of the day

Highlights

• Beautiful coastal views
• A picturesque forest walk between 8/5 mi and 9,5 km/5,9 mi
• The historical center of Baiona
• The Old Bridge at the entrance to A Ramallosa
• The historical center of A Ramallosa

Stage 7 route description

2,6 km/1,6 mi – Aguncheiro Albergue/cafe

4 km/2,4 mi – a campsite/restaurant O Muiño

7 km/4,3 mi – Soremma hotel/cafe

8 km/5 mi – a right turnoff, the Camino route goes over the hill 

8-19 km/5-11,8 mi on the Litoral Way. You can continue walking along the coast on a cycling route to Baiona. The distance is about the same as on the official Coastal Route with no hills. In Baiona you can follow Avenida Montreal to Ladeira Beach. From the beach continue on Avenida Praia Ladeira to A Ramallosa. If you choose this route your entire walk will be along the coast without the hills.

8-9,5 km/5-5,9 mi – a beautiful forest walk with a steep ascent

11 km/6,8 mi – a restaurant

14 km/8,6 mi – Baiona, a coastal town with a nice historical center, many bars and cafes

19 km/11,8 mi – A Ramallosa, a nice town with beautiful beaches and a promenade along the river

Placesto stay in Sabaris/A Ramallosa

Stage 8. A Ramallosa to Vigo, 21,5 km/13,3 mi

• Distance – 21,5 km/13,3 mi
• Time –  4-5 hours (moving time)
• Accumulated ascent – 381 m 
• Accumulated descent – 345 m
• Walking surface – 13,5 km/8,3 mi – tar road/asphalt; 8 km/5 mi – footpath/gravel road
• Walking along the coast – 0 km the entire stage is inland

This stage of the Coastal Route is not my favorite. The entire route goes inland you get to the sea only in Vigo. You walk bits and parts through the forest but most of it you walk through towns, neighborhoods, and next to roads.

I’ve walked this stage twice following two routes and prefer the Litoral Way over the Coastal Route. It goes along the coast, offers breathtaking scenery, and less walking through industrial areas and near busy roads. For me, the advantage of the Coastal Route is that it’s better marked. 

Highlights

• A forest walk between 10 km/6,2 mi and 12 km/7,4 mi
• A beautiful waterfall at 11 km/6,8 mi

Challenges

• Walking along a busy road between 12 km/7,4 mi and 14 km/8,6 mi
• Walking through the city for 4 km/2,4 mi at the end of the stage
• The lack of route marking in Vigo

Stage 8. Route description

After 1 km/0,6 mi you’re out of the town, walking in the forest.

From 1 km/0,6 mi to 12 km/7,4 mi the Coastal Route goes through the forest and villages/towns, sometimes along the road. 

1,6 km/1 mi – a bar

4 km/2,4 mi – a cafe, a restaurant

Between 10 km/6,2 mi and 12 km/7,4 mi walking on a footpath through the beautiful forest. 

11 km/6,8 mi – a route split, the left route goes to the road, the right route continues through the forest

11,3 km/7 mi – a small waterfall

11,6 km/7,2 mi – another route split; the right route goes to an Albergue in Freixo (which is 5 km/3,1 mi away from the Coastal Route), and the left route continues to Vigo

12-14 km/7,4-8,6 mi – the Camino goes on a sidewalk along a busy road

14 km/8,6 mi – left turn, you’ll see the Camino sign

14,3 km/8,8 mi – right turn at the small red bridge, follow the river

14,3-17,5 km/8,8-10,8 mi – along the river through the forest and then the city

17,5-21,5 km/10,8-13,3 mi – through Vigo

Places to stay in Vigo

Stage 9. Vigo to Redondela (the Central Route), 16,5 km/10,2 mi

• Distance – 16,5 km/10,2 mi
• Time –  3-4 hours (moving time)
• Accumulated ascent – 203 m 
• Accumulated descent – 210 m
• Walking surface – 11,5 km/7,1 mi – tar road/asphalt; 5 km/3,1 mi – footpath/gravel road
• Walking along the coast – 8 km/5 mi (between 5 km/3,1 mi and 13 km/8 mi) beautiful coastal views from the route

It’s a short and easy walking stage. The most difficult part is to find the Coastal Route in Vigo as there are very few Camini signs in Vigo. The easiest is to get to Rua de Urzaiz from your accommodation place and follow that street till the end (the last part is pedestrian). At the end turn left to Rua de Toledo (you’ll see yellow arrows). From there you can follow the Camino signs. 

Challenges

• Finding the Camino route in Vigo
• No place to stop for coffee or food once you’re out of Vigo till you reach Redondela

Highlights

• The historical part of Vigo
• Spectacular views of the coast, the bay, and the bridge from the route
• A beautiful waterfall in the forest
• The historical part of Redondela

Stage 9 route description

0-3 km/0-1,8 mi – through the city

5-13 km/3,1-8 mi – on a slope of the hill with beautiful views of the coast

9 km/5,6 mi – a picturesque waterfall in the forest

14 km/8,6 mi – the beginning of the steep descent

16,5 km/10,2 mi – Redondela. Here the Coastal Route merges with the Central Route. Expect to see a lot more pilgrims.

Places to stay in Redondela

Stage 10-13. Redondela to Santiago

You can follow our itinerary from Redondela to Santiago HERE.

Portuguese Coastal Camino planning resources

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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.