Have you ever imagined yourself traveling along the Atlantic coast, with the sea breeze gently caressing your face as you follow the footsteps of ancient pilgrims? The The Portuguese Coastal Way offers this unique experience, blending natural beauty, cultural richness, and spirituality into an unforgettable adventure.
From Mundiplus We will talk about each stage, providing a detailed map and practical tips to make your journey the best experience possible. If you are looking for a physical challenge, spiritual enrichment, or simply to escape from your daily routine, here you will find everything you need to prepare for this route.
The Portuguese Coastal Way is a
spectacular route that takes you through unique coastal landscapes, offering a different and
refreshing perspective. of the traditional Camino de Santiago. From the
historic Porto to Santiago de Compostela, this way immerses you in a a blend of culture,
gastronomy, and natural beauty.
With stages that stand out for their beaches, lighthouses, and small
fishing villages.This option is ideal for pilgrims seeking a more
intimate experience with the sea and less crowded surroundings. Each step is an invitation to reflection and
enjoyment of the senses.
In addition to its undeniable beauty, this route is perfectly equipped with
services that will make your journey more comfortable and enjoyable. From Mundiplus, we’re here to advise you every step of the way, ensuring that your experience is
unique and tailored to your needs and expectations.
You can start the Way at any location along the route and finish it wherever you wish, whether in Santiago de Compostela or another town along the Way – it’s up to you.
Do not confuse, as it is a variant of the traditional Portuguese Way. As you can imagine, it owes its name to the fact that it unfolds along the stunning Atlantic coast of Portugal and Galicia. This route starts from the city of Porto and heads north, always closely following the coastline. Its uniqueness lies in offering the unique opportunity to walk alongside the sea. It allows the pilgrim to enjoy the sea breezes, panoramic views of the ocean, and contact with nature in its purest state. The beauty of its landscapes, combined with the tranquility of its less crowded sections, makes it a preferred choice for those seeking a more serene and meditative experience. Additionally, this route allows travelers to discover charming coastal towns, taste exquisite seafood dishes, and immerse themselves in a rich maritime cultural heritage. Now that you know the meaning of its name, let's talk about its history and evolution until it became what it is today.
The history of the Way Portugués by the coast It intertwines with the pilgrim tradition to Santiago de Compostela, extending throughout the centuries. Although less known than its inland counterpart, it has been traced by pilgrims seeking a more intimate connection with nature and the sea, avoiding the busiest routes.
Originally, this route was chosen by Portuguese pilgrims and others from parts of Europe who disembarked at the ports in northern Portugal. Its evolution is marked by the The evolution of this way is marked by the use of ancient Roman and medieval roads that skirted the coast, facilitating trade and transit between the regions of Portugal and Galicia.
Over the years, it gained popularity, especially among those seeking to enjoy the views and the sea breeze. With the With the rise of religious and spiritual tourism In recent times, this route has seen a resurgence. Today, it attracts pilgrims from around the world for its scenic beauty, cultural heritage, and relative tranquility compared to other more frequented routes.
The infrastructure and services for pilgrims have significantly improved, making this route an attractive and viable option for the modern pilgrimage experience.
Regardless of your choice, the adventure is worth it. However, if you choose the Portuguese Coastal Way, you will enjoy some attractions that you won’t find, at least to the same extent, on other routes.
Possibly the main reason. Here, the pilgrim immerses themselves in a journey where the unique natural landscapes They play the leading role. This route stands out for its unparalleled proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, offering a visual and sensory experience that is not found on other routes.
From extensive white sandy beaches to cliffs that offer spectacular panoramic views of the sea, the trail becomes a natural gallery of unexpected and diverse beauties. Each stage reveals new wonders, such as tranquil bays, estuaries rich in biodiversity, and picturesque fishing villages, where maritime tradition is felt in every corner.
The constant presence of the sea Additionally, it provides a refreshing breeze that accompanies the pilgrim, making the walking days more pleasant. Furthermore, this route allows you to enjoy unique sunsets, where the sun merges with the ocean in a spectacle of colors.
With all these attributes, you might already be planning your adventure. Don’t rush, and keep in mind that for a better experience, proper planning is essential. For this, we will start by discussing the best seasons to choose for this journey.
The best time to undertake the French Way.
The choice of the best time to undertake the French Way depends on several factors such as the weather, the influx of pilgrims, and personal preferences. Traditionally, the busiest months are from May to September, taking advantage of the warmer weather and longer days. However, each season has its own characteristics.
This season brings longer days and landscapes rejuvenated, full of color and life. It's the perfect time to enjoy the blossoming of nature, with pleasant temperatures and a less crowded adventure before the high season.
Summer offers pilgrims sunny days and joy, ideal for enjoying the beaches and the refreshing sea along the coast. Although it is the busiest season, it is also rich in cultural activities and festivals in the towns along the way.
Autumn wraps the Portuguese Coastal Way in warm and golden hues, with milder temperatures. It's a quiet season, perfect for those looking to avoid crowds and enjoy the route serenely, observing the transformation of the landscape.
Although these dates can be more challenging due to the cool weather and occasional rains, it offers a unique experience of introspection and tranquility. The landscapes are displayed in their most raw and majestic form, and the towns and cities along the route provide a warm refuge.
Just like on other routes, the daily distance to be covered varies depending on each pilgrim and the distance between the points. However, on average, pilgrims usually walk between 20 and 25 kilometers per day, always adapting to individual preferences and pace. It is important to consider the specific characteristics of this coastal route, such as sandy stretches that may require extra effort, or the weather changes typical of areas near the sea. Planning while taking these aspects into account can help ensure a more enjoyable journey.
As we mentioned, the Portuguese Coastal Way is known for being a safe route for pilgrims. It ensures clear signage, a solid infrastructure, and the constant company of other walkers and local residents. This route includes the iconic yellow arrows and scallop shells, which guide pilgrims along the coastline, significantly reducing the possibility of getting lost. Along this route, you will encounter numerous pilgrims who share the same destination as you. Even in the most solitary stretches along the coast, the sense of community and safety is always present.
The journey is divided into stages that vary in distance and difficulty., adapting to each pilgrim’s abilities. Below, we present a summary of the stages with their starting points, endpoints, and approximate distances:
Stage 13 – Padrón to Santiago de Compostela: 22 km – The final stage takes pilgrims to the long-awaited destination, Santiago de Compostela.
Below are the stages to complete this camino by bike, based on compiled specialized information:
Each of these stages has been designed taking into account the capacity and experience of cyclists, allowing them to enjoy the journey with relative comfort while challenging their limits. You can even opt for something intermediate (you’ll cover more kilometers on the first day and fewer on the second) between the first two days and choose Viana do Castelo as the end/start point of the stage.
If you’re considering embarking on this wonderful adventure, here we answer some of the most frequently asked questions to help you better prepare for the journey.
The Portuguese Coastal Way covers approximately 280 kilometers. If you start in Porto, Portugal. If you choose to start from A Guarda/Caminha, it will be It will be just over 180 kilometers.
Although most pilgrims start in Porto, some prefer to start in smaller towns such as Viana do Castelo or Caminha to enjoy a more relaxed experience. If you prefer any of these latter options, we can help and modify your itinerary.
You need to bring the Pilgrim’s Credential.The Pilgrim’s Credential, a document that identifies you as a pilgrim and allows you to stay in hostels along the way, is essential. Also, make sure to have a valid identification document and the European Health Insurance Card or travel insurance if you are not a resident of the EU.
While it’s not necessary to be an athlete, some prior training is recommended.. Regular walks and gradually increasing the distance can help your body adapt to the required effort.
Yes, it is possible to divide the stages to adapt them to the physical abilities of the pilgrims. With Mundiplus, some stages can be shortened or adjusted according to individual preferences and accommodation availability. As you can see, there are many days that do not exceed 20 kilometers.
The sections between Viana do Castelo and Caminha are highly recommended for their stunning ocean views and the opportunity to see traditional windmills. The area around A Guarda is also interesting for its archaeological remains.
This path is considered moderate difficulty, with some stages that include sandy terrain and moderate climbs. In these, greater physical effort is required, especially in the sections next to the sea.
The essential is to take a light but complete luggage. Include suitable clothing for variable weather, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, personal toiletries, a reusable water bottle. Don’t forget your pilgrim credential and important documents.
Yes, it’s entirely possible and a unique experience.. Cyclists should prepare for stages of approximately 40 to 60 kilometers per day, depending on their physical condition and experience.
Just like walking, biking the trail requires prior physical preparation. It’s advisable to train by biking several weeks beforehand, especially on routes that simulate the conditions you’ll encounter on the trail.
The terrain varies from sandy trails on the beaches, dirt paths, and some paved sections. The weather can be unpredictable, with strong winds and occasional rain, even in summer, due to the proximity to the Atlantic.
The best times are spring and autumn, when the weather is milder and the crowds are smaller compared to summer. This allows for a more peaceful and comfortable experience.
To obtain the Compostela, you must have walked or ridden on horseback for at least the last 100 kilometers, or cycled at least 200 kilometers. During your journey, use the Pilgrim’s Credential to get stamps at each stage, proving your progress.
Once in Santiago, present your stamped Credential at the Pilgrim’s Office. They will verify your stamps, and if you meet the requirements, they will give you the Compostela.
