Portuguese Way of St. James: Porto – Santiago de Compostela 2027

Porto marks the start of your pilgrimage along the Portuguese Camino de Santiago. Before you set off for Santiago de Compostela, you’ll have time to soak up the special atmosphere of this historic city and get in the right frame of mind for the days ahead, filled with activity, new encounters and stunning scenery.

Hotel example: Hotel da Musica

A transfer will bring you to Matosinhos, the starting point of your pilgrimage. The first stage takes you along the rugged Atlantic coast, past sweeping beaches, through protected natural landscapes, and traditional fishing villages. Time and again, beautiful views of the sea open up before reaching Vila do Conde, one of northern Portugal’s charming coastal towns.

Hotel example: Villa C Boutique Hotel

Once again, the sea sets the tone for your walk. Amidst sand dunes and colourful flora, you’ll enjoy the vastness of the coastal landscape and the constant sound of the sea. Eventually, the Portuguese Camino de Santiago leads you inland, where shady forests and idyllic villages reveal a completely different side of northern Portugal. Passing through this varied landscape, you’ll reach your destination for the day, Esposende.

Hotel example: Hotel Suave Mar

After crossing the famous Eiffel Bridge, the Portuguese Camino de Santiago continues on to Viana do Castelo. This historic town impresses with its architectural contrast between old buildings and modern elements. Accompanied by beautiful views of the Lima Valley, you’ll enjoy a stage that skilfully combines cultural sights with charming vistas.

Hotel example: Hotel Margarida Da Praça

Today’s stage combines the scenic charms of the inland countryside with beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. As you make your way through the gently rolling hinterland, the sea remains in sight at all times. Gradually, you’ll approach Vila Praia de Âncora, where the relaxed atmosphere of this small seaside resort provides a pleasant end to the day’s hike.

Hotel example: Hotel Meira

From Vila Praia de Âncora, follow the coastal path north toward the mouth of the Minho River. Passing beaches and walking through a picturesque pine forest, you’ll reach Caminha, the last Portuguese town on your route. A short ferry ride takes you across the border river to A Guarda in Galicia. This charming fishing village welcomes you with its maritime atmosphere and the opportunity to reflect on the day over some fresh seafood.

Hotel example: Hotel Convento de San Benito

After your first steps through the bustling centre of A Guarda, today you’ll follow the route of the Camino along Galicia’s rugged coastline. Time and again, breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean open up as the trail winds its way through a varied landscape of coastal paths, narrow roads, and peaceful forest sections. In Oia, you’ll reach a town that has been welcoming pilgrims for centuries. The 12th-century monastery towers above it all, giving the coastal village its distinctive character.

Hotel example: Hotel Glasgow

The first few kilometres wind through a peaceful agricultural landscape dotted with fields and scattered villages. You can still sense the proximity to the coast, but the scenery soon changes. The Camino climbs into the mountains, offering impressive panoramic views of the surrounding area. This contrast between the rural coastal region and the heights of the countryside gives this day’s hike its special charm.

Hotel example: Hotel Anunciada

Today, you’ll leave the coast behind and immerse yourself in the rural landscapes of Galicia. The Camino winds through peaceful woodland and varied natural landscapes, offering a pleasant contrast to the previous stages. A particular highlight is the route through the extensive Castrelos Park, a green oasis that ranks among the region’s most beautiful natural areas.

Hotel example: B&B Hotel Vigo

After taking in the lively sights of Vigo, you'll continue along the Camino through Galicia. The bustling atmosphere of the city gives way to quieter countryside as you approach Redondela. At the end of the stage, you'll reach Arcade, idyllically situated on the riverbank and renowned far beyond the region for its excellent oysters.

Hotel example: Hotel Duarte

Today, you’ll walk through a gently rolling hillside landscape along the historic routes of the Camino to Pontevedra. Ancient stone paths, green meadows, and the peaceful atmosphere of the Galician countryside characterize this stage. Upon your arrival, it’s well worth taking a stroll through the historic old town, where the elegant squares and inviting tapas bars are among the day’s particular highlights.

Hotel example: Hotel Rías Bajas

As you walk through green forests and a varied river landscape, you’ll gradually approach Caldas de Reis, a historic spa town situated on the river. A special tradition awaits you there: in the main square, the thermal spring invites you to soak your tired feet in the warm water after an eventful day’s walking.

Hotel example: Pensión Caldea

The route winds its way through an area steeped in history and tradition. After a pleasant climb through small villages and the shady forest of Valga, you'll be accompanied time and again by sacred buildings along the Camino. Churches and ornate stone crosses serve as a reminder of this region’s long tradition of pilgrimage. Your destination for the day is Padrón, one of the most historic places on the Camino, closely linked to the legends surrounding St. James.

Hotel example: Hotel Pazo de Lestrove

The Camino takes you through Galicia’s lush countryside one last time. Rural paths and shaded forest sections make up the bulk of this stage, before you draw closer to the outskirts of Santiago de Compostela. Before long, you’ll find yourself in the historic centre. As you take your first steps through the medieval alleys of the Old Town, the excitement builds until you finally reach the famous Cathedral Square – an unforgettable moment marking the end of your pilgrimage and the highlight of an impressive walking holiday.

Hotel example: Hotel Pombal Rooms