Caminho da Costa – Portuguese Coastal Route (Portugal)

Dingle Way Walking Hiking Vacation

The second most common of the routes on the Camino de Santiago, is the Portuguese route starting in Lisbon, 608km from Santiago de Compostella. Of the many pilgrim paths to Santiago de Compostella, The Portuguese route is probably the most synonymous with the life and teaching of St. James. Much of the old traditional route follows ancient Roman roads that linked this region of Portugal and Spain. The popular way from Porto was historically used by the local populations and by those who arrived in the local ports, en route to achieving their Compostella in Santiago.

Route: For this leg of the journey we will be starting from Porto along the Atlantic coast, through fishing villages, coastal towns and harbour cities. We will travel along beaches, through dunes, traditional Portuguese farming regions and woodland paths over rivers and streams and then finally when we meet the Rio Minho that acts as the border in this region between Portugal and Spain we will turn and follow its banks to meet the traditional Camino Central in Valença.

Prices / Dates

Price:  €759 per person sharing

Single Supplement: +€350

Tour Dates 2023: Saturday 7th to Saturday 14th of October 

Tour Dates 2024: Saturday 5th to Saturday 12th of October

Tour Grade: Easy to Moderate

Accommodation: Hotel & Guesthouse

Included / Excluded

Day 1 - Arrival into Porto

Our tour will start in Porto City Centre at 1pm. You can get to Porto directly by air or by train from the Portuguese capital Lisbon. 

Once we meet up we will be introduced to the richness and heritage of one of Europe’s oldest tourist destinations by a local guide before relaxing into the evening.




Day 2 - Senda Litoral - Sea Shore

Our day will start with a short transfer to the coastal village of Matosinhos and crossing the Rio Leça and with the lighthouse of Farol da Boa Nova ahead our camino journey begins along the coastal paths to Vila do Conde

 

Walking distance: 22 km 13.75 miles Assent 200m 




Day 3 - Vila do Conde - Esposende

Our journey continues on this relatively flat stage through the masseiras - a unique form of traditional farms practiced in the area. The days walk relatively flat along boardwalk and path takes us to the beautiful seaside town of Esposende

 

Walking distance: 24 km 15 miles Assent 400m 




Day 4 - Esposende - Viana do Castelo

We journey slightly inland from the coast today and the path takes us along quiet country lanes and woodland paths over rivers and streams. Our overnight for the day is the beautiful northern Portuguese city of Viana do Castelo on the shores of the River Lima.

 

Walking distance: 26 km 16 miles Assent 350m




Day 5 - Viana do Castelo - Ãncora

We depart Viana do Castelo by the harbour to the beach promenade at Praia Norte and our route for most of the day follows along beach paths and sand dunes of the North Portuguese coast to our overnight stay in Ãncora. 

 

Walking distance: 19 km 11.8 miles Assent 400m 




Day 6 - Ãncora - Vila Nova de Cerveira

Departing Ãncora we follow the Atlantic coastline for the last time to Caminha where we meet the Rio Minho. Along the river which provides the border between Portugal and Spain we will follow a path along the riverbank to our overnight stay in Vila Nova de Cerveira.

 

Walking distance: 24 km 15 miles Assent 150m




Day 7 - Vila Nova de Cerveira - Valença

Our last day on this leg of our Camino follows further inland along the banks of the Rio Minho. We will follow boardwalks, disused rail tracks and over medieval bridges before a short climb to our end in the border town of Valença. 

 

Walking distance: 15.5 km 9.6 miles Assent 200m 




Day 8 - Depart

After breakfast we will depart Valença to Porto airport.


Or if you wish you can join us in Sarria on the last 100km of the Camino Frances to Santiago!!!

A few words from our customers...

I am a single woman traveller embarking on a self-guided hiking trip. While it's common for woman to embark on such adventures these days, it's my first time ever to be on a self-navigated hiking trip overseas. This is why I feel so grateful that I have the Footfalls as my backbone
Joan
UK
We thoroughly enjoyed our weeks self-guided walking on the Connemara and Western Way. This emphasized for me that Footfalls are there with you along the way albeit in the background. The B&Bs chosen were excellent and taxi pick-ups were very efficient. Even though the Way is well sign-posted, Christopher had provided us with very comprehensive route notes. Overall a very well organized and enjoyable week. Thank you Christopher and Teresa.
Anne & Ita
Ireland