Porto to Santiago de Compostela
Overview
My inspiration for this walk began in May 2025, during my journey of relearning how to walk. In just four months, I progressed from walking a few hundred meters with the help of walking aids to confidently walking for 1-2 hours unaided.
I want to provide hope to others, that its possible for your symptoms to go into remission and also to take the opportunity to raise awareness into FND and funds for FND research.
I have chosen the Coastal Portuguese Camino because it offers a stunning blend of ocean views and diverse landscapes, ranging from rocky shores to wide sandy beaches. Additionally, I was able to extend the standard itinerary from 14 days to 21 days for a more relaxed and immersive experience.
Stage 1: Matosinhos-Vila do Conde
(22 km / 13.6 miles)
The route goes north from Matosinhos to Vila do Condo encompassing a variety of attractive costal scenery.
Stage 2: Vila do condo-Apúlia
(18.1 km / 11.2 miles)
The route has a brief urban section before reaching the beach in Póvoa de Varzim and then remains route follows broad walks and backroads close to the sea until reaching the small coastal village of Apúlia
Stage 3: Apúlia – Esposende
(6 km / 3.7 miles)
The route goes through patches of forests and cultivated fields that surround Apúlia to the village of Fào before crossing the Cavado River. The wide estuary and wetlands are part of a nature reserve that attracts many birds. The route then follows a road into the old town centre of Esposende.
Stage 4: Eposende – Castelo do Neiva
(13.7 km / 8.5 miles)
The route leaves the resort town of Esposende behind, before heading back into the countryside again to cross the Neiva River, it then reaches the tiny village of Castelo do Neiva.
Stage 5: Castelo do Neiva – Viana do Castelo
(8.9 Km / 5.5 miles)
The start of the route is marked by small villagers and attractive countryside. It then continues down to the River Lima, crossing the metal bridge designed by Gustav Eiffel. After crossing the estuary enter the charming small city of Viana do Castrelo, which is full of pretty squares and historical buildings.
Stage 6: Viana do Castelo – Âncora
(18 km / 11 miles)
The route commences with a gradual climb from Viana do Castelo to walk through a string of villages with views of the ocean. Then climb through a forested hill before descending to the vast beach and fishing town of Praia de Âncora
Stage 7: Âncora – A Guarda
(14.3 km / 8.9 miles)
The route follows the eco trail along the coast, past the costal village and sandy beach of Moledo, then stroll through a beautiful pine forest to reach the mouth of the River Minho and the town of Caminha. After crossing the river by ferry , a gentle climb brings you to the Spanish town A Guarda
Stage 8: A Guarda – Villadesuso
(16.3 km / 10.1 miles)
The coastline is largely untouched and attractive countryside between A Guarda and the small village of Oia, which features an imposing monastery together with a small beach.
Stage 9: Villadesuso – Baiona
(13.3 km / 8.3 miles)
Following the ocean road and parallel pats to and beyond Mougas before going into the wilds and to climb a small hill. The route then gradually descends, through countryside and hamlets into the coastal city of Biaona via two of its most impressive churches.
Stage 10: Baiona – Nigrán
(8.5 km / 5.3 miles)
After leaving Biaona and its suburbs behind, the route re-enters the countryside, which is punctuated with small villages of A Ramallosa and Nigrán.
Stage 11: Nigrán – Vigo
(18.6 km / 11.6 miles)
The route goes through a eucalyptus forest before coming to a busy road in Corujo. After leaving the main road, the route enters the calmer envirnoments of villages and countryside before reaching the outskirts of Vigo
Stage 12: Vigo – Redondela
(13 km / 8.1 miles)
The route leaves Vigo following a long, level road that straddles the slopes of the city and passes through several hamlets. After the villages then the route goes through an attractive forest before descending steeply towards the town of Redondela, famous for its two viaducts.
Stage 13: Redondela – Arcade
(6.3 km / 3.9 miles)
The coastal camino merges with the central route in Redondela before going north over a hill into the small town of Arcade, which is renowned for producing oysters.
Stage 14: Arcade – Pontevedra
(11.9 km / 7.4 miles)
The ancient Ponte Sampaio was once the place of a famous battle, but know offers glorious views on the way out of Arcade. The route climbs gently on old stone roads through countryside leading into a forest. Afterwards reaching the River Tomeza taking the path alongside the river into the interesting city of Pontevedra.
Stage 15: Pontevedra – Barro
(11.4 km / 7.1 miles)
The route leaves Pontevedra via another important bridge, passing a Roman milestone. Afterwards the route follows the train tracks into the countryside, when reaching the Santa Maria de Alba church , the route begins a slow climb into the village of San Amaro
Stage 16: Barro – Caldas de Reis
(11.6 km / 7.2 miles)
The route goes through farmland and countryside towards the Barosa River. The route follows the River Lamas before reaching the entrance to Rio Barosa National Park, which has a collection of watermills. From here its a short distance to to the warm, sulphuric waters and the spa town of Caldas de Reis
Stage 17: Caldas de Reis – Padrón
(18.5 km / 11.5 miles)
The route leaves Caldas de Reis via its medieval bridge and follows the River Bermana through pretty rural area of fields and woods. The route climbs through the Valga forest and down a hill to enter the village of San Miguel de Valga. Walking down through infesta to cross the River Sar at Pontecessures then following it into Padron, the place where the boat carrying St James’ body is said to have washed ashore
Stage 18: Padrón – Picaraña
(11.2 km / 7 miles)
The route leaves the charming town of Padron via the Romanesque church at Iria Flavia, crossing the train tracks to see a different style of religious architecture at the Marian church in A Esclavitude. From here the route goes through small villages before getting to Parada de Francos, a pretty village with an elaborately carved 14th century stone cross, one of the oldest in Galicia.
Stage 19: Picaraña – Santiago de Compostela
(14 km / 8.7 miles)
The route begins with an attractive wooded area to ease the gentle climb into the town of Milladoiro. The route then goes downwards to cross the River Sar, then there is a choice of 3 Camino trails into the medieval heart of Santiago de Compostela.