Walking the Portuguese Camino

Our Portuguese adventure begins in Porto, the riverside city renowned for its port wine and striking architecture. Upon arrival, there's time to settle into our centrally located hotel before we gather in the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome briefing. This is a great opportunity to meet fellow group members and get a comprehensive overview of our journey ahead. If time allows, following the briefing, we'll head out on an orientation walk to get a feel for Porto's historic centre, which has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. The rest of the evening is free to explore or prepare for tomorrow's coastal adventure. We'll need to pick up our Pilgrim's passport from the cathedral and get our first stamp, but this can be done on the morning of Day 2. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Porto Airport (OPO), which is a 30-minute drive from the hotel.

After breakfast, we journey north to the coastal town of Viana do Castelo where we'll have free time to explore the historic centre and perhaps enjoy a traditional Portuguese coffee, before continuing to Afife Village. Here, we'll begin the true Camino experience as we join what's known locally as the 'Camino Portugues' coastal route. Our first walking day follows the Atlantic coastline, offering ocean views and long stretches through wild natural landscapes. We'll pause in the seaside town of Praia Ancora for lunch (not included) before continuing to Caminha, situated at the mouth of the River Mino, right at the Spanish border. After completing our walk, we'll transfer to O Porrino in Spain for our first night across the border. Our first walk is along flat terrain and covers 13 kilometres/9 miles.

Today marks the beginning of our point-to-point hotel walking experience. For the rest of the week, our main luggage will be transferred ahead of us each day as we walk from hotel to hotel. We follow the Camino Portugues inland through the beautiful Galician countryside to Redondela, a picturesque town positioned on the waterfront of Vigo's impressive bay, known locally as the Rias. The afternoon we'll have time to explore Redondela's charming streets and waterfront setting. Today's 16-kilometre/10-mile walk will take around four and a half hours with a moderate ascent of 250 metres/820 feet and descent of 270 metres/880 feet.

Our journey continues along the Camino Portugues to Pontevedra, the historic capital of the province and one of Galicia's most beautiful cities. The route is characterised by views of the Vigo estuary and the crossing of the Medieval Ponte Sampaio Bridge. Built on a Roman foundation the bridge crosses the estuary of the Verdugo River and was the scene of a historic battle to liberate Spain from French occupation in 1809 during the War of Independence. Upon arrival in Pontevedra, we have the afternoon free to explore the remarkably well-preserved old town, considered one of Spain's finest medieval quarters. Wander through pedestrianised streets lined with granite arcades, discover hidden plazas, and perhaps visit the Basilica of Santa Maria la Mayor, an imposing example of Galician Gothic architecture This 20-kilometre/12.4-mile walk will take approximately five hours, features rolling countryside and traditional stone villages, with moderate elevation changes throughout the day, a total ascent and descent of 350 metres/1,148 feet.

Today's walk takes us deeper into Galicia's verdant interior as we make our way to Caldas de Reis, famous for its natural hot springs that have attracted visitors since Roman times. This will be one of our longer days, winding through eucalyptus forests, traditional farming communities, and ancient stone bridges. The moderate terrain features gentle undulations through some of Galicia's most pastoral landscapes. Upon arrival, there may be time to experience the town's renowned thermal baths, a perfect way to soothe your muscles while you get acquainted with the area's ancient wellness traditions. Today's 22-kilometre/12-mile walk is expected to take five hours with an ascent of 180 metres/590 feet and descent of 180 metres/590 feet.

Our penultimate walking day brings us to Padron, a town steeped in both religious significance and literary heritage. According to Christian legend, this is where the remains of Saint James first came ashore in a stone vessel, making it a place of profound importance for pilgrims. The town was also home to Rosalía de Castro, Galicia's most celebrated 19th-century writer and a key figure in the Galician cultural renaissance. Today's walk continues through the characteristic Galician landscape of small farms, ancient churches, and stone-built villages. The gradual approach to Padron builds anticipation for tomorrow's final push to Santiago de Compostela. Today's 19-kilometre/11-mile walk is expected to take six hours with an ascent and descent of 250 metres/820 feet.

Today represents the culmination of our Camino journey - the final approach to Santiago de Compostela and the tomb of Saint James. This is both the longest and most challenging walk of the week. The route takes us through the suburbs and finally into the historic heart of Santiago, where the magnificent cathedral spires first come into view. The afternoon is free to explore Santiago's old town, visit the cathedral, or perhaps attend the traditional Pilgrims' Mass if you wish. Our final walk covers 26 kilometres/16 miles over six hours and 30 minutes with an ascent of 400 metres/1,3122 feet and descent of 150 metres/400 feet.

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Santiago de Compostela. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Santiago de Compostela Airport.