Girl sitting on the ground with her back turned looking at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
Path and signposting of the Way of St. James in Galicia
Pilgrim on his back on a vegetated trail
Stone village alleyway on the Camino de Santiago
Woman with trekking poles walking on a vegetated trail
Signage on the Camino de Santiago pedestrian street
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Camino Portuguese Coastal Baiona to Santiago de Compostela

Portuguese Coastal Way in 6 Stages from Baiona with Accommodation and Luggage Transfer

(2 reviews)
Camino de Santiago
8 days
Self-guided
Starts: From Baiona
Ends: Santiago de Compostela
Free cancellation!

Briefing

The Portuguese Way of St. James along the coast from Baiona is the northern Camino de Santiago that has been gaining more fame in recent years. While it is true that it borders part of the coastal area of northern Portugal and southern Galicia, you will only walk along the seafront in the first stage.

This route starts in the beautiful fishing village of Baiona located in the heart of the Rias Baixas. From Baiona to Santiago you will walk a total of 127 km surrounded by vegetation and great coastal landscapes such as the Vigo estuary. In addition, since the climate of this route is not very complex, it is very possible that you will get to see the Cíes Islands, a natural paradise in the Atlantic.

Our tour includes 7 nights of accommodation in top quality rural hotels with private room and breakfast included (dinners available as extras), luggage transfer is also included in all stages. Throughout the tour, you will discover incredible landscapes, meet other pilgrims and taste the delicious Galician gastronomy.

The best thing is that you won't have to worry about anything, only about walking and reaching your destination. Get ready to check off your bucket list as one of those things you have to do at least once in your life.

In Santiago de Compostela you can get the "Compostela" certificate and visit its beautiful old town, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Below we tell you all the details of the Portuguese Way of St. James along the coast from Baiona.

Tour details

Included

  • Lodging in hotels and rural houses
  • Rooms with private bathroom
  • Breakfast
  • Luggage transfers from one location to another
  • Camino de Santiago Credential
  • Informative dossier with maps
  • 24-hour telephone assistance
  • Emergency assistance vehicle
  • Travel assistance insurance

Not included

  • Cancellation insurance
  • Additional nights
  • Dinners
  • Picnics

Important information

This route is self-guided. When you confirm your reservation we will send you a complete document with all the recommendations and tips to enjoy the route.

The luggage transfer service from one point to another is included but please note that the approximate time for the delivery of the luggage will be around 16:00 at each accommodation.

All accommodations included in the tour are of the highest quality. You will stay in private en-suite rooms in small hotels or rural houses with small capacity, so they are subject to availability. Details of each accommodation will be provided approximately 30 days prior to departure.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation!

If you cancel more than 30 days before the start date of the Camino you will receive a 100% refund of the total amount of the reservation. If you cancel during the 30 days prior to the start of the Camino, you will be refunded 80%. In case of no-show, no refunds will be made.

Tour itinerary

DAY 1 Arrival in Baiona

Accommodation in Baiona

✨ Highlights: Baiona

Arrival in Baiona

On the first day of the Portuguese Camino de Santiago from Baiona you will not do any walking. You will simply arrive in the town of Baiona, check in at the hotel, leave your luggage and start enjoying all the atmosphere of the Camino.

Baiona is one of the most famous towns for its festivals and cultural atmosphere, in fact it is considered "the most famous town in Galicia".

Enjoy its narrow streets, its beach and the delicious "pulpo a feira" empanada.

Panoramic view of Baiona with sea and boats

DAY 2 Stage 1 from Baiona to Vigo

Difficulty: Medium

Distance: 26 km.

Total approximate time: 6 hours

Accommodation in Vigo

✨ Highlights: Vigo

Baiona- Vigo

The first stage of the tour will be along the coast passing through the town of Nigrán before arriving in Vigo. This stage is really beautiful as you will see the bay of Vigo as well as the Cíes Islands, one of the most emblematic archipelagos in the world.

Once you arrive in Vigo, you will be able to walk through its charming streets and enjoy its varied architecture; from the most classical style to modernist structures of the 20th century.

Streets with pedestrians in downtown Vigo

DAY 3 Stage 2 from Vigo to Arcade

Difficulty: Medium

Distance: 22 km.

Total approximate time: 5 hours and a half

Lodging in Arcade

✨ Highlights: Arcade landscapes.

Vigo- Arcade

The day will start leaving Vigo by Urzáiz street. We will pass by the bay of Vigo and enjoy the views of the famous Vigo estuary. We will follow the route through pine forests until we reach the village of Setefontes where you can later make a stop in Redondela, known as the village of the viaducts, since the viaducts of Madrid and Pontevedra are located there.

We will then leave Redondela, cross the village of Cesantes and arrive at our destination for today: Arcade, the world capital of Galician oysters and seafood.

Landscape with vegetation and horse in Galicia

DAY 4 Stage 3 from Arcade to Pontevedra

Difficulty: Medium

Distance: 11 km

Total approximate time: 2 hours and a half

Lodging in Pontevedra

Highlights: Pontevedra (especially the Plaza de la Leña).

Arcade- Pontevedra

To start our walk we will cross the Verdugo river at Ponte Sampaio. We mention this bridge because of its historical importance since it is here where Napoleon's army suffered the greatest defeat in the Galician territory. From here the road will become somewhat more complicated due to the unevenness and the cobblestones and little by little we will reach the Church of Santa Maria, which dates from the thirteenth century and offers magnificent views of the bay of Vigo.

We will continue our route to Pontevedra, a city that is well worth visiting and where you will find the Plaza de la Leña with its medieval architecture. Do not forget to taste the local delicacies such as mussels in vinaigrette.

Firewood Square in Pontevedra

DAY 5 Stage 4 from Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis

Difficulty: Medium

Distance: 24 km

Total approximate time: 6 hours

Lodging in Caldas de Reis

Highlights: Casa Parroquial de Santa María de Alba (Parish House of Santa María de Alba)

Pontevedra- Caldas de Reis

The day will start crossing numerous eucalyptus and pine forests until you reach the village of Ponte Cabras where the parish house of Santa María de Alba and the Umia river are located.

Before arriving here, you can stop in the small village of Tivo, known for its fountain and public washing place.

In Caldas de Reis, we recommend you to visit its hot springs to give your body the rest and relief it deserves after a day of walking.

Santa María de Alba Parish House

DAY 6 Stage 5 from Caldas de Reis to Padrón

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 18 km

Total approximate time: 4 hours

Lodging in Padrón

✨ Highlights: Padrón

Caldas de Reis- Padrón

There is not much time left to get to Santiago de Compostela and our next stage is a bit easier and will be much more enjoyable.

On the way to Padrón, you will enjoy beautiful landscapes full of vegetation and forests that will take you to the Fontelo river which connects with the town of Padrón.

This town is well known for its peppers "some are hot and some are not", we encourage you to try them!

As a curious fact we tell you that the word "Padrón" comes from Greek and literally means "stone" because the whole village was built in stone and even today it is still possible to admire its original structure.

Alley of Padrón in Galicia

DAY 7 Stage 6 from Padrón to Santiago de Compostela

Difficulty: Difficult

Distance: 24 km

Total approximate time: 6 hours and a half

Accommodation: if you choose to do this section in two stages, accommodation will be in Parada de Francos.

✨ Highlights: Agro dos Monteiros

Padrón- Santiago de Compostela

From Padrón to Santiago de Compostela our way will go through small villages until we reach the sanctuary of A escravitude and from there we will go through a path full of stone crosses that end at Agro dos Monteiros, the highest point of this hiking route and from where we can see the towers of the Cathedral of Santiago.

Little by little we will get closer and closer to our last stop: Santiago de Compostela.

💙 Howlanders Tip.

If you want to attend the Pilgrim's Mass this day it will be essential that you start your route very early to arrive on time.

*This stretch can be divided into two stages if you consider it too long or prefer to rest an extra day. The first one goes from Padrón to the town of Parada de Francos where we will spend the night and the second one goes from Parada de Francos to Santiago de Compostela.

Contact us and we will help you to customize the itinerary according to your needs.

Pilgrims on the Portuguese Way

DAY 8 Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela

Before you return home, it is well worth discovering this fascinating city, beyond its Compostela Cathedral. Enjoy the old town, and get to know some of its palaces, churches or squares such as the Obradoiro.

Also take the opportunity to attend the Pilgrim's Mass at 12 noon and to stamp your credential and get your certificate.

We are sure that these 127 kilometers will mark a before and after in your life and you will take as a souvenir one of the most exciting experiences there is.

See you next time pilgrim!

Stairs and Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela

What to bring to Camino Portuguese Coastal Baiona to Santiago de Compostela tour

The Portuguese Way of St. James along the coast from Baiona covers a total of 127 km. It will be important that you wear the appropriate clothing and footwear to be able to do it comfortably. Remember that the tour includes the transfer of luggage (maximum 1 piece of luggage of 20kg/person) and it will be essential that you carry a small backpack to walk with it every day.

We also recommend you to bring

  • Light and quick-drying clothes
  • Waterproof jacket and pants (and that take up little space)
  • Sun hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Suitable hiking shoes
  • Trekking poles
  • Resting shoes
  • Reusable water bottle
  • A second small backpack to carry on a daily basis (the big one is included in the luggage transfer)
  • Documentation (DNI, NIE or Passport)
  • Cash money
  • Personal hygiene products
  • First-aid kit (band-aids, gauze, dressing for blisters, disinfectant...)

Where does the tour Camino Portuguese Coastal Baiona to Santiago de Compostela start

The tour starts in the town of Baiona and ends in the city of Santiago de Compostela. On the first day of the tour you will go directly to the hotel located in Baiona, where you will spend the first night and from where you will start the first stage of the Portuguese Way the next morning.

There are different combinations of transport to get to the town of Baiona and to return from Santiago de Compostela at the end of the tour. If you need help to organize your route please contact us.

Questions & Answers

  • What is the best time to do the Camino de Santiago?

    You can start the Camino de Santiago any day of the year, always taking into account the weather and the season in which you want to walk it, so that your clothing is appropriate.

  • What does the complete route itinerary and dossier contain?

    It is a guide with maps, route profiles and places of interest kilometer by kilometer of each of the stages. The times en route are indicated for each route based on reference values, although you can then manage your own time. In addition, it also includes all the documentation such as accommodation reservations or luggage transfer.

  • When will I receive the complete itinerary of the route and the name of the accommodations?

    You will receive it by email thirty days before starting your Camino.

  • Do I have to be physically prepared to do the Portuguese Way of Saint James?

    Whether you regularly do physical exercise or you are a sedentary person, you should prepare yourself to be able to do the Camino de Santiago. Keep in mind that you walk between 15 and 20 km daily.

    If you do not usually exercise, we recommend you to make 20-minute walks two or three times a week and increase the time until you reach 4 km every hour.

    If you exercise regularly, you can start by walking between 45 and 60 minutes a day and increase the amount of time and kilometers.

    Normally, we recommend starting to train three months before starting the Camino.

    Keep in mind that the Portuguese route is the most complex of all the routes that make up the Camino de Santiago.

  • How does the luggage transfer between stages work?

    Every day at 8:00 a.m. you must bring your luggage, well labeled, to the reception of your accommodation. A carrier will pick it up and take it to the place where you will stay on the next stage. Delivery time is normally before 16:00.

  • Do all rooms in the accommodations have private bathrooms?

    Yes, all our rooms are equipped with full private bathrooms.

  • Am I going to share a room with strangers?

    No. All accommodations have private rooms and bathrooms for your maximum relaxation.

  • Can I travel alone?

    Yes, all the routes of the Camino de Santiago are suitable for pilgrims to travel on their own. In addition, they are very well signposted and you will meet people along the way. However, remember not to leave the marked routes.

  • Will I have an accompanying guide on the Camino de Santiago?

    Almost all the routes on the Camino de Santiago are self-guided. In this way, travelers can follow the routes according to their level of physical demand and at the pace they consider appropriate.

  • How many kilometers should I walk in each stage?

    Normally, a stage of the Camino de Santiago is 15 to 20 km long, but if this route is not suitable for you, we can reorganize your Camino so that you can cover fewer kilometers, dividing each stage into two or more parts.

    You can click here if you wish to receive more information

  • How are the accommodations during the tour?

    All rooms have private bathrooms and all the necessary services to guarantee a good comfort.

    All accommodations for the Camino de Santiago are subject to availability. In case of not being able to offer any of them for capacity, we will accommodate you in one of equal or better quality always respecting the standards of quality and rest of the pilgrims.

Camino Portuguese Coastal Baiona to Santiago de Compostela tour reviews with Howlanders

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