Coastal Way – (PORTO – SANTIAGO)

Private Transfer: Porto – Matosinhos *
You will start the walk in Matosinhos in order to avoid the outskirts of Porto and on the first stage you will walk along the Atlantic coastline. The ocean and miles of golden sandy beaches will accompany you until reaching the town of Vila do Conde with an ancient medieval shipyard full of historical and architectural interest.
Accommodation: Hotel (3*)

The second stage starts in Vila do Conde, crossing the town by way of its historic centre and then in a couple of miles you will reach Povoa de Varzim, a popular town with strong maritime links. You will continue to head north along the coast crossing the Coastal Natural Park and the Cavado river in the direction of Esposende, an old fishing village with a great setting on the estuary of the River Cavado.
Accommodation: Hotel 3*

You leave Esposende walking along a cycle-track and continue close to the coast as you travel north admiring fine views and the peace of the route.
You will visit the villages of Marinhas, Belinho, Neiva and Darque before reaching the historic town of Viana do Castelo by way of Eifell’s old iron bridge over the River Lima.
Accommodation: Hotel 3*

On this stage you will leave Viana do Castelo and enter into a world of “old farms”. You will pass through the villages of Areosa, Afife and Carreço walking through old narrow roads that pass between several 19th Century farmhouses, until the old fishing village of Ancora.
Accommodation: Hotel 3*

From Vila Praia de Ancora the route follows the coastline through Moledo and Camarido until centuries old Caminha, where you catch the ferry across the river to Spain. After crossing the river you head left along the river as it reaches the sea, passing another beautiful beach at “Camposancos” after which you arrive in the Port of “A Guarda”.
Accommodation: Hotel 2*

You start the day crossing through the town and leave it in the direction of the beaches. At the northern end of these you follow a trail that leads between the sea and the C-550 road, reaching “Portecelo”. Pass alongside several beaches and from “Val da Aguieira”, next to the chapel of San Sebastian and a stone cross, you start approaching Oia, with its Santa Maria de Oia monastery, which gives its name to the route “Camino Monacal” (Monastic Way). The stage ends just after the Monastery.
Accommodation: Hotel 2*

Leave the village of Oia and continue alongside beaches and cliffs, between cultivated fields, enjoying the sea beating on the rocks. Before reaching “As Mariñas”, you reach the top of “Cape Silleiro”, the path then crosses the road again and rising up circles around the top of Silleiro, where there is the chapel of “Virgen de Cela”, and then entering in “As Cadeiras” before continue along a track towards “O Ponte”. After leaving here, follow the route of the road PO-2203 to finally cross under the highway and enter “Baiona” where you finish this stage.
Accommodation: Hotel 3*

Start this stage from the church of “Santa Maria”, and continue parallel to the beautiful town harbour. The route approaches the river Miñor, which you cross over a beautiful stone bridge that brings you into “A Ramallosa” and Nigran. After crossing “As Nogueiras” begin a gentle climb up “Mount San Roman” and continue to admire the wonderful view of “Islas Cies” as you climb to “Castro Alto da Medoña” and enjoy the path as it follows between trees. You are then entering the city of Vigo, crossing the city Park (Park Castrelos) and following the river “Lagares” until reaching the “Avenida de Madrid” where this stage ends.
Accommodation: Hotel 3*

Leave Vigo straight ahead until you reach the square of “Santa Rita”. Continue on until you reach “O Troncal”, almost on the outskirts of the city. Continue to “A Paradela” at the foot of “Mount Madroa” until passing just below it, in the neighbourhood of “Teis”. Continue near a stream that runs parallel to your route as a reference mark to reach “Cidadelle”. Continue by skirting around “Alto da Encarnacion”, where you can admire the river and “Rande Bridge”. After the “Rio das Cabras” and “Coto da Fenteira”, start the descent through “Cedeira” and “Cruzeiro” from where you reach Redondela. You leave Redondela along by-ways until you reach Outeiro de Penas, a place with an excellent view over the Ria de Vigo. Then eventually you reach Arcade, a place renowned for having the best oysters in Galicia.
Accommodation: Hotel 2*

From Arcade, continue to Pontesampayo where you will cross a long medieval bridge over the Verdugo River and then enter a cluster of narrow streets that will guide you to one of the most beautiful stretches of the Caminho: the very old by-ways which climb up the slope of Canicouva until Cacheiro. After crossing these hills the track widens again, now dominated by fields, vineyards and orchards until you reach Pontevedra, for a well-deserved rest.
Accommodation: Hotel 3*

You start this stage at the historical centre of Pontevedra walking from the old city to the millennial bridge, O Burgo, over the Lérez River. You continue along the beautiful Valley of the Gandra River until San Mauro. From there, the path widens and as you walk further you will experience a peaceful and serene atmosphere. From here you start seeing the first crosses, some of them magnificently carved. You enter Caldas de Reis alongside the church of Santa Maria, close to the bridge over the Umia River, where this stage ends.
Accommodation: Hotel 2*

You leave Caldas de Reis along some enchanting stretches of the Way, across the medieval bridge over the Bermaña River and follow a path that leads us to the village of Cruceiro, on an unforgettable stretch through forests and meadows. You pass near the church of Santa Maria de Carracedo and then you will cross a particularly luxuriant landscape alongside the Valga River, continuing to S. Miguel de Valga, where you head to Pontecesures. After crossing the Ulla River you arrive at Padron.
Accommodation: Hotel 3*

You start this last stage through Galician villages until the magnificent sanctuary of Nossa Señora da Escravitute. From here you will reach Rua de Francos following broad streets and narrower shortcuts. You finally start to see Santiago de Compostela and a little further on, at Agro dos Monteiros, you can see the towers of the Cathedral for the first time. After crossing the Sar River, you continue through the suburbs of the city that lead us to the Faxeira gate, the entrance of the Portuguese Way into this old city. Through a labyrinth of streets you continue to Obradoiro square and to the Cathedral itself were the Apostle waits for us.
Accommodation: Hotel 3*

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