Favorite towns for a rest day?

[AdaR]

I'm working on a general itinerary for my Portuguese Coastal / Senda Litoral camino in July/August.
I would love to hear from those who have gone before with some thoughts on the towns/cities that were favorites. We are not in a rush and want to allow time to stop and smell the roses along the Way.
Within these possible stages, where would you recommend a layover day? Or somewhere between these?
Vila do Conde / Esposende / Viana do Castelo / Ancora / A Guarda / Mougas / Baiona / Vigo / Redondela / Pontrevedra / Caldas De Reis / Padron / Santiago

 

[JillGat]

I didn't walk that route, but on the Frances, I found that many people chose a layover in a city. While the cities have a lot to see and experience, I enjoyed staying an extra day in a small village. It was a real rest (I found myself walking all day in the cities when I stayed there!). And I enjoyed talking to the local people and learning a little about life in a small, rural town. Just a thought.

 

[Kiwi-family]

I tried to plan some rest into our short Portugues wander from Porto.......but when we got there we found we just wanted to keep walking most days! That said, I'm glad we had a few days each in Lisbon and Porto before we started walking in earnest, because they are both delightful cities. If you have a day or two up your sleeve, you have the flexibility to stop if you come across a place that takes your fancy.

 

[Pelegrin]

In order of preference:
1. Santiago
2. Viana do Castelo /Pontevedra
3. Baiona

 

[Doogman]

I would make sure you schedule at least a full day (or possibly 2) in Porto. It is a great city for wandering.

Along the way I would suggest Baiona, a very nice seaside town, or Pontevedra, with its beautiful old part of town. There likely are not a full days worth of activity in either place, but there is enough to do and they are nice places to relax.

The one other option is to walk a short day from A Guarda to Oia, and stay in Oia for the afternoon. It is a pretty little village on the coast in a beautiful setting. There is nothing to do there except sit and watch the waves roll into the bay. Perfect with a glass of wine. It is then another short day into Baiona from there.