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Porto to Santiago

The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
If things improve over the next few months, I am considering starting in Porto and going to Santiago or maybe Finnestera. Any comments on walking this route along the coast? Thanks.
We walked the coastal route in 2018 - it was amazing! We loved walking along the seashore on the boardwalk, which remained fairly consistent until we crossed into Spain. In the middle of a heatwave, the breeze off the ocean kept it perfect. Once we crossed into Spain, the boardwalk disappeared and we spent more time walking on pavement. In 2019 we went back to Santiago and walked to Finisterre. It was a little more challenging - more hills, more heat, and longer distances between amenities. Both were amazing experiences - and we can't wait to go back. We fell in love with Portugal - English was much more common, and the people were very friendly and helpful. Spain was good too - but Portugal won our hearts.
 
I walked the inland route starting from Porto In late September 2019. As Janey Canuck wrote Portugal and Spain were both wonderful. No language problems, no problem finding space in hostels. An amazing experience, hope the situation improves so you can do it this year.
If things improve over the next few months, I am considering starting in Porto and going to Santiago or maybe Finnestera. Any comments on walking this route along the coast? Thanks.
 
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We did the CP inland in 2016 and the Da Costa in 2017, 2018 and 2019. We're from Brittany in France so, for us, the better way is costal route + Variante Espiritual. To have a little idea of it some of my shorts videos on youtube :
from Redondela to Santiago by Variant'e Espiritual in 2017 : Redondela-Santiago (10:51)
from Porto to Santiago in 2019 : CP da Costa (3mn)
from Porto to A Guarda in 2018 : CP Porto - A Guarda (8:32)
from A Guarda to Pontevedra in 2018 : CP A Guarda - Pontevedra (5:45)
from Pontevdra to Santiago in 2018 directly CP Pontevedra - Santiago (6:38)
Bom Caminho
 
We did the Portuguese route, in April 2017 and it was wonderful, we will do it again when we can,
Was a beautiful walk, and we met some truly lovely, fantastic, and interesting People
My advise "don't think about it do it"
 
€2,-/day will present your project to thousands of visitors each day. All interested in the Camino de Santiago.
We did the Portuguese route, in April 2017 and it was wonderful, we will do it again when we can,
Was a beautiful walk, and we met some truly lovely, fantastic, and interesting People
My advise "don't think about it do it"
Is this route very steep in places?
 
I walked the coastal route in the fall of 2016, just beautiful. Probably one of the easier routes in terms of great trail conditions, no extreme ascents and descents, no big perigrino crowds, pilgrim litter and bed races going on.The Portuguese people and food are amazing. The boardwalk Portugal built along much of the coast is spectacular. In Portugal you will find just about everyone speaks English which may be helpful if you are like me in trying your best to speak foreign languages but still just draw looks of bewilderment. I highly recommend the Variante Espiritual option between Pontevedra and Vilanova de Arousa and the boat ride up the Rio Ulla. Vigo can be a bit tricky to get through so if I did it again I would recommend taking a cab from where you are staying to a point on the outskirts. I stayed right down near the waterfront at hotel Compostela and enjoyed a nice evening at Praza de Compostela. The trek out to Fisterra makes a great ending to this Camino route. Enjoy your journey which ever route it takes.
Frank
 
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
@Bernie Brunino, If you like the sea, the coastal route is for you! There are lovely towns, lots of coastal paths right along the seaside, lots of forgiving boardwalk to walk upon and very few hills. We did it in the spring and loved every minute of it. We walked parts on the Senda Litoral (the path that hugs the coastline) and parts on the Coastal, when it was impractical to hug the shoreline. If you do the coastal, I highly recommend walking from the cathedral in Porto, down to the waterfront of the Douro River, and take the riverwalk all the way to the sea, and then northward to Matosinhos. So many folks take the metro to Matosinhos, and I feel they missed out on a most serene walk! If you wish to see my walk, you can click here for my Day Fifteen to start from Porto along this riverwalk.

I have done both walks, the Coastal and the Central so you can even compare the two on my website and make your decision! There are lots of discussions about the central route vs the coastal, but for me, they both offer unique and interesting features!

Buen Camino and happy planning!
 
I very much enjoyed the Camino Portugues Costal. When I walked it in Sept 2019 it was very hot. Some locals were bewildered why we would walk then, because it had become so hot--they said the guide books at that time had not caught up with global warming and that the previous five years had been hotter in Sept than in August (I did not verify this info). Other than the Dreaded Cobblestones that still make my blood run cold at the thought of them, and one small dormitory hotel (not an albergue) that was not piped for hot water anywhere in the building at any time, I enjoyed it very much.
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
Walked it 3 times.
most enjoyable was Coastal , then SHIP @ Caminha to coastal Spain.
should have taken Espiritual when getting close as the crowds commenced after Tui.
Read Elle’s day 15 , commence late and stay the night @ Matosinhos for the best seafood .
 
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@Bernie Brunino, If you like the sea, the coastal route is for you! There are lovely towns, lots of coastal paths right along the seaside, lots of forgiving boardwalk to walk upon and very few hills. We did it in the spring and loved every minute of it. We walked parts on the Senda Litoral (the path that hugs the coastline) and parts on the Coastal, when it was impractical to hug the shoreline. If you do the coastal, I highly recommend walking from the cathedral in Porto, down to the waterfront of the Douro River, and take the riverwalk all the way to the sea, and then northward to Matosinhos. So many folks take the metro to Matosinhos, and I feel they missed out on a most serene walk! If you wish to see my walk, you can click here for my Day Fifteen to start from Porto along this riverwalk.

I have done both walks, the Coastal and the Central so you can even compare the two on my website and make your decision! There are lots of discussions about the central route vs the coastal, but for me, they both offer unique and interesting features!

Buen Camino and happy planning!
Hi Elle, I did the Camino Frances 2 years ago and would love to do the Porto to Santiago route soon. How can I check on your experience? Is there a link that I can check?

thank you
 
Hi Elle, I did the Camino Frances 2 years ago and would love to do the Porto to Santiago route soon. How can I check on your experience? Is there a link that I can check?

thank you
Yes, @Mak Wei Seng, it was in the phrase, "click here for my Day Fifteen." I provided the link again, just click between the quotes.

And @Thornley I wish I had stayed in Matosinhos. We walked through the seafood market, early in the day, and I didn't realize how special it was, until forum members advised me! At the time, however, I didn't have sufficient days for the extra stop. Next time!
 
If things improve over the next few months, I am considering starting in Porto and going to Santiago or maybe Finnestera. Any comments on walking this route along the coast? Thanks.

The list of open albergues are here:

Bom Caminho!
 
New Original Camino Gear Designed Especially with The Modern Peregrino In Mind!
If things improve over the next few months, I am considering starting in Porto and going to Santiago or maybe Finnestera. Any comments on walking this route along the coast? Thanks.
We walked the Portuguese interior route in 2015, which we thoroughly enjoyed. In 2019, we walked the Portuguese Coastal route in 2019, and I must admit I did prefer the Coastal route, but are so glad we walked both of them.
 
If things improve over the next few months, I am considering starting in Porto and going to Santiago or maybe Finnestera. Any comments on walking this route along the coast? Thanks.
I walked the CP from Lisbon to Santiago and then on to Finisteri.

The section from Porto to Santiago was my favorite. We ended up spending almost a week in Porto.

You simply can't go wrong. I would swing over to the central route about half way up the coast. The trail turned into a beach walk and that was not fun.
 
I walked the CP from Lisbon to Santiago and then on to Finisteri.

The section from Porto to Santiago was my favorite. We ended up spending almost a week in Porto.

You simply can't go wrong. I would swing over to the central route about half way up the coast. The trail turned into a beach walk and that was not fun.
Hi Mike... when you say “beach walk” do you mean hard packed by the water or deep sand and rocks or both? I’ve been looking at this route as one of my favorites to do one day. thanks for the reply👍
 
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
It's all in what you want! I walked on the hard-packed sand as much as I could, along the Senda Litoral! For me, it was lovely! There are tons of forgiving boardwalks along the beach that are a pleasure to walk on as well!
Below, is the Praia de Arda, just before coming into Ancora (click here). And next is the Praia las Americas, just beyond Baiona (click here). You can always walk inland on the Coastal, if you prefer.

31-Steve-and-Rich-on-Arda-Beach.jpg

52-Elle-walking-on-Praia-America.jpg
 
If things improve over the next few months, I am considering starting in Porto and going to Santiago or maybe Finnestera. Any comments on walking this route along the coast? Thanks.

We did the Coastal route in Sept-Oct 2019. Absolutely wonderful! Would do it again. No too crowded. Perfect weather for walking (around 17-20C), incredible scenery, a few hills. Would do it again.

You can see our little photo blog here: https://findpenguins.com/758bxzkf86j0x/trip/portuguese-coastal-camino-2019
 
If things improve over the next few months, I am considering starting in Porto and going to Santiago or maybe Finnestera. Any comments on walking this route along the coast? Thanks.
I walked that "WAY in 2017 May, and it was beautiful. I had started in Lisbon and continued on to Finnis Terre.
 
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
If things improve over the next few months, I am considering starting in Porto and going to Santiago or maybe Finnestera. Any comments on walking this route along the coast? Thanks.
Beautiful route but be prepared for the Atlantic storms. It was my wettest Camino of my 4 times. Walked in April 2019. Be careful as you follow the Central route out of Porto because after about 5k you need to turn off left to head for the Costal route. Miss the turn which is not well marked (as I did) and you face quite a cross country trek to reach the alburque at Lebruge. Vigo is a nightmare to negotiate in and out. Having said that it is a wonderful route.
If things improve over the next few months, I am considering starting in Porto and going to Santiago or maybe Finnestera. Any comments on walking this route along the coast? Thanks.
 
Be careful as you follow the Central route out of Porto because after about 5k you need to turn off left to head for the Costal route.

Better to take the river from the middle of the city.
Lovely casual walk [10km] to Matosinhos for lunch , a room and dinner.
This is the fish market where ALL who live in Porto eat.
 
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Better to take the river from the middle of the city.
Lovely casual walk [10km] to Matosinhos for lunch , a room and dinner.
This is the fish market where ALL who live in Porto eat.

Yes, there is the official coastal route and the senda litoral. The senda litoral goes by the river and follows the coast to Matosinhos.
 
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
Hi Mike... when you say “beach walk” do you mean hard packed by the water or deep sand and rocks or both? I’ve been looking at this route as one of my favorites to do one day. thanks for the reply👍
I have only walked the central CP but as someone who lives by a beach in the UK I'd like to mention tides. You will not get much hard packed sand at high tide. Please be aware that the tide is constantly going in and out. The amount of tide will also change and the time of high/low tide alters daily. (You should find tide times online.)
Bom caminho
Bom
 
@Bernie Brunino, If you like the sea, the coastal route is for you! There are lovely towns, lots of coastal paths right along the seaside, lots of forgiving boardwalk to walk upon and very few hills. We did it in the spring and loved every minute of it. We walked parts on the Senda Litoral (the path that hugs the coastline) and parts on the Coastal, when it was impractical to hug the shoreline. If you do the coastal, I highly recommend walking from the cathedral in Porto, down to the waterfront of the Douro River, and take the riverwalk all the way to the sea, and then northward to Matosinhos. So many folks take the metro to Matosinhos, and I feel they missed out on a most serene walk! If you wish to see my walk, you can click here for my Day Fifteen to start from Porto along this riverwalk.

I have done both walks, the Coastal and the Central so you can even compare the two on my website and make your decision! There are lots of discussions about the central route vs the coastal, but for me, they both offer unique and interesting features!

Buen Camino and happy planning!
thank you for the encouragement (and you are not alone; many fools recommend it) as I live in landlocked Missouri and my Pisces nature longs for the sea! Aiming for September 2021.
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
If things improve over the next few months, I am considering starting in Porto and going to Santiago or maybe Finnestera. Any comments on walking this route along the coast? Thanks.
Hola @Bernie Brunino this is exactly the section of this Camino that I intended to walk with my brother last year. Well that well made plan came to naught. But I (and I hope he) intend to return in May 2022 (all vaccinated) and complete those plans. My research agrees with above comments that the coastal sections do offer an alternative to the inland sections of the Iberian Peninsula. Buen Camino.
 
@Bernie Brunino, If you like the sea, the coastal route is for you! There are lovely towns, lots of coastal paths right along the seaside, lots of forgiving boardwalk to walk upon and very few hills. We did it in the spring and loved every minute of it. We walked parts on the Senda Litoral (the path that hugs the coastline) and parts on the Coastal, when it was impractical to hug the shoreline. If you do the coastal, I highly recommend walking from the cathedral in Porto, down to the waterfront of the Douro River, and take the riverwalk all the way to the sea, and then northward to Matosinhos. So many folks take the metro to Matosinhos, and I feel they missed out on a most serene walk! If you wish to see my walk, you can click here for my Day Fifteen to start from Porto along this riverwalk.

I have done both walks, the Coastal and the Central so you can even compare the two on my website and make your decision! There are lots of discussions about the central route vs the coastal, but for me, they both offer unique and interesting features!

Buen Camino and happy planning!
Hola @Elle Bieling thanks for sharing your observations. As for walking "the whole way", well many pilgrims start out with this intention but events intercede. I agree about walking the river/coastal section (from the Cathedral). I intend to use this as our day out to overcome the jet lag from the 26 hour flight. Walk out and get the metro/tram back to our accommodation base. Then on the following day again use the metro/trame to the coast. (Don't be to hard on us - I will be 73 and my brother approaching 75). Cheers
 
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
Hola @Elle Bieling thanks for sharing your observations. As for walking "the whole way", well many pilgrims start out with this intention but events intercede. I agree about walking the river/coastal section (from the Cathedral). I intend to use this as our day out to overcome the jet lag from the 26 hour flight. Walk out and get the metro/tram back to our accommodation base. Then on the following day again use the metro/trame to the coast. (Don't be to hard on us - I will be 73 and my brother approaching 75). Cheers
Well, Buen Camino to you and cheers for your health and fitness! I hope to be walking as you do when I reach my 70th decade.
 
€2,-/day will present your project to thousands of visitors each day. All interested in the Camino de Santiago.
I walked the coastal route in the fall of 2016, just beautiful. Probably one of the easier routes in terms of great trail conditions, no extreme ascents and descents, no big perigrino crowds, pilgrim litter and bed races going on.The Portuguese people and food are amazing. The boardwalk Portugal built along much of the coast is spectacular. In Portugal you will find just about everyone speaks English which may be helpful if you are like me in trying your best to speak foreign languages but still just draw looks of bewilderment. I highly recommend the Variante Espiritual option between Pontevedra and Vilanova de Arousa and the boat ride up the Rio Ulla. Vigo can be a bit tricky to get through so if I did it again I would recommend taking a cab from where you are staying to a point on the outskirts. I stayed right down near the waterfront at hotel Compostela and enjoyed a nice evening at Praza de Compostela. The trek out to Fisterra makes a great ending to this Camino route. Enjoy your journey which ever route it takes.
Frank
I plan to mix as below:
1. Porto - Labruge
2. Labruge - Rates
3. Rates - Barcelos
4. Barcelos - Vitorino dos Piães
5. Vitorino dos Piães - Ponte de Lima
6. Ponte de Lima - Rubiaes
7. Rubiaes - Valenca/Tui
8. Valenca/Tui - Porrino
9. Porrino - Redondela
10. Redondela - Pontevedra
11. Pontevedra - Armenteira
12. Armenteira - Vilanova de Arousa
13. Vilanova de Arousa - Padron (with boat)
14. Padrón to Santiago - Compostela

are these sections well marked or is a map needed?

Do you have any tips for that stretch?

Greetings
Jacek
 

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