In my experience, I like the entire Coastal/Senda Litoral route which we did a combination as we felt it was the most rewarding. I don't understand the current view to walk inland to the Central after a few Km on the Coastal. They are both unique and interesting Caminos, the Coastal and the Central and I recommend putting both on your bucket list! I have written extensively about both Caminos, with lots of photos and info to help you decide on one of the
Many Ways on the Camino Portugués.
On the coast, Viana do Castelo is a wonderful town, and the ability to see the Santa Luzia monastery at the top of the hill is superb. (
day seventeen - my day counting is from Lisbon, NOT Porto!) The walk from the ferry dock on the other side of Caminha is very nice and affords amazing views on the way to Oia. In Oia, the cathedral along the coast is stunning. (
day nineteen) I found the walk past Mougás, up and over the mountain on the old Roman road to be quite nice and interesting and as you drop on the other side into Baiona, there are two historic churches, a castle and amazing long sandy beaches suitable to walk upon (
day twenty). Again the birdseye views of the coast on this section is quite nice! I didn't even find walking through Vigo to be bad. Folks call it industrial, but the Camino goes through the center of town, by an old Roman bridge, through parks on wonderful trails, then picks up a high shelf road for the final section into Redondela where the two Caminos meet. This shelf road also has amazing views of the bay/estuary below and because it is flat, it is easy walking. Take a look at my photos of this "industrial" day, on
day twenty-one and see if you think it is industrial for more than a short ways.
The Central is most historical, starting on
day fifteen, with the amazing towns along the way, not to be missed: Tui, Valença, Ponte de Lima, Barcelinhos, at times walking on many glorious and rocky old Roman roads. And the strenuous climb out of Ponte de Lima to Alto da Portela Grande de Labruja (
day eighteen) will enthrall you. I didn't even mind walking north out of Porto, through town. Yes, it's on pavement, but a pilgrim needs to do what a pilgrim needs to do, right?
I hope you have a glorious time making up your mind and planning your Camino!