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Thanks Utgaard. I don't really know if I want the whole coast to myself, but I love the idea of being able to see an smell the ocean (I miss it).My personal opinion - you can't lose which ever way you decide. I walked from Porto along the coast until Caminha, then turned and followed the river to Valenca to join the traditional route. I had the coast to myself and always was able to find company when I wanted it after Valenca. It was about ten days walking, 10.5 if counting the half day from Porto to Matosinhos. There were a couple of 30 km days (more by choice than necessity, they easily could have been broken into shorter segments).
I did meet someone who walked south from Finisterre and then down the Portuguese coast and he had nothing but good things to say about the Spanish coast.
It was my first caminho and I have no regrets about my choice of route.
Oh, seafood! ... But please explain more about the natural beauty of the Central route... Do you mean rivers an streams, or fields of flowers, waterfalls?Many people avoid the boring and unpleasant walk out of Porto (through suburbs and ind. areas) by taking the metro north for a bit, leaving close to Vilarinho.
As I and Albertinho have recommended, leaving Porto along the river and then following the coast is a nice and safe walk.
Good food can be found anywhere, of course the coast will be best for fish and seafood.
For natural beauty, I prefer the central route rather than the coast. But then again, I live on the coast and the scenery from Porto to Caminha is pretty well know to me.
The coast in Galicia is different from northern Portugal and arguably more beautiful.
However, I'm a bit afraid of getting lost, and if I'm honest- of also getting lonely. The route you described of going from Porto up to Caminha, then in to Valenca was the route I was thinking of. I will meet a friend in Valenca, and we will travel together to Santiago.
From Viana do Castelo to Vigo we only met a handfull pilgrims the other day.Being a bit more used to being near the sea, the hills hold a stronger fascination for me.
Starting around Vairão or Vilarinho you start to feel your going into the crop fields and small towns. There are many streams and river in the north of Portugal, many small fields, water fountains (unchecked but so far always good water). There are also many chapels and churchs.
Braga is not on the central route but there is Barcelos, Ponte de Lima and Valença. All nice town center with things to see.
On the coast, it might be unfair to say, but it is a bit the same from Leixões up to Viana, not changing much up to Caminha (more rocky beaches).
Matosinhos, Vila do Conde, Póvoa do Varzim, Viana, Vila Praia de Âncora and Caminha are the main cities on the Portuguese coast you go through. All nice places.
I think it is very hard to say one is better than the other. It depends on what your preferences are.
Both coastal and central are well waymarked, with perhaps the central a bit ahead on that regard. Mind you, I have only done the coastal from Porto to Vila Praia de Âncora. Even if the coverage of yellow arrows isn't the best, you are never far away from the sea, so you don't really get lost, albeit you may loose the trail.
From what I've seen in Esposende, I'd say that the coastal is certainly more popular than in other years, but I would not be surprised if you would only see 1-2 or no people on the trail on a daily basis.
It is not difficult .in Vila do Conde is a bridge . Go over the bridge .turn right en keep to the right following the river and you are on the central route.Hello!
I don't where should I place my question.
Me & my sister start from Porto on the 12th of June. We want our first day to be along the ocean. Maybe someone could show where exactly should we turn to the Central Route after Vila Do Conde? Which road is better?
If someone has a track - we would be very grateful! Its an unexpected trip for us & we don't have time to prepare. We even don't have a guide booke, but hope everything will be ok
Albertinho, Thanks a lot! From our hostel to the bridge in Vila do Conde is about 30km. I think it will be enough for the 1-st day.It is not difficult .in Vila do Conde is a bridge . Go over the bridge .turn right en keep to the right following the river and you are on the central route.
Be carefull. Three yards just over the bridge is a blue sign with a scallop it points direction under the bridge and ends up at the other side of the bridge into the towncenter. This is the waymarker for the coastal route.
I walked the Coastal Camino Portuguese and I loved it, very much. After Viana, we walked the following stages: Caminha, Oia, Baiona, Vigo and then we caught back up to the inland Camino at Redondela. It was lovely, watching the Coast evolve from sand to rock and from balmy to gusty wind!
Please visit my Instagram feed for a taste of each stage: https://instagram.com/p/2j-bDiNlVK/
If you like to walk 30 kms a day yes ! We took the metro from our hostal in the Porto center to the Matosinhos bridge and walked from there to Vila do Conde. 22 kms. Later back in Porto after having finished the caminho we walked from Matosinhos to Porto center 10 km , a beautiful l walk. We did the same 3 weeks ago but then at the other side of the river ,ending up at Vila Nova de Gaia where all famous portwine houses are.Albertinho, Thanks a lot! From our hostel to the bridge in Vila do Conde is about 30km. I think it will be enough for the 1-st day.
After the bridge we should only follow the yellow arrows, right?
Thank you Edumad. I think I will walk the first part from Porto to Villa do Conde, then turn in to walk the rest of the Interior. I just need to calculate how many days I need, so I can book my flight to Porto. If you have some suggestions or ideas, that would be great. Otherwise, I am trolling older posts, and going through links to previous pilgrim blogs. All have interesting stories, and helpful tips . Cheers; KyBeing a bit more used to being near the sea, the hills hold a stronger fascination for me.
Starting around Vairão or Vilarinho you start to feel your going into the crop fields and small towns. There are many streams and river in the north of Portugal, many small fields, water fountains (unchecked but so far always good water). There are also many chapels and churchs.
Braga is not on the central route but there is Barcelos, Ponte de Lima and Valença. All nice town center with things to see.
On the coast, it might be unfair to say, but it is a bit the same from Leixões up to Viana, not changing much up to Caminha (more rocky beaches).
Matosinhos, Vila do Conde, Póvoa do Varzim, Viana, Vila Praia de Âncora and Caminha are the main cities on the Portuguese coast you go through. All nice places.
I think it is very hard to say one is better than the other. It depends on what your preferences are.
Both coastal and central are well waymarked, with perhaps the central a bit ahead on that regard. Mind you, I have only done the coastal from Porto to Vila Praia de Âncora. Even if the coverage of yellow arrows isn't the best, you are never far away from the sea, so you don't really get lost, albeit you may loose the trail.
From what I've seen in Esposende, I'd say that the coastal is certainly more popular than in other years, but I would not be surprised if you would only see 1-2 or no people on the trail on a daily basis.
It took us 14 days from Porto via Vila do Conde and the central route (SãO Pedro de Rates, Barcelos,-even had a day off there to visit Braga) Casa da Fernanda, Ponte de Lima, Rubiaês,Valença do Minho, O Porriño, Redondela, Pontevedra,Caldas de Reis, Padrôn and Teo to Santiago. Maximum 20 kms per dayThank you Edumad. I think I will walk the first part from Porto to Villa do Conde, then turn in to walk the rest of the Interior. I just need to calculate how many days I need, so I can book my flight to Porto. If you have some suggestions or ideas, that would be great. Otherwise, I am trolling older posts, and going through links to previous pilgrim blogs. All have interesting stories, and helpful tips . Cheers; Ky
Hi, I am walking the surf and turf Portuguese. I am starting in Oia, Baiona, Vigo, then inland to Redondela, Pontevedra, Caldas De Rei, Padron To Santiago. I am doing the hotel way as I didn't know how I would go travelling on my own... I don't have instagram is there any other way I could look at your pics ? I am walking end of Aug for 7 days the last 146km. Any places of interest and great places to eat would be a good help.. My accommodation has all been pre booked.I walked the Coastal Camino Portuguese and I loved it, very much. After Viana, we walked the following stages: Caminha, Oia, Baiona, Vigo and then we caught back up to the inland Camino at Redondela. It was lovely, watching the Coast evolve from sand to rock and from balmy to gusty wind!
Please visit my Instagram feed for a taste of each stage: https://instagram.com/p/2j-bDiNlVK/
I walked the Coastal Camino Portuguese and I loved it, very much. After Viana, we walked the following stages: Caminha, Oia, Baiona, Vigo and then we caught back up to the inland Camino at Redondela. It was lovely, watching the Coast evolve from sand to rock and from balmy to gusty wind!
Please visit my Instagram feed for a taste of each stage: https://instagram.com/p/2j-bDiNlVK/
Hi, I have 2 weeks till I leave. I have a Camino passport book but someone suggested to get 1 that folds and opens out so when I get back I can have it laminated. Would you happen to remember if I can get 1 of these in Oia ???Hi, I'm sorry, I haven't checked in lately. I don't think you need to join Instagram to look at my photos. My photos are on my phone and I can't figure out how to post on the forum.
I took a bath at Caldas De Reais. It was lovely. For me, it was the little things--like buying a huge box of cherries from a road side fruta vendor--they always had the best deals!
Places to eat? I can't remember the restaurants names!! In Baiona, there was a gelarderia that served arroz con leche--yum! So good!
I avoided the menu a dia, concentrating on tapas. The food in Pontevedra, Padron, and SdC was excellent! It didn't seem to matter where you went. Redondela and Caldas de Reias was a bit more restricted in choices.
I also stayed at Pensions/hotels and was pleased with my choices for the most part.
Oia is a very small village with a church ,a hotel and a few bars .Hi, I have 2 weeks till I leave. I have a Camino passport book but someone suggested to get 1 that folds and opens out so when I get back I can have it laminated. Would you happen to remember if I can get 1 of these in Oia ???
Hi, can you please PM me your route? I'm planning to walk the Coastal way as well in about 2 weeks from Porto and want to stick to the coast as much as possible and go through Marinhas-Viana do castelo-Oia-Mougas-Vigo...Thanks
Hi All,
I am New Zealand born - Amsterdam based woman planning to walk my first camino this Sept (2015), and have decided on the camino Portuguese starting from Porto.
I had intended on walking the Interior route. However, after reading a few entries here and there, I learned more about the beauty of the Coastal walk.
From what I understand, the Interior is busier - with a good chance of meeting other pilgrims, but not so busy as not to find a place to sleep. However, from many accounts some long stretches through some industrial areas. The Coastal is less busy in the sense, that you will be lucky to see anyone, so could also become quite lonely, despite the stunning beauty.
I also understand that the Coastal is longer (13 days?) than the Interior (11 days?).
I am looking for some solitude, but am wary of spending the whole 2 weeks alone, and am also looking for some natural beauty and great food.
Is there anyone who has done both, that could give me some advice? I will book my plane tickets based on which one I go with.
Any advice would be appreciated! Cheers; Kylie M.
Hola
I am going to do the camino portugese next month and wat to go this route:
Ponte de Lima, Rubies, Tui, VIGO, Redondela, Pontevedra,Caldas de Reis, Padrôn and Santiago.
I have family in Vigo so thats is why I want to go thru Vigo
Does anyone knows about a route from Tui to VIGO?
tanks
Would anyone be able to tell me if they would suggest Baiona to to Santiago or Tui to Santiago for the beginning of April?
Im interested to see if you get replies on this as I need similar help also. I am researching this route….. Baiona - Vigo - Redondela - Pontevedra - Ruas - Caldas de Reis - Padron - Teo - Santiago de C. Working my way through all the brilliant info on this forum but there's so much, especially Coastal V central route V interior route. Arrgghh! I want to see as much coastline as possible, especially as I am only starting 100+ k back from Santiago. And probably travelling alone, so I don't want to be nervous of too much solitude. All advice welcome.
Thank you so much KaylaT! I'd really appreciate any help or advice. (or from anyone else on here) Now your countdown is on! Exciting times. Buen Camino.If we end up choosing the Coastal Route, I will definitely give you our review. We only have 34 days until our trip!
Hola
I am going to do the camino portugese next month and wat to go this route:
Ponte de Lima, Rubies, Tui, VIGO, Redondela, Pontevedra,Caldas de Reis, Padrôn and Santiago.
I have family in Vigo so thats is why I want to go thru Vigo
Does anyone knows about a route from Tui to VIGO?
tanks
Well the guide I got at the Porto Tourist office shows a route from Caminhe to Vigo but this I believe is an unofficial route. They show the main coast route as going inland at Caminhe and rejoining the main inland route at Valença. But you also would not be far from Vigo if you just went the main route through Redondela.
Of course you're right Rainier! Just got confused for a second with so much info out there!Olá Dougdo,
why do you believe it´s an unofficial route from Caminha to Vigo?
Yes, there is an official route from Caminha >A Guarda > Mougás > Baiona to Vigo! For this route you have to take the ferry from Caminha to A Guarda. Link for the ferry: https://telemarinas.com/horarios-del-ferry-entre-a-guarda-y-caminha-hasta-el-proximo-verano/ No ferry on Mondays!
There is also a route from Caminha > Vila Nova de Cerveira > Valença do Minho. All routes are well marked and all are in guide books like John Brierley and others for years!
Bom caminho
Rainer
Hi, I am walking the surf and turf Portuguese. I am starting in Oia, Baiona, Vigo, then inland to Redondela, Pontevedra, Caldas De Rei, Padron To Santiago. I am doing the hotel way as I didn't know how I would go travelling on my own... I don't have instagram is there any other way I could look at your pics ? I am walking end of Aug for 7 days the last 146km. Any places of interest and great places to eat would be a good help.. My accommodation has all been pre booked.
Hi, can you please PM me your route? I'm planning to walk the Coastal way as well in about 2 weeks from Porto and want to stick to the coast as much as possible and go through Marinhas-Viana do castelo-Oia-Mougas-Vigo...Thanks
If we end up choosing the Coastal Route, I will definitely give you our review. We only have 34 days until our trip!
Hi IF YOU DID GET A ROUTE AND COULD FORWARD IT ON TO ME THAT WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATEDHi, would appreciate it if you could PM me your route swell. would be awesome. Am currently deciding wether or not to do the coastal route . Thanks
You could go from Valença do Minho or Tui to A Guarda and then walk the coastline to Baiona or Nigrán. Mind after Nigrán comes Vigo which is a big city. -I like Vigo but not all do. from there to the connection to Redondela it is not that interesting .Greetings, I am going to begin in Porto to Vila de Conde and would like to do about 3 days of coastal walking. My thoughts are to go inland after Vila de Conde, taking the central route but would like to exit back out to the ocean for a few more days. Any thoughts? I was thinking of catching a bus from Valenca or Tui to Baiona or Nigran? From what I read this northern section seems to be the best part of the Coastal Portuguese Camino?
Thank you so much for your suggestions. With some further thought and study, we are looking at walking from Porto to Vila de Conde - over to Rates and up the Central Way until we we get to Pontevedra and the walk the Variante Espiritual. I am trusting that will make for an excellent journey and providing some coastal walking. As you appear knowledgeable on this part of the pilgrimage, do you have any additional suggestions for our journey. Thank you again.You could go from Valença do Minho or Tui to A Guarda and then walk the coastline to Baiona or Nigrán. Mind after Nigrán comes Vigo which is a big city. -I like Vigo but not all do. from there to the connection to Redondela it is not that interesting .
I should do it differently. From Porto I follow the coast as far as Viana do Castelo and there make a jump (by bus to Balugães or by train to Barroselas) and continue the central route to Ponte de Lima and on to Valença do Minho where you could jump to the coastal again as mentioned above . So you will make out the best of your caminho. Once again on the central route at Redondela you could make another move to the coastal by walking the Variante Espiritual directly after Pontevedra. Then your caminho will be unforgetable.
Bom caminho
If you like to walk 30 kms a day yes ! We took the metro from our hostal in the Porto center to the Matosinhos bridge and walked from there to Vila do Conde. 22 kms. Later back in Porto after having finished the caminho we walked from Matosinhos to Porto center 10 km , a beautiful l walk. We did the same 3 weeks ago but then at the other side of the river ,ending up at Vila Nova de Gaia where all famous portwine houses are.
Initially I should not follow yellow waymarkers in Vila do Conde but turn to the right at the end of the bridge and keep following the river to the metro stop. Around there you are sure find the right yellow markers. Because yellow markers also point to the coastal route . So for shure do not go underneath the bridge but turn right and after a few hundred meters you are on the way to São Pedro the Rates.
Don't forget your fluorescent safety vest. Partly you walk alongside some busy roads .
Not been at Fernanda's is not been on the caminho Portugues! You won't regret it staying there!
Bom caminho
I will think of you when I walk the coastal to Caminha and even further to Valença do Minho.i do not expect you will encounter any difficulties. I did the coastal before and loved it.I have an old Brierley from many years ago , when he was anti - coastal , so the ways not mentioned unless you take an option.
We are going to redo the Portuguese in June, really taking our time Albertinho as we have friends in Caminha where we will stay for a week before continuing to the Invierno v via Santiago.
We intend to follow the coast EVERY inch of the way mate ;
Porto to Matosinhos , along the coastal road ?
Mato to Vila do Conte Or Varzim ?
Vila or Varzim to Esposende ?
Over 70yrs now so HRH sends her bag on , with my extra shoes of course , so accommadation will not be albergues .
Its funny as we staying in Caminha in 2008 after our Frances and they were getting their act into gear which resulted in a lovely albergue on the river. Not many then were getting the ferry to go via Vigo.
Any advice or opinions appreciated,
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