Coastal Route Starting in Porto in Mid-December 2016

[DeborahAliceee]

Hey all, first and foremost any feedback/advice is VERY welcomed! I have decided to start my Camino in Porto and am allowing myself 15 days to reach Santiago. I have lots of questions though! I know the weather will be colder (but I am from MN so I am not bothered by it) and it looks like the average temps will be anywhere between 30F-50F.

1. Hat/gloves/sleeping bag -- what type or brand would you recommend?

2. How many layers? I was thinking about a tight, compression layer then a wool layer and a rain coat over that for the top. Then pants that are compression running tights and hiking pants over it. Will this be overkill?

3. Sunglasses - Yay or nay?

4. Christmas in Vigo, good idea? Will it be a ghost town or is it a big enough city that it will be ok?

5. Walking stick -- is it necessary for the coast route?

6. A friend told me to buy my boots a half size bigger than my feet because my feet will swell, did this happen to you?

7. Planning on 35-40E a day budget. Will this be OK?


Here is my tentative itinerary.. are there any major things I should change?

Friday, December 16th — Arrive in Porto
Saturday, December 17th — Start Camino! Porto to Povoa de Varzim - 27 km/ 16.78 miles
Sunday, December 18th — Povoa de Varzim to Esposende - 22 km/ 13.67 miles
Monday, December 19th — Esponsende to Viana do Castelo - 24 km/ 14.91 miles
Tuesday, December 20th — Viana do Castelo to Vila Praia de Ancora - 19 km/ 11.81 miles
Wednesday, December 21st — Vila Praia de Ancora to A Guarda - 13 km/ 8.08 miles
Thursday, December 22nd — A Guarda to Oia -13 km/ 8.08 miles
Friday, December 23rd — Oia to Baiona - 20 km/ 12.43 miles
Saturday, December 24th — Baiona to Virgo - 28 km/ 17.4 miles
Sunday, December 25th — Spend Christmas in Vigo!
Monday, December 26th — Vigo to Redondela - 15 km/ 9.32 miles
Tuesday, December 27th — Redondela to Pontevedra - 20 km/ 12.43 miles
Wednesday, December 28th — Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis - 21 km/ 13.04 miles
Thursday, December 29th — Caldas de Reis to Padron - 19 km/ 11.81 miles
Friday, December 30th — Padron to Santiago de Compostela - 25 km/ 15.53 miles ARRIVE!!
Saturday, December 31st — Be a tourist!
Sunday, January 1st — Extra day in case of emergency!
Monday, January 2nd — Spend the day in Santiago, take a bus back to Porto
Tuesday, January 3rd — Fly home from Porto


Thanks for the feedback in advance!

 

[Doogman]

Hi: I cannot comment on your winter walking, as I have never tried that, but the stops on your itinerary are pretty much exactly what I did last month. You will enjoy the walk!

 

[MplsYogi]

Hi: I cannot comment on your winter walking, as I have never tried that, but the stops on your itinerary are pretty much exactly what I did last month. You will enjoy the walk!

I had a question. I am starting Coastal camino next Thursday the 25th of August and I need to be in Vigo by evening of Wednesday Aug 31st, so I have 7 days. It seems to me I will have to skip a day in between, what part from Porto to Vigo should I skip if I want to save a day. Thanks for your help

 

[Deleted member 43780]

Hi, Deborah
Biked Frances once, walked it once (2015). Did the Ingles this year in late April. Hope to do the Portuguese mid October. Haven't decided what route I will take.
Based upon my experience on the Caminos and observing others... I will try to answer some of your questions. Others may be able to fill in the gaps.

Bear in mind that you can buy things in stores along the Camino if needed.

1. Hat/gloves/sleeping bag -- what type or brand would you recommend?
HATS: I take a ball cap and a Tilly hat. I feel broad brim hat is needed for sun protection. But since you are walking in Dec may not be needed. Tilly helps also with rain. I hate wearing the hood on my rain jacket. I always take a wool skull watch type of head wear. Used it on very cool days and nights on the Frances.
GLOVES: I always take, in cool - cold weather, a wool insert type of glove ..light weight. AND, a all weather glove for wind/rain/cold.
If the gloves get wet, your hands will get cold. Thus wool inserts are a life saver. Gloves, hat, and wool neck gaiter are my basic essential gear.
Gloves, hat and neck gaiter are very nice to have if waiting outside at night on a bus or train. Some bus stations are closed late hours. Waited a few night outside bus station in Spain and was glad I had gloves, hat and gaiter.

SLEEPNG BAG: wow..again, lots of debate on here to take one or not, what type, what size, what filling..and on and on.
I take a MARMOT light weight 800 fill bag. Packed in a water proof compression bag. Yes, cost mucho eu's but has been worth every bit of it. Brand? depends on what quality and cost you are looking for. i.e. Marmot makes good bags but can be costly. The North Face has many to pick from.
Many hikers are going now with a "quilt" type of bag. It can be used on ground on a pad, in huts as blanket, and in hammock as top quilt. In hotel as a nice top blanket. Some of them have ties to go under your pad. They are light weight and warm. I am taking my quilt on next hike.

2. How many layers? I was thinking about a tight, compression layer then a wool layer and a rain coat over that for the top. Then pants that are compression running tights and hiking pants over it. Will this be overkill?
Sounds like over kill to me. When cool - cold I wear a wool base layer (LS). Take one light weight and one heaver weight. And have a hiking shirt over the wool base. Also have rain jacket to put on over those.
When I hear "tight" I think of chaffing/rubbing. But you know what you can wear. In cool - cold damp weather a lose fitting, but no too lose, garments are better for heating your body and ventilation.

3. Sunglasses - Yay or nay?
YES.

4. Christmas in Vigo, good idea? Will it be a ghost town or is it a big enough city that it will be ok?
Can't give you a answer on this one. But, be prepared for many places to be closed before, during and after the holidays. Down south many celebrations during this period. Towns/cities are not a ghost town. But, very busy with shoppers before Christmas Day. Also, places will be closed on New Year's Day. And Jan 6th..Three Kings Day. January 6 - Dia de Los Reyes in Spanish. This day is virtually as important as Christmas itself in Spain, especially for kids, as this is the day when they get their presents! Stores will be closed. Seeing you are flying out on the 3rd you will miss this day (Jan 6th). But, good info for others.

5. Walking stick -- is it necessary for the coast route?
Walking staffs are my best piece of equipment. I am sure they will be helpful. Again, lots of debate on here about them.
For me they reduce the weight on my body, assist going up hills, and down. Also, are great for keeping balance on those slippery rocky paths. And good dog defender. But never had to use my staffs for that..yet.
Walking on the coastal route will mean some street and path walking on gravel, sand, rocks etc. The staffs will help.

6. A friend told me to buy my boots a half size bigger than my feet because my feet will swell, did this happen to you?
I buy a size larger. Lots of "boot talk" on this forum. Lengthy debates about sizes, type, etc... For me I like a mid height boot for ankle support. I like mid weight Asolo boots. For some may be over kill. But works for me. I do not take a extra pair of shoes for town walking. and don't miss them. Each to their own. I saw about anything you can think of on the Frances.
Since you will be walking in December I would say a good water proof (if there is such an animal) is a must. Also in puddles, holes etc a mid height boot is better.
SOCKS: I wear a sock liner. Very thin wool one. AND wool socks. Never had a blister. I air my feet, socks and boots out about every two hours. Move the right sock to the left foot and the left sock to the right foot. This is a old hiking tip. It changes the wear compressed parts of the socks around. ALWAYS have extra socks.

7. Planning on 35-40E a day budget. Will this be OK?
Hard to answer that. Staying in A'bergs will run from 5 eu to 15 eu. Have ATM card to get more eu's if needed. Most small shops on the Camino do not take credit. Cash talks on the Camino. Suggest you have, and wear, a money belt. Also, a under shirt (with lace/strap around your neck) money holder. I keep my passport/ID etc in this under shirt pouch. Depends on where you want to sleep.
How much you eat, and where you eat at. How many drinks (coffees, beers, wine, etc) you have.
I start off with about 100 - 150 eu and go from there. Much rather have some cash in small towns than not having it.
Suggest you DO NOT keep your money in only one area. Spread it out. If one location is stolen/lost you have the other stash.

TIPS:
- I always take a piece of 550 para cord. Use it for clothes line. Even can cut off piece from it for shoe lace(s) if needed. Secure things on pack or fix pack if needed.
-clothes washing: I take one bar of Doctor Brommers soap. https://www.drbronner.com/DBMS/category/BARSOAP.html
Wash clothes with it. Use for shampoo and body wash. Shave with it. Place it in small mesh bag to air dry. Never store wet cause will melt away. Best over all soap bar out there !
-safety pins: I take about 10 brass safety pins. To hang wash or if needed secure socks on back of pack. Do not use the metal ones. Makes rust stains. If can't find brass ones then get stainless steel ones.
Multiple uses for these.
- I always take a small amount of heavy duty duct tape. The light version just doesn't do it. Used for repairing equip/bag/even emergency repair of shoes! Also can tear off small piece to tape notes on doors, etc. In emergency a small piece can be used to prevent a redden area on feet turing into full blown blister.
- Blisters: never had one. But always had combo package of coped. Buy it in any pharmacy. Do not put it over a open blister! Put it on one you notice and feel a hot spot...red spot.
- water bottles vs bladders: I used to take a bottle. Hated digging for it and having to take pack off. Went to 3L bladder and been happy since then. If don't need 3L then don't put that much in. I used all of the water in my 3L bladder on one stretch of the Ingles. Cleaning: I drop one of the Camel Bak tabs into half filled bladder. Shake. Let stand few min. Rinse well. Never had a problem. Rinse and try to air dry each day. Love being able to sip while walking. I drink more like this. Buy a mouth piece that has a cover on it! When putting bag on bus/train, put hose/mouth piece inside your bag to keep clean and so does not get snagged.
- take a copy of passport/ID. Keep in separate place from originals. Laminate them!
I told an American this tip. He told me it made it easier to show the laminated photo page of his passport than digging out the original one. Every time you did documents/cards out, you are adding risks of forgetting them or misplacing them.
SUGGESTION: get your stuff together and go on a fully packed walk with all of it. Test and retest everything. Best to learn before you go. But be flexible...things will happen. Learn to go with the waves and adjust as you go.
Break your boots in before you go! Read on here about boots. Some have changed type and style few times before even getting on the plane. Only you know what works for your feet.

Since I stealth camp a few times (may have a bivy-sac or hammock) my needs may be different than most. But what I told you above should apply to your needs as well.

 

[jsalt]

Is it a good idea to do this Camino in December?



Hi Deborah, and welcome!
Nice itinerary, but wrong time of the year.
The first few days on the coastal route out of Porto are on boardwalks next to the sea. Unless you are really, really lucky with the weather, you will find it quite miserable with the rain and wind.

And lonely.

If you were a seasoned winter walker , I would say “go for it”, and keep us posted, but I can see you are not, from your boot’s question.
Better to choose another walk for those 3 weeks.

However , if you decide to go ahead:

Hat/gloves/sleeping bag – Yes, any kind.
How many layers? – At least three.
Sunglasses – No, you will be walking north, with the sun behind you.
Christmas in Vigo, good idea? – Not if you haven’t met anyone and you want to socialise.
Walking stick – No (but that’s just my opinion; lots of threads on this forum to change your mind).
Boots a half size bigger – Lots of threads on this forum about boots as well.
Planning on 35-40E a day budget – Yes, if you stay in albergue-type places.

My experience: I lived in Porto for 6 weeks through Dec 2013 and Jan 2014 (doing a Portuguese Language Course – and I still can’t understand a word they say! ), and the weather was pretty awful. It’s not just the rain, but the howling wind as well. I lived in a flat in Vila Nova de Guia (on the south side of the river), and walking across that high bridge some days was seriously scary. Sometimes it rained for days on end.

Whatever you decide, bom caminho!
Jill

 

[Doogman]

What day to skip? That is a tough call. Depending on how far you like to walk, you could double up a couple of sections and do them in one day. For example, based on the list above, going A Guarda to Baiona would be a possibility. The stop in between, Oia, is a lovely, quiet little place, but for a short day of walking, there is not a lot to do there when you arrive except rest up (which I did and enjoyed very much). The walk from Baiona to Vigo was a long and a seemingly never ending day (for me), so I do not remember that one too fondly. Another option is to start at Povoa deVarzim. You can get there by subway from Porto.

 

[Deleted member 43780]

Good feed back from others.
Yes, you are correct. Can be rainy, rainy days. But I have seen nice sunny (well some sun time) days in Coimbra, Porto, Ferrol, Santiago etc during this time frame. But be prepared for worse and hope for best.
Agree, if possible change time when you are walking. i.e. early fall..or spring.
Good luck. Most important --- enjoy.

I speak Spanish. With English as second language. Seems, at least for me, better to speak English when over in Portugal than Spanish. I also can not understand Portuguese. But lots of the words are similar to Spanish.

I speak some French but that has never helped me in Portugal.

Again, thanks to others who have given their input to help her.

 

[jsalt]

But be prepared for worse and hope for best.

Good advice there!

 

[MplsYogi]

What day to skip? That is a tough call. Depending on how far you like to walk, you could double up a couple of sections and do them in one day. For example, based on the list above, going A Guarda to Baiona would be a possibility. The stop in between, Oia, is a lovely, quiet little place, but for a short day of walking, there is not a lot to do there when you arrive except rest up (which I did and enjoyed very much). The walk from Baiona to Vigo was a long and a seemingly never ending day (for me), so I do not remember that one too fondly. Another option is to start at Povoa deVarzim. You can get there by subway from Porto.

Thx for the suggestions. How is the coastal route marked, I have downloaded maps from Luis Frexios website. They are not in english but i am sure they will be pretty helpful. Do you have any suggestions regarding maps and directions on coastal way - Thanks

 

[jmcarp]

Hi: I cannot comment on your winter walking, as I have never tried that, but the stops on your itinerary are pretty much exactly what I did last month. You will enjoy the walk!

My wife and I are considering this route for sometime next year. Did you keep a list of accommodations on your journey along this route?

 

[DeborahAliceee]

Thank you everyone for your advice, kind words and suggestions. This is the only time of year I will be able to go because I am in graduate school. I'm actually excited for the challenge with the weather since I'm from Minnesota I feel I am pretty tough when it comes to the cold and living in England for a while I think I will be ok with the rain. But I am going to prepare for the worst and make the best of it. Any other suggestions, especially specific types or brands of clothing, hats, socks, etc would be especially helpful.

 

[Doogman]

Thx for the suggestions. How is the coastal route marked, I have downloaded maps from Luis Frexios website. They are not in english but i am sure they will be pretty helpful. Do you have any suggestions regarding maps and directions on coastal way - Thanks

We spent time on both the Caminho da Costa and the Litoral route. The Caminho da Costa is pretty well marked with yellow arrows. It weaves along the coast, spending some portions inland, but always coming back to the coast. I don't think there is uniform marking for the Litoral route right along the coastline the whole way. We stuck to the coast when it was easy to do, but followed the yellow arrows for portions as well.

 

[Doogman]

My wife and I are considering this route for sometime next year. Did you keep a list of accommodations on your journey along this route?

We stayed in hotels all along the route. Are you interested in those, or will you be staying in albergues?

 

[jmcarp]

We stayed in hotels all along the route. Are you interested in those, or will you be staying in albergues?

Probably a combination, depending on the circumstances. I'm just trying to get a handle on all the available options.

 

[Doogman]

My wife and I are considering this route for sometime next year. Did you keep a list of accommodations on your journey along this route?

This is the list of hotels we used:

Povoa de Varzim - Grande Hotel Povoa
Esposende - Suave Mar
Viana do Costelo - Pension O Laranjeira
Vila Praia De Ancora - Hotel Meira
A Guarda - Vila Da Guarda
Oia - Casa Puertas
Baiona - Anunciada Baiona
Vigo - Hotel Compostela Vigo
(Outside of) Redondela - Hotel Santa Apostolo Redondela
Pontevedra - Hotel Ruas
Caldas De Reis - O Cruxiero Centre
Padron - Rosalia Padron
Santiago - Hospederia San Martin Pinario

All were pretty decent.

 

[jmcarp]

This is the list of hotels we used:

Povoa de Varzim - Grande Hotel Povoa
Esposende - Suave Mar
Viana do Costelo - Pension O Laranjeira
Vila Praia De Ancora - Hotel Meira
A Guarda - Vila Da Guarda
Oia - Casa Puertas
Baiona - Anunciada Baiona
Vigo - Hotel Compostela Vigo
(Outside of) Redondela - Hotel Santa Apostolo Redondela
Pontevedra - Hotel Ruas
Caldas De Reis - O Cruxiero Centre
Padron - Rosalia Padron
Santiago - Hospederia San Martin Pinario

All were pretty decent.

Thanks, I appreciate that. We'll keep the list handy.

 

[tominrm]

I walked the interior route just past May and went to Vigo after I completed my Camino for two days. Knowing where you will be in that time of the year, the city is a good place to spend Christmas not because I know anything about the city around the Christmas time, but because it is the largest and thriving city in the region.

I wonder how people manage laundry in the winter without enough daylight to dry.

There is no albergue for pilgrims in Vigo. I googled for it and found a municipal albergue in the city, but I think it is a homeless shelter.

I have a down-filled sleeping bag I love. It is warm, compact, light, and comfy. Sometimes I use it on the bed even though hotel provides the linens and blanket. It is Kelty Cosmic Down 40F.

Buen Camino.

 

[anniethenurse]

Good advice and good points.
I don´t want to destroy you planning your first camino.

But..
You will most probably be the one and only pilgrim.
Are the albergues still open in December?
Count on many cold rainy days in torrential downpour.
How to get your soaking wet clothes dry in an unheated albergue (if it is open).
If albergues are not available €30- 40 probably not enough (€25-40 for a hotel room, €6 for lavadora and secadora €8- 12 dinner etc). A single room costs almost as much as a double room

May the sun be shining on you!

 

[John Ferguson]

Thank you everyone for your advice, kind words and suggestions. This is the only time of year I will be able to go because I am in graduate school. I'm actually excited for the challenge with the weather since I'm from Minnesota I feel I am pretty tough when it comes to the cold and living in England for a while I think I will be ok with the rain. But I am going to prepare for the worst and make the best of it. Any other suggestions, especially specific types or brands of clothing, hats, socks, etc would be especially helpful.

I will be doing the Porto Route in May 2016. Leaving from Lisbon. Please advise what the trek was like. I did the French Way last year in May and really enjoyed it. Buen Camino.

 

[Ray J]

We started in Sagres, Portugal in May (finished in August), hiking the Rota Vicentina (amazingly awesome, especially the Fisherman’s Trail segments!), then starting on the coastal out of Porto until we had to cut back inland to meet up with some friends before continuing to Santiago.

First of all, Porto is amazing! If you have time, check into taking a motorcycle sidecar tour with Side Ride Tours http://side-ride.pt/en/ . We didn’t know about/go on it until the night before we left, which was unfortunate because our driver showed us many places we wish we’d known about. Regardless, it’s a great way to get a feel for the city. Bonus: You will feel like a rock star – everyone waves and takes pictures of you as you tool around town!

Good place to stay in Porto: Nice Way Hostel http://nicewayhostels.com/porto/ . Only open for two weeks when we were there, so they were still working out some kinks, but I’m sure they’re good to go now. Nice place (as all the Nice Way Hostels we stayed at were), very centrally located.

We pushed on past Padron and stayed in Esclavitud, Spain at the Casa Grande da Capellania http://www.casagrandedacapellania.es/ for our last night on the trail. It might be more expensive than you want, but by this time you will deserve a break! It’s the former rectory for the church next door, family owned and run for generations. BTW, by staying there instead of Padron, it makes for a nice easy day into Santiago. This place is comfortable and homey, and the proprietor will cook you a dinner that’s fantastic. Great place to stay…unless you’re sensitive to noise ‘cause it is very close to a busy highway. It didn’t bother us, but that’s just us, so your mileage may vary. It is literally right on top of the trail – five steps out the door and you’re on it, so a great place to head off to Santiago.

In Santiago, our favorite hotel (we stayed there last year after doing the Frances, too), is the Hotel Costa Vella http://www.costavella.com/ Again, maybe more expensive than you want, but Roberto, the proprietor, will do everything he can to make your stay enjoyable. Even if you don’t stay there, it has a beautiful garden area that can’t be beat which will help calm your mind after days of hiking. This place is an absolute gem!

Finally, the Bodeguilla de San Roque Restaurant serves great food – just a couple of blocks from the Costa Vella, and it’s well worth a visit.

So, hope that’s helpful. You’re going to really enjoy it - Good luck!

 

[DeborahAliceee]

Good advice and good points.
I don´t want to destroy you planning your first camino.

But..
You will most probably be the one and only pilgrim.
Are the albergues still open in December?
Count on many cold rainy days in torrential downpour.
How to get your soaking wet clothes dry in an unheated albergue (if it is open).
If albergues are not available €30- 40 probably not enough (€25-40 for a hotel room, €6 for lavadora and secadora €8- 12 dinner etc). A single room costs almost as much as a double room

May the sun be shining on you!

Hey, thanks for the advice! I'm curious about the torrential downpour you mentioned.. is this from experience? I've looked at the average rainfall for those cities and it does look like December is one of the rainier months but the average rainfall for the month being only 9 inches. As far as the albergue's being open in December do you think an email to the main ones in each city will suffice? Should I try to book ahead?

Thanks for your honest feedback!

 

[Rainerbernd]

Olá,

I used to live in Portugal for many years and did the Portugues seven times. At the coast, the torrential downpoor could be a real problem because of the strong westerly winds/storm. Then you will have the rain always from the left and horizontally - horrible!
Btw, The average rainfall isn´t always 9 inches in December. There could be a 3 inch per day! Climate is changing!

Check link: http://www.ipma.pt/pt/oclima/normais.clima/1981-2010/014/

When I´m on the way in late autumn, I prefer to switch to the inner way in Vila do Conde > Rates > Barcelos and so on. It´s more protected there. Well, because it´s off season there are many small pensions and hostels offering cheap accomodation. Please check the albergues openings - you can´t book in advance.

Bom caminho, Rainer

 

[castlelizzy]

Enjoyed your post and replies and I am walking from Porto mid November ( 10 days ) and have walked the Frances before so fancied trying a cold walk and hope the rain stays away for part of it at least !!

 

[wildrover]

Thank you everyone for your advice, kind words and suggestions. This is the only time of year I will be able to go because I am in graduate school. I'm actually excited for the challenge with the weather since I'm from Minnesota I feel I am pretty tough when it comes to the cold and living in England for a while I think I will be ok with the rain. But I am going to prepare for the worst and make the best of it. Any other suggestions, especially specific types or brands of clothing, hats, socks, etc would be especially helpful.

hi deb, every one has a differing views on walking kit, times of year etc. try to keep it simple, don`t be to anylitical, go try the gloves, hats etc. get advice in the stores. out door clothing is like most things....you get what you pay for! remember it may get chilly..... but it`s not antartica. you have options, transport, accommodation, clothing stores. it was minus3 in Galicia in march with snow, wind and rain. I needed an extra fleece new socks etc, so I bought them. sun glasses, handy for windy days but far from essential. as for your boots get your normal size. lightweight, waterproof, no need to walk them in. most of all stay safe and enjoy. living life. go girl!.

 

[Nicoleneventer]

Thank you everyone for your advice, kind words and suggestions. This is the only time of year I will be able to go because I am in graduate school. I'm actually excited for the challenge with the weather since I'm from Minnesota I feel I am pretty tough when it comes to the cold and living in England for a while I think I will be ok with the rain. But I am going to prepare for the worst and make the best of it. Any other suggestions, especially specific types or brands of clothing, hats, socks, etc would be especially helpful.

Hi Deborah
I am also planning to walk the Camino coastal in December, how was your trip?

 

[John Ferguson]

Hey all, first and foremost any feedback/advice is VERY welcomed! I have decided to start my Camino in Porto and am allowing myself 15 days to reach Santiago. I have lots of questions though! I know the weather will be colder (but I am from MN so I am not bothered by it) and it looks like the average temps will be anywhere between 30F-50F.

1. Hat/gloves/sleeping bag -- what type or brand would you recommend?

2. How many layers? I was thinking about a tight, compression layer then a wool layer and a rain coat over that for the top. Then pants that are compression running tights and hiking pants over it. Will this be overkill?

3. Sunglasses - Yay or nay?

4. Christmas in Vigo, good idea? Will it be a ghost town or is it a big enough city that it will be ok?

5. Walking stick -- is it necessary for the coast route?

6. A friend told me to buy my boots a half size bigger than my feet because my feet will swell, did this happen to you?

7. Planning on 35-40E a day budget. Will this be OK?


Here is my tentative itinerary.. are there any major things I should change?

Friday, December 16th — Arrive in Porto
Saturday, December 17th — Start Camino! Porto to Povoa de Varzim - 27 km/ 16.78 miles
Sunday, December 18th — Povoa de Varzim to Esposende - 22 km/ 13.67 miles
Monday, December 19th — Esponsende to Viana do Castelo - 24 km/ 14.91 miles
Tuesday, December 20th — Viana do Castelo to Vila Praia de Ancora - 19 km/ 11.81 miles
Wednesday, December 21st — Vila Praia de Ancora to A Guarda - 13 km/ 8.08 miles
Thursday, December 22nd — A Guarda to Oia -13 km/ 8.08 miles
Friday, December 23rd — Oia to Baiona - 20 km/ 12.43 miles
Saturday, December 24th — Baiona to Virgo - 28 km/ 17.4 miles
Sunday, December 25th — Spend Christmas in Vigo!
Monday, December 26th — Vigo to Redondela - 15 km/ 9.32 miles
Tuesday, December 27th — Redondela to Pontevedra - 20 km/ 12.43 miles
Wednesday, December 28th — Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis - 21 km/ 13.04 miles
Thursday, December 29th — Caldas de Reis to Padron - 19 km/ 11.81 miles
Friday, December 30th — Padron to Santiago de Compostela - 25 km/ 15.53 miles ARRIVE!!
Saturday, December 31st — Be a tourist!
Sunday, January 1st — Extra day in case of emergency!
Monday, January 2nd — Spend the day in Santiago, take a bus back to Porto
Tuesday, January 3rd — Fly home from Porto


Thanks for the feedback in advance!

Hi Deborah
I am also planning to walk the Camino coastal in December, how was your trip?

 

[John Ferguson]

Howdy Neighbor. I'm from Manitoba and recently walked from Lisbon to Santiago in May June 2017. I think your choice to start in Porto is very wise.
Looking at your itinerary it seems do-able. I would say 90% of the Costal route is on Board walk right along the Sea Board. In May and June it was very warm and sunny which was also very tiring, so in December you should not have that problem. I have a few excellent hotel hostel recommendations if your are interested. Also, if you have the time, try to fit in Finnisterre, either by Bus or walk. Its worth the effort. Enjoy. Buen Camino.

 

[Marmonus]

Hey all, first and foremost any feedback/advice is VERY welcomed! I have decided to start my Camino in Porto and am allowing myself 15 days to reach Santiago. I have lots of questions though! I know the weather will be colder (but I am from MN so I am not bothered by it) and it looks like the average temps will be anywhere between 30F-50F.

1. Hat/gloves/sleeping bag -- what type or brand would you recommend?

2. How many layers? I was thinking about a tight, compression layer then a wool layer and a rain coat over that for the top. Then pants that are compression running tights and hiking pants over it. Will this be overkill?

3. Sunglasses - Yay or nay?

4. Christmas in Vigo, good idea? Will it be a ghost town or is it a big enough city that it will be ok?

5. Walking stick -- is it necessary for the coast route?

6. A friend told me to buy my boots a half size bigger than my feet because my feet will swell, did this happen to you?

7. Planning on 35-40E a day budget. Will this be OK?


Here is my tentative itinerary.. are there any major things I should change?

Friday, December 16th — Arrive in Porto
Saturday, December 17th — Start Camino! Porto to Povoa de Varzim - 27 km/ 16.78 miles
Sunday, December 18th — Povoa de Varzim to Esposende - 22 km/ 13.67 miles
Monday, December 19th — Esponsende to Viana do Castelo - 24 km/ 14.91 miles
Tuesday, December 20th — Viana do Castelo to Vila Praia de Ancora - 19 km/ 11.81 miles
Wednesday, December 21st — Vila Praia de Ancora to A Guarda - 13 km/ 8.08 miles
Thursday, December 22nd — A Guarda to Oia -13 km/ 8.08 miles
Friday, December 23rd — Oia to Baiona - 20 km/ 12.43 miles
Saturday, December 24th — Baiona to Virgo - 28 km/ 17.4 miles
Sunday, December 25th — Spend Christmas in Vigo!
Monday, December 26th — Vigo to Redondela - 15 km/ 9.32 miles
Tuesday, December 27th — Redondela to Pontevedra - 20 km/ 12.43 miles
Wednesday, December 28th — Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis - 21 km/ 13.04 miles
Thursday, December 29th — Caldas de Reis to Padron - 19 km/ 11.81 miles
Friday, December 30th — Padron to Santiago de Compostela - 25 km/ 15.53 miles ARRIVE!!
Saturday, December 31st — Be a tourist!
Sunday, January 1st — Extra day in case of emergency!
Monday, January 2nd — Spend the day in Santiago, take a bus back to Porto
Tuesday, January 3rd — Fly home from Porto


Thanks for the feedback in advance!

Hi,I am bit skeptical in doing Camino Portuguese in December of this year;can u share ur experiences along the way re: weather,accommodations;food;safety.would appreciate any input.Thanks