Coastal vs Norte

Wandalina · Mar 28, 2023

Hi Everyone im planning on starting from Porto in April. Ive done the central before dont necessarily mind doing it again but wondering what the coastal is like? I did the first three weeks of the Norte and was blown away by it so thats tempting me to do Portuguese coastal but im hesitating. Any ideas

wisepilgrim · Mar 28, 2023

The Coastal does not have much in common with the first three weeks of the Norte. It is generally much flatter as it keeps close to the coastline. It eventually does have some climbs but nothing like the Norte.

I personally prefer the Coastal route, and always tell people that if it is not for you there is always a possibility to return to the Central route. The two are seldom very far apart.

Albertinho · Mar 28, 2023

In addition to @wisepilgrim , you cannot walk 3 weeks from Porto to Redondela where the coastal ends in an estuary unless your pace is as slow as a snail or you go two steps ahead and one beyond
It is about 110 kms in Portugal and about 70 kms in Galicia along the coast.

Except for the mountain in A Guarda there is only a flat walk all the way but leaving Baiona and arriving at the bridge in Nivran , do not follow the yellow waymarkers but directly after the bridge follow green waymarkers and you stay at the coastline to Vigo and even arrive there at sealevel .
The yellow waymarkers lead you into the highest part in Vigo but you will descent in town to sealevel to follow the estuary to Redondela
You even can walk some kms on the beach as you also can do between Matosinhos and almost to Vila do Conde if you want to.

LTfit · Mar 28, 2023

I've done the Norte twice and both the Interior and Littoral/Coastal and I can confirm with the above two posts. The Portuguese routes are a piece of cake compared to the Norte. Although I prefer the Coastal to the Interior (except that you'll miss Cada Fernanda) I don't see me walking it again. The Rota Vicentina on the other hand is to be repeated but it's not a Camino although some walk it then connect to the Camino in Lisbon.

Where did you stop on the Norte? Maybe finish that Camino and/or deviate to the Primitivo. Now that's a great Camino although physically harder than the Norte due to its daily ups and downs. But if you did the first three weeks of the Norte you should be fine.

sebastian606 · Mar 28, 2023

What is the Portuguese like in mid to late October?? Will it be cold and wet?

Wandalina · Mar 28, 2023

Thanks to you all for the feedback much appreciated. I guess for me it's not so much about the terrain although i am avoiding crazy climbs after a bit of a work out on the norte but whether it's beautiful or not. I got the impression its was a little lacklustre or boring with all the boardwalks. Also want to avoid anything overly industrial. Im looking for some quaint villages and some authentic Portuguese life.

Im also walking alone so wondering are there many doing the coastal generally do want to meet a few camino pals

Thanks to you all

Wandalina · Mar 28, 2023

LTfit said:
I've done the Norte twice and both the Interior and Littoral/Coastal and I can confirm with the above two posts. The Portuguese routes are a piece of cake compared to the Norte. Although I prefer the Coastal to the Interior (except that you'll miss Cada Fernanda) I don't see me walking it again. The Rota Vicentina on the other hand is to be repeated but it's not a Camino although some walk it then connect to the Camino in Lisbon.

Where did you stop on the Norte? Maybe finish that Camino and/or deviate to the Primitivo. Now that's a great Camino although physically harder than the Norte due to its daily ups and downs. But if you did the first three weeks of the Norte you should be fine.

Stopped in Llanes. But have booked to go to Porto have limited time available. Will return to the norte one day soon. Perhaps not to do second half but repeat first as i got so much rain missed alot of the views

Have also done the Primitivo and loved it

Wandalina · Mar 28, 2023

Albertinho said:
In addition to @wisepilgrim , you cannot walk 3 weeks from Porto to Redondela where the coastal ends in an estuary unless your pace is as slow as a snail or you go two steps ahead and one beyond
It is about 110 kms in Portugal and about 70 kms in Galicia along the coast.

Except for the mountain in A Guarda there is only a flat walk all the way but leaving Baiona and arriving at the bridge in Nivran , do not follow the yellow waymarkers but directly after the bridge follow green waymarkers and you stay at the coastline to Vigo and even arrive there at sealevel .
The yellow waymarkers lead you into the highest part in Vigo but you will descent in town to sealevel to follow the estuary to Redondela
You even can walk some kms on the beach as you also can do between Matosinhos and almost to Vila do Conde if you want to.

Thanks that's a nice idea I wouldn't mind a few sea swims on the way (bearing in mind safe swimming spots) and some sandy picnics

Wandalina · Mar 28, 2023

wisepilgrim said:
The Coastal does not have much in common with the first three weeks of the Norte. It is generally much flatter as it keeps close to the coastline. It eventually does have some climbs but nothing like the Norte.

I personally prefer the Coastal route, and always tell people that if it is not for you there is always a possibility to return to the Central route. The two are seldom very far apart.

Thanks great to get your opinion. Im giving myself a chill mini camino after the Norte. Will then go back to an epic camino again in September

pilgrimjim · Mar 29, 2023

LTfit said:
I've done the Norte twice and both the Interior and Littoral/Coastal and I can confirm with the above two posts. The Portuguese routes are a piece of cake compared to the Norte. Although I prefer the Coastal to the Interior (except that you'll miss Cada Fernanda) I don't see me walking it again. The Rota Vicentina on the other hand is to be repeated but it's not a Camino although some walk it then connect to the Camino in Lisbon.

Where did you stop on the Norte? Maybe finish that Camino and/or deviate to the Primitivo. Now that's a great Camino although physically harder than the Norte due to its daily ups and downs. But if you did the first three weeks of the Norte you should be fine.

Also not sure where you stopped on the Norte, but you could continue on the Del Mar from Ribadeo which connects with the Ingles at Ferrol. It’s about a two week walk from Ribadeo.

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Coastal vs Norte

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