Portuguese Coastal Camino in Charming Hotels: Last 100 KM

Arrive in Baiona, a beautiful seaside town on Spain’s Atlantic coast, and settle into your first accommodation.

The remainder of the day is free to discover Baiona at your own pace. Stroll along the waterfront, explore the historic old town and Monterreal Fortress, and enjoy fresh Galician cuisine before beginning the Portuguese Coastal Camino.

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll lace up your hiking boots to begin the coastal route where you’ll follow the Atlantic coast north toward Vigo, stopping to check out any of the beaches that fringe Nigrán and the Cíes Islands in the distance!

As you find your way to Vigo, you’ll notice the changing landscape in the last few kilometers become more urban.

Follow the shores of the Ría de Vigo, where sweeping estuary views reveal the natural beauty of Galicia’s Rías Baixas. Continue through Redondela toward Arcade, enjoying views of the estuary along the way.

Leaving Arcade behind, continue along the Portuguese Camino—a fine time to make new friends with other pilgrims.

If you’re a history buff, break up the day’s walk in Ponte Sampaio and delve into the past with a visit to an important site of the 1809 Peninsular War and be sure to stroll across the historic bridge over the Verdugo River. When you’ve had your fill of history, carry on your way to rest tired feet in Pontevedra, a beautiful town famous for its historic centre and squares made of stone.

Once out of Pontevedra, the Camino leads you into rural Galicia offering peaceful environs as you hike amid woods and streams. A highlight of the day’s walk includes a stop in Barro to see the numerous waterfalls and stone mills in the Natural Park of the Barosa River before ending the day in Caldas de Reis.

A town known for its thermal springs and spa resorts, make a reservation in Caldas de Reis to pamper yourself with a much-deserved spa treatment.

Following the Camino out of Caldas de Reis, you’ll happen upon quaint villages dotted throughout the quiet countryside as you make your way toward Padrón, before continuing to nearby Lestrove for the night.

Known as the first place on land spotted by the ship carrying the remains of St. James the Apostle, Padrón is also the birthplace of great authors like Rosalía de Castro and Camilo José Cela. Spend some time in Padrón absorbing culture over a glass or two of local wine before settling into your accommodation in Lestrove.

Rise with the sun today to complete the last stage of this Portuguese Coastal Way itinerary. Leaving Lestrove, the day’s route first leads you through similar rural landscapes as in the previous days, but slowly takes you through the urban sprawl as you find your way to the heart of Santiago de Compostela.

Celebrate your efforts with your new friends, drink wine, and collect your Compostela (Pilgrim certificate) at the Pilgrim’s Office before enjoying the rest of your evening in revelry.

After a week of stunning scenery and overnight stays in decadent lodgings, spend your last moments soaking in Santiago de Compostela’s historic charm before a transfer to takes you to the airport to depart.