Portuguese Coastal Camino from A Guarda to Santiago

Arrive in A Guarda, a town bathed by the Miño River and the Atlantic Ocean. This small coastal town is located on the border with Portugal, so it will allow you to visit Caminha, on the other side of the river.

In addition, you can taste their famous and exquisite lobster! You can visit the Castro de Santa Trega, one of the oldest pre-Roman constructions in Galicia, located on Mount Santa Trega, from where you will have a magnificent panoramic view of the mouth of the Miño River and the Portuguese lands. With this beautiful picture you will begin your Portuguese Coastal Way from A Guarda.

Throughout the entire stage you will be accompanied by the Atlantic Ocean on your left. It is a flat stage along the coastline. Step by step you will reach the historic Monastery of Santa María de Oia, one of the few monasteries by the sea in Galicia. This position facing the sea meant that it became a fortification to defend the lands from enemy attacks.

You will leave behind the fishing village of Oia and walk along the cliffs until you reach the Cabo Silleiro Lighthouse, the main orientation point for the ships that navigate the Vigo Estuary. You will ascend to Baredo and a few kilometers later you will reach Monterreal Castle, today the Parador Nacional de Turismo de Baiona. After the Castle of Monterreal you will find Baiona, the first port in Europe that received the news of the Discovery of America.

The Ría de Vigo estuary begins in Baiona and is protected by the Cíes Islands, the heart of the Atlantic Islands National Park. You will walk from this wonderful place and leave the historic and beautiful O Pombal fountain in your wake. You will cross two Romanesque bridges, one over the Groba river and the other in A Ramallosa. In this last town begins the Foz del Río Miñor, a marshland of great ecological wealth. In Nigrán you will find the Votivo do Mar Temple, dedicated to the Virgin of Carmen. Step by step you will reach Vigo, known as the Olive City.

The walk from Vigo to Arcade, a 22-kilometer stretch along the Portuguese Coastal Camino, offers a mix of city views, wooded trails, and serene estuary vistas. Passing through villages like Redondela and following the Verdugo River, you’ll end the day at Arcade, known for its historic Ponte Sampaio and renowned oysters.

The walk from Arcade to Pontevedra covers 13 kilometers, taking you through peaceful countryside, scenic vineyards, and shaded woodlands. Crossing the historic Ponte Sampaio over the Verdugo River, you’ll continue along rural paths until you reach the lively streets and charming old town of Pontevedra.

After sealing your Credential at the Sanctuary of the Virgen de la Peregrina, you will wander through the historic center of Pontevedra until you reach the Puente del Burgo over the Lérez River. After crossing it you will border the extensive marsh of A Xunqueira de Alba and step by step you will enter a beautiful landscape, Reirís Forests and Lombo da Maceira.

You will arrive in Barro, and it will be worth it to detour about five kilometers to see the Barosa River Waterfall. Among crop fields you will reach Caldas de Reis, a town known for its thermal waters.

You will leave the urban center of Caldas de Reis and immediately join a beautiful path that will take you to the Church of Santa María de Carracedo this morning. Next stop is the municipality of Valga. Walk through Monte Castelo, deep forests dotted by the waters of the Valga River and old mills. Cross a bridge over the Fontenlo River. Enter Pontecesures, where you will cross the 1st century Roman bridge over the Ulla River that separates the provinces of Pontevedra and A Coruña. Once on the other side, you will find yourself in Padrón, a town bathed by the Sar River, land of illustrious Galician writers such as Camino José Cela or Rosalía de Castro and where the Roman altar is located where the boat with the remains of the Apostle Santiago was tied.

Shortly after leaving Padrón you will find the Santuario da Escravitude. Travel through O Faramello and reach Teo. Walk until you reach the Alto de O Milladoiro, where the Pilgrims knelt when they saw the Cathedral of Santiago for the first time. Without even realizing it you will reach Calle Rosalía de Castro, at the height of Plaza de Vigo, after a few steps you will enter the historic center of Santiago through A Porta Faxeira, continue along Rúa do Franco and shortly after reach Plaza del Obradoiro, although the traditional entrance of the Pilgrims of the Portuguese Way is through the Praza de Praterías.

Check out following breakfast and depart for onwards travels.