The number of stages of this trip depends on where you start the Portuguese Way along the coast. In our case, we will start in the city of Baiona and it will take us 8 days, 7 nights and 6 stages to reach the Cathedral of Santiago.
Here is a summary of the stages of the Portuguese Way of St. James along the coast that you can do in group with Viajeros Canallas:
Day 1: Arrival and accommodation in Baiona
Before starting the Portuguese Way of Saint James along the coast you will find yourself in the beautiful city of Baiona. We recommend that you arrive in the morning (or even if you feel like it a day earlier on your own) to enjoy its beaches, its streets and corners and the castle. de Monterreal, an impressive 16th century fortress offering panoramic views of the ocean. and the surrounding route, before starting your Camino de Santiago.
The first day will be for you to get organised to get to Baiona and meet your fellow travellers. Don't worry, we will provide you with the location of the hostel before the start of the trip through the WhatsApp group.
The adventure begins!
Day 2: Stage 1, Baiona - Vigo (along the coast)
Distance to be covered: 25.3 kilometres. Estimated time: 6/7 hours. Difficulty: Medium
This first stage of our Portuguese Way along the coast is the longest of the 6 that we will walk, but technically it is simple. We will leave Baiona behind, crossing the river Baiña over a small bridge, advance through the neighbourhood of Sabarís and cross the majestic bridge of A Ramallosa, where you can't miss the beautiful views of the river Miñor.
Just after, at km 4.5, you will have to choose between 2 paths: the original one, which goes inland, with more climbs and descents and a total of 27.5 km, or the alternative one, which runs along the coast, much flatter and 2 km shorter. We definitely recommend the latter, which is signposted with green arrows instead of the yellow ones typical of the Camino. VERY IMPORTANT if you choose the coastal route, follow the green arrows.
At the end of the bridge of A Ramallosa we will have to turn left, parallel to the river Miñor until we reach 3 beautiful beaches: first we will find the extensive América beach, then Panxón and, finally, the much smaller and quieter Patos beach.
The stage continues with a steep climb that will take us to the Camino do Portiño and the neighbourhood of Saiáns, which now belongs to Vigo. Our route runs alongside the road until we reach Oia, a coastal town, and the beaches of Canido and Vao.
We'll continue along the coast until we reach the mouth of the Lagares River, which we'll cross over a small bridge and arrive at Samil beach. From this point on, you won't see many arrows, but don't worry, the Way is very intuitive and will always lead you to the same place: the centre of Vigo.
Day 3: Stage 2, Vigo - Redondela
Distance to be covered: 16.3 kilometres. Estimated time: 4 hours. Difficulty: Low
In this second stage we will leave Vigo behind, following its main artery, Rúa Urzáiz, until we reach Calle Toledo, where we will once again come across the yellow arrows that mark the Way of St. James.
Shortly after, we'll come across a pleasant surprise: the Senda da Traída das Augas. Leaving Vigo behind, we will walk along this beautiful path that will offer us impressive panoramic views of the Vigo Estuary and we will walk along narrow paths along water channels enjoying the tranquillity of the forest.
Just past kilometre 10 of the route we reach the highest point of the route with a breathtaking view of the Rande Bridge and the bay of San Simón.
We will finish the stage with a long and sometimes steep descent, crossing Rande and Portela until we reach Redondela, where our route meets the inland Portuguese Way.
Day 4: Stage 3, Redondela - Pontevedra
Distance to be covered: 19 kilometres. Estimated time: 5 hours. Difficulty: Medium
This third stage is full of contrasts between beautiful natural landscapes and urban areas. We will also have to overcome interesting stretches with a couple of considerable ascents and descents.
As for the landscapes of the Portuguese Way of St. James, in this stage we will enjoy beautiful views of the Rías Baixas. And if you like seafood, after walking about 7 kms, you can stop and taste the famous Arcade oysters.
The final stretch of the stage is technically easy and we will reach a city full of charm: Pontevedra. From Viajeros Canallas we invite you to lose yourself in its cobbled streets and its spectacular old town.
Day 5: Stage 4, Pontevedra - Caldas De Reis
Distance to be covered: 23 kilometres. Estimated time: 6 hours. Difficulty: Low
When we leave Pontevedra, we cross the river Lérez over the Puente do Burgo bridge. The route follows the national road in its entirety, it is an easy stage, with no gradients and constantly running along asphalt and dirt tracks.
One of the charms of this stage more beautiful and unknown by the pilgrims is the Natural Park of the Barosa River with its majestic waterfalls, where you can take a bath. From Viajeros Canallas we definitely recommend you to visit it. You just have to turn off about 400 meters from the Camino, after passing A Portela. Do not worry, it is well signposted and we will remind you so you do not miss it!
And then we arrive at Caldas de Reis, a beautiful locality known for its hot springs.
Day 6: Stage 5, Caldas De Reis - Padrón
Distance to be covered: 19 kilometres. Estimated time: 5 hours. Difficulty: Low
The section from Caldas de Reis to Padrón is perhaps the most scenically interesting stage. There will be frequent but moderate slopes. You will see extensive agricultural valleys and small villages that will make this stage of the Portuguese Way of St. James an unforgettable memory.
When you arrive in Padrón, as well as thinking about where to eat some good peppers, remember to take advantage of the wide range of cultural activities on offer in the city.
Day 7: Stage 6, Padrón - Santiago De Compostela
Distance to be covered: 24 kilometres. Estimated time: 6 hours. Difficulty: Medium.
This is the last day of our route along the Portuguese Way of St. James. As is logical, feelings are running high. On the one hand, the joy of achieving your challenge and on the other, the sadness of feeling that this is over.
The stage runs almost entirely on asphalt, continuing along the national road N-550. It is not technically complicated and in terms of gradients, the moderate and somewhat long climb to Agro dos Monteiros, in O Milladoiro, stands out, which is undoubtedly compensated by the first views we will have of the city of Santiago de Compostela.
We will also pass through Iria Flavia, which was the first cathedral in Galicia. As a curious fact, in the cemetery of this town, under an olive tree, is the tomb of Camilo José Cela.
A few kilometres from Santiago we will have to choose between 2 routes: Conxo and Santa Marta. We always say that you can take the one you want, but on this occasion we recommend that you take the Santa Marta detour, as Conxo is almost 2 kilometres further. Remember to always keep in mind that you are not far from being able to enjoy the majesty of the Cathedral of Compostela. We have made it, congratulations pilgrim!
Day 8: Farewell
