Arrive in Porto, one of Europe’s oldest cities and the starting point for your Camino journey. With its colourful old town, UNESCO-listed Ribeira waterfront, historic Porto Cathedral, and vibrant food and wine scene, Porto is the perfect place to ease into the Camino spirit. Wander cobbled streets, explore riverside markets, and pick up your first pilgrim stamp. Be sure to look for the distinctive yellow arrows and scallop shells that will guide you all the way to Santiago.

This morning you’ll take the Metro or a short taxi ride to Matosinhos to skip the industrial outskirts of Porto and begin your Camino on the scenic coastal boardwalks. From Matosinhos, follow the Portuguese Seashore Path, walking alongside golden beaches, fishing villages, and rolling surf. The path is mostly flat and easy underfoot, with a combination of wooden walkways, paved promenades, and seaside lanes. Stay close to the coast throughout the day — avoid yellow arrows that lead inland. Finish in Póvoa de Varzim, a relaxed beachside town known for its maritime traditions and long esplanade, ideal for an evening stroll or seafood dinner.

Follow the coast north from Póvoa de Varzim, with the Seashore Path and Coastal Way overlapping much of the day. Pass through Agucadoura and Areia, walking beside sandy beaches and dunes before entering the Parque Natural do Litoral Norte. At Apulia, you can choose to continue inland through forests or follow the shore — both routes reunite at the Cávado River, where a scenic bridge leads into Esposende, a relaxed resort town on the estuary with a strong fishing heritage

Today’s stage offers route flexibility — walk inland through Marinhas, Belinho, and Chafé on the traditional Coastal Way, or take the quieter Seashore Path along beaches, boardwalks, and rural roads. The paths converge at the Ponte Sebastaio Bridge over the Neiva River, before splitting again. Whichever way you go, the final destination is Viana do Castelo, known for its elegant cathedral, riverside setting, and the hilltop Basilica de Santa Luzia, offering sweeping views of the Atlantic.

Continue north along the coast, following either the Coastal Way through inland villages and farmland or the Seashore Path along dunes and beaches. The official Camino route sticks slightly inland, passing quaint hamlets and cobbled lanes with views across the ocean and nearby hills. Rejoin the shore in Vila Praia de Âncora, a small fishing town with a lovely beach and relaxed atmosphere — perfect for an early swim or evening meal by the water.

Set off along a coastal promenade, following the Caminho Português da Costa signs toward Caminha. The path hugs the rocky shoreline and sandy beaches, passing Moledo before reaching the Minho River estuary. After exploring Caminha’s historic centre, take the ferry across to A Pasaxe in Galicia (or arrange a boat transfer if unavailable). From there, you may choose a direct route or the longer scenic walk around the peninsula to enter A Guarda, a vibrant fishing town and gateway to the Santa Trega Celtic hillfort.

Spend the morning exploring A Guarda’s harbour and historic centre before heading north past the small coastal fort. The route soon joins a broad path beside the PO-552, hugging the rocky shoreline with views of the Atlantic. This flat, open stage offers little shade, but is rewarded with a striking arrival into Oia, where the imposing 12th-century Monastery of Santa María de Oia dominates the waterfront. Relax in this small village known for its authenticity and Galician traditions.

Follow the rugged Atlantic coast north from Oia, beginning on a trail beside the cliffs and then joining the PO-552 road. Around 11.5km in, turn inland and follow the ancient Royal Path — a cobbled Roman road that climbs gently toward Baredo, passing through forest and over granite slabs marked with centuries-old wheel ruts. From the village, descend into Baiona, with views of the Cíes Islands and the Parador fortress on the headland. This vibrant seaside town was the first place in Europe to hear of the New World, and a replica of La Pinta is moored in the harbour.

Leave Baiona along the Seashore Path, crossing the Ponte Ramallosa bridge over the Rio Miñor. From here, choose to follow the coastline or take the hillier Coastal Way inland — both routes converge near Vigo. The seaside path offers promenades, beach boardwalks, and urban parks, while the inland route traverses forested back roads. As you approach Vigo, Galicia’s largest city, expect more urban terrain and multiple entry points — follow yellow arrows to reach your accommodation near the lively Rua de Urzaiz in the lower part of town.

Depart Vigo by one of two marked paths: either follow the coastal route past the railway station, or pick up the Camino Coastal Way through residential streets and forested hills. Both paths offer glimpses of the Vigo estuary and pass through peaceful suburbs and woodlands. Arrive in Redondela, known as the “Town of Viaducts,” where the Coastal and Central Camino routes merge. With its charming centre and historical character, Redondela is a natural gathering point for pilgrims from both paths.

Walk through forests and over gentle hills as the Camino passes through Arcade, a riverside village famous for Galician oysters. Cross the medieval Ponte Sampaio bridge over the River Verdugo, the site of a famous battle against Napoleon’s forces. Climb steadily through shaded trails and stone paths before descending into Pontevedra, one of Galicia’s most beautiful towns. Explore the pilgrim plaza, the Santuario da Peregrina shaped like a scallop shell, and the atmospheric old quarter with its arcaded squares and lively cafés.

Leave Pontevedra by crossing the scenic Ponte do Burgo bridge, decorated with scallop shells, and continue along shaded paths through chestnut groves, eucalyptus forests, and small villages like San Amaro. Pass the Cruceiro de Amonisa, where a statue of St. James points the way to Santiago. The route winds through peaceful countryside, with highlights including the charming hamlet of Tivo and its historic fountain. Finish in Caldas de Reis, a town famous for its thermal springs — perfect for soaking tired feet after crossing the Umia River into town.

Today’s walk is one of the most scenic on the Camino, weaving through pine forests, farmland, and the lush Bermana and Verga valleys. Cross the Ulla River into Padrón, a town deeply connected to St. James, where legend says his body first reached Spanish soil. Visit the Igrexa de Santiago to see the Pedrón stone, kept beneath the altar, and explore the leafy riverside promenade. This peaceful stage blends natural beauty with some of the Camino’s richest spiritual history.

Leave Padrón behind and follow woodland trails and quiet lanes toward Milladoiro, Santiago’s largest suburb. Along the way, visit the Sanctuary of A Escravitude, a striking hilltop chapel, and the Chapel of San Martiño. Pass through the outskirts of Milladoiro and soon catch your first glimpse of the Cathedral spires from afar. After crossing the Sar River, follow the original Portuguese Way into the heart of Santiago de Compostela, entering through Rua Franco and arriving at the Praza do Obradoiro in front of the Cathedralhome to one of Galicia’s oldest wayside crosses (cruceiros).

Your pilgrimage officially comes to a close. Some pilgrims continue on to Finisterre or Muxía, while others begin the journey home.