Camino Portugués da Costa Medal

The journey begins in Porto, one of Portugal’s most beautiful and atmospheric cities. Wander through its historic streets, admire the colourful houses along the Douro and soak up the energy of this vibrant city before taking your first steps on the Camino.

Famous for its port wine, Porto is more than just a starting point, it’s the first taste of Portugal, the beginning of your adventure, and the place where the Camino starts to unfold. From here, the road leads you towards the Atlantic coast, with salty sea air, wooden boardwalks, sandy beaches and the simple rhythm of walking, one step at a time.

Just north of Porto lies Matosinhos, a lively coastal town shaped by the Atlantic and its long fishing tradition. For many pilgrims, this is where the Camino truly begins to feel like a journey.

From here, the route leaves the city behind and follows the coastline, with the sound of the ocean beside you, wide sandy beaches and wooden boardwalks stretching into the distance. Take your first steps along the Atlantic, breathe in the salty air and settle into the rhythm of the Camino, one step, one kilometre, one day at a time.

Vila do Conde is a charming coastal town where history and the Atlantic come together. Explore its historic centre, admire the impressive aqueduct and soak up the relaxed atmosphere of this traditional Portuguese town.

As you continue along the Camino, the pace begins to slow. The ocean is never far away, fishing boats line the harbour and the sound of your footsteps becomes part of the journey. It’s a beautiful place to pause, take it all in and simply enjoy the road ahead.

Póvoa de Varzim is a lively seaside town where the Camino meets the Atlantic. Known for its broad sandy beaches, long promenade and strong fishing heritage, it’s a great place to slow down and enjoy the coastal atmosphere.

Take a stroll along the waterfront, watch the fishing boats come and go, or settle down for some fresh local seafood. After a day of walking, Póvoa offers the perfect chance to pause, recharge and enjoy the simple pleasures of life by the sea.

Esposende is an atmospheric coastal town where river, ocean and nature come together. Surrounded by sandy dunes, pine forests and protected landscapes, it offers a peaceful change of pace along the Camino.

Here, the route feels wonderfully close to nature. Follow the boardwalks through the dunes, breathe in the fresh Atlantic air and enjoy the quiet rhythm of walking. With the ocean stretching out beside you, Esposende is a beautiful place to reconnect with the journey and simply keep moving forward.

For many pilgrims, Viana do Castelo is one of the highlights of the Portuguese Coastal Way. This beautiful city combines elegant architecture, a rich maritime heritage and the unmistakable atmosphere of northern Portugal.

High above the city, the magnificent Basilica of Santa Luzia awaits on the hillside. Climb up and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views over the Lima estuary, the Atlantic Ocean and the rooftops of Viana do Castelo. After days of walking along the coast, it’s a moment to pause, look back at the road you’ve travelled and take in the journey ahead.

Just before the Spanish border lies the picturesque town of Caminha, where the Atlantic coast meets the River Minho. With its charming historic centre, peaceful squares and beautiful waterfront, it’s a memorable final stop on the Portuguese side of the Camino.

From here, many pilgrims make their way across the Minho towards Spain, marking an exciting new chapter in the journey. As you look across the river to the hills of Galicia, you can feel that the Camino is taking you somewhere new, one step closer to Santiago.

After crossing into Galicia, pilgrims arrive in A Guarda, a charming coastal town where Portugal gives way to the green landscapes of northern Spain. The town is best known for Monte Santa Trega, an ancient archaeological site perched high above the coast.

Climb to the top and you’ll be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean, the River Minho and the coastline stretching towards Galicia. It’s a memorable moment on the Camino, a chance to look back at Portugal and feel that a new chapter of the journey has begun.

Oia is one of the most special places along the Portuguese Coastal Way. Here, the Camino runs remarkably close to the Atlantic, with the sound of the waves accompanying you along the rugged coastline.

The highlight is the impressive Monastery of Santa María de Oia, a former Cistercian monastery standing right beside the sea. With the ocean on one side and the mountains on the other, this is a stretch of the Camino that feels truly unforgettable: wild, peaceful and wonderfully close to nature.

Baiona holds an important place in the history of the Atlantic. On 1 March 1493, the caravel La Pinta arrived here carrying news of Christopher Columbus’s voyage to the New World. It made Baiona the first port in Europe to hear the news of the expedition’s success.

Today, the town still carries a strong sense of its maritime past. Wander through the charming old streets, walk along the waterfront or explore the impressive Monterreal Fortress overlooking the bay. For pilgrims, Baiona is a place where the Camino’s coastal journey meets a fascinating chapter of history, with the Atlantic always close by.

Vigo, the largest city in Galicia, brings a completely different energy to the Camino. After days of walking through quiet coastal landscapes and small seaside towns, you suddenly find yourself surrounded by the buzz of a lively Atlantic city.

Set around the beautiful Ría de Vigo, the city combines urban energy with a strong connection to the sea. Take some time to explore its streets, enjoy the waterfront and soak up the atmosphere before continuing your journey towards Santiago. Here, the Camino reminds you that the road is about more than nature and solitude, it’s also about the places, people and stories you encounter along the way.

Pontevedra is one of the most beautiful historic cities along the Camino Portugués. Its charming, pedestrianised old town is filled with atmospheric squares, ancient churches and elegant stone buildings.

For pilgrims, Pontevedra is a wonderful place to slow down and wander. Follow the Camino through the heart of the old city, pause at one of its lively squares or visit the striking Sanctuary of the Pilgrim Virgin. After the long road behind you, the city invites you to take a breath, enjoy the atmosphere and savour the journey.

Caldas de Reis is a historic thermal town, famous for its natural hot springs. The healing waters have attracted visitors since Roman times, and today they offer pilgrims a perfect opportunity to slow down, relax and recharge.

After days of walking, there is something special about arriving in a town where thermal water has been part of local life for centuries. Take a moment to rest by the River Umia, enjoy the warm waters or simply let your tired feet recover. Santiago is getting closer, but here, the best thing to do is slow down and enjoy the moment.

Padrón holds a special place in the history and legends of the Camino. According to tradition, the remains of the Apostle Saint James arrived here by boat, brought from the Holy Land by his disciples. The boat is said to have been moored to the famous Pedrón, the stone that gave the town its name.

Today, the Pedrón can be found beneath the main altar of the Church of Santiago. For pilgrims, arriving in Padrón means stepping into one of the oldest and most symbolic stories of the Camino, with Santiago now only a little further ahead.

After an unforgettable journey along the Atlantic coast, pilgrims finally arrive in Santiago de Compostela. The journey ends at the magnificent Cathedral of Santiago, where centuries of pilgrims have gathered after walking the Camino.

Step into the historic old town, follow the familiar scallop shells through the ancient streets and make your way to the cathedral. Take a moment to stop, look around and let it sink in: you made it. From the first steps in Porto to this final destination, every beach, village, hill and kilometre has been part of the journey.

The Camino may end here, but the memories, and the feeling of having walked your own way, stay with you.