Portuguese Coastal Camino (Lisbon to Santiago) Full Itinerary Day 1: Arrive Lisbon Today is your arrival day into Lisbon. Please refer to our Travel to Portuguese Coastal Camino document or contact your Camino Specialist if you need advice on how to travel here. Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a city that is rich in Portuguese culture, showcasing traditional architecture, cobbled streets, inviting laneways, colourful tiles and gorgeous beaches only a short drive from the city centre. With a year-round Mediterranean climate, Lisbon has one of the warmest winters of any metropolis in Europe! Enjoy exploring this beautiful city by foot or tram and if time permits jump on a train or bus to one of the stunning beaches in the surrounding area. By night, Lisbon has a real buzz to it, especially in the Bairro Alto district and surrounds. Whether you are after some good food and good wine or a night out dancing, there are many options to suit any taste! We recommend you do not miss; Sao Jorge castle and the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower. Day 2: Lisbon to Santa Iria de Azoia (26km) After breakfast, follow the arrows from the Cathedral to Alfama ( the old Moorish quarter ) through the old port and onto the river path, which you will follow out of Lisbon. A quiet path leads you through green valleys to the town of Santa Iria de Azoia. Day 3: Santa Iria de Azoia to Vila Franca de Xira (14km) Follow the river path into Alverca where you can stop to get refreshments and snacks for your day ahead. To get back to the Camino, enter the train station (on the museum side) and cross over the railroad on to the elevated walkway, which will lead you back to the paved river path. Follow the path to the beautiful town of Vila Franca de Xira, home of the famous bullfighting festival in July.
Day 4: Vila Franca de Xira to Azambuja (20km) Leaving Vila Franca de Xira, walk through the municipal gardens along the river. In Vila Nova da Rainha (approx. 12km) the route takes you through the town. With bars and restaurants alongside the trail, this makes a great stop for lunch. After this town you will have a 5km walk alongside the highway towards your Azambuja. The town is famous for its bull run, taking place in the streets in May. Day 5: Azambuja to Santarem (33km) The town of Santarem is the highest point of this route, climbing 110m; however, the majority of your day will be a relatively easy walk through vineyards, orchards, groves and crop fields. Note: There are no facilities between Muge and Santarem (16km) so be prepared with snacks and water. Day 6: Free day in Santarem We recommend you visit the Sun Gate (Porta do Sol), a beautiful lookout point where you can watch the sunset and soak in the magnificent views. Day 7: Santarem to Golega (31km) Walking along quiet country lanes and farm tracks running parallel to the river Tejo, your trail is quite flat so it should be relatively easy walking today soaking up the country scenery. Departing from Santarem you will need to make your way to the gardens at Porta do Sol inside the castle ramparts. In the square directly in front of the gardens, the Porta de Santiago (Gate of Santiago) leads you out of town and down a dirt path that descends going around the castle walls. The arrows on this section are in need of painting so ensure you pay close attention. After this point the path is freshly marked and easy to follow. Golega is the centre of Portugal s horse-breeding area and there are many horse shows throughout the year. We recommend you visit Largo da Imaculada Conceicao, with the manueline church of Our Lady from the 14th century. Day 8: Golega to Tomar (30km) Departing Golega you will walk towards Quinta da Cardiga, one of the most beautiful manor houses in the country. Crossing the bridge, you will follow the dirt road through almost 5km of eucalyptus forest. You will travel through interesting countryside with gentle rolling hills and villages or hamlets at regular intervals along the way. In Asseiceira (approx. 20km), there is a fountain with a wonderful footbath for cooling the feet. It is beside what looks like an old swimming pool as you walk into the hamlet. Tomar is a pleasant town on the River Nabao. The Covento de Cristo sits above the town and is definitely worth the walk up the hill. It is both castle and monastery, built by Feb 2018 RAW Travel Itinerary Portuguese Coastal Camino: Lisbon to Santiago 2
the Knights Templar in the 12th century. It is agreed to have the best Manueline (flamboyant Portuguese gothic) window in Portugal. Also worth visiting is the 15th century synagogue, said to be the oldest in Portugal. Day 9: Tomar to Alvaiazere (31km) Enjoy a change of landscape as you travel through lovely woodland, valleys, ancient Roman roads and farm tracks. Today s walk is one of the most challenging; however, it is also very rewarding. The path has several marked turns; these may be on electricity poles, rocks or buildings, so please keep your eyes peeled as you walk. Few of the tiny hamlets we pass through have facilities so stock up on water and food before leaving Tomar. Alvaiazere is a small town with all the services you will need for your overnight stay, such as grocery store, pharmacy, restaurants and bars. Day 10: Alvaiazere to Ansiao (15km) The trail begins with a sharp climb out of Alvaiazere, followed by a gradual descent. You will walk through rolling hills, olive groves and crop fields to your destination Ansiao. About 1.5km before you actually enter Ansiao you will pass a sign saying you are in Ansiao; keep walking and you will soon see the township, which has banks, stores, bars and free internet available at the library. Day 11: Ansiao to Condeixa A Nova (30km) On your walk out of Ansiao you will cross the 17th century bridge of Ponte da Cal. There are lots of trees along your route today, offering plenty of opportunity to rest in the shade. In the village of Alvorge you will be able to access ATM and refreshments. There is also another village called Rabacal which is worth a stop to try their well known cheese and perhaps venture off to the Roman Villa, just 2km out of town. After crossing the highway you will travel on an unpaved Roman road for the rest of your journey to Condeixa A Nova. Day 12: Condeixa A Nova to Coimbra (19km) Departing Condeixa A Nova, you will walk through beautiful countryside, dotted with vineyards, olive groves and forests. The final stage of your walk takes you climbing over the Alto de Cruz de Mourocos, at 190m, before dropping down into Coimbra. Coimbra was once the capital of Portugal. It has a magnificently preserved Gothic cathedral and university from the 13th century. Feb 2018 RAW Travel Itinerary Portuguese Coastal Camino: Lisbon to Santiago 3
Day 13: Free day in Coimbra Exploring Coimbra by foot is a treat, with its 13th century Gothic cathedral, university and churches, narrow streets of the old town and lively atmosphere. Day 14: Coimbra to Mealhada (22km) Taking you along valleys and through urban areas, the trail stays relatively flat after your initial climb up to Cioga do Monte as you leave Coimbra. While we have short stretches of the roman road, much of today is spent on asphalt and there are several stretches of main road. Your stop for the night is Mealhada, located in an area famous for its wine-making and roast suckling pig (Leitao). Day 15: Mealhada to Agueda (25km) Walking through vineyards on a tarmac trail today s route will take you to the city of Avelas de Caminho, with a strong historic connection to the Camino de Santiago. About 7.5km prior to your overnight stop of Agueda you will walk through a very industrial area. Agueda is a town with many shops and restaurants. If time permits, have a stroll through the Parque da Alta Villa which is a huge shady park with lots of painted pig statues! Day 16: Agueda to Albergaria A Velha (16km) Following the ancient Roman road known as Via Romana XVI through eucalyptus and pine forests. This a leisurely section of the Camino into Albergaria A Velha. While there is not much to do in Albergaria A Velha it is a pleasant town, providing the opportunity to relax and soak up the peaceful atmosphere. Day 17: Albergaria A Velha to Sao Joao da Madeira (29km) Your day will start with a lovely walk through the eucalyptus and pine forest. As you continue it will become progressively more urbanised with many crosses over the main road and railway as you approach Sao Joao da Madeira. The terrain also becomes more irregular as you will pass through several river valleys and gentle hills. The good news is that facilities along this stretch are good with many opportunities for refreshments along the way. Sao Joao da Madeira is not a very attractive town, however if you want to see something different, check out the old hat-making factory, which is now a museum and has exhibits describing the old hat-making process. Feb 2018 RAW Travel Itinerary Portuguese Coastal Camino: Lisbon to Santiago 4
Day 18: Sao Joao da Madeira to Grijo (19km) Travelling through a mix of urban areas and original Roman road, today s walk is relatively short. You will pass the town of Arrifana with its distinctive blue church, before making your way along the cobbled Roman road downhill by O Mosteiro de Sao Salvador de Grijo, dating back to the 13th century. Today you will have a few crossings over busy main roads. Upon entering Grijo, you will hug the high walls holding loads of greenery behind them, the entrance to the monastery is within those walls and is obvious, this will be your overnight stay offering you peace and respite from the traffic. Day 19: Grijo to Porto (15km) Enjoy the refreshing breeze of the Atlantic Ocean as you make your way into Porto, the world capital of Port wine. The old city centre of Porto has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996. There is plenty to amaze you in Porto, from the colourful riverfront and the Douro river with its period Port wine boats, to the friendly locals and tasty cuisine. Day 20: Free day in Porto Porto charms visitors with many architectural highlights, a picturesque river front and colourful historic old town, which was UNESCO heritage listed in 1996. Be sure to visit the Porto Cathedral before tomorrow s walk. You can easily spend a few days here. There s a mix of the old and the new with colourful markets, wine bars, port cellars and a lively atmosphere to soak up and enjoy. Day 21: Porto to Póvoa de Varzim (26km) The day begins by taking the Metro to Matosinhos to avoid the outskirts of Porto and reach the coast to start your walk on the Portuguese Senda Litoral (Seashore Path). Get off at the Mercado stop. Today s walking is flat and easy. You will be accompanied by many kilometres of golden sandy Atlantic beach, which will be your guide to the town of Póvoa de Varzim. The route along the coast from Matosinhos is well marked. Your walk will be close to and on the beach, pavement, the cycle track and wooden walkways, passing fishing villages, forts and chapels, the archaeological remains of Castro San Palo and the medieval shipyard town of Vila do Conde with its pretty harbour and imposing Convent of Santa Clara just across the River Axe. Walk another 3km to the conjoined sister town of Póvoa de Varzim, a popular resort and holiday town. Note: The Coastal Way travels up to 5km inland after leaving Porto, through soulless stretches of industrial built up areas, along busy roads and passes the airport runway until, after some 20km, finally enters rural areas at Labruge. Feb 2018 RAW Travel Itinerary Portuguese Coastal Camino: Lisbon to Santiago 5
Day 22: Póvoa de Varzim to Esposende (20km) On your way to the old fishing village of Esposende the Coastal Way runs close to the beaches before you pass by the little town of Apúlia with its windmills set in the dunes, then cross through the Coastal Natural Park (Parque Natural do Litoral Norte), and the pine forest before Fao. Cross the River Cavardo on the spectacular bridge before arriving at Esposende, a popular resort and fishing town on the estuary. Day 23: Esposende to Viana do Castelo (26km) Today there is a choice of walking the Coastal Way along the quiet roads, which continue slightly inland from the coast via Marinhas, Belinho, Neiva and Darque to Viana do Castelo, which is reached after crossing the River Lima on Eiffel s old iron bridge. Some of the best beach walking is in this section. The alternate route is to take the Seashore Path along the coastal roads, walkways and beach, before turning inland to meet up with the Coastal Way at the Ponte Sebastaio bridge over the River Neiva. Classified as a mecca of architecture, Viana do Castelo is famous for its monuments in and around the city, and the surrounding natural beauty of its beaches and seafront. Take the opportunity to visit the 15th century cathedral and take the funicular to the Basilica de Santa Lucia for some of the best views of the West Atlantic coast. Day 24: Viana do Castelo to Caminha (27km) Today s walk will continue along the wild Atlantic coastline. Once again, either choose the Coastal Way, which is a little inland, passing a world of old farms using narrow roads, or the Seashore Path along quiet roads, the beach and boardwalks above the dunes. From the old fishing village of Ancora both Ways share the same path and you will continue along the shore towards Caminha, right by the Minho estuary, where the river meets the Atlantic. Day 25: Caminha to Oia (17km) This morning from Caminha you will take the ferry across the river Minho to A Guarda in Galicia. There are about 10 crossings per day from Caminha to A Guarda (the schedule varies depending on the season). The fishing port of A Guarda is home to Galicia s most impressive ancient Celtic settlements; the Santa Tecla on the hill above the town, an authentic archaeological gem with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. As an option, on leaving the ferry, instead of walking directly to A Guarda, consider a scenic walk around the peninsular to enjoy an alternative way to enter the town; this will add an extra 4km. Feb 2018 RAW Travel Itinerary Portuguese Coastal Camino: Lisbon to Santiago 6
Continue north on the path on the coastal side of the main road, C-550. This section is flat with very little shade. As you approach Oia you will be rewarded with the spectacular view of the 12th century Monastery of Santa Maria de Oia on the shore. Day 26: Oia to Baiona (18km) Start the day by once again taking the path along the dramatic coast until just before reaching As Marinos where the Coastal Way crosses the main road and heads inland and upwards towards Baredo along the old Royal Path. The path crosses the main road between Ponte and Baiona and enters the town. Baiona is the most popular seaside tourist town in southern Galicia and has a well preserved old town and numerous important monuments. It was here in 1493 that the Caravel La Pinta returned with news of the discovery of America by Columbus. A replica is moored in the harbour. Also in Baiona is the medieval fortress, Monte Real, originally intended to deter pirates from this stretch of coast, and in 1585 repelled an English raid led by Sir Francis Drake. The tourist office and Parador are housed within the walls. Day 27: Rest day at Baiona Parador / Optional Tui excursion A day to relax and recover in this lovely little coastal town. (If you prefer, this rest day can be taken earlier in Caminha or Viano Do Castelo or taken out of your itinerary if you are on a shorter timeframe.) You can use this day to travel to the nearby historic town of Tui with its cathedral, which is the highlight of the inland Camino. Baiona Parador has the most amazing views over the wild Atlantic Ocean, as well as first class facilities to relax and enjoy. Baiona itself has many great cafes and restaurants and a wonderful atmosphere. Day 28: Baiona to Vigo (23km) Today you will follow the Coastal Way, the main road being a constant presence from Baiona to Nigrán and finally to the large busy and cosmopolitan city of Vigo. The path becomes more urbanised from Baiona; however, you will enjoy fantastic views of the Bay of Vigo and the offshore islands, Islas Cies. Vigo is entered by crossing the city park and following the River Lagares. Vigo is a huge industrial city, so closer to walking in here expect industrial areas, highways and busy roads. There is an option to have a rest day in Vigo and from here you can take a ferry trip out to the Cies Islands, which are known as the Caribbean of Spain and are a beautiful protected national park (the ferry runs from June September and on weekends in May). Day 29: Vigo to Redondela (15km) From the city of Vigo you will continue on the Coastal Way. Depart Vigo via its main shopping street and follow the road walking uphill with the Bay of Vigo on the left Feb 2018 RAW Travel Itinerary Portuguese Coastal Camino: Lisbon to Santiago 7
where the British sunk many galleons in the 1702 battle of Vigo Bay. The Camino to Redondela is a pleasant walk with great views of the Vigo estuary as the walk continues through a string of hillside villages. Your stop for the night is the town of Redondela, known as the Village of Viaducts, where all the different Portuguese Camino s join with the original Portuguese Camino Way to Santiago de Compostela. Day 30: Redondela to Pontevedra (20km) Today is the most beautiful day of walking. You walk on the Camino Portuguese near the Ria de Pontevedra to the village of Arcade famous for the best oysters in Galicia. Cross the long medieval bridge of Ponte Sampaio over the River Verdugo where Napoleon s army was defeated by the Spanish in 1809 during the War of Independence. Then climb up through the forest and enjoy one of the most beautiful stretches of the Camino following the ancient narrow stone paths as they climb up the slope. The path widens amongst fields and vineyards, arriving at Pontevedra with its pretty historic centre, 13th century church of Santa Maria, and the famous Pilgrim Virgin s church (La Virgen Peregrina), which although appears round, is actually in the shape of a scallop shell. Pontevedra is another good rest day option as it has a wonderful atmosphere to soak up and enjoy. Day 31: Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis (22km) Today the Camino Portuguese will take you over the O Burgo bridge and through chestnut groves and pine and eucalyptus trees. Emerging from the woods at Lombo da Maceira, a statue of Saint James with his walking stick points the way to Santiago. You will pass the pretty village of Tivo with its lovely fountain and public washing area. Continue on through rural fields and vineyards to the Roman influenced town of Caldas de Reis where you will find the thermal springs after crossing the river Umia. You may wish to soak your feet in the thermal springs upon your arrival into the town. Day 32: Caldas de Reis to Padron (19km) Today s walk is one of the most beautiful of the whole route. The path once again takes you through pine forests and rural areas through the Bermana and Verga valleys to today s destination across the Ulla River, the town of Padron. When the body of St James was being brought to Compostela by boat, Padron was said to be the first land it reached. The parish church has the legendary Pedron, the stone where St James boat was moored. Day 33: Padron to Santiago de Compostela (26km) Your final walking day on the Camino Portuguese will provide some variety through woodlands and on increasingly busy roads. You will pass through a number of small Feb 2018 RAW Travel Itinerary Portuguese Coastal Camino: Lisbon to Santiago 8
villages and the suburbs of Santiago de Compostela. After making your way to the historic sanctuary of A Escravitude, continue to the Chapel of San Martino where you can see some of the oldest wayside crosses (cruceiro) in Galicia. After passing through Milladoiro and reaching the tiny town of Agro dos Monteiros, pilgrims now for the first time will have a view of the spires of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. After crossing the Sar River, continue through the streets of the city via Porto Faxeira, the entrance of the Portuguese Way into Santiago de Compostela. Make your way via Rua Franco to Praza das Praterias and the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Day 34: Santiago de Compostela Free day to explore this wonderful city, the final stop on the epic Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail. Santiago is a unique city imbued with the aura of a millennium's worth of journeys. Day 35: Depart Santiago de Compostela You are free to check out of your hotel any time before 10am. If you would like to explore Santiago further you are able to leave your bags with reception. Feb 2018 RAW Travel Itinerary Portuguese Coastal Camino: Lisbon to Santiago 9