Portuguese Camino Highlights Walk from Portugal to Spain 9D8N (The Central Route & The Coastal Route), Fully Guided

Depending on when you touch down in Porto, your guide will whisk you a way for a quick tour around the city's historic heart. With so much to see, we suggest arriving a day early if you’re keen to dive deeper into Porto’s vibrant streets and hidden gems.

In Porto, dive into a bounty of attractions, starting with the charming Ribeira District— a UNESCO World Heritage Site with lively streets, colourful buildings, and cafes offering calming views of the Douro River. The iconic Livraria Lello is another top attraction worth visiting. Its neo-gothic architecture makes it one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. And if you seek to capture some impressive photos of the cityscape, we recommend walking the iconic double-deck, Ponte Luís I Bridge where breathtaking vistas of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia come to life.

Tonight’s stay is at the legendary Porto Hotel, nestled in the prime location of Praça da Batalha. Step into rooms that redefine minimalist chic, where elegance meets effortless comfort, and a breath of fresh air awaits. Unwind at the bar or relax in one of its cosy lounge areas.

Level 3, Approx. 23 km (14 miles), 3-5 hours walking, Elevation gain: 70 m (230 ft)

After a leisurely breakfast this morning, we zip up the coast for a 30-minute transfer to the fishing town of Matosinhos, the starting point for our walk today. We walk along the Atlantic through a path that follows the Litoral Camino. The walk courses through a labyrinth of boardwalks and seaside promenades before reaching our lunch spot by the coast. Savour a delicious lunch fare amidst the glaring coast—you can try the local fish, too!

With our bellies full, we forge ahead, hugging the sea’s gaze until we hit Vila do Conde. Here, we’’ll wrap up our walk and take a 45-minute ride to the mediaeval marvel of Viana de Castelo, our destination.

Tonight’s accommodation is the Hotel Melo, the oldest urban manor house in town, now restored into a cosy boutique hotel. The restoration has artfully preserved its regal charm while unveiling a boutique wonder that celebrates the rich tapestry of Portuguese architectural history.

Once settled in, we can take a quick tour of the city centre, where you can visit the cathedral and church. Perhaps unwind with a drink by the old port before drawing the curtains on the day.

Level 4, Approx. 27 km (17 miles), 4-6 hours walking, Elevation gain: 315 m (1,033 ft)

Wake up to a delightful breakfast before we set out from our hotel. Our path snakes through winding country lanes and lush forest trails, where a blend of sea and mountain views accompany every turn. Tranquil Portuguese villages can occasionally be spotted on the hills parallel to the coast, making the walking experience even more rewarding.

We walk a few more clicks, ascending through a stretch of forest to a high point before trekking downhill to Vila Praia de Ancora. Once a quiet fishing village, this coastal gem now flaunts a 17th-century fort, golden sandy beaches, enchanting dunes, and is our lunch spot for the day.

Refuelled, we hit the trails again. This time, we’ll be walking over a relatively flat coastline path to the fortified town of Caminha at the mouth of the Minho River. You’re free to explore this historic walled town before being whisked away for a 30-minute transfer to Valença, another fortified gem famous for its fine linen, towels, and artisanal crafts.

Bordered by Spain in the heart of Alto Minho, the Hotel Lara is our welcoming accommodation for the night. This charming three-star hotel offers a comfortable retreat with well-appointed rooms featuring standard furnishings and a private balcony, perfect for enjoying the scenic views of the surrounding landscape.

Level 1, Approx. 18 km (11 miles), 1-2 hours walking, Elevation gain: 190 m (623 ft)

After breakfast, we leave the hotel and bid Portugal a heartfelt farewell as we cross the Ponte Rodo bridge into Spain. Our journey continues in Tui, a quaint Spanish border town where a majestic Romanesque Gothic cathedral rises, showcasing its storied past. We’ll meander past the impressive Pilgrim monument, a grand stone carving of a wanderer, before setting off along the scenic Louro River. This enchanting trek winds through lush, verdant woodlands and tranquil river paths between Orbenlle and O Porriño (a mining town famed for its striking pink granite and industrial legacy).

Upon reaching O Porriño, a shuttle will be waiting to whisk us away for a short 30-minute transfer to Pontevedra, where we can immerse ourselves in the allure of the historic old town and savour a delightful dinner at one of its many charming terrace restaurants, before returning to our accommodation for the night.

The Hotel Galicia Palace is a sophisticated hotel situated in the centre of Pontevedra. This elegant establishment offers a blend of style and comfort in its rooms.

Level 1, Approx. 23 km (14 miles), 1-2 hours walking, Elevation gain: 610 m (2,001 ft)

Today marks the start of our special detour along a partly coastal stretch of the Portuguese Camino known as the Spiritual Variant. This revered pilgrimage trail is often hailed as the original route of Saint James, marking the birthplace of all Caminos de Santiago.

After breakfast, we leave the hotel and head west toward the shimmering sea. Our journey takes us through the charming landscapes of O Salnés, past the historic village of Poio with its 17th-century Benedictine monastery, and through the quaint fishing hamlet of Combarro.

We cap off the day with a forested stroll to Armenteira, where a living 12th-century monastery stands as a testament to the ages. From there, it’s a short 30-minute transfer to Hotel Louxo La Toja, a chic hotel nestled on the picturesque La Toja Island off Galicia’s coast. Surrounded by lush landscapes and pristine beaches, this luxury retreat features rooms with sea views, a spa, and a restaurant, among many other top amenities. Unwind with a refreshing dip in the pool or a soothing drink by its seaview restaurant.

Level 3, Approx. 23 km (14 miles), 3-5 hours walking, Elevation gain: 150 m (492 ft)

After an energising breakfast, we embark on a 30-minute transfer to the charming town of Armenteira. From this starting point, we’ll dive into one of the Camino’s most breathtaking stages, where we tread the Stone and Water Route—an enchanting trail that meanders alongside the River Armenteira. This magical path, named for the 51 ancient mills and cascading waterfalls it encounters, offers a feast for the senses. For a moment, imagine yourself surrounded by a thriving forest, with the rhythmic roar of waterfalls and the whisper of the river weaving through a tapestry of time-worn mills—such is the ethereal beauty of this scenic journey.

In the afternoon, we trace a meandering path beside the River Umia, shuffling past lush Albariño vineyards and rolling fields that eventually unfold into the soothing gaze of the sea. Our accommodation for the night is none other than the charming Hotel Dinajan, located just a short stroll from the beach.

If you choose, you can enjoy a soothing swim in the sea. Or better still, return to the hotel, where there’ll be plenty of time to take a refreshing dip in the hotel’s pool.

Level 1, Approx. 2 km (1 mile), 1-2 hours walking

We set off with a walk to the picturesque harbour in Villanueva de Arousa, where our boat awaits to transport us along one of the rarest pilgrimages on water, the Translatio. This enchanting journey marks the final stretch of our Spiritual Variant, where we glide past 17 ancient stone crosses, each a beacon of the Apostle’s epic voyage. Our captain will regale us with tales of these historical markers, the bountiful mussel farms and the imposing ninth-century Oeste Fortress, once a bulwark against Viking raiders.

Upon our arrival in the quaint town of Pontecesures, we forge ahead for the final leg of our walk for the day, winding past the statues of Padron’s literary luminaries, Nobel laureate Camilo José Cela and the revered poet Rosalía de Castro. Our timing will be spot-on, landing us just in time for lunch, when we strongly suggest indulging in Padron peppers, a local delicacy that perfectly captures the region's essence.

As evening descends, retreat to Casa Rural—Casa Antiga do Monte, our cosy snug for the night. This charming countryside retreat tucked away in the vicinity of Padrón houses inviting rooms, a refreshing outdoor pool, a gym, and a relaxing sauna.

Level 4, Approx. 25 km (16 miles), 4-6 hours walking, Elevation gain: 400 m (1,312 ft)

Today caps off our spellbinding walk on the Camino de Santiago. We set out one last time, traversing postcard-perfect Galician hamlets and verdant woodlands, each step pulling us closer to the storied Santiago de Compostela. Along this enchanted route, we encounter the Igrexa de Santa María de Iria—once a victim of 10th-century destruction by the legendary Andalusian conqueror Almanzor and rebuilt two centuries later. This sacred site is also the resting place of the illustrious writer Camilo José Cela.

As we roll into Santiago, we dive headfirst into a living tradition, navigating through bustling streets toward the majestic Plaza del Obradoiro. Dominated by the cathedral’s towering presence, this is where our pilgrimage takes on a magical quality. We might glimpse the Botafumeiro’s dramatic swing during mass—an incense spectacle that adds a dash of theatrical flair to our visit. However, its appearance is as unpredictable as it is spectacular.

By noon, we set out on a city exploration, plunging into Santiago’s rich tapestry of history with a pilgrimage to the cathedral, the final resting place of Saint James himself. Our journey ends with a cosy farewell dinner at a charming Santiago eatery, where we toast to our shared escapades and the indelible memories we’ve woven together on this epic journey.

With memories to treasure for a lifetime, Hotel Gelmírez stands as the perfect sanctuary in the heart of Santiago de Compostela for our stay tonight. Enjoy the bright, inviting, and modern rooms, where you'll find the ideal setting to bask in the experiences of the past days.

After breakfast, our journey comes to a close. Bid farewell to the group as you begin your journey home. If you’re eager to extend your adventure, please reach out to your sales representative to arrange additional nights at our hotel in Santiago de Compostela or Porto.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.