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- Coastal route to Santiago Compostela: Stage 1

Coastal route to Santiago Compostela: Stage 1
- 7 Days
- Distance: 99 km
- Moderate
- Closest Airport: Aeroporto Sá Carneiro
- Min Age: 16
Portuguese Coastal route to Santiago de Compostela: Stage 1
Follow the Atlantic breeze towards Santiago
Walk towards Santiago using the Portuguese coastal path. Cross sunny and seaside areas such as Póvoa, Esposende, Vila Praia de Âncora, Caminha and Baiona. Be in mind this is the original route to Santiago de Compostela “near” the Coast. It is possible to adapt the hiking route for a easier terrain. A big part of the pilgrims already walk near the sea, avowing some mountains and forest. You may also consider our Easy route North of Atlantic Coast. This hike is divided in two different stages. Stage 1 which goes through Portuguese territory and <a href="/tours/{title|deburr|slugify|lowercase|trim}/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stage 2 which takes you through Spain to Santiago de Compostela. For a complete experience you might think to book the 2 stages, Route description
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All days are mostly flat with very few and minor hills
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The main roads are avoided for the majority of the time and as such every kind of terrain is used during this walk
Itinerary 6 Nights / 7 days:
- Day 1: Porto
- Day 2: Transfer to Praia da memória – Póvoa: 20 km
- Day 3: Póvoa – Esposende: 25 km
- Day 4: Esposende – Viana do Castelo: 26 km
- Day 5: Viana do Castelo – Vila Praia de Âncora: 19 km
- Day 6: Vila Praia de Âncora – Caminha: 9 km
- Day 7: Departure
Extra 2 days route, 140 Km:
- Day 7: Caminha – Oia: 23 km
- Day 8: Oia – Baiona: 18 km
- Day 9: Departure
Map
Itinerary
Day 1: Porto
Hotel 4*: Trindade Hotel
Day 2: Transfer to Praia da memória → Póvoa: 20 km
Starting at the monument in Praia da memória, which represents the landing place of the troops that defended the city of Porto, during its long siege in the first half of the XIX century, a 20km walk awaits. This day’s walk is integrally flat with minor and imperceptible short climbs, to which contributes the low coast level of this area. It ends in Póvoa de Varzim, a city known to be historically connected to the sea. Some of the areas that might spark your interest during the day are: the fish market at Angeiras, the almost imperceptible triangulation station of São Paio, the small and protected landscape of Vila do Conde Coast and Mindelo Ornithological reserve which you will pass through during your walk, Santa Clara’s Monastery in Vila do Conde, a replica of a Portuguese vessel called Nau in Vila do Conde and the fortress of Nossa Senhora da Conceição in Póvoa de Varzim, right at the end of this day’s walk. Hotel 4*: Grande Hotel da Póvoa
Day 3: Póvoa → Esposende: 22 km
Another flat day. It goes from Póvoa de Varzim to Esposende. Today, half of the day will be nearby the North Coast Natural Park, which goes from south of Apúlia to the river mouth of the river Neiva. This walk portraits an urbanized coastal area, with a decent amount of cobblestone roads in the company of farmed land and path walks near the beach. Some of the areas that might spark your interest during the day are: Masseira agriculture fields, which is a unique form of agriculture practiced in the dunes around this area and the fort of São João Baptista in Esposende. Hotel 3*: Suave Mar
Day 4: Esposende → Viana do Castelo: 26 km
Leaving Esposende in order to get to Viana do Castelo, you will find a route with several ups and downs until your final destination. Prepare to admire the surroundings with a lot of natural landscape. Halfway you might notice the chapel of Senhora do Castro. In the same area there is a sightseeing viewpoint that captures the beautiful mountainous landscape. While in Viana do Castelo you can visit the Cathedral and the Santa Lúzia Sanctuary. Hotel 4*:** Melo Alvim**
Day 5: Viana do Castelo → Vila Praia de Âncora: 19 km
Departing from Viana do Castelo this is the shortest walk so far. Almost nineteen kilometers separate Viana and Vila Praia de Âncora. The walk itself is flat done mainly on dirt paths and cobblestone roads. It conveys a naturalistic feeling, being most of the walk done in a not so urbanized coast, like in the previous one. Some of the areas that might spark your interest during the day are: The several forts and windmills you will find along the way, the lighthouse of Montedor and the Dolmen of Barrosa in Vila Praia de Âncora. Hotel 4*: Hotel Meira
Day 6: Vila Praia de Âncora → Caminha: 9 km
Continuing along the coast and keeping the same type of low land terrain, the walk today gets to the heart of the river that divides Portugal and Spain in their northernmost frontier. This is an easy walk, short in distance and elevation. Spain can already be seen in the previous walk, however today, it is clearly visible in a mountain which looks most like a volcano. Some of the areas that might spark your interest during the day are: The chapel of Santo Isidoro, the wayside cross of Santo Isidoro, Camarido woods by which you will pass near the end of this walk, the chapel of N. S. das Areias and the village of Caminha one and a half kilometers away from the hotel. Hotel 4*: Portas do Sol
Day 7: Caminha → Oia: 23 km
The beginning of this walk leads to a fisherman boat, which will take it to leave Portugal and enter Spain. While being slightly less flat, the path follows the same tendency as the previous one, being majorly plane, with its highest point at 60m and lowest at 0m. This walk follows part of the road that connects Tui and Vigo through the coast, however touching it only occasionally when no alternative path exists. This road has a big shoulder in the form of a path for bicycles and pedestrians, which makes it safe. Some of the areas that might spark your interest during the day are: Sea Museum in Guarda, the several sightseeing points along the way and the monastery and town of Oia. Hotel: Glasgow
Day 8: Oia → Baiona: 18 km
Walking between Oia and Baiona feels like the previous walk. The same road is followed and in the same terms, although a big portion of the walk is done on the main road. The same protective shoulder exists every time the path stays on this road. A considerable portion of the path is asphalted road. Some of the areas that might spark your interest during the day are: The several sightseeing points along the way, the lighthouse of Cabo Silleiro, the old lighthouse of Cabo Sileiro, the coastal artillery of Cabo Silleiro, the statue of virxe da rocha, the castle of Monterreal, which is the location of the hotel and the museum of the Carabela La Pinta. Hotel 4*: Parador de Baiona
Day 9: Departure
Price
What's included
Season:
- LS - Low season: Nov 01 to Mar 25
- RS - Regular season: Mar 26 to 25 Jun and Set 26 to 31 Oct
- HS - High Season: Set 01 to 25 Set
- SS - Summer Season: Jun 26 to August 30
Observations:
- Prices are based for 2 people sharing the same room;
- Sea view (when available) or premium rooms, price on request;
- Prices can suffer updates due high season, holidays or weekends
- Beverages are not included at lunch and dinner when included in the package
- If in a triple room with parents Children up to 10 years old - 35% discount. Children from 11 to 14 years old - 20% discount. Children from 15 to 17 years old - 15% discount.
Extras
- Solo traveler: 200 €
- Single supplement: LS: 300€, RS: 329€, HS: 360€, SS.390€
- Extra nights: on request
- Private group price on request
- City taxes is not included in the price package (approximately 2€ per person per night - payable on site - in Lisbon city tax is 4€ per person per night)
- Ferry (boat) in river / lake crossing is not included in price package (approximately 2€ to 10€ per person)
Photos
Faq
How do we ensure customer welfare during the tours?
How do we ensure customer welfare during the tours?
We provide special attention to the welfare of our customers by maintaining an appropriate pace during guided tours, allowing you to enjoy the scenery and the way of life of the Portuguese.
What is the daily schedule like on your tours?
What is the daily schedule like on your tours?
Each day's ride ends in the afternoon, giving you time to relax before the next gastronomic experience, where you can taste regional flavors. We aim to provide an exceptional adventure with a little extra spice.
What types of walking tours do you offer in Portugal?
What types of walking tours do you offer in Portugal?
We offer the following types of walking tours: Self-Guided Tour Guided Tours Guided Tour Plus
What is included in the Self-Guided Tour?
What is included in the Self-Guided Tour?
The Self-Guided Tour includes: airport transfers Hotel bookings with breakfast included GPS with route Light picnics Daily luggage transfer to the next hotel Transfer from the destination back to the start point
What is included in the Guided Tours?
What is included in the Guided Tours?
The Guided Tours include: includes everything described in the self –Guided tours Guide and support van for the walking tour Water, snacks, and transport for any dropouts Organized lunches and dinners for the group
What additional benefits are included in the Guided Tour Plus?
What additional benefits are included in the Guided Tour Plus?
The Guided Tour Plus includes everything described in the Guided Tours, plus daily lunches and dinners featuring typical dishes of the Portuguese regions.
How do you classify the routes?
How do you classify the routes?
Our route classifications are as follows: Easy (1/5): Mostly flat terrain with daily distances up to 15 km. Easy to Moderate (2/5): Mostly flat terrain with daily distances between 15 km and 25 km, with short climbs up to 20% of the route. Suitable for inexperienced hikers with some fitness preparation. Moderate (3/5): Terrain can be dirt roads or trails, mostly flat with daily distances between 15 km and 25 km, with some climbs up to 40% of the route. Suitable for walkers with fitness preparation. Moderate to Hard (4/5): Terrain can be dirt roads or trails, with daily distances between 15 km and 25 km and moderate climbs up to 60% of the route. Suitable for hikers with fitness preparation who want to challenge themselves. Hard (5/5): Terrain can be dirt roads or trails, with daily distances between 15 km and 30 km and strong climbs up to 60% of the route. Suitable for experienced hikers.
In which languages are guided tours available?
In which languages are guided tours available?
Guided tours are available in Portuguese, and English.
Is insurance included in the tours?
Is insurance included in the tours?
Liability insurance and personal accident insurance are included only in guided tours. We recommend all participants to ensure their Travel Insurance has adequate coverage for Cancellation and Refund, Luggage, Medical Expenses and Repatriation, Death and Permanent Disability.
What should I pack for each hiking holiday?
What should I pack for each hiking holiday?
To ensure you're well-prepared for a hiking experience, we recommend the following gear and clothing. Note that we provide a cycling jersey and bib shorts for all our guests. General Clothing: Bathing suit and sandals Walking shoes/sandals Evening and casual wear Walking Gear: Walking sticks (available upon request) Different pairs of walking socks Walking backpack (available upon request) Walking shoes
How do I book a tour with Top Walking Tours Portugal?
How do I book a tour with Top Walking Tours Portugal?
Booking a tour with Top Wlaking Tours Portugal is simple and straightforward. Start by visiting our website and browsing through our diverse range of tour packages. Once you've selected the perfect tour for you, reach out to us directly via our contact form or email. Our team is ready to provide you with all the information you need and assist you in finalizing your booking.
How long is a proposal valid?
How long is a proposal valid?
The proposal is valid for 30 days.
Are city taxes included in the tour price?
Are city taxes included in the tour price?
No, city taxes are not included and are payable on site. The approximate cost is €1 or €2 per person per night. In Lisbon, the city tax is €4 per person per night, and in Porto, it is €3 per person per night.
Is the proposal a confirmed booking?
Is the proposal a confirmed booking?
No, with a proposal, nothing is confirmed until accommodations are reserved and a deposit is requested.
Are transfers included if I book extra nights at the beginning of the tour?
Are transfers included if I book extra nights at the beginning of the tour?
Yes, transfers are included for extra nights booked at the beginning of the tour, as long as the nights are booked through us.
Are transfers included if I book extra nights at the end of the tour?
Are transfers included if I book extra nights at the end of the tour?
No, transfers are not included for extra nights booked at the end of the tour.
How many bags are included in the luggage transfer?
How many bags are included in the luggage transfer?
Each person is entitled to one bag for luggage transfer. If you need to transfer additional bags, an extra charge of approximately €100 per bag will apply, depending on the specific bicycle tour you choose.
What happens after I confirm the proposal?
What happens after I confirm the proposal?
After confirming the proposal, accommodations will be reserved. Once all accommodations are reserved, the tour will be confirmed, and a deposit will be requested.
Are unused services refundable?
Are unused services refundable?
No, services not used are not refunded.
How will I be picked up at Porto airport?
How will I be picked up at Porto airport?
Someone will be at Porto airport with a card displaying the "Top Bike Tours Portugal" logo and/or your name.
How will I be picked up at Lisbon airport?
How will I be picked up at Lisbon airport?
For tours starting in Figueira da Foz, Lisbon, or Évora, look for meeting point 3 at Lisbon airport. There will be a card with your name for your transfer.
Can I postpone a tour? What is your flexibility?
Can I postpone a tour? What is your flexibility?
Yes, you can postpone a tour with Top Walking Tours Portugal. We offer flexibility in our booking policies, allowing you to postpone your walking tour free of charge up to 30 days before the start date, no questions asked. This provides you with the convenience to adjust your plans if needed. Click our full cancellation policy.
What payment methods do you accept?
What payment methods do you accept?
At Top Walking Tours Portugal, we offer a variety of payment methods to ensure a convenient and secure booking experience for our customers. We accept the following payment methods: Bank Transfers: Direct bank transfers are accepted, and no fees will be charged. Flywire: We are pleased to offer Flywire as a payment option, providing secure and convenient international payments. Please note that a 2% fee applies for this option. The payment link will be provided once Top Walking Tours Portugal confirms your tour.
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