The endpoint of this 10-day pilgrimage trek that hugs the Atlantic Coast of northern Portugal, then heads inland into Spain, is the Santiago de Compostela—the final stop on the Way of St. James.
(photo: David Andres Gurierrez/iStock)
This trek takes an alternative route, along the stunningly spectacular, rugged northwestern coast of Portugal for the first day, then along the coast of Spain until you reach Santiago. You begin in Porto, the second-largest city in the country, designated a UNESCO World Heritage city, it dates to medieval times, runs along the River Douro, and is the place (no mystery) where port originates. (Port is that sweet, thickly, fortified red wine that typically serves as an after-dinner digestif.)
The Iberian Peninsula that houses modern-day Portugal and Spain is defined by its ancient storylines, and the corner-pocket where you’ll trek is a storehouse of historic towns, cities, communities, buildings and monuments, culture, cuisine and lifestyle that is really at the heart of this trip. Definitely worth considering.
Here’s the 10-day destination highlights (for more details, click link below):
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Day 1: Porto. If you arrive early you can spend time touring this historic city before meeting your group for dinner.
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Day 2: Travel to Oia, Portgual, and begin the trek, with Baiona, Spain, the day’s destination. You trek about 19 kilometres.
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Days 3 & 4: Vigo, and a rest day. Trek along the Atlantic Coast from Baiona to Nigran, Spain, for about 26 km, with the day’s destination the city of Vigo. The next day is a leisure one.
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Day 5: Redondela, Spain. Back on the trail, you again trek along the coast to the city of Redondela, where you overnight. (You trek about 16 km.)
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Day 6: Pontevedra, Spain. You trek about 20 km to the city of Pontevedra, but also stop at a fishing village to explore the local cuisine.
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- Villa de Ponte Sampai, in the province of Ponteverde, Spain. (Credit: David Andres Gurierrez/iStock)
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Day 7: Caldas de Rei, Spain. Heading inland, you trek about 21 km to Caldas de Reis, where you overnight.
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Day 8: Padrón. Today you trek about 19 km from Caldas de Rei to the town of Padrón, taking in scenery that includes forests, hot springs, and quaint communities.
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Days 9 & 10: Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Day 9 is your final trekking day (you trek about 25 km), and ends with your final stop in Santiago de Compostela — the end of the famed pilgrimage route. The next day, your final one, is free for you to explore the town, and to just enjoy your achievement.
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- (This photo and above:) A Camino de Santiago trekker, taking a break in Praza do Obradoiro (with the world-renowned Archcathedral Basilica in background, where it’s said St. James is buried), in the final stop of the trek, the city of Santiago de Compostela. (Credit: Solovyova/iStock)
Portuguese Camino Trek | INTREPID TRAVEL
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Length/Departs: 10 days; multiple date departs, best advice is to contact operator for current available departs (Sept., Oct. 2022; May, June, Sept., Oct. 2023 are scheduled departs, to date).
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Accommodations: hotels.
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Price: From approx. $2,280 CDN to $2,485 CDN (but must contact operator directly to verify current pricing).
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Difficulty: According to Intrepid Travel, “you need to be of good health in order to complete the walks,” with at least a “moderate level of fitness.” We recommend you speak directly with the operator for more details on these guidelines, and about specific supplies or equipment you’re expected to have to ensure you stay safe and well.
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Special Note: Intrepid Travel is a certified B Corp, and defines itself as a global company dedicated to “trips focused on ethical and responsible experiences,” with a mission that is “focused on empowering communities, protecting the planet and creating a more equitable experience for all travelers.” For more info on Intrepid Travel’s sustainability policies and practices, you can check out its Ethical Marketing Guidelines here.
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Health and safety policy: All travellers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to travel with Intrepid. Here’s the link to their health and safety protocols.
Trip description/details from operator. For more info about this trip click here.
A few guidelines on trip descriptions: All descriptions/itineraries are sourced from trip/tour operator, and Outpost assumes no liability. Prices are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated, are often “starting from” the one listed, and don’t necessarily reflect final/total cost (that is, taxes, in-country or extra fees might be added). And, prices indicated here do NOT include airfare, unless it says so. Date changes are always possible and sometimes even inescapable. So, always get in touch with an operator directly; sometimes they’ll let you know about a sale or special so a price may actually be less than listed here.
