SPAIN HIKING TOUR
EL CAMINO DE SANTIAGO
Sample Itinerary
PORTUGUESE COASTAL WAY
For over 1000 years, pilgrims have traipsed wearily across the plains, hills, coastlines, and mountains of the Iberian peninsula to pay homage at the shrine of St James (Santiago) in Spain’s northwestern city of Santiago de Compostela. El Camino de Santiago de Compostela is one of the world’s most famous and greatest long-distance walks.
Along the way, you may encounter a few who are faithful, but you’re equally as likely to meet a diverse mix of hikers, cyclists and horse riders, or just those on some kind of personal journey. You will be walking north along a more tranquil route – “El Camino de Santiago por la Costa” – the Portuguese Camino by the Coast.
This lesser travelled part of the Portuguese camino is stunningly beautiful and follows the coast to Santiago. Meet fellow pilgrims, discover local traditions and enjoy the unique atmosphere of it all, rewarding yourself with good food after a day walking the lush countryside. Don’t worry, you will walk far enough to earn yourself a pilgrim certificate, Compostela, at the Pilgrims Office when you arrive in Santiago. Explore the magic of Santiago’s Old Town, a wonderful UNESCO World Heritage city.
This is YOUR trip and you can add extra days to shorten your walking stages or stay additional nights in Santiago to explore this fantastic city. Ask our team for advice. CHOOSE YOUR OWN DATE FOR THIS ADVENTURE!
This is a customizable tour. Dates are available upon request.
Please note these prices are based on a MINIMUM OF 4 PARTICIPANTS. Surcharges apply for fewer participants.
Highlights
STARTS AT
USD per Person
THIS IS A CUSTOMIZABLE ITINERARY FOR GROUPS OF ALL SIZES.
DATES ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.
DAY 1: Arrival Day – Vigo, Spain
Welcome to Vigo!
Check in at the Hotel. Dinner at your leisure.
Stay at a hotel in the city centre.
- Meals: -/-/-
- Overnight in Vigo
Day 2: Starting at Valladares
After breakfast, private transfer to Valladares, the starting point of “El Camino de Santiago por la Costa”- Portuguese Camino by the Coast. Departing from here pilgrims are entitled to obtain the Compostela. Each person is handed a “Credencial” which serves as a Pilgrim´s passport to official services and the only way to obtain the Compostela. It must be stamped on the way two times per day (detailed information where to get stamps will be given to walkers).
You will have impressive views of Vigo´s bay. Dinner is at an old river mill that has been transformed into a pleasant Taperia.
Meals: B/-/D
Distance: 14.1km
- Meals: B/-/D
- Overnight: Redondela Apartment Hotel
Day 3: Redondela to Pontevedra
After breakfast, join the other pilgrims along the Camino.
Marks along the way are visible and easy to follow. Almost half way and there are plenty of bars where you can get a “menu del peregrino” (pilgrim’s menu). Alternatively you could try the local speciality in one of their restaurants; oysters.
On arrival to Pontevedra, walk to the hotel for a rest and prepare for a nice evening in the Old Quarter of this beautiful city. There are plenty of bars throughout its pedestrians streets to have tapas and drinks. Dinner at your own leisure.
Distance: 21km
- Overnight: Pontevedra
- Meals: B/-/-
Day 4: Pontevedra to Armenteira
In the morning we leave Pontevedra following the yellow arrows and other “Camino” mark, such the shell, until we get to a big sign post announcing two options; The Portuguese Way or the Spiritual Way. We turn left to follow the second. We will pass by the first Monastery of the day; Mosteiro de Poio and its impressive Horreo (characteristic buildings only found in Galicia), dedicated to keep the grain all year round.
Combarro is a fishing village popular for its many “horreos” hanging on the sea: Perfect place to taste the local sea specialties. After that, there is a good climb up to Armenteira, so we recommend a good rest (maybe a siesta ) before facing the hill. At arrival to today´s destination we can visit the Armenteira Monastery and stroll in the picturesque village.
Then we have a private transfer to the hotel to refresh and we will prepare for a wine tasting at a local winery of the very popular “Albariño wine” followed by a nice dinner at the hotel restaurant with local products.
Distance: 21km
- Overnight: Armenteira
- Meals: B/-/D
Day 5 Armenteira To Vilanova de Arousa
We will follow the Camino signs. On the first stretch the route matches also the Stone and Water Route following down the river and passing numerous mills. Once this route finishes we will find again the Santiago signs, which will take us on a path up the Umia River.
Dinner in Cambados, which was named the European Wine Capital in 2017! There are plenty of charming restaurants with local food, and we will arrange a booking in one of them to taste the best seafood. Night at Cambados in a 4* hotel.
Distance: 23km
- Overnight: Cambados
- Meals: B/-/D
Day 6 Vilanova – Boat (Traslatio) – Padrón (7 Maritime Miles and 6,2 Miles)
From Vilanova we will take a private boat to Pontecesures. It is believed that this is actually the way Santiago Apostol arrived to Santiago. Traslatio is the name for this route, which follows the 17 Cruceiros (stone crosses) till the end of the bay and up the Ulla river.
Accommodation in a Rural house (charming B&B) in Padrón. Dinner at the accommodation.
Distance: 10km (walking), 11km (by boat)
- Overnight: Padrón
- Meals: B/-/D
Day 7: Padrón to Teo
Today’s stage will take us through beautiful paths of forests and vineyards as we get closer and closer to Santiago. Today we finish our stage just 6 kilometers from our goal in the town of O Milladoiro, from where we can see for the first time the Cathedral of Santiago from the top of O Agro dos Mosteiros.
Accommodation in a Rural house (charming B&B) in Padrón. Dinner at the accommodation.
Distance: 17km
- Overnight:Teo
- Meals: B/-/D
DAY 8: MEYMAND VILLAGE AND SHAHR-E BABAK
Today is a day of great joy because we finally arrive in Santiago! We begin early to reach the Cathedral of Santiago in time to celebrate the Pilgrim’s Mass at 12:00.
Distance: 18km
- Overnight: Teo
- Meals: B/-/-
Tour Exclusions
Payment Details
Prices are based on double occupancy. Single supplement fee applies.
A 20% non-refundable (unless cancelled by us) deposit is required at time of booking to reserve your place. Please contact info@finisterra.ca for more booking information, Terms & Conditions and an invoice.
Credit Card: If you would like to pay by credit card or eTransfer please contact info@finisterra.ca
IMPORTANT NOTE
PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change. Although we always do our best to stick to the itinerary, due to the ever-changing nature of Morocco, activities, hotels, and visits are subject to change due to forces beyond our control.
FLIGHTS: Please do not purchase your flights until this tour is confirmed.
PASSPORTS: Must be valid for at least 6 months upon return date to your home country. Proper documentation is the responsibility of each traveller.
VISAS: (responsibility of the traveller)
Final Payment: due 60 prior to departure
Travel Insurance
Cancellation, Travel, Flight, and Health insurance are required and are the responsibility of the participant to research and secure the appropriate coverage. Click HERE for a Travel Insurance Quote or please email nicola@finisterra.ca for a quote.
Check with your local travel agent /insurance provider/health plan for advice about traveling overseas.
Waiver Form
All participants will be required to sign a Waiver Form prior to departure.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Even though we wish you a flawless trip, things can happen, especially nowadays. Make sure you are prepared with a Travel Insurance policy that is right for you. Finisterra recommends Manulife Insurance or John Hancock Please feel free to ask us about Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance, Cancel for Any Reason Policies, Travel Medical Insurance, or any other questions you may have.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR CANADIANS
Travel with confidence knowing that you’re covered with Manulife Insurance.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR AMERICANS – JOHN HANCOCK
Explore the world, stress-free, when you book travel insurance with John Hancock International.
WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
At Finisterra Travel we help you discover, push personal boundaries, and explore the unknown.
We are super passionate about sustainable, transformational, and adventure travel. Definitely not “armchair travellers”, we have firsthand experience of where you’ll be heading.No one wants to feel like a tourist which is why when we plan a custom travel experience for you, we strive to make your adventure as authentic as possible. We offer an array of Small Group Adventures & Custom Trips, and have something for every type of traveller.
Our unique itineraries are designed to best showcase some of our favourite destinations around Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, North America, and Europe. All itineraries are fully-customizable.Not your typical online travel agency, nor are we quite a tour operator, we are international travel designers with a flair for unique experiences. We’d love to hear from you!
JOIN OUR FINISTERRA TRAVEL COMMUNITY
Stay up-to-date with us when you sign up for our newsletter.