April 25, 2025 - May 4, 2025

The Portuguese Way

128 km/79.5 miles

Day 1, April 25, 2025 - Baiona

We will pick you up at the Vigo, Spain (VGO) airport. You will have some time to explore Baiona. It is a beautiful fishing village famous for having been the first port in Europe where, with the arrival of La Pinta, and the discovery of America, was announced. You can visit the Monument to the Encounter between Two Worlds or the Pinta Caravel Museum. We will gather for dinner and a formal welcome before heading to bed, in preparation for our walk starting the next day.

Day 2, April 26, 2025 : Baiona–Nigran (8 km)

Day 3, April 27, 2025: Nigran–Vigo (19 km)

We will start from Baiona heading towards Vigo ( we will take 2 days to walk this stage). Throughout this stage, we will continue to follow the coast, passing through Nigran before arriving in Vigo. Nigran is a beautiful town with a splendid beach that is worth visiting in the hot summer months.  We will also enjoy spectacular views of both the Bay of Vigo and the Cies Islands

Day 4, April 28, 2025: Vigo – Redondela (16 km)

The departure from Vigo brings us a pleasant surprise, as the itinerary follows the Senda da Traída das Augas, with forests and panoramic views over the estuary. Upon entering Redondela, our Coastal Way joins the Central Portuguese Way, the great Jacobean route that comes from Lisbon, Porto and Tui, which we will follow over the next few days to Compostela.

Day 5, April 29, 2025: Redondela – Pontevedra (20 km)

Refreshing coastal stage around Rías de Vigo and Pontevedra. We start at sea level then climb up through mixed forest around Alto de Lomba before dropping down again to the sea at Arcade which offers safe swimming (beach showers). We then start the 2nd uphill stretch to climb the ancient stone path Vella da Canicouva to the next high point around Cruceiro Cacheiro before descending finally to the provincial capital of Pontevedra. The stage is varied with several drinking fonts and cafés. 

Day 6, April 30, 2025: Pontevedra – Caldas de Reis (22 km)

You will start the day by moving into the magnificent pine and eucalyptus forests, and then continue through the many villages in the region. The route to Caldas de Reis will be indicated by the famous statue of Santiago, resting on a cane, located in Lombo da Maceira. Before arriving at your destination you can make a stop in Tivo, known for its fountain and public laundry, and then pass by the Church of Santa Teresa and cross the River Umia. In Caldas de Reis, you can visit its hot springs, ideal to relax and provide relief to your body after a day of walking. You will also have the possibility to know the Church of St. Thomas A Becket, a construction from the 19th century and the only temple of the region in Galicia in honour of this saint, Archbishop of Canterbury.

Day 7, May 1, 2025: Caldas de Reis – Padrón (18 km)

Gradually we are getting closer to the finishing line. Today we will enjoy incredible landscapes and discover more of the cultural richness of these fantastic lands. You can make a stop in Santa Marina and then start descending until you find the River Fontelo that will announce that you are about to reach Padron, a municipality in the province in La Coruna, famous for its peppers. It is also recognized as the birthplace of two important writers, Rosalia de Castro and Camilo Jose Cela. There you can walk through its charming streets and visit the Carmen Convent, erected in the 18th century, or the Church of Santiago, built a few metres from where the disciples of Santiago moored the boat in which they transported the body of the Apostle.

Day 8, May 2, 2025: Padrón – Rua de Francos/Faramello (12 km)

Day 9, May 3, 2025 - Rua de Francos/Faramello - Santiago de Compostela, Spain (13 km)

On days 8 and 9 we split this last stage of the Portuguese Way. It is largely urban areas. As for gradients, it is worth mentioning the moderate and progressive ascent to Agro dos Monteiros, in O Milladoiro. In the cultural sphere, apart from Santiago with its extraordinary cathedral, the beautiful collegiate church of Iria Flavia stands out, which was the first cathedral in Galicia; in its cemetery, under an olive tree, we find the humble tomb of Camilo José Cela, illustrious Nobel Prize winner for Literature. After arriving in Santiago we will spend 1 night in the historical city. 

Day 10, May 4, 2025 We will transfer you to the Santiago de Compostela, Spain (SCQ) airport 

Included Activities:

• Nature immersions in picturesque farmlands, rural landscapes, forests, stunning beaches, and historical landmarks.
• Guided hiking averaging 10 miles per day, for 8 days. 
• Journaling
• Yoga
• Meditation
• Shell Ceremony
• Pilgrim Certificate
• Tapas Tour in Santiago