Walk the most beautiful parts of the Portuguese Camino de Santiago to Spain. Try not to miss the golden beaches of the unspoilt Cies Islands marine-terrestrial NP on this self-guided walking trip.
Magical Northern Coast
Walk from coastal village to coastal village on parts of the famous St. James Way to Santiago de Compostela. This tour brings you from Northern Portugal to Galicia in Spain, where Cies Islands National Park is definitely worth a visit!
- Self guided along the most beautiful parts of the St. James' Way
- Local accommodation and luggage transfers
- Coastal villages and local life
- Small seaports and beaches
- Viana do Castelo town
- Fresh fish and seafood
- Atlantic Coastal landscapes with ancient buildings (monastry, fortress..)
- Baiona and possibility to visit Cies Islands marine-terrestrial NP
DAY 1 From Porto to Castelo de Neiva
After a meet & great we will head to a small fishing village, called Castelo de Neiva which is just a 30 minutes' transfer away from Porto. A member of our team will join you for a guided walk between sand dunes and pine tree forests. Take your time to enjoy the diversity of the local flora. Cross the beautiful centenary Eiffel iron bridge over the Lima River to the harbour town of Viana do Castelo. Overnight at the old town center of Viana do Castelo. In the area, you can find nice restaurants to enjoy grilled fresh fish.
Walk approx. 12km | Local Accommodation Viana do Castelo
DAY 2 Viana do Castelo
In the morning, enjoy a guided tour in the old town center and the fishing port area. Lunchtime at one of the local restaurants. Free afternoon to explore a little bit more of the city or take a surf lesson.
Local Accommodation in Viana do Castelo
DAY 3 Viana do Castelo to Vila Praia de Âncora
Today you will walk further north, always along the ocean. The centenary lighthouse, on the top of the promontory is one of the day highlights. Pre-historical rock engravings, old boat shelters and the coastal landscapes make this one of the most diverse walks of the tour. Overnight at Vila Praia de Âncora, a small charming coastal village.
Approx. 19 km | Accommodation in Âncora
DAY 4 Villa praia de Âncora to Caminha & boat crossing into Spain
Start walking along the rocky coastline following the Camino de Santiago footpath. With Ínsua fortress in sight, Spain is getting closer. Continue through the centenary coastal pine tree forest and Minho’s riverside until you reach Caminha, the departure port. After the boat crossing and a lunch break, keep walking another 6 km to A Guarda, a Galician fishing town.
Morning walk approx. 10km/ Afternoon walk approx. 6km | Accommodation A Guarda
DAY 5 A Guarda to Oia | Camino de Santiago
Leaving A Guarda head north, following the Camino de Santiago to the small village of Oia. The majestic monastery in front of the sea makes this place unique. Take your time to enjoy this part of the rocky coast. Our driver will take you to Baiona afterwards.
Approx. 12km | Accommodation in Baiona
DAY 6 Baiona
This is a day to relax and enjoy. Take your time to explore the Galician village where “Pinta”, a caravel from Colombo expedition first arrived in the fifteenth century, right after reaching the American continent. This charming coastal village has many pleasant places to explore. Depending on the season you can visit the marine-terrestrial National Park Cies Islands or just relax on the beach. There are boats departing from Baiona to the islands. We can organize your day excursion. As the Cies islands are protected the amount of people allowed per day is restricted. A permit is free of charge, only the boat crossing needs to be paid and is around 18 to 30 euro.
Optional walk. 10 km | Accommodation in Baiona
DAY 7 Departure day
After breakfast we will transfer you to Vigo. Here, there are many options to continue your journey or to return to Porto. Busses, trains or flights can bring you back to Porto.
Please contact YŪGEN tours to discuss your personal travel plans. We are happy to advise.
Important information
Best time to travel
Best time to travel is spring and September as the weather is normally excellent. During summer months it may get hot and crowdy, especially in August. The boat transfer to Spain is only possible from 1st of May until 1st of October.
Travel insurance
- It is always recommend to take out a travel insurance, covering for cancellation and curtailment, medical situations, baggage, emergency evacuation. Always check the specific conditions and coverage of your insurance policy, especially when participating in more adventurous activities.
- YŪGEN tours does not provide travel insurance.
Medical Precautions
- Check with your local immunization authority, travel clinic, public health facility or personal physician.
- Visit the WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION website for up to date information www.who.int
Travel documentation
If you do not have the Belgian nationality, you should inquire at the embassy in your country. The following is valid for people with Belgian nationality:
- A valid Belgian identity card or an international passport.
- A visa is not required.
- Children need their own identity card. Within the Schengen Zone it is recommended to bring a copy of the passport of the parent which does not accompany the other parent and the minor during the trip, as well as a document of consent of the non-traveling parent. This can prevent delays.
- Belgian citizens should consult the website of the Federal government for all travel related advise: diplomatie.belgium.be/nl/Diensten/Op_reis_in_het_buitenland/reisadviezen/portugal
Flights
- Flights are not included in the price of the tour. You are free to choose your flight dates, route, price and airline company if you wish to fly to Portugal.
- If you opt for flights with a stopover or transfer in the United States of America, please note that you must complete a VISA WAIVER. You can do this up to a minimum of 72 hours before arrival, and this on the website of ESTA (link is external). The permission is valid for 2 years and costs approximately 14 USD per person.
- Before booking your flights, please contact YŪGEN tours first to check if our local partners are not fully booked on the desired dates.
- The closest international airport to our suggested trips is Porto's Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport.
Feel free to contact YŪGEN tours for more information and assistance. We will be more than happy to assist.
