What equipment do I need to bring?

The basics include sturdy hiking boots, a comfortable backpack, weather-appropriate clothing, and a water bottle. For some tours, you might also need specialized equipment like hiking poles, which you can find recommended in the What To Bring section on each of our tours.

How do I get to the starting point of the tour?

Most of our tours begin in locations that are easily accessible via public transportation. Whether in Europe, the Americas, or other regions, the starting points are typically near major airports, train stations, or bus stops. We will provide you with detailed instructions on how to reach the start of your tour using public transport options. If you prefer more convenience, we can arrange private transfers directly from the airport or train station to your starting location for an additional charge.

Is accommodation included in the tours?

Yes, accommodation is included in all of our tours. We carefully select hotels, guesthouses, and mountain huts that offer comfort and a welcoming atmosphere after a day of hiking.

What is the accommodation like on a walking tour?

Typically, you'll stay in comfortable 3-star hotels, guesthouses, or mountain huts in more remote areas. Please note that in the mountain huts, accommodations are often shared, with dormitory-style rooms, though some huts offer private rooms if booked well in advance.

Can I upgrade the accommodations?

Yes, accommodation upgrades are generally possible for most hotels or B&Bs. In the case of mountain huts, there are usually no other options nearby. However, you can book a private room instead of a dormitory if you are early enough. Please note that upgrading accommodations will affect the final tour price.

What is the tourist tax?

Tourist tax is a small fee charged by some destinations, ranging from €0.50 to €2.50 per night. It is commonly included in your final accommodation bill. However, in some cases, it may need to be paid in cash on-site.

What is luggage transfer?

Luggage transfer means your baggage is transported from one accommodation to another throughout the tour. It comes convenient on most of our tours except the location-based ones, as it lessens the burden on your back during the hike and allows you to bring additional luggage. Please note that luggage transfer is not possible on all treks.

Will my luggage be transported?

Luggage transfer is not possible in every location, especially on high-altitude treks. Therefore, we don't include it by default. However, you can optionally add it to your booking on the tours where it's doable. Please note that adding the luggage transfer affects the final price of the hiking tour.

What is the luggage allowance?

Each transfer allows only one bag per person, which must be soft. The maximum weight permitted is 15 kg. Additionally, bags must not contain food, beverages, medicines, valuables, money, or official documents.

What does a typical day look like on a walking tour?

Every day on a hiking tour begins in the same way: with breakfast. Then, it differs between the tour types. On hut-to-hut or inn-to-inn hikes, you must leave the accommodation early enough to reach your next lodging within the check-in window. On center-based hikes, you can leave and return anytime (barring any additional instructions from the accommodation). You can even opt out of hiking and stay in. On travel & hike tours , you might initially have to drive or take public transportation to the hike's starting point before moving on to your next accommodation. After hiking, you can spend the rest of the day as you please.

What if the weather changes unexpectedly during my hike?

Weather can be unpredictable, especially in mountainous areas. We closely monitor conditions and will inform you if changes are necessary. As long as you dress accordingly, you can do most of our hikes in light rain. In case of severe weather and storms, we’ll advise you on alternative routes, suggest less strenuous hikes, or offer public transport options.

What happens if I need help on the trail?

Our support is available to solve minor issues. Additionally, your digital guidebook will include a contact for the local emergency services in the case of a severe crisis.

Can you accommodate my food restrictions?

Buffet breakfasts in hotels or guesthouses offer enough variety to accommodate vegetarians and vegans. Mountain hut meals are more limited but usually include at least one vegan option. For strict dietary restrictions, you should consider bringing your own food. If you have particular dietary expectations, you must inform us in advance.

Can I extend my trip?

Absolutely! You can extend your holiday by adding extra lodgings to your booking before, during, or after the tour. We will book the additional nights of accommodation and provide recommendations to make the most of your extended stay.

Are meals included in the price?

Aside from some exceptions in remote places, your booking encompasses half-board accommodation in mountain huts and accommodation with breakfast in hotels, guesthouses, or B&Bs. We provide lunch and dinner recommendations for the latter, allowing you to experience the local cuisine according to your taste instead of eating at the hotel.

Will I have cell reception in the mountains?

It varies, but as a rule of thumb, you should expect poor mobile reception on our high-altitude hikes. Nonetheless, our travel material and GPS-navigation app can be used offline, ensuring you are fully prepared for any situation.

Of course. We even curated a selection of hiking tours most suitable for solo travelers .

Are these tours kid-friendly?

It depends on their age and experience, but we also picked several tours suitable for families with children of all ages and levels of experience.

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Camino Portugues Coastal

14 days / 13 nights

Walk the Camino Portugues Coastal from Porto to Santiago de Compostela, exploring vibrant cities, serene beaches, and historic trails along the Atlantic.

Starting point

Porto

Finish point

Santiago de Compostela

Season

From April to October

Technical level

1/5

Fitness level

3/5

Tour type

Pilgrimage

Walk the Camino Portugues Coastal from Porto to Santiago de Compostela, exploring vibrant cities, serene beaches, and historic trails along the Atlantic.

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Self-guided from 1.349 €/person

Cancel in the first 48h for free

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Walk the Camino Portugues Coastal from Porto to Santiago de Compostela, exploring vibrant cities, serene beaches, and historic trails along the Atlantic.

Starting point

Porto

Finish point

Santiago de Compostela

Season

From April to October

Technical level

1/5

Fitness level

3/5

Tour type

Pilgrimage

Highlights

Discover the vibrant streets and rich heritage of Porto
Walk along scenic boardwalks, embracing the Atlantic's breathtaking views
Cross the historic Ponte Sampaio, steeped in tales of Napoleon's defeat
Explore the old-world charm of Pontevedra, with its cobbled streets and lively atmosphere
Immerse in the serenity of eucalyptus forests between Vigo and Santiago
Experience the cultural mosaic of Santiago de Compostela

Itinerary of the trip

As you arrive in this enchanting Portuguese city, known for its rich tradition of Port wine and a UNESCO-listed old town, you can grab a taste of traditional Portuguese dishes like "francesinha" or fresh seafood at riverside restaurants. The city's vibrant atmosphere, illuminated by the reflections on the Douro River, sets the perfect stage for your upcoming Camino journey.

Gallery

To commence your coastal journey from Porto, you'll take the metro to Matosinhos, bypassing Porto's outskirts to reach the sea. Starting at the metro stop, your walk follows the Atlantic coastline. Along the way, you'll pass quaint fishing villages, historical forts and chapels, and the ancient Castro of San Paio. Your day concludes in the intertwined coastal villages of Vila do Conde and Póvoa de Varzim.

Hiking

39 km (28 km with metro) and 125 m of elevation gain / 195 m of elevation loss

Gallery

Begin your walk from Póvoa de Varzim, exploring its picturesque harbor and medieval heart. The climb to the Convento de Santa Clara rewards with stunning town and coastal views. Your journey to Esposende includes passing through the scenic Parque Natural do Litoral Norte and crossing the Cavado River, blending coastal charm with natural beauty.

Hiking

22 km and 55 m of elevation gain/loss

Gallery

From Esposende, picturesque coastal paths and inland trails lead to Viana do Castelo. This route, weaving through the lush Coastal Natural Park, offers a blend of serene forest tracks and quaint rural roads. As you approach Viana do Castelo, cross the majestic River Lima and take time for the town's rich history, from its Roman roots to the panoramic views from the Basílica de Santa Luzía, accessible via a scenic funicular ride.

Hiking

26 km and 130 m of elevation gain/loss

Gallery

As you depart from Viana do Castelo, your journey on the Camino Portugues Coastal takes a leisurely pace along the stunning Atlantic coastline. Heading north, this easier walking day affords you ample time to savor the charming seaside villages and towns dotting your path. Your destination for the day is the tranquil coastal town of Vila Praia de Ancora, a perfect spot to unwind, perhaps with a stroll along the beach and a taste of the local fresh seafood.

Hiking

19.5 km and 80 m of elevation gain/loss

Gallery

As you set out from Vila Praia de Ancora, your Camino journey takes you towards the charming town of Caminha, nestled at the confluence of the Minho estuary and the Atlantic Ocean. The path offers a serene walk along Praia de Moledo and through lush forests, leading to picturesque boardwalks. In Caminha, a ferry awaits to carry you across the border to A Guarda, Spain. Consider taking a worthwhile detour for expansive coastal views or, once in A Guarda, explore the ancient hilltop Celtic settlement for a glimpse into the region's rich history.

Hiking

14 km and 70 m of elevation gain / 40 m of elevation loss

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Leaving the fishing village of A Guarda, your Camino journey heads northward along a scenic coastal footpath. This route keeps the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean to your left, offering glimpses of the stunning Cies Islands. A boardwalk along the gorgeous coastline leads you to the lively seaside town of Baiona. In Baiona, take time to explore its beautiful marina and local attractions, such as the Museo de la Carabela Pinta and the Monumento Encuentro entre dos Mundos.

Hiking

31.5 km and 260 m of elevation gain / 280 m of elevation loss

Gallery

Your journey from Baiona offers a pleasant walk along the coastline, with the sandy beach accompanying you for most of the day. As you approach Vigo, you'll experience a change in scenery, transitioning from a typical Galician coastal entrance to the urban maze of Vigo's streets, concluding with a walk through its vibrant harbor area. Along the way, enjoy splendid views of the Bay of Vigo and the distant Illas Cíes.

Hiking

26 km and 410 m of elevation gain / 385 m of elevation loss

Gallery

On this leisurely and shorter walking day, your path leads you through the serene Galician landscape, characterized by its lush eucalyptus forests and charming rural areas. As this is your final day along the beautiful coastline, take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the seaside atmosphere and savor the renowned oysters in the quaint fishing village of Arcade.

Hiking

24 km and 350 m of elevation gain / 380 m of elevation loss

Gallery

Today's journey on the Camino Portugues Coastal takes you across the Verdugo River in the historic Ponte Sampaio, renowned as the site of Napoleon's troops' significant defeat. The path to Pontevedra offers two options: a shorter route along the road or a slightly longer, shaded path. Along the way, make sure to visit the 13th-century Church of Santa María, offering splendid views over the Bay of Vigo.

Hiking

13 km and 230 m of elevation gain/loss

Gallery

Setting out from Pontevedra, your Camino journey weaves through serene chestnut groves and the verdant woods of pine and eucalyptus. As you walk parallel to the railway and through the hamlet of Ponte Cabras, take a moment to appreciate the hidden gem of the Santa María de Alba rectory. The path leads to Lombo da Maceira, where you'll be greeted by a guiding statue of Saint James, symbolically showing the way for pilgrims. Continuing towards Caldas de Reis, the route passes through the quaint hamlet of Tivo, inviting a pause at its charming fountain and public washing area.

Hiking

22 km and 250 m of elevation gain / 240 m of elevation loss

Gallery

Leaving Caldas de Reis, the path leads you over the River Umia to a notable fountain of hot spring water, a feature that has defined the town since Roman times. Delving back into nature, the trail ascends gently through the woods to the quaint hamlet of Santa Marina. After a descent, you'll cross the river Fontenlo and navigate through serene pine forests. Your day culminates in Padrón, a town steeped in the lore of St. James. It's celebrated as the first land sighted by the ship carrying his body to Santiago de Compostela.

Hiking

18.5 km and 260 m of elevation gain / 280 m of elevation loss

Gallery

Your approach to Santiago is marked by a journey through quaint villages and hamlets, leading to the Baroque sanctuary of A Esclavitude. Along the way, witness the enigmatic ruins of Castro Lupario hillfort and encounter some of Galicia's oldest wayside crosses. As you near Agro dos Monteiros, the spires of Santiago's cathedral begin to emerge on the horizon. The final stretch of the Camino takes you past the historic ruins of A Rocha Vella before you make your triumphant entrance into the city of the Apostle.

Hiking

25 km and 750 m of elevation gain / 480 m of elevation loss

Gallery

Santiago de Compostela, your final destination on the Camino, is a city that captivates with its vibrant yet intimate charm. This UNESCO-listed old town is a maze of cobbled streets, perfect for leisurely exploration. Before leaving, you can take a stroll through the lush Alameda Park and delve into the regional flavors at the local market, Mercado de Abastos, or in the numerous restaurants and bars that add to the city's lively atmosphere.

Gallery

FREE ITINERARY

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What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

13 nights in 3-star hotels with breakfast

Digital guidebook with itinerary, route instructions, and practical information

GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app

Tour design and organization

Service and support during your hike

NOT INCLUDED

Tourist tax

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Extra nights

Luggage transfer

Single supplement

What to bring to the tour

Hiking shoes/boots
25 to 35-liter backpack
Base layer
Sports T-shirts
Hiking shorts
Hiking water-repellent pants
Waterproof jacket
Midlayer
Sports socks and underwear
Leisurewear for evenings

Shade hat/cap
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Hiking poles
ID card or passport
Snacks
Cash
Water bottles or hydration pack
Toiletries

Camino Portugues Coastal unfolds along the stunning western Atlantic shore, offering pilgrims a unique blend of Portugal's vibrant landscapes and Spain's rich heritage.

Spanning approximately 280 kilometers, this route provides a scenic walk that captivates with boardwalks, beaches, cliffs, and heritage-rich villages.

The route, dotted with essential stops, guides pilgrims through landscapes that change from the bustling urban life of Porto to the serene coastal beauty of Vigo and into the heart of Galicia in Spain.

The journey typically takes around two weeks, offering a contrast to the more inland Central Route and presenting a less traveled but equally enriching pilgrimage experience. Even more so, actually.

One of the most scenic routes of the Camino de Santiago, the Camino Portugues Coastal allows for personal reflection and discovery along the Atlantic Ocean.

Our commitment to your experience is unwavering. From arranging comfortable accommodations to ensuring luggage transfers and providing continuous support, we ensure your voyage is enriching and stress-free.

With detailed digital guidebooks and navigation tools, we equip you for a journey that promises peace of mind amid the undertaken adventure.

The Camino Portugues Coastal awaits to offer its splendor and surprises to every willing pilgrimage, taking them from Portugal and across the border to Spain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Of course. We aim to make your decision as easy as possible. Therefore, we crafted several selections targeted at particular groups of hikers – Best for Beginners, Best for Advanced Hikers, Mountain Hikes, Pilgrimages, Classic Treks, etc.

If you remain unsure and overwhelmed, you can fill out this form or book a call with us, and we can help you directly.

The sooner, the better! Booking in advance ensures you secure a spot, especially on popular routes where accommodations in remote areas can fill up quickly. For tours like the Tour du Mont Blanc and Alta Via, it's best to book several months ahead, as these areas have limited availability in mountain huts.

However, for some of our less-traveled tours, it's possible to book just a few weeks in advance, though availability and comfort may be more limited, particularly in remote areas with fewer options. To ensure you have the best experience, we always recommend booking early, especially during peak hiking seasons.

Our tours offer flexible starting days, allowing you to begin whenever suits you. However, for some of our most popular routes, like the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) and Alta Via, we have selected departure days due to high demand and pre-booked accommodations. Be sure to check the specific requirements for these tours.

We offer a variety of tours suitable for different fitness levels and technical abilities. Some of them require no prior hiking experience.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, we have the perfect route for you. You can find more information in our Hiking Difficulty Guide, and we also have dedicated sections for Best for Beginners and Best for Advanced Hikers to help you choose the suitable tour.

The fitness level is based on a scale determined by our hiking experts. It varies depending on the tour and defines the selected hiking tour's physical requirements in comparison to others. For a detailed overview, please refer to our Hiking Difficulty Guide.

The technical demands of each hike differ. The technical-level scale defines the technical requirements of each tour in comparison to others, ranging from basic walking to scrambling or using specialized equipment. For a more in-depth explanation of the five levels, please refer to our Hiking Difficulty Guide.

Most of our tours are self-guided, meaning you have the freedom to explore at your own pace without being tied to a group schedule. We provide detailed digital guidebooks that include maps, route notes, and GPS files to ensure a smooth experience.

You can learn more about the concept by reading Self-Guided Tours Explained. We include a guide only for the most challenging treks, like the Triglav Summit Climb.

We provide a comprehensive digital guidebook with maps, route notes, accommodation details, and emergency contacts. Our support will be available during the tour. However, you'll have all the information you need to enjoy your hike independently.

Check out how self-guided tours work in more detail and an example of our digital guidebook here.

Choose your style

Self-guided from 1.349 €/person

Cancel in the first 48h for free

Reserve your spot with a minimum deposit

Samo Travel Expert

Book a call

Ratings & Reviews

5.0 average rating

+59

Carly Leonard

Verified customer

My friend and I went with Triglav Tours for a 3 day, 2 night hike this summer and had the most amazing time!! Our guide, Bine, was awesome and had lots of cool facts to share about the area we were hiking. Additionally, my friend and I had not completed such a technical hike before and the guide and other guests were very patient with us and encouraging, ensuring we felt safe the entire time. The overnights were also such a fun way to get to know Bine, the other guests, and other hikers as well. Cannot recommend Triglav tours enough!!!

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Michael White

Verified customer

I arranged a six-day/five-night trip with Hut to Hut Slovenia. It's the first time I've gone with a tour organizer and I can say it went really well. In the past I've arranged huts myself and it is a huge hassle figuring out how to make the bookings, if the bookings actually exist, and what good/viable routes might be. Having this all sort was, at least to me, totally worth it. The routing is via Ride with GPS, which was great. I'd recommend bringing 1:25,000 scale paper maps as a backup, just in case. The huts themselves differ wildly. Some are really rustic with, ahem, interesting toilet facilities. One was accessible by road and thus had showers, a long menu, and even espresso. All will have some sort of food, but you might only have two options for dinner (one with meat, one vegetarian). The cuisine in the Slovenian huts leans strongly to stews and goulashes with minimal fresh vegetables and/or fruit. Certainly good and hearty but pretty much everyone I talked to said the food was better in the Italian and Austrian huts. Some huts are cash only, some take cards (but the card reader might be down). A 1.5 litre bottle of water is about 6 euro, so if you have a beer with dinner and also buy lunch you need to carry about 25-30 euro per day in cash (assuming you have a booking that includes breakfast). Of the six days of hiking, four were ridiculously spectacular, with the highlight being sunrise from Mt Stol. Getting up to the high mountains, though, can be crazy steep, with switchbacks only sparsely used. Descents are similarly tough, and you have to watch every step. For the first time ever I used trekking poles and my knees thank me. Two days were a bit of a slog, but this is probably unavoidable getting up to or down from the high terrain. Would I do something like this again? Yes, absolutely! But next time it will probably be the Dolomites.

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Roman Klymenko

Verified customer

Very beautiful hike. I did not expect that Slovenia is so amazing.

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Birgit Kindler

Verified customer

We had a lovely hike today with our guide Klemen. He personalized the tour on our needs and interests, so that we saw places we wouldn't without his experience. The hike was a little bit slippery after the rain from the last days and it went a lot upwards, but it was totally worth it! Thanks again :)

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Dominik Schrotter

Verified customer

We had a great day with Klemen on this hike, he showed us some lesser known spots/highlights of the southern part of the julian alps with a nice viewpoint at the end. 10/10 would book again

Gisela Irion

Verified customer

Tina and her team gave me perfect support on my hut hike through the Triglav National Park in July. In particular, they had to cater to my specific needs twice, which they did for me with no problem. I once had to cancel at short notice before the start of the trip because my father was not feeling well, but then we found a solution and I was able to start the hike. Tina and team first canceled the huts immediately and then reserved them again for me. Even when my condition caused a little tour change again, I immediately had suggestions and these were immediately available in the Trip plans app. I liked this app very much because it was easy to handle and the huttohut-team gave a short overview how the daily tour will be and which highlights – mostly beautiful views – I will see“

Carly Leonard

Verified customer

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Roman Klymenko

Verified customer

Very beautiful hike. I did not expect that Slovenia is so amazing.

Show all 3 photos

Dominik Schrotter

Verified customer

We had a great day with Klemen on this hike, he showed us some lesser known spots/highlights of the southern part of the julian alps with a nice viewpoint at the end. 10/10 would book again

Michael White

Verified customer

Show all 10 photos

Birgit Kindler

Verified customer

Show all 3 photos

Gisela Irion

Verified customer

All available guidance options

Self-guided

Those who like a good adventure and limitless flexibility should go on a self-guided cycling holiday...

HANDPICKED ADVENTURES

Only the best adventures across the world, cherry-picked by our team with an in-depth knowledge of the regions.

VALUE YOUR TIME

With everything on your plate, let us handle the vacation planning, so your valuable time stays exactly where you need it.

SELF-GUIDED TRAVEL

Explore independently and with confidence while we keep everything running from behind the scenes.

TRUSTED BY MANY

Since 2014, we have taken care of thousands of happy customers, making it our mission to put your satisfaction first.

OUTDOOR SPECIALISTS

We are a team of outdoor specialists equipped with the knowledge and insight to bring you the best hiking experiences.

from 1.349 € /person

Camino Portugues Coastal

Choose your style

Highlights

Itinerary of the trip

Day 1: Arrival in Porto

Day 2: Porto – Póvoa de Varzim

Day 3: Póvoa de Varzim – Esposende

Day 4: Esposende – Viana do Castelo

Day 5: Viana do Castelo – Vila Praia de Ancora

Day 6: Vila Praia de Ancora – A Guarda

Day 7: A Guarda – Baiona

Day 8: Baiona – Vigo

Day 9: Vigo – Arcade

Day 10: Arcade – Pontevedra

Day 11: Pontevedra – Caldas de Reis

Day 12: Caldas de Reis – Padron

Day 13: Padron – Santiago de Compostela

Day 14: Departure from Santiago de Compostela

What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

What to bring to the tour

Frequently Asked Questions

You have too many options. Is there any way I can narrow down the selection?

How far in advance should I book my walking tour?

Do I need to book specific start dates?

Do I need prior hiking experience?

What is the fitness level?

What is the technical level?

Are your tours guided?

I booked a self-guided tour. How does it work?

Choose your style

Ratings & Reviews

Carly Leonard

Michael White

Roman Klymenko

Birgit Kindler

Dominik Schrotter

Gisela Irion

Carly Leonard

Roman Klymenko

Dominik Schrotter

Michael White

Birgit Kindler

Gisela Irion

Similar Products

All available guidance options

Self-guided

HANDPICKED ADVENTURES

VALUE YOUR TIME

SELF-GUIDED TRAVEL

TRUSTED BY MANY

OUTDOOR SPECIALISTS

Have questions? Talk to us.

Itinerary of the trip

Day 1: Arrival in Porto

Day 2: Porto – Póvoa de Varzim

Day 3: Póvoa de Varzim – Esposende

Day 4: Esposende – Viana do Castelo

Day 5: Viana do Castelo – Vila Praia de Ancora

Day 6: Vila Praia de Ancora – A Guarda

Day 7: A Guarda – Baiona

Day 8: Baiona – Vigo

Day 9: Vigo – Arcade

Day 10: Arcade – Pontevedra

Day 11: Pontevedra – Caldas de Reis

Day 12: Caldas de Reis – Padron

Day 13: Padron – Santiago de Compostela

Day 14: Departure from Santiago de Compostela

Ratings & Reviews

Carly Leonard

Michael White

Roman Klymenko

Birgit Kindler

Dominik Schrotter

Gisela Irion

Carly Leonard

Roman Klymenko

Dominik Schrotter

Michael White

Birgit Kindler