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Portuguese Coastal Path
One of the Camino de Santiago that has been gaining strength in recent years is the Camino Português da Costa, starting from the city of Porto.
As its name suggests, this Jacobean route follows the coast and passes through lands such as Vila do Conde, Póvoa do Varzim, Viana do Castelo, Caminha and Vila Nova de Cerveira instead of Rates, Barcelos, Ponte de Lima and Rubiães do Caminho Portuguese Central.
In addition to passing through towns full of history and a huge Jacobean spirit, the Camino Português da Costa offers pilgrims fantastic coastal landscapes, delicious traditional cuisine (where fish dishes shine) and unforgettable sunsets.
As it is a path that, until reaching Galicia, always follows along the coastline and along the banks of the River Minho, the Portuguese Coastal Path is much flatter than the section of the Portuguese Central Path between Porto and Valença do Minho.
This theoretically more favorable altimetry does not make the Camino Português da Costa a walk. The absence of shadows and the famous nortada (cold north or northwest winds) balance the score. The pilgrim should not underestimate the demands of this Jacobean route, which nevertheless leaves delightful memories for all the pilgrims who follow it.
The Portuguese Coast Path has a distance of approximately 280km. The Camino is very well marked along the entire route, the pilgrim simply needs to follow the yellow arrows to reach Santiago.
The Camino Português da Costa has excellent infrastructure to support pilgrims, with hostels (municipal and private) at the end of all stages, cafes and restaurants. There is also a wide range of supermarkets where pilgrims can stock up on all types of supplies for their days of walking.
It is important to bear in mind that there is not just one route on the Camino Português da Costa, but rather two routes considered to be main.
Between Porto and Caminha there is no need to go wrong. However, in Caminha the pilgrim has the option of continuing along the banks of the River Minho to Valença do Minho (where the Portuguese Coastal Way joins the Portuguese Central Way), or the option of taking the boat/ferry that connects Caminha to The Guard in Galicia.
If you choose to take the ferry to Spain, the Camino Português da Costa heads towards Vigo and then Redondela, where it joins the Camino Central Português.
Now that you know what it takes to do the Camino de Santiago by bike, all I can do is wish you a “Happy Journey”!
If necessary, download the tracks to your GPS or Smartphone.
