About this Event
PORTUGUESE CAMINO
Fecha: Viernes 19 de septiembre de 2025
Horario: 16:00
START LOCATIONS: Hotel Duoro Porto
Join us on this beautiful opportunity to pilgrimage along this special camino traversing two countries, landscapes and cultures: starting in Portugal and ending in Spain. Imagine waking up in a beautiful new village each morning, with a magnificent stretch of the Camino Portugues- the fisherman's coastal route - to explore today. This is all about experiencing BELLA VIDA - a beautiful life! Enjoy endless stretches of beach with crashing waves, estuaries, coastal nature parks, dunes, seaside boardwalks, charming forests and traditional fishing villages. We cross the five main rivers in Portugal: the Ave, Cávado, Neiva, Lima and Minho before heading into Spain. We weave along the ancient route as we inch closer and closer to Santiago de Compostela, our final destination. We are always reminded that the Portuguese and Spanish were brave, bold seafaring explorers undertaking wild adventures into the unknown. It's poignant to tap into this idea of exploration and conquering new borders while walking the ancient sacred pilgrims' path.
This adventure retreat is 15 nights, meaning you will drop deeply into the daily step-by-step ritual. Imagine leaving the your busy life behind for an extended period, so that you gift yourself some much-needed life contempation. Taking time way from life, challenges, problems and "stuff" gives us space to see and feel things from a different perspective. The path will work its special magic on you - while your body and legs do the walking, your heart and soul will do the talking. Connect to the power of thousands who have walked before you carrying something in their heart to heal, release or bring forth through this sacred walking. Excited to see where the path leads, what treasures you stumble across, the delicious local food you get to savor and the meaningful conversations you will strike up as we explore the path ahead together.
It is just sheer bliss knowing all you have to carry is your light rucksack as your main luggage
gets transferred daily.
This is Portugal and Spain in style!
After a delicious local breakfast we get ready to explore today's path following the seaside (Litoral del Norte) Camino route from Porto to Santiago de Compostela. This is an epic 15-night adventure covering 259 kilometres that will be sure to wear some tread off your favourite walking boots and put a sparkle back in your heart!
We stop regularly to soak up the majestic coastal views and resting our feet while eating the best local food for lunch. Think authentic barbeques with catch of the day and local vegetables grilled to perfection. Or of course another yummy coffee and Pasteis de Nata to fuel a few more kilometers. That's my favourite time of day - a sweet and caffeine treat! We fill up our water bottles from drinking fountains or streams and learn about the local culture from our local bilingual guide. It's a delight to explore the treasures we come across - symbols, churches, murals, sculptures and sacred pilgrim markers.
Each day varies from 12 - 30 km walking traversing different landscapes that
offer insights, culture, beauty, laughter and connection - as well as making room in
our bellies for the local pilgrims feasts of food after a long day exploring! All that fresh air, talking
and exploring will make us hungry for sure.
Each night you can explore the villages and towns to soak up local life and all the hidden gems around each corner - or rest up for the next day ahead.
Any irresistible shopping you do en route can just be popped into your main luggage without you having to worry about carrying the extra weight every day.
WHAT TO EXPECT!!!
Use the art of walking to celebrate & contemplate - past, present & future
Reconnect to joy and fun as you let your adventurous side play
Learn to trust yourself again as you follow your inner compass north
Be inspired by the visual feast of art en route - sand, symbols, shells
Communicate with your heart and body again - seeking the treasures in each moment
To reconnect to aspects of yourself perhaps forgotten, hidden, lost ....
To breathe life and passion into your new life on the horizon
Acknowledge and integrate a recent 'goodbye' and letting go
Use walking as a daily ritual step-by-step
Give form and space to a new 'hello' arising in your life
Honour a special time or significant celebration
Mark your birthday or anniversary
Open your heart to new possibilities
ALLOW YOURSELF TO CELEBRATE YOUR LIFE!
WHO WILL SIMPLY LOVE THIS CAMINO!!
If you are a water baby then this route is definitely for you! You LOVE the healing and inspirational energy of the seaside - salty air, cooling sea breeze, crashing waves, coastal flora, sand-dunes, exquisite water and sand to gaze at while you contemplate life. This route hugs the Portuguese and Spanish coastline, rivers and estuaries until we turn inland for the last stretch to Santiago de Compostela.
You relish the idea of exploring two different cultures. Portugal is a country full of wonders — charming castles, pristine beaches, and a metropolitan capital spattered in remnants of the past if you happen to visit Lisbon too. Its buildings are covered in thousands of intricately decorated hand-made tiles in countless colors and patterns. The food is humble, fresh and always elevating local ingredients and simple flavors to their greatest potential — and its pastries are divine recipes concocted by nuns. Its people are friendly, kind and helpful - especially when walking the Camino - they are always on hand to show the way by waving in the direction of the next bit of path.
Spain is all about the food, colours, passion and the vibrant local food markets The Spanish are all about savouring and not rushing - to take their time, and to deliberately appreciate the world, people and food ! From absorbing the architecture or revelling in a siesta before walking the final part of the day, will you listen to the call to slow down a bit?
You are also guaranteed laughter, insights, tears, amazing conversation, delicious food from two different cultures, and a truly memorable journey with Kate and Corlene!
Make lifelong friends formed by walking, eating and exploring life together. Your life and outlook simply cannot be the same after walking 259 kilometers!
You will be interested in joining Kate and Corlene if you...
Have always wanted to walk this beautiful seaside route from Portugal into Spain
You don't fancy doing this amazing trip solo - sharing with like-minded folk will be awesome.
You appreciate unique experiences along the journey as we uncover the magic of each day
You love details being expertly taken care of by professionals so you can just BE
You are looking to meet some interesting new people and deepen connections
Make special memories by walking with a friend or relative
Ready to have an adventure and walk with something sacred in your heart
Focus on having fun and connecting to yourself and others
You LOVE that your luggage will magically reach your next destination
Appreciate the guidance of locals and experts to make the most of your trip
You are excited to get walking "fit" before heading off in September 2025!
Who WON'T appreciate this unique trip?
Please don't join us if you are not interested in having a good basic level of walking fitness to appreciate the daily route. If you are reading this far down the page, surely this doesn't describe you, right? It is also vital to be able to shift between solo and shared time. Be willing to spend some time on your own walking in silence for maximum daily introspection, as well as engaging in shared conversations over group meals.
https://youtube.com/shorts/yZPFIT0EuZ4?si=TmHCXJH9rkGht5Xb
YOUR SPECTACULAR ITINERARY
Day 1 PORTO ARRIVAL
Start your Camino de Santiago journey in gorgeous and colourful Porto, with its UNESCO-listed old town, picturesque river front and home to Port wine. Discover the best of Portuguese hospitality as we connect with each other before your walk on the Portuguese Coastal Way!
We get a good night's sleep ahead of our early and exciting start tomorrow.
Day 2 Povoa de Varzim - 25km
Today we take the Metro to Matosinhos to avoid the outskirts of Porto and reach the coast to start our Camino walk. Get off at the ‘Mercado’ stop. You will walk following the coastline, passing fishing villages, forts and chapels, the prehistoric castro of San Paio and of course, beautiful sandy beaches.
Day 3 Esposende - 22km
Enjoy a stroll along the pretty Póvoa de Varzim harbour and explore its medieval district before you continue your Camino. Walk up to the Convento de Santa Clara to discover the best views of the town and the surrounding coast. On your way to Esposende you will pass the popular seaside town of Póvoa de Varzim with its sandy beachfront and cross the Coastal Natural Park, Parque Natural do Litoral Norte.
Day 4 Viana do Castelo - 24km
Today you will continue your Camino coastal walk from Esposende, across the Coastal Natural Park, on your way to Viana do Castelo. Take the opportunity to taste the local cuisine, explore the historic center of town and take the funicular to the Basílica de Santa Luzía for great views. Legend has it that the Romans were so impressed by Viana’s beauty when they reached the town in the first century BC that they thought they had reached the paradise.
Day 5 Vila Praia de Ancora - 19km
Today you will leave Viana do Castelo and continue along the beautiful Atlantic coastline heading North. Today is quite an easy day, giving you plenty of time to enjoy a relaxed pace and have enough time to make the most of the seaside villages and towns along the way. You will stay in the coastal town Vila Praia de Ancora.
Day 6 A Guarda 13km
From Vila Praia de Ancora you will continue on your coastal Camino towards Caminha, right by the Minho estuary, where the River meets the Atlantic. From Caminha, you will take the ferry-boat Santa Rita de Cássia across the river Minho to Galicia. There are about 10 crossings per day from Caminha to A Guarda (schedule varies depending on the season). Ticket fare not included in the holiday package. From the ferry to can continue straight to A Guarda or take a detour along the estuary for great coastal views (4km longer). If you have time, once you reach A Guarda, take a visit to its famous hilltop ‘castro’, celtic settlement.
Day 7 Baiona 30 km
From the fishing village of A Guarda, your path continues northwards where you will be afforded some more breathtaking views of the ocean on your left. Tonight you will reach the busy seaside town of Baiona with its gorgeous marina. While in Baiona, visit one of the towns attractions such as the Museo de la Carabela Pinta and the Monumento Encuentro entre dos Mundos.
Day 8 REST DAY IN BAIONA!
A great way to regroup, rest your legs and enjoy a welcome beach day. Wonderful opportunity to take some solo time, gather your thoughts in your journal, enjoy some shopping or sleeping so you come back for dinner energized and refreshed, ready to share your days adventure.
Day 9 Vigo 26 km
With renewed energy after a great days rest, today you will follow the coast from Baiona to Nigrán and finally to the city of Vigo, located in the Rías Baixas region, known for its Albariño wine and delicious shellfish. You will enjoy fantastic views of the Bay of Vigo, with the magnificent Illas Cíes and its Natural Park in the horizon. On a hot day, stop at the blue flag beach Praia América in Nigrán for a quick swim.
Day 10 Arcade 23km
Easy walking option. Today is your last day along the coast and quite a short walking day so you can make the most of the seaside. Stop to try the famous oysters in the fishing village of Arcade. Easy walking option. Today is your last day along the coast and quite a short walking day so you can make the most of the seaside. Stop to try the famous oysters in the fishing village of Arcade.
Day 11 Pontevedra 12 km
Today, you will cross the Verdugo River over Ponte Sampaio. It is in this bridge is where Napoleon’s army suffered one of its greatest defeats in Galicia. From Ponte Sampaio the Camino continues along a cobbled road taking pilgrims to the 13th century Church of Santa María, where you can enjoy magnificent views over the Bay of Vigo while walking towards Pontevedra.
Day 12 Caldas de Reis 22 km
Today, starting in the city of Pontevedra, the Camino will take you through chestnut groves and pine and eucalyptus woods. In the village of Ponte Cabras, take a minute to admire the rectory of Santa María de Alba. At Lombo da Maceira you will spot a statue of Saint James with his walking stick, showing pilgrims the way. On your way to Caldas de Reis you will pass the hamlet of Tivo with its lovely fountain and public washing area. You will be staying in the spa town of Caldas de Reis for the night where it's the perfect opportunity to soak your muscles in the mineral-rich thermal waters!
Day 13 Padron 18 km
From the spa town of Caldas de Reis, the Camino Portugués takes you across the river Umia and the hot springs that have given the town its name since Roman times. The Camino trail takes you once again to forests, gradually climbing to the village of Santa Mariña. After a descent you will cross the river Fontenlo before making your way through pine forests to today’s final destination: the town of Padrón, believed to be arrival point of the body of Saint James when it was brought to Santiago de Compostela by ship.
Day 14 Santiago de Compostela 25km
We arrive in Santiago de Compostela at the end of our epic pilgrimage traversing two countries. It is a gem of a city: small enough to be explored and be discovered on foot but always vibrant and lively. Wander the cobbled streets of its UNESCO-listed old town, go for a stroll in the Alameda Park and discover regional flavours in the local market (Mercado de Abastos) and the many restaurants and bars.
The Pilgrim Passport is something you will take with you as you walk along the Camino de Santiago. The Pilgrim Passport has panels with boxes where you can collect the different stamps along the way. These are usually collected by pilgrims in the place where they sleep such as an Albergue or hotel but they can also be obtained in churches, town halls and many other places along the routes to Santiago.
Day 15 Santiago de Compostela
Today will be a special guided tour encompassing the Cathedral, Museum and generally an unforgettable day of gentle walking, food and art!
Entrance the the Cathedral and dome is included, along with Lunch!
Day 16 Departure from Santiago de Compostela
Last-minute shopping or another visit to the cathedral before transferring to the airport for your departure. If you wish to stay on in the city this can be arranged- speak to me about this when booking.
YOUR INVESTMENT
Shared Twin Room: £4990 pp
Single Room: £4590 pp
Deposit of £1000 secures your place
2nd payment £1500 due 30th April 2025
Full Balance payable by 15th July 2025
Single rooms limited to 5 spaces only!
TC's to be signed upon application
Arrangements can be made for monthly installments to spread payments out!
Note: if you are traveling solo we will pair you up with a suitable roommate for twin room option
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Hotel Duoro Porto, Rua da Meditação 71, Porto, Portugal
GBP 1000.00
