teatimeabroadPlanning to walk the Camino Portuguese Coastal Route in 2025? This complete guide covers everything you need — from daily stops and what to pack, to food tips and where to stay along the way. There is nothing more peaceful than long days walking through nature. Some moments are shared with strangers on the trail, others, spent in silence. If this sounds like your kind of trip, let’s get you started! Knowing where to begin your preparation can be the hardest part.
The Camino Portuguese Coastal Route
The journey begins in Porto, Portugal
- Porto to Lavra (24 km)
- Lavra to Agucadoura (22 km)
- Agucadoura to Esposende (14 km)
- Esposende to Viana do Castelo (23 km)
- Viana do Castelo to Caminha—cross from Portugal into Spain by taxi boat (28 km)
- Caminha to Viladesuso (22 km)
- Viladesuso to A Ramallosa (19 km)
- A Ramallosa to Vigo (22 km)
- Vigo to Redondela (15 km)
- Redondela to Pontevedra (21 km)
- Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis (22 km)
- Caldas de Reis to Padron (16 km)
- Padron to the FINISH LINE! Santiago de Compostela (25.5 km)
Total Distance: 274 km/170 miles
When to go
The shoulder seasons are considered the best times to walk, in spring or fall. However, everyone we have talked to who has walked in fall complains of terrible amounts of rain. This seems to be a common problem across multiple routes. Spring seems to be the most stable season for weather.
This was our second Camino, our first being the Camino Primitivo. From talking to other pilgrims and our own experiences, we have decided we will always plan to walk in late spring (beginning the end of May). Our Camino Portuguese Coastal Route weather was sunny, with cool mornings and evenings. The days were hot overall, between 22-29°C/71-84°F on average. The coastal portions were windy, a good counterbalance to walking on boardwalks and concrete in direct sunlight.
Time feels endless but also passes very quickly. 169 km are already behind me on the Camino Portugues. The rhythm of footsteps is sometimes the only sound for minutes or even hours. I’m not always sure how long I’ve been moving forward until I arrive at the next place. The simplicity of walking, drinking, eating, and sleeping returns me to the basics of humanity. When I’m tired, I rest. If I’m hungry, I eat. There is nothing more soothing than to ground myself between the trees and the sea. This is the addiction of the pilgrimage. It strips away the noise of everyday life and forces you to slow down. I can feel my body and mind strengthening with the passing days. My thoughts drift by like passing clouds. Each night, I fall into a deep sleep and wake with the only goal being to pack my backpack and hit the trail. This is the road to Santiago.
–Journal Entry
Choosing a Backpack
If you plan nothing else for this trip, I recommend investing in a quality backpack. Choosing the right pack is mostly a personal preference. Check your sizing in advance by measuring your back with a measuring tape. You can find instructions for that by clicking this link here: How to Size and Fit a Backpack.
Packs we used:
Osprey Kyte 48 (for women)
Deuter Futura Air Trek 50 + 10 (gender neutral)
We would both recommend our choices. One thing to check before purchase is that your backpack comes with a rain cover. These are usually stored in a zipped pocket on the bottom of the backpack that can be unfolded and hooked over your pack in case of rain. If not, you can purchase one online or buy a cheap poncho.
As a petite woman, I specifically chose Osprey for its emphasis on a sturdy hip belt. I learned from the last camino that I have a tendency for soreness in my neck and shoulders if the weight is not well-distributed. Osprey has a line specifically made for women that takes into account curves, smaller sizing needs and ventilation. They also come with rain covers. The only downside is that this pack is slightly heavier than other brands on the market.
Sebastian stuck with a Deuter pack, a popular brand in Europe. Their packs are sold in small/medium and large/extra–large, with adjustable straps and back panels. They are average in weight and also come with rain covers.
Packing List
- 2 pairs of quick-dry hiking pants
- 2 pairs of exercise shorts
- 3 short-sleeved shirts
- 2 tank tops
- 1 long sleeve thermal shirt
- 1 lightweight waterproof windbreaker
- 5-6 pairs of underwear
- 3 pairs of compression or wool hiking socks + a few pairs of regular socks
Sebastian loves his double layer, anti-blister socks: Wrightsock - 1 pair hiking shoes or boots (this trail is mostly flat and a trail sneaker worked well for me)
- 1 pair flip flops for shared bathrooms
- 1 pair lightweight sneakers (optional)
- Sunglasses
- Travel size soap and shampoo
- Comb + hair ties
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Bug spray
- Reusable water bottle
- Phone charger + extra cable in case of loss or damage
- Portable Charger
- European plug adaptor if coming from outside of Europe
- Ear plugs (if sleeping in shared rooms in Albergues)
- Packets of laundry soap (if planning to wash clothes in the sink)
- Camera (if you’re willing to carry the extra weight)
The goal is to pack as light as possible. There are luggage service options that can be booked in advance to transport your bags from city to city, but we always choose to carry everything with us. It is helpful to do laundry along the route to prevent the need for too many clothing items. Clothes can be washed by hand in the sink, or in pay-by-load washing machines. Dryers are rare, but hanging racks can typically be found everywhere. We washed our laundry twice on this trip and found that we had more than enough clothing.
For more packing tips, you can read my article, How to Pack for Any Trip.
Food and Drink
The Camino Portuguese Coastal Route had everything we needed throughout the day. There were plenty of restaurants, cafes and grocery stores. We only carried light snacks (i.e. nuts, or fruit) and 1 liter water bottle per person. Breakfast was usually a pastry or a protein bar. For lunch we stopped for sandwiches or burgers. We splurged on our dinners, eating out at delicious local restaurants when they were available. (Vegetarian options can be challenging to find and vegan options are almost impossible unless cooking for yourself)
Accommodation along the Camino Portuguese Coastal Route
There are 3 main options: € Albergues (hostels) in shared or private rooms, €€ Guest Houses with shared or private bathrooms, or €€€ Hotel rooms. Portugal is cheaper than Spain overall.
There are plenty of pilgrims who choose to be spontaneous with their stays. Waiting to book until the day of your stay is becoming more and more challenging as the Camino has gained publicity. We’ve run into many people stressed out because there are no available beds in their next town and they’re forced to walk an extra 5 km out of their way to find a hotel. There is nothing wrong with this if you’re up for the challenge. Our preference is to book our stays at least one month prior to our trip so we can focus on the rest of the experience.
Our preference
We like to use booking.com. The app is an easy way to store our bookings. This platform offers discounts when you use them to book a certain number of trips per year. Thanks to all the travel we do, this is where we usually find our best deals. This route had plenty of options on offer through Booking. It is always best to compare the prices between the accommodation’s website and third party sites for the best deal.
We chose private rooms in guest houses this time around. Some offered a ‘Pilgrim Dinner.’ These dinners are usually a discounted meal specifically offered to those walking the camino. Standard inclusions are a small appetizer, main course with a glass of wine or soft drink, and sometimes a desert.
If you’ve made it all the way to the end, then you’re ready! The remaining details will sort themselves out as you go. Everyone’s Camino looks different. Being open to the people, the conversations, and the plans that will inevitably go wrong are all a part of the experience. There is no right or wrong way to walk. Happy trails!
Bom Caminho! (Portuguese) and Buen Camino! (Spanish)
