
A poster of the Camino Portugues Coastal Hiking Trail. It shows the route of this trail with an elevation contour map in the background, and an elevation profile with key points of interest at the bottom.
About the Coastal Way
The Camino Portugués Coastal is a scenic variation of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, offering an alternative to the inland Camino Portugués Central route. Beginning in Porto, Portugal, and following the Atlantic coastline north to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, this route is also known as the Portuguese Way (Coastal), the Coastal Way, or more broadly the Way of St. James in Portugal. Covering approximately 270 kilometers, it typically takes about two weeks to complete. Pilgrims choose the coastal route for its quieter paths and refreshing seaside atmosphere, as it is generally less crowded than the Camino Francés. The trail features long stretches along beaches and cliffs, sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, mild coastal weather, and charming historic towns such as Vila do Conde, Viana do Castelo, and Baiona. Blending maritime landscapes with cultural heritage, the Camino Portugués Coastal offers a peaceful and visually striking pilgrimage experience through both Portugal and Spain.
Statistics About the Camino Portugues Coastal
- Start point: Porto, Portugal
- End point: Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Total distance: 275 km / 170 miles
- Total altitude gain/loss: 2634 m / 8641 ft
- Highest point: 260 m / 853 ft (Santiago de Compostela)
- Countries crossed: Portugal, Spain
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Time to finish: Typically 12 to 14 days