Camino Portugués - Coastal Route

The Camino Portugués Coastal Route is a scenic variant that follows the Atlantic coastline from Porto to Santiago de Compostela. This route has gained popularity in recent years, with over 74,758 pilgrims walking it in 2024. In 2025, it set a new record with more than 75,502 pilgrims, marking a 20% increase compared to other routes. Pilgrims on this path are treated to breathtaking coastal views, historic seaside towns, and a unique blend of Portuguese and Galician cultures, making it a memorable alternative for those seeking a maritime pilgrimage experience.

A tall historic stone church with two towers, a large rose window, and ornate architectural details under a bright blue sky.

Beach with sandy shore, ocean waves, and a wooden walkway with a sign indicating 258 km to an unspecified location.

A beach with golden sand, a wooden walkway with green rope railings, a few people near the shoreline, and rocky formations with greenery on hills in the background under a clear blue sky.

A metal post with a yellow arrow pointing left, a yellow sunburst design, and a colorful chalk heart drawing. In the background, there is a street, a parking lot with cars, and a large white building under a clear blue sky.

People hiking on a wooden coastal trail with ocean and rocky shoreline under a blue sky.

Dirt road passing through a field of tall corn on both sides under a clear blue sky.

Beachside display of mannequins wearing hats and masks, set up behind blue tables with social distancing chairs in front, near the ocean with sandy shores and blue sky.

Why Walk the Coastal Route?

The Coastal Route offers a refreshing and scenic alternative, blending the spirituality of pilgrimage with the serenity of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s ideal for those who feel drawn to the sea, the sound of waves, ocean breezes, and golden sunsets guiding you north. This path, established later than the Central Route, has become increasingly popular in recent years for its peaceful ambience and breathtaking coastal views.

Highlights of the Coastal Route

From Porto, the route hugs the coastline through seaside towns like Vila do Conde, Esposende, and Viana do Castelo, before joining the inland route near Redondela. Expect charming fishing villages, wooden boardwalks over dunes, lighthouses, and stunning ocean panoramas. The seafood is exceptional, and each town offers a warm welcome and a taste of Portugal’s maritime heritage.

Duration and Difficulty

The Coastal Route from Porto to Santiago de Compostela stretches around 265 km (165 miles) and typically takes 12–14 days to complete. The terrain is gentler than the Central Route, with long flat stretches along the coast, occasional sandy paths, and urban crossings. It’s a perfect choice for those who prefer an easier walk, sea air, and a sense of tranquility, a pilgrimage that feeds both body and soul.