The Camino de Santiago is not one road. It is many. A network of hiking trails that cross Europe. Most Caminos lead to one place. The lighthouse of spirituality, the Cathedral of St James in Santiago de Compostela.
The popularity of the Camino de Santiago has exploded in the last ten years. The release of the film, The Way, attracted a growing number of pilgrims to the sacred paths, along with the many wonderful books written by those who have wandered the way.
As the number of pilgrims increases on the more popular French Way, the Portuguese Coastal Camino is becoming a popular alternative, offering a different type of Camino experience.
The Portuguese Coastal Camino begins in the Northern Portuguese city of Porto, a beautiful place to visit in its own right. The route hugs the Atlantic coast of Northern Portugal, also known as the Green Coast – think white sands and clear blue skies.
The route passes through the coastal cities and towns of Vila de Conde, Povoa de Varzim, Viana de Castelo, and Caminha. From Caminha, there is an option to continue along the coastal route through Oia, Baiona and Vigo or turn inland and travel through the medieval towns of Valenca, Tui, and Pontevedra on the more traditional route, all ending in Santiago de Compostela.
The natural beauty of this route, the experience of two countries and two cultures in one walk means the coastal route is likely to become one of the more popular routes as time passes by.
Need help planning your Camino de Santiago? Check out my Wild Camino Itinerary Planning service. Let me take care of the mundane, leaving you to enjoy the magic of the Camino.
If you plan to walk the Camino de Santiago, check out my book, A Wild Woman’s Guide To The Camino de Santiago. I share everything you need to know before you begin your Camino. Read at A Wild Woman’s Guide To The Camino De Santiago or click the link below.
(c) Samantha Wilson 2020. All Rights Reserved.
