Buen Camino from the coast of the Portuguese Camino de Santiago!
I last walked the Portuguese Coastal Camino de Santiago in May of this year and one of my favourite sections was the route between A Guarda to Vigo.
The Camino runs along the unspoiled and natural coastline of north-western Galicia. Think smooth trails below rugged mountains while walking to the sound of the waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
Oia is the first town on this route and home to Royal Monastery of Santa Maria, an outstanding building that looks out across the bay.
From Oia, the trail continues along the Vigo estuary coastline passing small enclaves and villages. The route has many Camino statues such as the one below.
The elegant fishing village of Baiona welcomes pilgrims on this route. The village has a stunning promenade of shops, cafes and restaurants overlooking the picturesque bay dotted with colourful fishing boats. The tang of sardines and seafood hangs in the air as many restaurants offer outdoor dining.
From Baiona, the route continues along the coastline with views to the picturesque Isles of Cies, These islands are a popular tourist destination for a number of reasons. One being that the islands doesn’t allow vehicles to allow a get away from it all vibe.
The coastal section of the route ends in the seaport of Vigo, a small Spanish city with a cafe culture to match. The city is home to Vigo Cathedral within it’s historical centre together with a port offering a varied option of restaurants for the gastronomically inclined.
I share my love for the people, the culture, the food, and my passion for the Camino de Santiago in my book, A Wild Woman’s Guide to the Camino de Santiago. I provide practical advice for pilgrims preparing to walk the Camino de Santiago including snippets from my journey and stories from Camino pilgrims.
Buen Camino! I’ll be sharing more of my Camino adventures very soon.
Samantha
