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Portugal

Walk the Camino Portugués – Porto to Baiona

Embark on a transformative journey along the Camino Portugués, one of the world’s most renowned pilgrimage routes.

The Porto to Baiona segment invites you to explore the beautiful landscapes and rich history of Portugal and Spain, spanning 120 kilometers along the stunning Atlantic coast. This route offers the perfect combination of spiritual reflection, natural beauty, and cultural immersion.

Starting in the vibrant city of Porto, you will walk through charming seaside towns, picturesque beaches, and lush forests, all while connecting with fellow pilgrims. Your journey concludes in Baiona, a town rich in medieval history.

Whether you seek spiritual growth, adventure, or a deeper connection with nature, the Porto to Baiona Camino route offers an unforgettable experience that will stay with you long after you’ve completed your walk.

You can continue all the way to Santiago de Compostela to follow the Camino all the way. To find out more and book please visit Walk to Santiago de Compostela On the Camino Portugués 

¡Buen Camino!

Itinerary

  1. Travel to Porto

    We fly from London to Porto where we will meet our local guide, and transfer to our hotel in Porto for an overnight stay. This afternoon we will have some free time to visit Porto (you may also begin to see the first waymarks to Santiago de Compostela) at our own leisure before joining together for dinner in the evening.

  2. Porto to Vila do Conde (24km)

    We commence our pilgrimage by passing by the magnificent views of Porto and its colourful buildings. After departing Porto’s urban area, the path moves towards the Portuguese coastline, following paths that lead along the Atlantic Ocean. The transition from cityscape to the coastal environment is refreshing, with the sound of the waves and the sea breeze adding to the natural beauty. The final stretch into Vila do Conde is marked by peaceful views of the coastline, as we enter the the town and its charming historic centre, where we will stay overnight.

  3. Vila do Conde to Esposende (22km)

    Vila do Conde has a rich history and a lovely maritime atmosphere. The town is known for its traditional old town, beautiful beaches and the impressive Monastery of Santa Clara. After passing through the town, we continue walking north along the coast. The first part of this stage leads us through peaceful streets and paths that lead towards the beach. This is a good time to take in the serene atmosphere of the Atlantic coastline and the sea breeze. As we approach Esposende, where we will stay overnight, the route leads us into the town, which is another coastal gem. Esposende is known for its beaches, natural beauty, and riverside setting, located at the mouth of the Cávado River.

  4. Esposende to Viana do Castelo (24km)

    Our journey begins by walking through Esposende, where we are greeted by views of Cávado River meeting the Atlantic Ocean. We’ll then proceed a bit further inland during this stage, where we’ll meet a mixture of rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, nature reserves, and picturesque riverside views. Our walking will be filled with tranquility, with the constant presence of birdlife and the beauty of the surrounding landscape, culminating in the stunning arrival at Viana do Castelo, with its river and mountain views. Overnight stay in Viana do Castelo.

  5. Viana do Castelo to Ancora (19km)

    This stage of The Camino moves closer to the ocean, and we are treated to expansive views of the Atlantic. We will pass through charming, small coastal fishing villages with traditional houses and fishing boats. These villages provide a glimpse into the local culture, surrounded by lush, green countryside. As we approach Ancora, the landscape becomes more tranquil, with gentle hills and more coastal views. The area is known for its beautiful beaches and is a peaceful final stretch before arriving at the town. Overnight stay in Ancora.

  6. Ancora to A Guarda (18km)

    Today marks the final day in Portugal before reaching Spain. As we walk, we'll pass through quiet rural landscapes, cliffs, and beautiful beaches along Portugal's northern coastline. Our arrival in Spain is marked by the peaceful River Miño, which flows through A Guarda, where we will stay overnight. The border is not marked by a dramatic change in landscape, but there is a clear shift from the more developed Portuguese coast to the Galician coastline of Spain.

  7. A Guarda to Oia (11km)

    Our penultimate stage begins with pretty views of the River Miño, as the river meets the sea. As we move along the coastline, we’ll encounter sweeping vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. The route leads close to the Ocean where the sound of the waves crashing against the shore creates a serene atmosphere, ideal for quiet moments of reflection. As we approach Oia, the town’s seaside charm becomes apparent. The town is nestled along the coast, surrounded by lush hills and boasting panoramic views of the ocean. Oia’s peaceful atmosphere and scenic coastline make it a lovely place to rest and enjoy the natural beauty of Galicia. Overnight stay in Oia.

  8. Oia to Baiona (16km)

    Our final stage before reaching Baiona offers much of the same stunning scenery as yesterday, with coastal beauty that remains just as captivating. Leaving Oia, you’ll enjoy the picturesque views of the Spanish coastline. The journey continues with breathtaking landscapes, and we conclude our Pilgrimage by arriving in Baiona, where we’ll stay overnight.

  9. Departure

    We depart Baiona and fly back to London from Santiago de Compostela.

Essential Information

The cost for this 9 day tour is £2,250 per person.

The cost is based on sharing a double or twin-bedded room and includes most expenses. A number of single rooms are available for a supplement of £475.

This Tour Includes:

  • 8 nights accommodation with private facilities
  • Return flights from London
  • Airport transfers & luggage transfers
  • English-speaking local Camino guide
  • 8 Breakfasts
  • 8 dinners
  • Pilgrim’s Passport & Shell
  • Gratuities are included and will be disbursed locally
  • Ferry boat between Ancora - A Guarda
  • Local City Tax

A £500 per person non-refundable deposit is payable now with the balance due twelve weeks prior to departure.

Late Bookings

Please note that for bookings made within 12 weeks of departure, the price may increase due to the fluctuating cost of flights. If this arises, we will always discuss this with you before processing your booking.

Final travel documents

These will be emailed to you two weeks before departure.

Special Requests

Any special requirements, such as dietary needs, mobility requests, and any other requests should be noted at the time of booking.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is essential. We require all travellers to have adequate cancellation and medical coverage for their journey. We recommend the policy with Holiday Extras who offer a comprehensive policy as well as yearly policies that also cover short UK overnight stays. See the back cover for details.

Mobility

This is a walking pilgrimage with no coach back-up, so a good level of fitness is required and it is essential to start preparatory walks well before departure. If for any reason you are unable to complete a day’s walk or need some rest time, the guide can help you arrange a taxi to take you to the next hotel. Walking days will vary in length and will be mostly off-road along pilgrim paths.

PASSPORTS, VISAS AND HEALTH

Please ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the end of this pilgrimage. If you need a new passport apply early as there can be considerable backlogs at the passport offices. Visas are not required for British or other EEC passport holders. No inoculations are required. We do, however, advise you to consult your doctor regarding your own personal requirements.

Practical information

A LITTLE HISTORY

Santiago was the ultimate destination of one of the great pilgrimages of the Middle Ages.

Then the Way of St James led on to the shrine in the Field of the Star (Campus Stellae - Compostela) where the bones of St James the apostle were believed to lie and now a magnificent cathedral stands.

Pilgrims set out from all over Europe and converged as they entered Santiago. Pilgrims traditionally walk, cycle or go on horseback and dedicate months to the journey staying in monasteries and hospices en route.

We will not be alone as we walk and will meet up with a colourful band of fellow pilgrims as we progress towards our common goal.

WALKING THE CAMINO

We will set out each morning at around 8am and plan to arrive at our destination in the afternoon. We walk each day for up to five hours. On the way, we will stop for lunch (times vary) and visit places of interest which our guide will introduce to us.

Do wear sturdy shoes or boots suitable for walking long distances and bring a day pack to carry principally rain-wear, sun cream, a hat, water, snacks, blister plasters and spare socks. The weather in the region is much like the English summer. Sunshine with scattered showers is not uncommon but equally it can be hot. We will keep an eye on the daily weather forecast and the guide will plan our walking and stops accordingly.

MCCABE PILGRIMAGES

Our pilgrimage is being organised in association with McCabe Travel, a company well-known in church circles and recognised as Britain’s foremost religious tour operator. McCabe has been responsible for organising hundreds of pilgrimages to the Bible Lands with churches from all over Britain for 35 years. The company is a member of AITO and is fully bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority.

THE MCCABE EDUCATIONAL TRUST

The McCabe Educational Trust is an independent registered charity with the aim of helping inspiring people we meet on pilgrimage in the Holy Land. McCabe Pilgrimages invite all travellers to become partners in this work. A £20 voluntary donation to the Trust’s work is added to every pilgrim’s invoice and all money raised in this way is given in full to the projects the Trust supports. This scheme is voluntary and confidential with nobody put under any pressure to participate.

HOLIDAY INSURANCE

Ensuring that your holidays are appropriately protected is one of our main priories. That’s why we have partnered with Holiday Extras so you can get a travel insurance policy to protect you before and whilst you are travelling

Holiday Extras Cover Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and has been independently rated 5-stars by Defaqto.

For more information or to obtain a quote, please click here, www.holidayextras.com. Or call them on 0800 083 3551 to speak to a friendly advisor. Please quote AG628 upon calling.

AITO QUALITY STATEMENT

McCabe Pilgrimages is a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators. The Association represents Britain’s leading independent tour operators and encourages high standards of quality and service. McCabe abides by the Association’s Code of Conduct and adheres to the AITO Quality Charter which can be viewed on www.aito.co.uk. Visit the website to find out more about the Association or call 020 8744 9280. This pilgrimage is ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority.

 

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