Camino Portugués coastal: from Porto to Caminha

The Portugués Camino became the most popular route in 2026, and there's a good reason for it. Many people feel that the Frances might be overcrowded and also this one is shorter, but long enough to feel the distance, and get your the real camino feeling. Also the views of the ocean are attractive to many, which I can totally understand.

There is something special about beginning a Camino in Porto. Maybe it is the sound of the city waking up. Maybe it is the smell of coffee and fresh bread coming from a small café. Or perhaps it is simply the feeling of knowing that, from this point on, you have several hundred kilometres ahead of you and no idea exactly what they will bring.

The Camino Portugués Coastal begins in the beautiful city of Porto and follows the Atlantic coastline northwards before eventually entering Galicia.

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Unlike some of the more mountainous Camino routes, this Camino often feels open and spacious. There is the ocean, long wooden boardwalks, sandy beaches, fishing villages, old churches and small towns. But the water is not always directly beside you. The route moves between the coast, forests, villages and inland paths, creating a beautiful rhythm of changing landscapes. You can also vary it to go along the coast, a little further inland or join the central route at some points.

And this is one of the things I love about the Coastal Camino. You might start the morning walking beside the Atlantic, spend the afternoon passing through eucalyptus forests, and finish the day in a small Portuguese town with a plate of food and a glass of something cold in front of you. The landscape changes. The rhythm changes. And slowly you begin to change too.

Porto: the beginning of the journey

Before taking your first steps, give yourself time to enjoy Porto. It is not just a place to arrive, sleep and immediately start walking. The city deserves at least a little time. Wander through the narrow streets, explore the Ribeira area, cross the Dom Luís I Bridge and take in the views over the Douro River.

Of course, you will probably also see plenty of pilgrims. Some will be carrying large backpacks. Others will have tiny bags and perfectly clean shoes. Some will look excited, some slightly nervous, and others will already have the expression of people who have been walking for several days. You may wonder which one you will become. The answer is probably: all of them, at different moments.

One important tip before you start: don't feel that you have to walk directly from the centre of Porto all the way to your first overnight stop. The first day can be long, especially if you are not used to walking 30 kilometres or more. Many pilgrims choose to use local transport to get closer to the coast and begin the walking section from places such as Matosinhos.

There is no prize for making your first day unnecessarily difficult. The Camino is not about proving how much pain you can tolerate. If you choose to walk all the way, then just follow the river bank to the ocean and look for the signs there.

Porto also opened a new pilgrim's office in 2026, where you can get information, buy a credential, get your first stamp and get some hiking poles if needed. Credential can also be bought at the Sé Cathedral, which is worth a visit with it's beautiful blue painted tiles.

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Matosinhos and the first taste of the Atlantic

You can shorten the way a bit by going through the city towards Matosinosh, though I think walking on the shore is a much better oprion, you can avoid the industrial areas and enjoy the salty breeze from the ocean.

Once you reach the coast, the atmosphere changes. The busy city slowly disappears behind you and the Atlantic becomes your companion. From here, the route follows the coast through beaches, promenades and wooden boardwalks. The sound of the ocean is often with you, although the wind can be surprisingly strong. And this is something worth remembering from the very beginning: the coast is beautiful, but it is not always easy. Walking on boardwalks can be harder on your feet than you expect. The sun reflects off the sand and wooden paths, and the wind can either cool you down or make the day feel much more demanding. Wear comfortable shoes, protect yourself from the sun and don't forget to drink water even when the temperature does not feel particularly hot. You may not realise how much you are sweating when there is a strong Atlantic breeze.

Tip: Sunscreen is a must, even if you don't feel the weather too hot. Wind can dry out your skin either, so it's useful to take a light face cream for the evening. Protect yourself with a hat and a light scarf, If you are prone to sunburn, than wear light colour and material long sleeves.

Vila do Conde and Póvoa de Varzim

As you continue north, you reach the lovely coastal towns of Vila do Conde and Póvoa de Varzim.

Vila do Conde has a relaxed maritime atmosphere, beautiful architecture and a long connection with the sea. It is the kind of place where you may find yourself walking more slowly than planned because you keep stopping to look around.

Póvoa de Varzim is another popular stopping point and has a lively seaside atmosphere.

This section of the Camino can feel deceptively easy. The route is not particularly mountainous, and the ocean views make the kilometres pass quickly. But the distance can still add up. If you are walking in summer, the combination of sun, wind and hard surfaces can slowly make itself known in your feet and legs. A short break before you think you need one is usually a good idea. The Camino has a way of teaching you that waiting until you are exhausted is not always the best strategy.

Esposende: where the landscape becomes quieter

Further north, the Camino continues towards Esposende.

This is where the landscape starts to feel a little more peaceful. The busy seaside atmosphere gradually gives way to quieter stretches, small villages and more natural surroundings.

The coastal landscape here is particularly beautiful, and the route begins to feel less like a walk between beach resorts and more like a true pilgrimage. You may still be close to the ocean, but the Camino begins to take you through a mixture of coastal paths, rural roads and wooded areas. This is also a good place to pay attention to your daily distances.

There are several ways to divide the route, and the distances between overnight stops can vary depending on your personal itinerary. Some official itineraries suggest stages of around 20–30 kilometres, but there is no need to copy someone else's schedule exactly. A 20-kilometre day may feel perfect for one person, for someone else, 30 kilometres or more may be completely manageable. When I walked this route I started around 42-45 kms a day, but later slowed down, and enjoyed the little things along the way even more.

The best Camino plan is one that allows you to enjoy the journey.

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Viana do Castelo: one of the highlights

Viana do Castelo is one of the places I would definitely recommend giving yourself time to enjoy. It is a beautiful historic city with an impressive cultural heritage and a strong connection to the sea. One of the most famous landmarks is the Sanctuary of Santa Luzia, sitting high above the city. If you have the energy, the views from above are spectacular.

From the hill, you can look across the city, the coastline and the Atlantic Ocean. After several days of walking, it can feel like a small reward to stop and simply look at the distance you have already covered.

Viana do Castelo is also a good place to take a proper break. Do some laundry, buy snacks, eat a good meal. And perhaps, most importantly, let your feet rest. The temptation on the Camino is often to keep moving. You have a destination. You have a plan. You have a distance to cover. But sometimes the best thing you can do for tomorrow's walk is to enjoy today a little more slowly.

The road to Caminha

From Viana do Castelo, the Camino continues north towards Caminha. The landscape becomes increasingly peaceful, with small villages, green countryside and the Atlantic continuing to appear in the distance. This is one of those sections where you may find yourself thinking less about the destination.

The first few days often involve questions.

How far is it?

Where is the next café?

Will my feet be okay?

Am I walking too fast?

Am I walking too slowly?

After a while, the questions begin to disappear.

You walk.

You eat.

You drink.

You sleep.

And then you do it again.

That simplicity is one of the beautiful things about the Camino.

Caminha: the end of the first chapter

Caminha is a particularly important point on the Coastal Camino because from here the route crosses the River Miño and enters Galicia.

Depending on the current ferry arrangements and your chosen route, pilgrims may cross from Caminha towards A Guarda by boat. It is important to check the current timetable and operating conditions before relying on the ferry, especially outside the busiest season. This is one of those moments that makes the Camino feel different from an ordinary long-distance walk. You are not simply crossing from one town to another, you are crossing into another country. The landscape changes, the language changes, the feeling changes.

And suddenly, you realise that the first half of the Camino is behind you. You have walked from Porto, you have followed the Atlantic, you have passed beaches, cities, villages and forests, and now Galicia is waiting.

Tip: don't forget, that crossing the boarder also means a time difference, 7 a.m. in Portugal will be 8 a.m. in Spain. Calculate this hour less into your daily distance after crossing the river. I used the company Popeye boat to cross, and their service was excellent, team was friendly, we even got a small charm as a gift in the end.

Useful tips for the first half of the Camino Portugués Coastal

Don't underestimate the first days. The route may be relatively gentle in terms of elevation, but long distances and hard surfaces can still be tiring. Stop more frequently if you need, take your shows off and massage your feet. Enjoy the ocean views. If you plan to go into the water, make sure you dry your feet completely before puting your shoes on, damp feet can mean blisters.

Protect yourself from the sun. Coastal walking does not automatically mean cool walking. Sun cream, a hat and regular water breaks are essential, especially in summer.

Don't rely on the ocean for water and food. Some stretches can feel quiet, and cafés and shops may not appear exactly when you want them to. Bring some snacks, fruits and enough water with you.

Check the Caminha – A Guarda crossing before you walk. The river crossing is an important part of many Coastal Camino itineraries, but schedules and arrangements can change. I used the Popeye boat company and they were amazing.

Give yourself time in Porto and Viana do Castelo. These are not just places to sleep. They are some of the highlights of the journey.

And most importantly:

Don't rush the beginning. The Camino is still waiting for you.

Hope these tips get you in the mood for your next adventure, and you found some useful information. If you still need more details or build up confidence and courage for the planning and start of your journey, don't hesitate to contact me or email me, I'm happy to help.

You can also find me on social media with more useful advice and travel pictures at @wander.with.dora name. Contact me for a free call on wanderwithdora@gmail.com 

Safe travels everyone. Buen camino!