Trip Type: Self-Guided

The Portuguese Camino de Santiago has been one of the main pilgrim routes to Santiago for centuries.  Set out on a journey of discovery, not only of the country but of yourself as you follow in the footsteps of countless pilgrims and walkers.  The long days of walking are physically and mentally challenging and rewarding but there’s no need to punish yourself by carrying all your gear or sleeping in overcrowded smelly dormitories.  Our way of doing the Portuguese Way of St. James on foot involves luggage transfers and comfortable beds in the best establishments along this historical route.  These carefully chosen fine hotels, charming country houses and historic buildings bring you closer to the history, culture and gastronomy of this region of Northern Portugal and Galicia.

Begin your Portuguese Way at the fortress town of Valenca in northern Portugal. From here you will cross the border formed by the River Minho and head north through Galicia to the ancient city of Santiago de Compostela.  Compare the river rival towns of Valenca and Tui before entering wooded countryside on your way to historical Galician towns and cities such as Redondela, Pontevedra, Caldas de Reis and Padron.  On the way, you will pass through countless hamlets and villages where time appears to have stood still and locals still use traditional methods to cultivate their crops. This route offers plenty of opportunities to taste fresh produce, including mussels from the Ria de Vigo and oysters in Arcade, and locally produced wine as you follow this well-worn pilgrim trail.

We have designed this walking and cycling tour to help you explore the highlights of both coastal and inland Minho region.  Few visitors get to fully appreciate this beautiful green landscape and the deeply ingrained and fascinating culture of the Costa Verde.  The Flavours of the Camino and Costa Verde walking tour begins in the charming riverside town of Ponte de Lima and ends in the fascinating coastal city of Viana do Castelo.  Be sure to arrive in enough time to roam its medieval center and make the journey to the hilltop basilica and Celtic settlement of Santa Luzia.  Crossing the old Roman bridge of Ponte de Lima, you will follow in the footsteps of thousands of pilgrims in the direction of the holy city of Santiago de Compostela as you walk part of the ancient Way of Saint James.  As well as glorious countryside, you’ll see plenty of shrines, chapels, ancient bridges and carved stone crosses.  Once you reach the northern border of Portugal at the fortress town of Valenca do Minho, it’s time to head west.  Follow the River Minho towards the coast, passing riverside towns such as Vila Nova de Cerveira to reach delightful Caminha.  Enjoy the outstanding natural beauty of white sandy beaches and the colourful activity of small fishing towns as you make your way south along the Green Coasta coast to Viana do Castelo.  Of course, you’ll have ample opportunity to taste crisp local wines and the freshest grilled fish and seafood throughout your journey.

The Northwest coast of Portugal is known as the Costa Verde or Green Coast thanks to the abundance of vegetation that backs onto it and the not so distant mountains of the Minho countryside.  As you head north from Porto on this tour, you will experience the ever changing coastal landscape of wide sandy beaches, rocky coves, pebble beaches, pleasant seaside towns and fishing villages. You’ll also spend time in the small historical city of Viana do Castelo and end up in the charming town of Caminha at the very top of Portugal, just across the river from Spain.  While much of the route hugs the coast, you’ll head inland at times to walk through fields, forests and villages to get a deeper insight into the lifestyle of rural Portuguese communities and small scale farming practices.  With relatively short, leisurely walking days, you will have plenty of time and energy to explore the towns and villages you stay in and to take breaks en route for a swim or spend time on the beach.  Make the most of the ample opportunities to sample the freshest catch of the day and other delicious Portuguese fares from the Minho region.  If you have more time to spare, you can extend this coastal holiday by beginning your walk from Porto or simply spend a few days there and/or continue north into Spain as far as the alluring seaside town of Baiona.

Ireland’s oldest long distance hiking trail takes you through the eventful history of Ireland. You start your journey amidst the green hills of Carlow and set off to Marlay Park in the south of Dublin. Friendly hosts welcome you at the end of each stage, music plays in the pubs and an Irish breakfast prepares you for the daily hiking tours. These lead you on scenic paths through the Wicklow Mountain National Park – a small nature paradise near the Irish coast. On clear days your eyes wander across the sea to the coast of Great Britain. The Wicklow Way is a wonderful long distance hiking trail for anyone who wants to experience Ireland up close.

Ireland: land of contrasts! Rough and spectacular at some points, idyllic and peaceful in other places. The Cliffs of Moher mark the beginning of your week along the green coast of Ireland. The walk along the coastline is one of the most spectacular trails in the world. Then things get more peaceful on the Aran Islands. The setting sun brings a dreamy atmosphere to this small village in the bay of Galway. From here you continue on the Great Western Way where you experience Ireland at its best. Boggy landscapes, green hills and the Fjord of Killary Harbour as final destination of your hiking week in Ireland.

Scotland’s oldest long distance hiking trail leads you into the raw world of the highlands. In olden times this was barren land, inhabited only by a few merchants and shepherds. Battles were fought here and robbers and gangs of thieves used the seclusion as a refuge. Today, this region is still largely untouched and is extremely varied. The paths scroll in seclusion along the shore of Loch Lomond, only to offer views of the surrounding peaks a few kilometres further on. The West Highland Way is one of the most popular hiking routes in Europe today and attracts travellers from all over the world.

Before you begin your Portuguese Coastal Way to Santiago, pay a visit to the 12thcentury Porto Cathedral and take time to explore the city. Transfer to Matosinhos and walk alongside the ocean towards the pretty old town of Vila do Conde, with a lace making tradition and strong naval history. The coastal towns of Povoa da Varzim, Esposende and Vila Praia de Ancora offer particularly fresh seafood. Viana do Castelo gives you the chance to explore its medieval history and detour to visit Santa Luzia basilica for magnificent views. Then weave your way through the Portuguese countryside and back to the Atlantic Portuguese coast near Caminha, just across the river from Spain.A scenic ferry ride takes you to A Guarda for a beautiful stretch of unspoiled coastline towards the attractive town of Baiona and its tapas bars. Between Vigo and Redondela, you’ll be able to see the Ria de Vigo lagoon, dotted with the Cies islands and floating mussel farms. Meet fellow pilgrims as you merge with the Portuguese Central Way of St. James in Redondela. Take time to enjoy Pontevedra’s charming historical center and relax in one of its attractive squares. More forests, fields, rivers, villages and valleys lie between here and the spa town of Caldas de Reis. Explore Padron, its peppers and its links to the St. James before the final journey to Santiago de Compostela.