2023-07-11 Camino-001 Camino de Santiago - Portugal Coastal Route

<<< Summary >>>

Come join the like-minded adventurers for a pilgrim hiking tour on the Camino de Santiago – Portugal Coastal Route starting from Porto, Portugal and ending at Santiago de Compostela, Spain. We will complete this eminent pilgrimage route in 15 calendar days, 14 nights, 12 hiking days, and 1 rest day in the middle after the first 6 hiking days.

We did a Portugal coastal trip in October, 2022 with an AOC group. It was a fantastic experience which gave me the idea of going back to do this Camino Portugal coastal route.

It is designed for members with positive, adaptive, and flexible spirits. Great physical fitness and endurance are also vitally important. Outfitter will transfer our luggage in the morning to our next lodging. This will allow us only carry a daypack on the entire route.

The coastal route is an alternative to the traditional Camino Portuguese which traverses an inland path to Santiago de Compostela. The coastal route takes us along the Portuguese coastline passing beaches and boardwalks with beautiful ocean views.

We’ll have the opportunity to stay in the gorgeous coastal cities before re-joining the traditional Camino Portuguese to Santiago de Compostela. This region is also known for its delicious local cuisine and the Albarino wine.

Our rest day is in the historical town Baiona, Spain with so much to see and explore. It is an excellent addition to our Camino trip.

<<< More Info >>>

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portuguese_Way

photos for Camino de Santiago – Portugal Coastal Route

top things to do in Baiona, Spain

there are numerous YouTube videos on this coastal route

<<< Itinerary >>>

Day 1: 2023-07-11 Tuesday.

Arrive and check in hotel in Porto, Portugal.

Day 2: Porto to Povoa de Varzim (23 Miles)

Day 3: Povoa de Varzim to Esposende (13 Miles)

Day 4: Esposende to Viana do Castelo (16 Miles)

Day 5: Viana do Castelo to Villa Praia de Ancora (11 Miles)

Day 6: Villa Praia de Ancora to Oia (17 Miles)

Day 7: Oia to Baiona (11 Miles)

Day 8: Baiona, Spain. A rest day for leisure sight-seeing

Day 9: Baiona to Vigo (17 Miles)

Day 10: Vigo to Redondela (9 Miles)

Day 11: Redondela to Pontevedra (12 Miles)

Day 12: Pontevedra to Caldas De Reis (13 Miles)

Day 13: Caldas De Reis to Padron (12 Miles)

Day 14: Padron to Santiago de Compostela (15 Miles)

Day 15: 2023-07-25 Tuesday.

            Our Camino group trip ends after breakfast

<<< Optional days >>>

Day 15: Finisterre Day Trip from Santiago de Compostela

            50 miles, 1.5 hours car ride.

            A very popular self-booked day trip: ~ 9:30 am to 6:00 pm.

            Add 1-night self-booked hotel in Santiago if staying for the night.

Day 16: Santiago to Porto by car, van, bus, or train.

            Add 1-night self-booked hotel in Porto if staying for the night.

<<< Difficulty Level >>>

Our event will be at the AOC D5 difficulty level. The total distance is 170 miles and the total elevation gain is 16,400 feet. Trekking continuously for such a long distance day in and day out requires solid fitness and endurance to join this trip.

<<< How to prepare >>>

The better we prepare, the more we enjoy.

We all have to be physically prepared and trained well before taking on such an epic trip. Best physical conditions enable us to take in everything surrounding us and fully enjoy the amazing natural beauty rather than being out of breath and feeling tired every time going uphill. We must do fitness training a couple of times a week for a minimum 6 to 9 months, and also hiking the steepest mountain hills available to us. My favorite is Kennesaw Mt. which is local, beautiful, and very convenient.

<<< How to get there >>>

Take a flight to Porto, Portugal.

<<< How to sign up >>>

This web page is designed so that you can only put yourself on the waiting list. Once you’re verified to be suitable for this trip, you will be moved to the participant list.

<<< How to qualify >>>

You can easily finish my Kennesaw 10 hike in 4 hours; or personally I know your hiking ability and fitness condition is qualified.

The payment of $25 only covers AOC Service Fee. All costs (transportation, lodging, meals & drinks, and etc.) are paid by members on their own. All costs are mostly non-refundable.

Itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of the trip leader.

<<< Expenses >>>

Expenses of 1 person for twin shared room are listed below.

$25 non-refundable AOC Service Fee

€1,377 euros pay to the outfitter

This payment to the outfitter includes:

• 14 nights lodging in 2, 3-star hotels for twin shared hotel room with 2 twin beds shared by 2 persons
• 14 breakfasts
• Luggage transfer – maximum weight 15 kg (33 lbs)
• Pilgrim Passport
• 24/7 Customer Service support number

Payment to the outfitter is mostly non-refundable:

• Non-refundable down payment = 30% of total payment at the time of registration with outfitter by 2022-12-22.
• The 70% balance payment is due by 2023-06-11, i.e. 30 days before the trip starting date, and it is partially refundable.
• If anyone cancels 29 to 15 days before the starting date, the penalty is 50%, and 50% will be refunded.
• If anyone cancels 14 to 0 days before the starting date, the penalty is 100%, and there is no refund.

Following items are not included in the payment to the outfitter:

• All lunches, dinners & beverages
• Ground transportations: bus and train tickets etc.
• Airline tickets
• Travel insurance
• Other personal expenses not mentioned

Weather

Summer temperatures on Portugal coastline are very comfortable ranging from 60 to 77F.

A non-refundable AOC Service Fee $25 required by AOC.

If you miss the payment date, you will be removed from the list required by AOC.

There is no refund for cancellation.