
Eva A
Great experience!!!! Could not have done it on my own!!! Thanks to the attention to detail!
The Portuguese Camino Spiritual Variant is said to be the first ever Camino (Primitivo being the first ‘pilgrimage’ route). It follows the last part of the journey of the remains of Saint James (Santiago in Spanish) from Jerusalem to the Iberian Peninsula.
The walk includes a boat ride from Vilanova de Arousa to Pontecesures and what is said to be the most important part of the Variante Espiritual route. The Spiritual way splits from the Camino Portuguese after Pontevedra and rejoins it again in Pontecesures. A very special way to obtain the coveted Camino Passport.
Comfort is always a priority; at the end of each day, we ensure a hot shower, a comfortable bed, an en suite and plenty of quiet. We know that a comfortable night’s sleep ensures you’ll wake refreshed and primed, ready for the next day’s walking after a full breakfast. All the 2-3-star accommodations have been handpicked to reflect the character and history of the region.
It’s not by chance that when walkers visit Portugal, they almost immediately fall in love with the food and wine here. In Portugal, all the dishes, recipes and ingredients have a story to tell. This is a world you’ll experience both on foot and with your knife and fork. The Camino travels through many towns that are renowned for excellent authentic traditional food. In the North, it is worth frequenting Spanish Tapas bars to experience the wide range of local delicacies available.
Both Portugal and Spain have very old and sophisticated wine industries, and some of the wines you’ll find on this walk you won’t find anywhere else. Please note, alcohol or drinks with meals are not included (except tea/coffee and juice with breakfast).
This trip is available from the 15th of March to the 31st of October.
This track is well-graded and without a great deal of incline or decline. Walks on average about 19 km a day. There’s always time to walk and explore further if you’re up to it or to relax and enjoy the towns/villages each evening.
The route runs across northern Spain and through a variety of terrain. During the early and latter part of the season, conditions can be changeable from temperate warms days through to frosty mornings and very cool nights. From May to September, rainy days are less frequent and temperatures are steadily between 20-24 degrees, however, it is possible that you may experience a few cloudy days. See weather averages here.
Travelling to the Start of the walk
You will need to get yourself to and from the start and end of your walk. i.e. you will need to organise your travel to the start of the walk in Valenca/Tui. To make it easy, we have collated some useful information that will assist you in making arrangements for your travel.
Porto Airport Francisco Sá Carneiro, Maia (+351) 229 432 400 is about 11 km from the city centre. There are regular flights from and to almost all major European cities. An airport bus is available from outside the terminal, which takes you to the city centre. The Metro line connects the Airport to the city centre, offering a fast and comfortable ride into the heart of the city.
The train takes just under 2 hrs to get to Valenca from Porto.
Santiago de Compostela airport is also another option; it takes 2hrs and 20 minutes by bus to get to Tui from the town centre.
To book flights we have found this site helpful
BUSES: This is information for those who may be catching a bus.
PORTO – VALENÇA: Rede Expressos (www.rede-expressos.pt) coaches from Porto transit station (Campo 24 de Agosto, 125, 4300-096 Porto, Tel: +351 707 223 344) depart daily to Valença. Tickets can be purchased from the train station or on-line on the English language pages of the railway company’s website http://www.rede-expressos.pt/default.aspx no more than 14 days before your travel date. Tickets cannot be bought on the coach.
PORTO – VALENÇA: AUTNA (www.autna.com) coaches from Porto Airport transit station (Bus stop of Galicia Bus on the Airport arrivals) depart daily to Valença (Single fare is between €9.00 and €12.00)
TRAINS: There are several trains to and from Porto (Train station of São Bento or Train station of Campanhã). Trains transit daily to Valença. The metro lines link the airport to both train stations. Tickets can be purchased from the train station or on-line on the English language pages of the railway’s company’s website https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/en no more than 28 days before the travel date. Tickets cannot be bought on the train.
Our transport partners on the ground can also provide private transfers on all routes. Do not hesitate to contact us.
Travelling from the End of the walk
The walk finishes in Santiago de Compostella
By plane: There is an airport in Santiago de Compostella where you can catch flights. This site is useful in booking flights away from Santiago de Compostella.
We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.
For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.
We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office. See the FAQ section for more information.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants. You can get in touch with us via our contact form or email us at info@stroll.com
The Portuguese Camino Spiritual Variant is said to be the first ever Camino (Primitivo being the first ‘pilgrimage’ route). It follows the last part of the journey of the remains of Saint James (Santiago in Spanish) from Jerusalem to the Iberian Peninsula.
The walk includes a boat ride from Vilanova de Arousa to Pontecesures and what is said to be the most important part of the Variante Espiritual route. The Spiritual way splits from the Camino Portuguese after Pontevedra and rejoins it again in Pontecesures. A very special way to obtain the coveted Camino Passport.
Comfort is always a priority; at the end of each day, we ensure a hot shower, a comfortable bed, an en suite and plenty of quiet. We know that a comfortable night’s sleep ensures you’ll wake refreshed and primed, ready for the next day’s walking after a full breakfast. All the 2-3-star accommodations have been handpicked to reflect the character and history of the region.
It’s not by chance that when walkers visit Portugal, they almost immediately fall in love with the food and wine here. In Portugal, all the dishes, recipes and ingredients have a story to tell. This is a world you’ll experience both on foot and with your knife and fork. The Camino travels through many towns that are renowned for excellent authentic traditional food. In the North, it is worth frequenting Spanish Tapas bars to experience the wide range of local delicacies available.
Both Portugal and Spain have very old and sophisticated wine industries, and some of the wines you’ll find on this walk you won’t find anywhere else. Please note, alcohol or drinks with meals are not included (except tea/coffee and juice with breakfast).
This trip is available from the 15th of March to the 31st of October.
This track is well-graded and without a great deal of incline or decline. Walks on average about 19 km a day. There’s always time to walk and explore further if you’re up to it or to relax and enjoy the towns/villages each evening.
The route runs across northern Spain and through a variety of terrain. During the early and latter part of the season, conditions can be changeable from temperate warms days through to frosty mornings and very cool nights. From May to September, rainy days are less frequent and temperatures are steadily between 20-24 degrees, however, it is possible that you may experience a few cloudy days. See weather averages here.
Travelling to the Start of the walk
You will need to get yourself to and from the start and end of your walk. i.e. you will need to organise your travel to the start of the walk in Valenca/Tui. To make it easy, we have collated some useful information that will assist you in making arrangements for your travel.
Porto Airport Francisco Sá Carneiro, Maia (+351) 229 432 400 is about 11 km from the city centre. There are regular flights from and to almost all major European cities. An airport bus is available from outside the terminal, which takes you to the city centre. The Metro line connects the Airport to the city centre, offering a fast and comfortable ride into the heart of the city.
The train takes just under 2 hrs to get to Valenca from Porto.
Santiago de Compostela airport is also another option; it takes 2hrs and 20 minutes by bus to get to Tui from the town centre.
To book flights we have found this site helpful
BUSES: This is information for those who may be catching a bus.
PORTO – VALENÇA: Rede Expressos (www.rede-expressos.pt) coaches from Porto transit station (Campo 24 de Agosto, 125, 4300-096 Porto, Tel: +351 707 223 344) depart daily to Valença. Tickets can be purchased from the train station or on-line on the English language pages of the railway company’s website http://www.rede-expressos.pt/default.aspx no more than 14 days before your travel date. Tickets cannot be bought on the coach.
PORTO – VALENÇA: AUTNA (www.autna.com) coaches from Porto Airport transit station (Bus stop of Galicia Bus on the Airport arrivals) depart daily to Valença (Single fare is between €9.00 and €12.00)
TRAINS: There are several trains to and from Porto (Train station of São Bento or Train station of Campanhã). Trains transit daily to Valença. The metro lines link the airport to both train stations. Tickets can be purchased from the train station or on-line on the English language pages of the railway’s company’s website https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/en no more than 28 days before the travel date. Tickets cannot be bought on the train.
Our transport partners on the ground can also provide private transfers on all routes. Do not hesitate to contact us.
Travelling from the End of the walk
The walk finishes in Santiago de Compostella
By plane: There is an airport in Santiago de Compostella where you can catch flights. This site is useful in booking flights away from Santiago de Compostella.
We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.
For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.
We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office. See the FAQ section for more information.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants. You can get in touch with us via our contact form or email us at info@stroll.com
Q: What happens if I don’t want to walk one of the days, can I travel with the luggage?
Unfortunately, walkers cannot travel with the luggage. The information you are provided with has details for local taxi numbers, bus and train timetables should you wish to not walk on any day. Your accommodation hosts will also have up to date information and advice should you wish to travel to the next destination by local transport. As always, you can call us in the office should you need help during your walk.
Q: Where would you suggest adding an extra night?
Santiago, of course! This city is worthy of an extra day and not just to further explore the grand cathedral. Santiago boasts a wealth of medieval architecture, tapas bars and restaurants. We can also arrange an onward walk to the coastal point of Finisterre. Regarded as the end of the world by the Romans, many pilgrims continue on walking for several days to reach Finisterre. Having completed the Camino, it is an extra 4 days to reach Finisterre with a transfer back to Santiago on the fifth day.
Q: Can you extend our stay in Santiago de Compostela?
Of course, please let us know at the time of booking if you would like to extend your time in Santiago.
Q: Can my children walk with me?
We don't allow children under the age of 16 to do this walk.
Q: We’re travelling as friends but would like single rooms?
Subject to a single occupancy payment, single rooms are available. However, due to the limited accommodation single rooms might not always be available for every night of the tour, but we will let you know your options throughout the booking process.
Q: Can we reduce the days walked?
We wouldn’t suggest completing the itinerary in less than 8 days and 7 nights.
Q: Can we extend the days walked?
Of course, we’re happy to discuss your needs. If you feel you would prefer the ultimate Camino walk, you may wish to look at walking the full Camino route for 40 days or Leon to Santiago in 16 days.
Eva A
Great experience!!!! Could not have done it on my own!!! Thanks to the attention to detail!
Alison M
My experience with Stroll to arrange our Camino Journey from first contact to on the walk was easy, very helpful and personalised. It made my experience enjoyable and hassle free. I would encourage anyone to use Stroll. I will be again.
Anne B
The daily distances were less than the majority of walkers and this allowed us to spend time exploring daily destinations. Dept point process is easy to organize. Our entire walk went very well.
Audrey G
All of the spots were beautiful and distances each day perfect. The dept point process is very convenient! Right on time and a lovely drive. Entire trip went extremely well.
Mara C
This was a quiet, very enjoyable walk with some magnificent scenery- especially after the business of Japanese cities. Stroll organised this very well with great information on how to get to starting points and to hotels, and concise and helpful trail notes and guidance. We thoroughly enjoyed the northern Honshu scenery and hospitality. The organised evening meals were really interesting Japanese and enjoyable, and the final hotel location was spectacular.
Stephanie S
We just got back from a 13 day walk with our 4 young adult/teenage children and their partners on what they dubbed “one of Mom’s active holidays”. it was a phenomenal way to slow down, talk to each other, eat together, drink together and just be together with no expectations or time limits. We laughed, cried, got angry and got happy often all in one day! We are all in pretty good physical shape but it was still physically and emotionally hard so you do need to train before you go. It was nice having wonderful beds with nice sheets and great breakfasts all pre-arranged along with having our bags transported and made the physical toughness easier for us. I highly recommend it and we will all go again. You just never know what you will find along The Way.
Elizabeth I
Our entire trip went extremely well. Everything was seamless and the walking notes were very specific. You couldn’t go wrong.
Philippa S
I loved the guidebook layout and having a GPX file available. It was great having a no-fuss transfer to the start of the first official day of walking. The accommodation was mostly excellent and well located. I really enjoyed the route as recommended. Thanks to Stroll we were able to travel from New Zealand, arrive in Europe and be confident that all arrangements were going to work.
Annabel G
Trip was well organised , both the digital and the hard copy book was great ,we walked everyday unlike some other tours which means you were able to get in the groove early
Recommend this company
Belinda H
Again, we felt confident that Stroll would look after us and we were not disappointed. From clear directions, baggage transfer and accommodation choices, we felt secure and well organised.
Shu-Hwa C
Many thanks for the walkers’ notes/tips etc., we had a very rewarding walking holiday.
Sophia C
I loved it! A beautiful trip! My favourite walk to date. We were delighted with our decision to upgrade our accommodation.
Rosemary and Peter S
Thank you Stroll for making our Camino experience seamless and easy to follow. Every transfer and bag drop went smoothly. The accommodation in all the towns was clean and comfortable with some little gems thrown in. The itinerary was as expected and the gps app invaluable. Loved ready the little guide book the night before to be ready for the next day’s adventure. I would highly recommend this Portuguese Coastal Camino to anyone looking to do the Camino. Thanks for wonderful planning and support our Camino is complete. We will be recommending you to anyone who plans a Camino journey. BUEN CAMINO
Thanks
Heather T
The entire trip went extremely well. We were very pleased with the whole process by Stroll.
Sonja G
Yet again, Stroll provided us with a well planned trip with attention to detail & guaranteed safe, clean & enjoyable accommodation locations with the upgrade. Thoroughly enjoyed and memorable.
Jodie G
We were extremely happy with everything. I cannot recommend Stroll highly enough. From my initial email to the end of the Camino Portuguese trek, the team were extremely professional, helpful and always keen to go above and beyond to provide a fantastic service. We will definitely travel with them again!!
Judith J
Everything went like clock work. The entire walk went extremely well.
Vijeta U
My entire experience with Stroll was truly wonderful. From the moment I booked the Camino walk to the final day of the journey, everything was seamless and enjoyable. Even though it was a self-guided tour, I never felt alone. I highly recommend Stroll!
Greg M
It was better than I imagined and is one of the best activities I have been involved in. I loved every moment. Could not have been easier. Picked up at the arranged time and driven to the starting point. Drive could not have been more friendly. Could not have been organised better. Accommodation was terrific, luggage transfers on time and the walk itself was wonderful. I loved doing this. Thank you
Richard G
I found Stroll to be fully supportive and helpful in arranging my Camino. Everything went well. Pickups, hotel bookings, luggage transfers- all went perfectly. I couldn’t have expected any more – it was great
Kate T
The Stroll experience was extremely seamless from initial booking to pre-walk information, through the luggage transfer and hotel bookings along the way. We encountered no issues and all of the accommodation was suited to our needs, the included breakfasts made each day much easier too.
Karen K
Well organised and a ln outstanding guide made our walk unforgettable
Wendy A
Our trip went extremely well. The notes were very helpful, I really appreciated them in notebook format.
Tony C
Stroll and its Portuguese Supplier made this an enjoyable, safe and and amazing experience. Even before we left Australia, the assistance both companies provided was outstanding. Nothing was too much trouble.