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Walking the Portuguese Camino

Portugal, Spain - Trip code WPC Walking and Trekking
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85Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
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Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

Embark on a journey along Portugal's wild Atlantic coastline and into the verdant landscapes of Galicia, following the ancient Camino Portugues to the sacred city of Santiago de Compostela. Walk through coastal villages, cross ancient bridges, and discover the rich culture of northern Portugal and Spain, covering the 100km needed to gain your Pilgrim's passport.

Why we love this trip
  • Historic Pilgrimage Route - Follow in the footsteps of countless pilgrims on one of Europe's most beautiful Camino routes.
  • Coastal Beauty - Experience spectacular Atlantic coastline views and charming fishing villages.
  • Cultural Immersion - Discover the authentic heritage of northern Portugal and Galicia's historic towns.

  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 7

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

  • Transport

    Bus

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    Accommodation

    7 nights comfortable hotel

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    Walking grade:

    Moderate

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    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 16
    Explore average 11

Itinerary

Day 1 - Trip starts in Porto

Our Portuguese adventure begins in Porto, the riverside city renowned for its port wine and striking architecture. Upon arrival, there's time to settle into our centrally located hotel before we gather in the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome briefing. This is a great opportunity to meet fellow group members and get a comprehensive overview of our journey ahead.

If time allows, following the briefing, we'll head out on an orientation walk to get a feel for Porto's historic centre, which has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. The rest of the evening is free to explore or prepare for tomorrow's coastal adventure. We'll need to pick up our Pilgrim's passport from the cathedral and get our first stamp, but this can be done on the morning of Day 2.

Accommodation:

Hotel Moov Porto Centro (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: None

Day 2 - Ocean views on the coastal walk from Afife to Caminha, overnight in O Porrino in Spain

After breakfast, we journey north to the coastal town of Viana do Castelo where we'll have free time to explore the historic centre and perhaps enjoy a traditional Portuguese coffee, before continuing to Afife Village. Here, we'll begin the true Camino experience as we join what's known locally as the 'Camino Portugues' coastal route.

Our first walking day follows the Atlantic coastline, offering ocean views and long stretches through wild natural landscapes. We'll pause in the seaside town of Praia Ancora for lunch (not included) before continuing to Caminha, situated at the mouth of the River Mino, right at the Spanish border.

After completing our walk, we'll transfer to O Porrino in Spain for our first night across the border.

Our first walk covers 13 kilometres/9 miles, with an ascent of 391 metres/1,283 feet and descent of 385 metres/1,263 feet.

Accommodation:

Hotel Azul (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 3 - Walk through Galician countryside to Redondela

Today marks the beginning of our point-to-point hotel walking experience. For the rest of the week, our main luggage will be transferred ahead of us each day as we walk from hotel to hotel. We follow the Camino Portugues inland through the beautiful Galician countryside to Redondela, a picturesque town positioned on the waterfront of Vigo's impressive bay, known locally as the Rias.

The afternoon we'll have time to explore Redondela's charming streets and waterfront setting.

Today's 16-kilometre/10-mile walk will take around four and a half hours with a moderate ascent of 250 metres/820 feet and descent of 270 metres/880 feet.

Accommodation:

Hostal A Marisma (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 4 - Rolling countryside and stone villages to the beautiful city of Pontevedra

Our journey continues along the Camino Portugues to Pontevedra, the historic capital of the province and one of Galicia's most beautiful cities. The route is characterised by views of the Vigo estuary and the crossing of the Medieval Ponte Sampaio Bridge. Built on a Roman foundation the bridge crosses the estuary of the Verdugo River and was the scene of a historic battle to liberate Spain from French occupation in 1809 during the War of Independence.

Upon arrival in Pontevedra, we have the afternoon free to explore the remarkably well-preserved old town, considered one of Spain's finest medieval quarters. Wander through pedestrianised streets lined with granite arcades, discover hidden plazas, and perhaps visit the Basilica of Santa Maria la Mayor, an imposing example of Galician Gothic architecture

This 20-kilometre/12.4-mile walk will take approximately five hours, features rolling countryside and traditional stone villages, with moderate elevation changes throughout the day, a total ascent and descent of 350 metres/1,148 feet.

Accommodation:

Hotel Rías Bajas (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 5 - Through Galicia's green heart to the thermal town of Caldas de Reis

Today's walk takes us deeper into Galicia's verdant interior as we make our way to Caldas de Reis, famous for its natural hot springs that have attracted visitors since Roman times. This will be one of our longer days, winding through eucalyptus forests, traditional farming communities, and ancient stone bridges.

The moderate terrain features gentle undulations through some of Galicia's most pastoral landscapes. Upon arrival, there may be time to experience the town's renowned thermal baths, a perfect way to soothe your muscles while you get acquainted with the area's ancient wellness traditions.

Today's 19-kilometre/11-mile walk is expected to take five hours with an ascent of 480 metres/1,584 feet and descent of 527 metres/1,729 feet.

Accommodation:

Hotel Roquiño (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 6 - Walk to Padrón, where St James landed, past sleepy farms and villages

Our penultimate walking day brings us to Padron, a town steeped in both religious significance and literary heritage. According to Christian legend, this is where the remains of Saint James first came ashore in a stone vessel, making it a place of profound importance for pilgrims. The town was also home to Rosalía de Castro, Galicia's most celebrated 19th-century writer and a key figure in the Galician cultural renaissance.

Today's walk continues through the characteristic Galician landscape of small farms, ancient churches, and stone-built villages. The gradual approach to Padron builds anticipation for tomorrow's final push to Santiago de Compostela.

Today's 26-kilometre/16-mile walk is expected to take six hours with an ascent and descent of 250 metres/820 feet.

Accommodation:

Hotel Corona de Padron (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 7 - Final walk to the spires of the cathedral in the historic city of Santiago de Compostela

Today represents the culmination of our Camino journey - the final approach to Santiago de Compostela and the tomb of Saint James. This is both the longest and most challenging walk of the week. The route takes us through the suburbs and finally into the historic heart of Santiago, where the magnificent cathedral spires first come into view. The afternoon is free to explore Santiago's old town, visit the cathedral, or perhaps attend the traditional Pilgrims' Mass if you wish. Our final walk covers 26 kilometres/16 miles over six hours and 30 minutes with a significant ascent of 580 metres/1,902 feet and descent of 340 metres/1,115 feet.

Accommodation:

Hotel Alda San Carlos (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 8 - Trip ends Santiago

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Santiago de Compostela. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Santiago de Compostela Airport.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

Portugal

Climate

Overall, spring, early summer and autumn are ideal times for a trip to Portugal - though the weather varies enormously from region to region. The northern high plains has both extremes, stiflingly hot in summer, bitterly cold and swept by freezing winds in winter. The Atlantic coast, in contrast, has a tendency to damp and mist, and a relatively brief, humid summer. The Mediterranean south is warm virtually all year round. The islands have very different weather patterns due to their positioning and can have sudden rain falls throughout the year so waterproofs are recommended even in the summer.

Time difference to GMT

0

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Roman Catholic

Language

Portuguese

Spain

Climate

Overall, spring, early summer and autumn are ideal times for a Spanish trip - though the weather varies enormously from region to region. The high central plains suffer from fierce extremes, stiflingly hot in summer, bitterly cold and swept by freezing winds in winter. The Atlantic coast, in contrast, has a tendency to damp and mist, and a relatively brief, humid summer. The Mediterranean south is warm virtually all year round. Spain's Islands, the Canaries and Balaerics, experience very mild winters and warm summers, making them ideal year round destinations.

Time difference to GMT

+1

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Roman Catholic

Language

Castilian Spanish, Catalan, Galician, Basque

Budgeting and packing

Clothing

Bring light and comfortable clothing that can be layered according to the temperature. It can become cool, especially at night, so bring warmer layers. Tops made from wicking materials which keep you drier, a warmer fleece is recommended as a mid layer, and walking trousers are preferable to trousers of heavier material such as jeans.

-Breathable wind and waterproof jacket
-T-shirts
-Long sleeved tops
-Sunhat
-Long trousers
-Shorts (if you prefer to walk in them)
-Swimwear and towel
-Midlayer Fleece/pullover

Footwear

We recommend you bring walking/hiking boots, make sure that your boots are worn-in and comfortable before the start of the trip. Also trainers or sandals for relaxing and general wear. We suggest that on international flights you either carry your walking boots in your hand luggage or wear them - should your luggage be lost or delayed, your own boots are the one thing that will be irreplaceable.

Luggage

20Kg

Luggage: On tour

Bring one main piece of luggage and a 20-30 litre day sack is recommended. You will need to carry what you need for the day which may include a raincoat, jumper, camera, sun-cream, water and picnic lunch. On hot days you will carry fewer clothes but more drinking water.

Equipment

-Sunglasses
-Sun cream
-Walking poles (if you usually use them)
-Personal toiletries
-Personal first aid kit - On each walk a first aid kit is carried but you should have your own blister kit, supply of plasters other essentials.
-Small waterproof dry bag (for items such as your mobile phone)
-Reusable water bottle (minimum 1 litre) - Get 15% discount on a Water-to-Go bottle www.explore.co.uk/about-us/responsible-travel/water-to-go-discount-with-explore

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. You may however, want to recognise a leader that has done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It is a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we would recommend £15 to £20 per person per week as a guideline.

Portugal

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£15.00 - 20.00
Dinner price
£25.00 - 30.00
Beer price
£3.00 - 4.00 depending on your location, well touristed areas are usually slightly more expensive.
Water price
£2.00
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Euro.
Recommended Currency For Exchange
Take the majority of your spending money in Euros cash.
Where To Exchange
We recommend that you change any currency into Euros prior to arrival. Bureau de Change are generally only found in major cities and large airports.
ATM Availability
Cash-point machines are available in all major towns. Bankcards with the Cirrus logo are accepted.
Credit Card Acceptance
Visa and Mastercard are generally accepted in larger restaurants and some shops.

Spain

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£15.00 - 20.00
Dinner price
£20.00 - 35.00
Beer price
£1.50 - 3.50 (depending on the region/area in Spain)
Water price
£2
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Euros
Recommended Currency For Exchange
We recommend you take the majority of your spending money in Euros cash.
Where To Exchange
We recommend that you change any currency into Euros prior to arrival. Currency Exchange locations are generally only found in major cities and large airports.
ATM Availability
In cities and most major towns.
Credit Card Acceptance
Visa and Mastercard are generally accepted in larger restaurants and some shops.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bus

Accommodation notes

Accommodation and service levels in Spain and Portugal are generally very good. On this trip we stay in a number of smaller, family-run hotels that might not offer the same luxuries as larger chain-style hotels, but they do provide a warm welcome and a comfortable place to stay.

Most pecifically cater to people walking the camino and are strategically positioned in the town centre, not far from teh camino itself.
Please note that in Caldas de Reis, in the event our group needs more than 9 rooms, the final two would be accommodated in the Hotel Via XIX, 12om away.

Breakfast tends to be a smaller affair, often just fruit juice or coffee and a pastry.


Portugal

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day. 

Spain

Food and drink

Spanish cuisine offers a huge variety of flavours, influenced by diverse regions and cultures. From the tapas of Andalusia to the hearty stews of Catalonia each dish tells a story. Vegetarians are typically well catered for however in the more rural areas choices may be more limited, broadly speaking this holds true for vegans.
Can you drink the water? 
It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day. 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information

Portugal: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.
Spain: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.
Portugal: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Portugal

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory but Tetanus is usually recommended as a precaution. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Spain

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory but Tetanus is usually recommended as a precaution. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

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Price Guarantee Promise
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Airport Transfers
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