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Portuguese Coastal Camimo – Summary & Reflections

Retirement Reflections

Four weeks ago, my husband and I completed our 11-day hike on the Portuguese Coastal Camino. I have already written separate posts about our accommodations and food for this trip. I would be remiss to leave out the planning, distances, and key takeaways from this journey, even if just for my own records.

For the daily summaries below, I used my thoughts jotted down in real-time on the Camino.

Most Camino sites, including Stingy Nomads (Camino bloggers whom I follow), list the Portuguese Coastal Camino from Porto to Santiago de Compostela as 280 km (173 miles). Sometimes, a few different totals are given (Trip Advisor lists this trail as 290 km, and a volunteer on the Camino Forum challenged that the trail’s distance was 261 km). Via Google Maps, I carefully calculated the predicted distances from each of my accommodations to the next. That final total determined the trail to be 247.3 km. I entered this walk knowing there was a 32.7 km discrepancy between the official trail distance and the distance I hoped for. Where the missing 32.7 km were, I was soon to discover.

Daily Summaries

Day 1: Porto to Hi Vila do Conde

  • Google: 28.6 km
  • Stingy Nomads: 34 km
  • Actual km walked according to my Fitbit: 39 km

Already on Day 1, I was beginning to doubt the wisdom of relying on the predictions of Google Maps.

Day 2: Vila do Conde to Marinhas

  • Google: 26.4 km
  • Stingy Nomads: 28.5 km
  • Fitbit: 31.8 km

This was the day we stopped for a bite to eat and a full pitcher of sangria and then hiked 8 km more (which neither of us clearly remembers).

Day 3: Marinhas to Viana do Castelo

  • Google: 25 km
  • Stingy Nomads: 28.5 km
  • Fitbit: 32.5 km

After hiking 30+ km on such a warm day, the pool that awaited us could not have been more welcomed. Our evening meal at Adro Eventos was absolutely incredible. If you are ever in this area, be sure to check it out. I swear you will not be disappointed!

Day 4: Viana do Castelo to A Guarda

  • Google: 22.5 km
  • Stingy Nomads: 22 km
  • Fitbit: 29 km

To add to today’s 29 km walk from Carreco to A Guarda, I somehow managed to book our accommodation on top of Mount Santa Trega, causing us to climb 51 floors extra. Ironically, a couple we met earlier in our walk had done the same thing. All was saved by the stunning views, great conversation, and a wonderful evening meal. (Phew!)

Day 5: A Guarda to Cabo Silleiro

  • Google: 27.4 km
  • Stingy Nomads: 26.5 km
  • Fitbit: 34 km

The weather was more humid than anticipated, but the views were continually stunning, and the fellow pilgrims were all in good spirits.

Day 6: Cabo Silleiro to Vigo

  • Google: 27.8 km
  • Stingy Nomads: 28 km
  • Fitbit: 34 km

Our day began with a fabulous, complimentary breakfast at Talaso Atlantico Hotel. It was tempting to stay there eating all day, but we bravely continued!

Day 7: Vigo to O Meson

  • Google: 20.7 km
  • Stingy Nomads: 20 km
  • Fitbit: 26.5 km

Although this was the shortest distance we had walked so far, it was our most challenging hike. It was 32°C and a relentless up-and-down climb in very humid weather. At the end of the day, it took all our energy to shower and wash our clothes.

Day 8: O Meson to Barro

  • Google: 20.9 km
  • Stingy Nomads: 21.5 km
  • Fitbit: 27 km

Today included many extra steps and missteps (including me stopping to buy new shorts due to an “overheated dryer incident”). There were also a few steep climbs. But it was much cooler, so it was an easier walk than yesterday. In our albergue, there were 22 other hikers of diverse nationalies. A lovely group dinner was prepared for us by Pedro, who operates the albergue. Richard was snoring before dinner, so we knew we were all in for a fun night!

Day 9: Barro to Pontecesures

  • Google: 24 km
  • Stingy Nomads: 29 km
  • Fitbit: 29 km

It was another great day on the trail with an incredible travel partner.

Day 10: Pontecesures to O Faramello

  • Google: 13 km
  • Stingy Nomads: 13 km
  • Fitbit: 29 km

Our final total included some backtracking to our accommodations, which we overshot. It was a relaxed day with a late start and a wonderfully long lunch. There were many other hikers, and much bike and car traffic. Still, there were long stretches of much-appreciated solitude.

Day 11: O Faramelo to Santiago de Compostela

  • Google: 11 km
  • Stingy Nomads: 15 km
  • Fitbit: 20.2 km

And just like that, our hike on the #portuguesecoastalcamino was done. Our total Camino distance as measured by my Fitbit was 323 km (we had a few off-trail excursions)! We left with new friends, many insights gained and we both remained injury-free.

Why Walk this Camino Trail?

Walking the Portuguese Coastal Camino offers a unique and enriching experience. Why walk this Camino? Here are our reasons:

Stunning Coastal Views and Diverse Landscapes: The route offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, beautiful beaches, cliffs, and coastal towns. Ironically, a fair bit of this Coastal Camino is not actually on the coast, giving walkers ever-changing landscapes, including mountains, forests, rivers, vineyards, crop fields, farms, and more.

Historical and Cultural Immersion: This trail begins and ends in UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Porto and Santiago de Compostela). In between, it passes through rich cultural and architectural history, including The Covenant of Santa Clara (founded in 1913) and Mount Santa Trega (which includes a well-preserved Galaicos-Roman Castro) to highlight just two on a long list of fascinating places to pause and ponder.

Culinary Delights: Although I focused on food from this trail in a previous post, sampling port and pastel de natas in Portugal, as well as sangria and paella in Spain, definitely added to the pleasure of our journey.

Physical Challenge: The Camino presents a physical challenge, promoting fitness and endurance. Caminos are the one time we return home from travel lighter and fitter than before we left.

Mental Clarity: The long, daily walks promote mental clarity providing a break from daily routines.

Community and Camaraderie: On the Camino, “You go for a walk and meet the world.” This is so true. In one small albergue where we stayed, we shared a communal meal with hikers from Australia, Russia, Poland, Argentina, Germany, Portugal, Spain, and Canada. The Camino fosters a deep sense of community as pilgrims share their experiences and support each other.

Hospitality: The warmth and hospitality of locals and fellow pilgrims enhance the journey, creating lasting memories and friendships, and reminding us to do the same.

Personal Fulfillment: Reaching Santiago de Compostela, the final destination, provides a profound sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that is hard to describe.

Resilience and Adaptability: The journey teaches resilience and adaptability as walkers navigate various challenges, including weather, terrain, exhaustion and physical strain.

Walking Meditation: The Camino dates back to the 9th Century (the time of King Alfonso II of Asturias) when the remains of St. James were first discovered in Northern Spain. Regardless of individual beliefs, the Camino provides all with opportunities for deep contemplation, connection, and purpose.

The Portuguese Coastal Camino offers a rich tapestry of experiences, blending natural beauty, cultural immersion, personal growth, community spirit, and deep reflection.

Have Camino questions? I’d be happy to answer them in the comments below (or via direct message). For previous Camino related posts, just type “Camino” into the search bar. Or to get started you could check here, here, here, here or here. I look forward to meeting you there!

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Published by Retirement Reflections

Prior to retirement, I lived and worked in Beijing China for fourteen years (Middle School Principal/Deputy Director at The Western Academy of Beijing). Leaving international life behind, my husband and I retired to Vancouver Island in June 2015. To document both this transition and our new adventures, ‘Retirement Reflections’ was born. I hope that you enjoy reading these reflections, and will be willing to share your own.

63 thoughts on “Portuguese Coastal Camimo – Summary & Reflections”

  2. Fabulous write-up! I’m so happy that you were able to complete the Camino that was interrupted (before even starting) last year. Good on both of you for not only finishing it injury-free but maintaining your positive spirits throughout. It might be too early to ask, but do you have hopes/plans for another one?

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    1. Agree, absolutely fabulous: the write-up, the finishing it injury-free, and the positive attitude!

      I’m curious: if you could choose a spot to spend a few weeks at, somewhere along the Camino, where would it be?

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      1. Thank you for your kind words, and your great question. We did choose a place along the Camino (Povoa de Varzim) where we had planned to spend 5 nights once our Camino had ended. Unfortunately, we only managed to spend 2 nights there and needed to return home early to help my parents (health issues).

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      3. That’s another great question. Póvoa de Varzim is a cute seaside town that is very near Porto (where we were flying in and out of). It’s on the Camino trail and our accommodation was literally steps from the metro line (which goes to the Porto Airport in one direction and to Virgo in the other).

        Póvoa de Varzim has been a renowned beach resort for over three centuries, attracting national and international visitors with its large sandy beaches and health benefits. Known for its influential literary culture, historical-artistic patronage, and even a prominent gambling venue Casino da Póvoa, the town boasts landmarks such as the Junqueira shopping street, Garrett Theatre, and the Ethnography and History Museum. The city’s distinct cultural identity includes ancient Norse customs and notable industries in textiles and food.

        Although we were only there for a short time, we found it peaceful, relaxing and very walkable.

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    2. Hi, Janis – Thank you so much for your kind feedback. Somewhere during this trip, my blogging muse up and left me and has yet to return. Perhaps she’s back in Spain sipping sangria? Thus, sitting down to write my recent posts have been more difficult than usual. I’m glad that this read okay.
      Your last question is a good one. Richard and I did this Camino with the idea of this being our final one, and getting it out of our systems. The reverse happened and we would both be back on a Camino trail today if we could (likely will be a year or so away until then). Perhaps you and Paul would like to join us for Camino #8?

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  3. Hi Donna – so lovely following along with you on FB and also seeing that you both made it without any incidents. Nice finish with the video and hearing Richard talking (now I know what you both sound like!) For some weird reason I always expect people to sound the same and forget about the accent until I actually hear it 😀

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    2. Hi, Leanne – RIchard has a much more Canadian sound to his voice than I do (at least I hear it that way). It becomes apparent in such words as ‘house,’ ‘about,’ and even ‘lawyer’. But as Bernie said, what accent? 😀

      Thank you so much for following along!

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  4. What a stellar recap. I don’t think I understand why the huge discrepancies in mileage, though. Would have thought at least on the Stingy Nomad it would have been more accurate. Portugal is awesome. The world is so big and there are so many places to see!

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    1. Hi, Bernie – I believe that there were a few reasons for the mileage discrepancies. Other than Google Maps being an outrageous lier (my story and I’m sticking to it), it really depends where you measure from. Google maps was measuring location to location and likely took an off-trail route (even though I did try to check for that and couldn’t see obvious trail diversions). Stingy Nomads and the Camino Forum were measuring from town to town, and likely different spots within those towns. My Fitbit was measuring all steps that I took that day (I took if off when we reached our destination). But before reaching our destination, my Fitbit included all steps and missteps whether they were on the official trail or not. Thank you for reading and following.

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  9. You two are wonders, that’s what you are. Wonderful synopsis of your hike. So glad there were no injuries. Not surprised to read that despite all the delicious food, you came back lighter than you left.

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  13. Donna,

    Fitness, friendships, food, and mental clarity…sounds like a perfect combination to me. Congratulations and a click of the Sangria cup to you both. I doubt that I’ll make that journey so, thanks for taking us along on yours. Have a great day! Joe

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  14. Donna, I’ve been unable to comment on your recent blog posts when I visit your blog. So I’m leaving a comment via Reader. I’ve not done this before, but it could work.

    Anyhoo, loved your summation of your hike and how it has brought clarity to you. Seems like it all went well which is delightful to read about. Minor problems overcome, joy obtained.

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    1. Hi, Ally – Your comment from Reader came through no problem at all. It didn’t even go into Spam or any of those other less desirable places. 😀

      I wonder why your other comments have not gone through. Let me know if you have any other details on this and I will check it out and see if there is something that I can fix.

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      2. I’ve never had any difficulty getting into your site. Usually WP sites are good for me. I do have problems getting into some other sites – but when I switch to my phone, that often works.

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  15. Well, Donna, it seems to me that you need a new fitbit – sorry I couldn’t resist! It all sounds very taxing. I prefer to sit in a safari vehicle and watch animals with my camera on zoom. I’m not much of a one for vigorous exercise like this but I am hugely impressed you have done this. A few of my cousins did it together too.

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    1. Watching animals in safari would be absolutely amazing. I didn’t mention it in my post, but my fitbit was in alignment with my android phone app as well as Richard’s iphone. I’m relieved not to have to buy a new piece of technology! 😀

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  16. Hi Donna, Congratulations to you and Richard on the completion of the Portuguese Coastal Camino injury-free and with new friends, new insights and amazing memories! I enjoyed reading your summary very much. I thought of you two when I was standing next to the Camino marker in Porto last year. I recently read about the ancient Salt routes (another possibility for long walks that I’m interested in). Thank you for the video at the end of your post. Have a wonderful weekend!

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  18. Donna, a terrific summary and seems we should all stop relying on Google! Your distances are much more! This seems to have been a unique and amazing experience for you both and wow, such a great list of reasons why to walk the trail.

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    1. Hi, Caroline – Thank you for dropping by. The Camino (which offers more than 281 diferent routes, encompassing more than 51,500 miles of trails through 29 different countries) definitely open up a whole new world of travel. If interested, I highly recommend checking this out further.

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  21. Hi Donna – this is so impressive. What an accomplishment. You give new meaning to your Fitbit! I also enjoyed your reasons to hike the Portuguese coast – clearning your mind is so important and even a few mile-walk helps. Congratulations to you and Richard!

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  24. I love the video at the end!! My friend and her husband did this same trip and the only complaint was that the distances were more than what they were told too.

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  25. Hi Donna – I can imagine the Coastal Camino is one of the prettier Caminos – and by the sound of it satisfactory … food, drink, Portuguese hospitality … pity about having to cut short your five day relaxing-after stay … but quite understand parental needs … they do so much for us – now is (was in my case) time for us to do ours. Clearing the brain sounds ideal … I think I’d fall over if I did that – it’s my prop in life … oh I need some Spanokopita! Take care and enjoy being home … cheers Hilary

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  26. Hi ! My husband and I have walk a few Camino. In 2024 we walked from Porto to Santiago and then to Muxia and Fisterra. I am a Camino author ( published in 2022 ON FOOT IN FRANCE- the stroy of our Camino on the Via Podiensis).

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