Coastal Camino Portugal 2024 / 2025

[SparkyBridie]

I walked inland along the Portuguese route from Porto to Santiago in 2007. What a joy! I'd like to try the Coastal Route in October of this year or Spring 2025. I'm older now and want my bag carried on a daily basis but still looking for the freedom to walk without too much planning ahead. Is accommodation outside of the hostel system easy to find in October? Are local bag carrying services available and can I organise my trip without having to pay a travel company? Your advice and suggestions very welcome.

 

[Grousedoctor]

First, let me mention that we used TOP Santiago to transport our packs up from Porto. We simply contacted them the afternoon before a pick up with our location (which they had already delivered to) and our next destination. Using WhatsApp worked wonderfully for our communication with them. However, you will need to know your destination that next day for your delivery. So with regard to planning, you can identify a variety of accommodation types at the distances you want to walk each day on a website like Gronze.com. So, absolutely no need to hire a travel company as making your arrangements well in advance or just a day or two before is very easy to do. Bom Caminho!

 

[henrythedog]

I walked inland along the Portuguese route from Porto to Santiago in 2007. What a joy! I'd like to try the Coastal Route in October of this year or Spring 2025. I'm older now and want my bag carried on a daily basis but still looking for the freedom to walk without too much planning ahead. Is accommodation outside of the hostel system easy to find in October? Are local bag carrying services available and can I organise my trip without having to pay a travel company? Your advice and suggestions very welcome.

Yes, yes and yes. Have a browse through the relevant section of the forum and/or give the search function a go. You’ll get much more information than just relying on whoever’s online over the next few days.

 

[trecile]

Here's another thread in the same topic that might be helpful: https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...ober-porto-hire-portage-service-vs-not.87874/

 

[SparkyBridie]

Belated thanks for the information and encouragement @trecile and @Hen

Yes, yes and yes. Have a browse through the relevant section of the forum and/or give the search function a go. You’ll get much more information than just relying on whoever’s online over the next few days.

Belated thanks for advice and encouragement. Just getting the hang of the forum.
Planning beginning already.
Gronze.com seems to be excellent.

 

[SparkyBridie]

Here's another thread in the same topic that might be helpful: https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...ober-porto-hire-portage-service-vs-not.87874/

Belated thanks for link. Getting the research going and it's fun!

 

[SparkyBridie]

Obrigado! Great information and advice. Apologies if you received a message already. Just learning the ropes of the forum.

 

[Michiain]

This is very helpful. I have posted a separate question elsewhere but joining here too.
I am trying to plan self guided walkby booking own accommodation and luggage service (without using tour company) and cover distance from Porto to Santiago de Compostela in shorter timeframe. This means not walking the entire Camino from Porto to Santiago de Compostela. Has anyone done something similar?

Outlined below is an AI generated itinerary. Seeking feedback and recommendations based on plan.
Day 1: Porto - Take a bus or train to Vila do Conde (approx. 1 hour by train)
Day 2: Vila do Conde to Apúlia - 18 km (approx. 4.5 hours) - Coastal Route
Day 3: Apúlia to Esposende - 25 km (approx. 6.5 hours) - Coastal Route
Day 4: Esposende to Viana do Castelo - 25.5 km (approx. 6.5 hours) - Coastal Route
Day 5: Viana do Castelo to Baiona - 27 km (approx. 7 hours) - Coastal Route
Day 6: Take a bus from Baiona to Vigo (approx. 30 min)
Day 7: Take a bus or train from Vigo to Pontevedra (approx. 30 min)
Day 8: Pontevedra to Armenteira - 22 km (approx. 5.5 hours) - Variante Espiritual
Day 9: Armenteira to Vilanova de Arousa - 13.5 km (approx. 3.5 hours) - Variante Espiritual
Day 10: Ferry from Vilanova de Arousa to Padrón (approx. 2 hours) - Variante Espiritual
Day 11: Padrón to Teo - 20 km (approx. 5 hours) - Variante Espiritual
Day 12: Teo to Santiago de Compostela - 17.5 km (approx. 4.5 hours) - Variante Espiritual
Total walking distance: Approximately 166 km
This itinerary balances walking and public transportation, covering the Coastal Route and Variante Espiritual while avoiding longer walks in highly urbanized areas.