Reverse Journey - from Santiago to Porto

[WillyBeaver]

Hello,

I am intending to be walking the Caminho Coastal starting from the 28th of November 2024, but in reverse, from Santiago to Porto-
Does anyone know if there is a map or a guide of the reverse route that exists, or any other tips to help me on My way .

Thank you,

Willy.

 

[mspath]

WillyBeaver,

Welcome to the forum!
Finding yellow arrows going the opposite way is not easy .
December 2011 after finishing a CF I walked alone from Santiago to Tui/Valenca.This backwards blog although old might help you with your planning. Portugal can be cold in winter. Be prepared with lightweight but warm layers which can easily be added or removed while walking.

To help with your planning do check out this recent thread by fellow forum member Jungleboy. He discusses in detail the Camino Portugese from Lisbon to Porto and Santiago.

However/wherever you do go Buen camino!

Quote

 

[Tincatinker]

Hello,

I am intending to be walking the Caminho Coastal starting from the 28th of November 2024, but in reverse, from Santiago to Porto-
Does anyone know if there is a map or a guide of the reverse route that exists, or any other tips to help me on My way .

Thank you,

Willy.

Why?

That question aside any of the standard online guides (Wisepilgrim) or an app like mapy.cz will assist you in staying on-track while walking a reverse camino. The ability to read a guidebook from last page to first and to take the reciprocal of all directions will help too.

 

[jcat]

I did part of the Frances backwards and I used the free Mapy.cz app to stay on course.

 

[Dave]

I've done this, and had no trouble finding my way, but part of that was a byproduct of walking in late summer, when there was a river of pilgrims barreling towards me at all times, especially from Tui to Santiago. I think you'll have a quieter walk!

Anyway, as you move further south, keep an eye out for blue waymarks for Fatima, as they'll help you out. I didn't make use of any special reverse-order materials, but I had gps tracks available in case I got off track. Just keep in mind--if you pass an intersection and there are no arrows, there's a good chance you need to backtrack. The Portugués from Porto to Santiago is thoroughly waymarked.

 

[caminka]

I think people have been mentioning blue arrows pointting south as soon as you get to portugal, but maybe even in spain? But on the main interior route, not on the coast.

 

[Dave]

I think people have been mentioning blue arrows pointting south as soon as you get to portugal, but maybe even in spain? But on the main interior route, not on the coast.

That's a good clarifying point--I followed the interior.

 

[wisepilgrim]

The blue arrows will get you there but along the central route. So you could only follow them as far as Redondela or Tui.

Given the sheer number of deviations in this route, I would recommend an app as a backup.