Walking the Camino de Santiago: My Portuguese Coastal Route Experience
Last summer, I decided to do something completely off-brand for my screen-time stats: I traded my morning scrolls for the rhythmic crunch of gravel and the steady roar of the Atlantic. I walked the Camino de Santiago—specifically the Portuguese Coastal route—starting in the vibrant, tiled streets of Porto and ending at the threshold of the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.
It wasn't just a 277-kilometer walk; it was a much-needed conversation with the horizon and a massive "thank you" to my body for actually showing up for the challenge. If you're looking for a pilgrimage that combines coastal views with medieval history, this is the one.
Quick Facts: Camino Portuguese Coastal Way
Total Distance: ~277 km (Porto to Santiago)
Duration: 12 Days (including a rest day)
Difficulty: Moderate (mostly flat coastal paths with some inland hills)
Best Time to Walk: May to September
The Route: From the Douro to the Holy City
Here is how my journey unfolded, day by day, across the rugged coastline of Portugal and the lush hills of Spain.
The Coastal Start
Day 1: Porto to Vila Chã (26.6 km) Leaving Porto’s UNESCO heritage vibes behind, the path immediately hits the sea. Vila Chã is this quiet, traditional fishing village where wooden boats still line the shore. It was the perfect "soft launch" for the trek, even if my feet were already questioning my life choices.
Day 2: Vila Chã to Fão (30.8 km) A long stretch through the dunes. In Fão, I crossed the Eiffel-inspired bridge over the Cávado River. Walking across something that feels like the Eiffel Tower while carrying your life on your back is a major "look at me go" moment.
Day 3: Fão to Viana do Castelo (30.2 km)Viana do Castelo is easily one of the most aesthetic cities on the route. I made sure to catch the view from the Santa Luzia Sanctuary on the hill; the Lima estuary from up there is basically a real-life desktop wallpaper.
Crossing into Spain
Day 4: Viana to A Guarda (39.7 km) This was the ultimate marathon day. Instead of the standard ferry, I leveled up and took a private boat across the Minho River from Caminha to Spain. Stepping off that boat into A Guardafelt like a movie. I spent the evening exploring the Castro de Santa Trega, an ancient Celtic settlement with stone circular huts that make you realize just how small your "big" problems actually are.
Day 5: A Guarda to San Pedro da Ramallosa (35.7 km) Walking along the wild Galician coast is a vibe. Ramallosa has this stunning 13th-century Romanesque bridge that looks straight out of a period drama. It was one of those moments where you just feel lucky to be exactly where you are.
Day 6 & 7: Vigo and a Cíes Detour (22.2 km) After reaching the port city of Vigo, I took a "Free Day" to visit Playa de Rodas on the Cíes Islands. They call it the "best beach in the world," and with that turquoise water, I wasn’t about to argue. It was the ultimate rest-and-recharge moment for the final leg.
The Final Push
Day 8: Vigo to Redondela (15.6 km) A shorter walk joined by my friend Jason. This is where the Coastal route merges with the Central route, and the yellow arrows become the only GPS you need. It felt great to have the company and share the grind.
Day 9: Redondela to Pontevedra (20.8 km)Pontevedra is a pedestrian’s dream (which, let’s be real, is exactly what you want after 200km). The Virgen de la Peregrina church is shaped like a scallop shell—a literal architectural "thank you" to the pilgrims.
Day 10: Pontevedra to Iria Flavia (41.3 km) The hardest day, period. Iria Flavia is the legendary landing site of St. James' remains, and arriving there after over 40km felt deeply symbolic. It was a test of mental fortitude more than anything else.
Day 11 & 12: The Arrival (10.8 km & 13.6 km) Through Rúa de Francos and finally into the Praza do Obradoiro in Santiago de Compostela. Hearing the bagpipes echo through the stone arches as I walked toward the Cathedral was pure, exhausted magic. I’m just so grateful I didn’t quit when the blisters got loud.
10 More Pilgrimage-Style Adventures for the Filipino Soul
If the Camino sparked a hunger for long-distance discovery, here are 10 other "slow travel" adventures that offer that same mix of spiritual and physical renewal.
1. The Kumano Kodo, Japan
Japan’s sister to the Camino. This network through the Kii Peninsula links grand Shinto shrines and is the only other pilgrimage with UNESCO status. Think: lush forests, misty shrines, and incredible onsens.
2. The Alta Via 1, Dolomites, Italy
For the mountain lovers. This "High Path" takes you through the limestone peaks of Northern Italy. You stay in Rifugios(mountain huts) where the pasta is fresh and the sunsets are legendary.
3. Carretera Austral, Chile
A deep dive into Chilean Patagonia. Whether you bike it or trek sections, you’ll see marble caves and glaciers that make you want to protect the planet even more.
4. The Jesus Trail, Israel
A 65-kilometer trek from Nazareth to the Sea of Galilee. For Filipinos, this is a beautiful way to see the Holy Land on your own terms, walking the actual dirt of the Biblical stories.
5. The Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, Japan
A massive 1,200 km loop around Shikoku island. You don’t have to do it all at once, but even a week here offers a profound look into Japanese Buddhist culture and hospitality.
6. The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, Peru
Skip the crowded Inca Trail for this spiritual ascent past the sacred Salkantay mountain. It’s high-altitude, high-reward, and ends at one of the wonders of the world.
7. Mount Kailash Kora, Tibet
One of the most sacred treks on the planet. It’s a high-altitude "circumambulation" around the holy peak. It’s physically demanding, but the spiritual clarity you get is next-level.
8. St. Olav’s Way, Norway
The northernmost pilgrimage in the world. Walk from Oslo to Trondheim through valleys and over the Dovrefjell mountains. It’s serene, green, and incredibly peaceful.
9. Via Francigena, Italy
An ancient road from the Alps (or even the UK) all the way to Rome. The Tuscan section, with its rolling hills and vineyards, is basically a "Eat Pray Walk" dream.
10. The Batanes Traverse, Philippines
Bringing it back home. A multi-day trek across the rolling hills of Batan or Itbayat. With its stone houses and deep spirituality, it is the closest thing to a "Pinoy Camino" we have.
Buen Camino to your next adventure!
