The Litoral Way of the Portuguese Camino

The Litoral Way is an unofficial route of the Portuguese Camino that starts in Porto and goes along the coast to Vigo. The route is spectacular: incredible scenery: small fishermen’s villages, wild coast, and unspoiled beaches. It’s similar to the Coastal Route; the beginning and the end of the stages are the same but the trajectory is often different. The Litoral Way goes along or close to the coast most of the time while the Coastal Route often goes inland. 

We have a detailed post comparing the Coastal and Litoral Way.   

The Litoral Way route overview

• Distance – 280 km/173 mi
• Number of days (stages) – 12-15 
• Starting point – Sé Cathedral, Porto, Portugal
• Finishing point – Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, Spain
• Difficulty level – moderate
• Total ascent – 2975 m (half of it 1500 m on the last 4 stages to Santiago on the Central Route)
• Total descent – 2705 m
• Walking surface – 167 km/103 mi – asphalt/tar; 19 km/11,8 mi – cobblestones; 53,5 km/33,2 mi – footpath/gravel road; 35 km/21,7 – boardwalk; 5,5 km/3,4 mi – sand/beach.
• Average cost – 25-30 euros per day per person (staying in albergues), from 40 euros per day per person (staying in hotels)
• Walking along the coast – 150 km/93 mi out of 280 km/173, the last 86 km/53,4 mi from Redondela to Santiago de Compostela are inland on the Central Route.

The pros and cons of the Litoral Way

In 2024 I walked all 3 routes of the Portuguese Camino from Porto. After completing the Litoral Way (it was the last route) I can confidently say that it’s my favorite route of the Portuguese Camino. To be honest, if you want to walk along the coast I suggest walking the Litoral Way.

Just to compare the part from Porto to Redondela (from Redondela all 3 Camino routes go inland) you walk along the coast – 150 km/93 mi out of 194 km/120 on the Litoral Way vs 77,5 km/48 mi out of 188 km/117 mi – on the Coastal Route. Despite the name “coastal” the actual walk along the coast is less than half of the route.

Let’s start with the pros

• The route goes along the coast for most of the time
• It has fewer pilgrims
• The scenery is spectacular
• It’s flat with barely any hills

Now the cons

• It’s not marked
• You need an app or GPS navigation for some stages

How long is the Litoral Way?

The total length of the Litoral Way from Porto to Santiago is 280 km/173 mi. It’s about 10 km/6,2 mi longer than the Coastal Route and 36 km/22,3 mi longer than the Central Route.

Where does it start?

The Litoral Way starts at Se Cathedral in Porto. The Portuguese Camino starts in Lisbon but it has only one route to Porto. In Porto the Camino splits into 3 routes; the Central, Coastal, and Litoral.

Is the route marked?

The route is not marked (except for some parts of it) but it’s straightforward – you follow the coast from south to north. The one stage where you need some sort of navigation to find the route is from Esposende to Viana do Castelo.

Where can I get a pilgrim’s passport (Credential)?

You can buy a pilgrim’s passport at Se Cathedral in Porto. It’s open daily from 9 am to 6.30 pm in summer (April – October) and from 9 am to 5.30 pm in winter (November – March). They sell it for 2 euros. If you already have one you can get your first stamp at the Cathedral.

You can get one at Pilgrims Albergue of Porto. They usually sell Credentials for 2 euros. It’s a good option for those who walk the Central Route because the albergue is right on the Camino. It’s far from the Litoral Way though.

Some magazine kiosks on the Litoral Way in Matosinhos sell Credentials. You can inquire at one of the tourist offices in Marosinhos (both are on the Camino route) where to find one.

Are there albergues on the Litoral Way?

Yes, you can find albergues both public and private, hotels, and restaurants on the Litoral Way. The beginning and end of every stage on the Litoral Way is the same as on the Coastal Route so places to stay are pretty much the same.

What is the scenery like?

80% of the route (from Porto to Redondela) is along the coast you get to see beautiful beaches, fishermen’s villages, and rocky cliffs. Scenerywise the Litoral Way is my favorite route of the Portuguese Camino. You don’t walk through big cities and industrial areas or along busy roads (except the last 2-3 km to Vigo). If you walk outside of the summer months the beaches are mostly empty. You often walk along the wild unspoiled coast.

Can I switch between the Litoral Way and Coastal Route?

It’s possible to switch between the two routes. The start and the end of the routes are the same. Sometimes they merge and split several times during the day. You can walk one stage or even half of it on one route and then switch to the other one.

Is there a luggage delivery service on the route?

Yes, you can have your luggage delivered between your accommodation places on the Litoral Way. You can use one of these companies:  Tuitrans and Pilbeo offer luggage delivery between Porto and Santiago. Correos delivers luggage from A Guarda (the first Spanish town on the Litoral Way). 

Will I get the Compostela for the Litoral Way?

Yes, you can get the Compostela certificate for completing the route if you collect stamps into your credential (pilgrim’s passport) just like on any other Camino. Remember to collect 2 stamps a day for the last 100 km to Santiago. On the Litoral Way, it’s from Vigo.

Litoral Way walking stages

Stage 1. Se Cathedral, Porto to Vila Chã, 26 km/16 mi

Porto – Matosinhos – Lavra – Labruge – Vila Chã

• Distance – 26 km/16 mi
• Time – 5-6 hours
• Accumulated ascent – 242 m
• Accumulated descent – 273 m
• Walking surface – 15 km/9,3 mi – asphalt, 10 km/6,2 mi – boardwalks, 1 km/0,6 mi – cobbled
• Walking along the coast – 23,5 km/14,6 mi are along the Douro River and coast

It’s a beautiful walking stage along the river and later the coast with plenty of restaurants and cafes. 

This stage is the first stage of the Litoral Way but most pilgrims (including myself) who walk the Coastal Route choose this route out of Porto. Expect to see quite a lot of people.

Highlights

• Se Cathedral and the historical center of Porto
• Walking along the Douro River
• Walking along beautiful beaches
• Farol de Leça, a high lighthouse with the museum
• Boardwalk along the coast

Challenges 

• The first 10 km from the Cathedral are not marked. It’s not difficult to find the route; you follow the Douro River for 10 km till you get to the information office in Matosinhos. From there you can follow the yellow arrows.
• A long distance for the first day on the Camino. There are places to stay before Vila Chã you can shorten your walking day. 

Stage 1. Route description

To start the easiest is to walk from Se Cathedral down to the river and follow its course from south to north. Don’t worry about following the Camino signs, there are too many of them (for different routes) and I find them rather confusing.

0-6 km/0-3,7 mi along the Douro River.

You can skip the first 5 km/3 mi by taking a yellow tram #1 or 18. It goes along the river pretty much the same route as the Litoral Way. Get off the tram at Passeio Alegre stop, there it turns inland. Your walking distance will be 21 km/13 mi instead of 26 km/16 mi.

6 km/3,7 mi – fortress of São Baptista da Foz and the Lighthouse Barra do Douro

10,5 km/6,5 mi – Tourist Information Office in Matosinhos. You can sometimes buy a Credential here. They can stamp your Credential if you already have one.

Some pilgrims to make the stage shorter get to Matosinhos by bus or metro. Bus #500 and metro line A go from Porto to Matosinhos. Your distance will be 16 km/10 mi instead of 26 km/16 mi.

10,5 km–13 km//6,5 mi – 8 mi – the Camino does the loop around the port in Matosinhos. There you have to pay attention to the route marking. If you lose it at some stage don’t worry, walk around the port and head back to the coast.

11,7 km/7,2 mi – walk over the bridge Ponte móvel de Leça in Matosinhos.

13 km/8 mi – another information office where you can get a stamp. 

13 km/8 mi – 26 km/ – along the coast, past several beaches.

15 km/9,3 mi – 26 km/16 mi – mostly on the boardwalks.

20 km/12,4 mi – a big supermarket. It’s a good place to buy some snacks or food if you’re planning to cook.

24 km/15 mi – Labruge, a small beach town with cafes, guesthouses, and a private albergue 900 m away from the Camino. You can stop here. It’s a good option if you want to stay in a private room and not a public albergue. Accommodation options are limited in Vila Chã.

Places to stay in Labruge

26 km/16 mi – Vila Chã is a small beach town with two or three restaurants and a public albergue. The albergue is about 800 m away from the Camino route. You can follow the signs that lead you there. There are a handful of places to stay. If you walk another 1,5 km/0,9 mi to Mindelo Beach you’ll find more places.

Places to stay in Vila Chã

Places to stay in Mindelo

Stage 2. Vila Chã to Aguçadoura, 20 km/12,4 mi

• Distance – 20 km/12,4 mi 
• Time – 4-5 hours (moving time)
• Ascent – 88 m
• Descent – 75 m
• Walking surface – 7,7 km/4,7 mi – boardwalk; 8 km/5 mi – tar road; 4 km/2,4 mi – cobbled; 300 m/0,3 mi – sand
• Walking along the coast – 17 km/10,5 mi out of 20 km/12,4 mi

It’s a spectacular walking day along the coast, past several beaches and on the long promenade from Vila do Conde to Povoa de Varzim.

You’ll see the Camino sings from Vila Chã to Vila do Conde. At the bridge in Vila do Conde the Litoral Way and the Coastal Route merge and split again after the bridge. Don’t follow the Camino signs in Vila do Conde if you want to continue on the Litoral Way.

From the bridge in Vila do Conde to Povoa do Varzim the Litoral Way is not marked but it’s easy to navigate. After the bridge, the route makes a sharp turn left and goes close to the river. You walk along the river till you get to the sea. Then continue along the beach till you see the Camino signs again (somewhere at the end of the promenade in Povoa de Varzim).

Highlights

• Spectacular coastal scenery and beaches
• The river walk in Vila do Conde
• The promenade between Vila do Conde and Povoa de Varzim
• The boardwalk along the coast from Povoa de Varzim to Aguçadoura

Challenges

• It’s an easy and flat walking day with many places to stop for coffee or food. 

Stage 2. Route description

0-6 km/0-3,7 mi – walking along the coast on the boardwalk

2,5 km/1,5 mi – Mindelo, a beach town with a couple of cafes

4,8 km/3 mi – Praia do Árvore, another beach town with hotels, restaurants, cafes, and a shop. It might be a good place to stop for breakfast.

5,6 km/3,4 mi – a restaurant

6 km/3,7 mi – the Litoral Way turns inland. It’s the only way to get across the river. 

7,5 km/4,6 mi – Vila do Conde, a big town with hotels, restaurants, shops, ATMs, etc.

7,5 km-9,3 km/4,6-5,7 mi – along the river in Vila do Conde

9,3 km/5,7 mi – The Fortress of São João Baptista. The route is back to the coast. 

9-15 km/5,6-9,3 mi – on the promenade along the beaches, several bars and restaurants.

13 km/8 mi – Povoa de Varzim

14 km/8,6 mi – the Litoral Way and the Coastal Route join and continue on the same trail till Aguçadoura. 

15-20 km/9,3-12,4 mi – along the coast

20 km/12,4 mi – Aguçadoura, a tiny place with a public albergue, a couple of guesthouses, and restaurants.

Places to stay in Aguçadoura

Stage 3. Aguçadoura to Esposende, 16 km/10 mi

• Distance – 16 km/10 mi 
• Time – 3-4 hours (moving time)
• Ascent – 93 m
• Descent – 88 m
• Walking surface – 5,5 km/3,4 mi – boardwalk;  6,5 km/4 mi – tar road; 3 km/1,8 mi – cobbled; 1 km/0,6 mi – footpath
• Walking along the coast – 12 km/7,4 mi out of 16 km/10 mi (2 km/1,2 mi along the river)

Another wonderful day with beautiful scenery on the Litoral Way. I enjoyed walking through small towns, on boardwalks, and past beaches.

The first 7 km/4,3 mi from Aguçadoura are the same on the Litoral and Coastal Routes. They are marked and there will be plenty of pilgrims. The first 11 km/6,8 mi on the Litoral Way are along the coast on boardwalks or sidewalks. The route goes inland in Fao to the bridge over the Cavado River (just like in Vila do Conde). 

You can see occasional yellow arrows marking the turns on this stage of the Litoral Way. 

Highlights

• Walking on boardwalks along the beach from Aguçadoura 
• A boardwalk on dunes with old windmills in Apulia
• Esposende promenade and beach

Challenges

• An easy and short walking day mostly along the coast

Stage 3. Route description

0-4 km/0-2,4 mi – on the boardwalk along the beach

4 km/2,4 mi – A route split – I took the left route and continued on the boardwalk along the beach.

7 km/4,3 mi – the Litoral Way and the Coastal Route split. The Litoral Way goes left to the coast. 

8,5 km/5,2 mi – a restaurant

9,2 km/5,7 mi – a boardwalk with windmills on the dunes in Apulia

10 km/6,2 mi – a couple of restaurants

11 km/6,8 mi – Fão, a small town. The Litoral Way turns inland towards the bridge over the Cadavo River.

12 km/7,4 mi – Camping Park Fão and a restaurant

12,3 km/7,6 mi – a cafe

12,5 km/7,7 mi – a restaurant

13 km/8 mi – the bridge over the Cavado River. The two routes merge at the bridge and split again at the entrance to Esposende. 

13,5 km/8,3 mi – a rest stop with a souvenir shop and a vending machine

13,8 km/8,5 mi – Albergue Sleep & Go

14 km/8,6 mi – a sushi restaurant

14,4 km/9 mi – Esposende. The routes split at the roundabout. The Litoral Way continues along the river. You might see a sign saying you should continue on the official route through the town and not walk on the road with a lot of traffic. The Litoral Way doesn’t go on the road but on a sidewalk. The sign is outdated. 

15 km/9,3 mi – the Litoral Way is back to the coast.

16 km/10 mi – the promenade in Esposende, the end of the stage. Both routes merge at the seafront.

Places to stay in Esposende

Stage 4. Esposende to Viana do Castelo, 25 km/15,5 mi

• Distance – 25 km/15,5 mi 
• Time – 5-6 hours (moving time)
• Ascent – 202 m
• Descent – 200 m
• Walking surface – 4 km/2,4 – boardwalk; 5,5 km/3,4 mi – tar road; 6,5 km/4 mi – cobbled; 7 km/4,3 mi – footpath/gravel road; 2 km/1,2 mi – sand/rocks
• Walking along the coast – 13 km/8 mi out of 25 km/15,5 mi

I think this stage is the “wildest” stage of the Litoral Way. You need navigation (GPX, Google Maps, or an App) to walk it because the route is not marked and it’s not as straightforward along the coast as the previous stages. In the middle, you have to go inland over the hills, then back to the coast, then inland again to the bridge in Viana do Castelo. The coastal parts are still manageable without navigation but the inland parts (especially the middle one) require at least Google Maps.

The scenery is stunning but if you prefer walking on a clear trail it might be better to walk this stage on the Coastal Route. I walked the stage alone and didn’t feel unsafe but some parts were through the bush with no other people which might be intimidating.

Highlights

• São João Baptista Fort and the beach in Esposende
• A beautiful walk on a boardwalk/footpath along the coast through the forest between 1,5 km/0,9 mi and 4 km/2,4 mi
• Unspoiled rocky beach with dunes between 4 km/2,4 mi and 6 km/3,7 mi
• A scenic walk on the boardwalk between 17 km/10,5 mi and 18 km/11 mi
• The historical center of Viana do Castelo

Challenges

• Difficult to find the way without using the navigation
• Walking on sand between 4 km/2,4 mi and 6 km/3,7 mi
• A couple of ascents in the middle part (inland) of the stage 
• Walking on a footpath hidden in the bush at 17,8 km/11 mi (the walk is fine but the beginning of the footpath is difficult to find).

Stage 4. Route description

0-1,7 km/0-1 mi – walking along the promenade in Esposende (both routes are the same)

1,7 km/1 mi – a beach restaurant, the routes split. The Litoral Way goes along the coast on the boardwalk, the Coastal Route turns right

1,7-4 km/1-2,4 mi – on boardwalks along the beach and through the forest

4 km/2,4 mi – the end of the boardwalk/footpath. To continue you have to walk on the rocky beach for about 1 km till you get a footpath (tractor track).

5-8,5 km/3,1-5,2 mi – a sandy footpath along the coast

8,5 km/5,2 mi – the route turns inland

9 km/5,6 mi – campsite Os Belinhenses

11 km/6,8 mi – a picturesque bridge and a small waterfall in the forest. Both routes merge and split again after the bridge. Mind, there is a Camino sign on the other side pointing right it’s the sign for the Coastal Route. The Litoral Way goes left after the bridge. If you want you can continue on the Coastal Route.

16 km/10 mi – the Litoral Way is back to the beach.

16,5 km/10,2 mi – Amorosa, a small beach town with shops, cafes, and restaurants

17-18 km/10,5-11 mi – a boardwalk along the beach with spectacular views

18-20 km/11-12,4 mi – a footpath through the bush (it starts at the end of the boardwalk, behind the dunes, in the bush).

20 km/12,4 mi – the route goes inland, towards the bridge in Viana do Castelo

21 km/13 mi – campsite Orbitur Viana do Castelo

23,5 km/14,6 mi – a long bridge across the Minia River, both routes merge

24,5 km/15,2 mi – Viana do Castelo, the routes split after the bridge.

25 km/15,5 mi – the historical center of Viana do Castelo

Places to stay in Viana do Castelo

Stage 5. Viana do Castelo to Caminha, 27 km/16,7 mi

• Distance – 27 km/16,7 mi 
• Time – 6-7 hours (moving time)
• Ascent – 140 m
• Descent – 132 m
• Walking surface – 3,5 km/2,1 mi – boardwalk; 16 km/10 mi – tar road; 2,5 km/1,5 mi – cobbled; 5 km/3,1 mi – footpath/gravel;
• Walking along the coast – 20 km/12,4 mi out of 27 km/16,7 mi (2 km/1,2 mi are along the river in Viana do Castelo)

This stage is one of the most beautiful on the Litoral Way of the Portuguese Camino. Besides a couple of inland turns you walk the entire day along the spectacular coast with many secluded beaches, old windmills, and lighthouses. It’s easy to walk the stage without navigation or online maps. Go to the coast in Viana do Castelo and follow it. A couple of inland turns are marked with yellow arrows you can find the way. I prefer this stage of the Litoral Way over the Coastal Route. 

Highlights

• Sanctuary of our Lady of the Agony in Viana do Castelo
• A stunning walk along the coast past several beaches for 20 km/12,4 mi
• Several old windmills on the beach and in the forest
• An unspoiled beach Praia do Paco with big boulders
• The walk along the river at Vila Praia de Ancora
• A spectacular coastal walk from Praia de Ancora to Moledo
• The historical center of Caminha

Challenges

Stage 5. Route description

0-2,5 km/0-1,5 mi – walking along the river in Viana do Castelo

1,4 km/0,8 mi – Santiago da Barra Fortress in Viana do Castelo

1,8 km/1,1 mi – Sanctuary of our Lady of the Agony

2,5 km/1,5 mi – Hotel Flor do Sal

2,5-11,5 km/1,5-7 mi – a stunning coastal walk

3-3,5 km/1,8 – 2-3 restaurants by the sea

9 km/5,6 mi – a cafe

10 km/6,2 mi – two old windmills on the top of the hill

11 km/6,8 mi – Praia de Paco Beach

11,5-14 km/7,1-8,6 mi – the Litoral Way goes inland for a short while

14-24 km/8,6-15 mi – the route continues along the coast

Note that at 18 km/11 mi at the end of the boardwalk just before Vila Praia de Ancora you have 2 options; to walk on the beach for 500 m to the small bridge and cross it; or to walk around the river on the eco route. The first option is about 1 km/0,6 mi shorter. The second route for some reason is marked with the Camino signs.

19-20,5 km/11,8-12,7 mi – walking on the Vila Praia de Ancora promenade.

20 km/12,4 mi – the Litoral Way and the Coastal Route merge. You’ll start seeing the Camino signs from there to Caminha.

20-24 km/12,4-15 mi – a walk along the coast with spectacular views

24 km/15 mi – Camino turns inland and goes through the town

25-27 km/15,5-16,7 mi – walking along the road (on a sidewalk) from Moledo to Caminha

27 km/16,7 mi – the historical center of Caminha. The end of the Portuguese part of the Camino. From Caminha you take a boat to A Pasaxe, a small port on the opposite side of the Minho River in Spain.

Places to stay in Caminha

Stage 6. Caminha (Portugal) to Villadesuso (Spain), 24 km/15 mi

• Distance – 24 km/15 mi
• Time –  5-6 hours
• Accumulated ascent – 274 m
• Accumulated descent – 270 m
• Walking surface – 12,2 km/7,5 mi – tar road/asphalt; 2,2 km/1,4 mi – boardwalk;  9,6 km/6 mi – footpath/gravel road
• Walking along the coast – 22 km/13,6 mi out of 24 km/15 mi

Highlights

• A spectacular walk from A Pasaxe to A Guarda along the coast and through the forest
• A promenade in A Guarda
• The walk along the coast from A Guarda to Villadesuso. In that part, I saw many bunnies

Challenges

• No particular difficulties or challenges just a beautiful walk with fantastic scenery

Stage 6. Route description

0-6 km/0-3,7 mi – along the river and coast through the forest from the pier to A Guarda. 

2,4 km/1,5 mi – El Molino hotel/restaurant

6 km/3,7 mi – A Guarda. In A Guarda you can continue along the coast till the end of the town. 

8 km/5 mi – the Litoral Way and the Coastal Route merge.

0-5 km/0-3,1 mi on the Coastal Route. You can follow the official Coastal Route from the pier to A Guarda. Then the first 5 km to A Guarda and through the town will be inland. The route gets to the coast at Fedorento Beach.

8,2 km/5,1 mi – a restaurant

11-12,6 km/6,8-7,8 mi – on a cycling route along the road

14 km/8,6 mi – Portecelo, a small town with a couple of guesthouses and a restaurant with beautiful coastal views. Loft As Casetas Peregrinos has excellent reviews.

15,5 km/9,6 mi – Casa Alicia holiday house 

17 km/10,5 mi – A Marinha guesthouse

20 km/12,4 mi – Oia, a charming coastal town with the famous Royal Monastery of Santa María de Oia. The town is tiny but it has many bars and restaurants.

23 km/14,2 mi – Viladesuso, another coastal town with several hotels, restaurants, and two Albergues

23 km/14,2 mi – Loft Oia hotel

23,7 km/14,7 mi – Hotel/restaurant Glasgow, Albergue Caminho Portugues

24 km/15 mi – Albergue da Estrela

Stage 7. Viladesuso to A Ramallosa, 19 km/11,8 mi

• Distance – 19 km/11,8 mi
• Time –  4-5 hours
• Accumulated ascent – 84 m 
• Accumulated descent – 91 m
• Walking surface – 18 km/11 mi – tar road/asphalt; 1 km/0,6 mi – footpath/gravel road
• Walking along the coast – 17 km/10,5 mi out or 19 km/11,8 mi

Most Camino apps and guidebooks show only the inland route (over the hills) option between 8 km/5 mi and 15 km/9,3 mi. It’s possible to walk along the coast instead of turning right at 8 km. You can walk on the cycling route (with not many cyclists) to Baiona. That part of the route is not marked but easy to follow. It goes along the coast to Baiona and then to A Ramallosa. You don’t need navigation to walk it.

I’ve walked both routes and can say that the route along the coast is much easier and more beautiful. You don’t have to climb the hills and go through endless neighborhoods. The coastal scenery is spectacular and you get to see the picturesque harbor and impressive castle in Baiona (the Coastal Route goes away from them).

Highlights

• Spectacular coastal scenery between 8 km/5 mi and 15 km/9,3 mi
• The promenade and harbor in Baiona
• Monterreal Castle in Baiona
• A river walk from Baiona to A Ramallosa
• The river bank and the promenade in A Ramallosa

Challenges

• An easy walking day along the coast with no particular difficulties.

Stage 7. Route description

2,6 km/1,6 mi – Aguncheiro Albergue/cafe

4 km/2,4 mi – a campsite/restaurant O Muiño

7 km/4,3 mi – Soremma hotel/cafe

8 km/5 mi – the Litoral Way and Coastal Route split. The Litoral Way continues on the cycling route along the coast. The Coastal Route turns right to the top of the hill. If you want to continue on the Litoral Way don’t follow the Camino signs.

8-15 km/5-9,3 mi – walking on the cycling route along the road following the coast

10 km/6,2 mi – a viewpoint with a small lighthouse

13 km/8 mi – the popular (with locals) seafood restaurant Rocamar

14,2 km/8,8 mi – a statue of Virxe da Rocha on the top of the hill just before Baiona

15 km/9,3 mi – Baiona, a big town with a beautiful promenade, harbor, and an impressive castle

15-17 km/9,3-10,5 mi – walking along the Baiona promenade and beaches

18 km/11,1 mi – camping Baiona Beach

19 km/11,8 mi – A Ramallosa, a rather big town with many hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, and shops. The two routes merge at the bridge in A Ramallosa and split again after the bridge. The Litoral Way continues along the river back to the coast. 

Places to stay in A Ramallosa

Stage 8. A Ramallosa to Vigo, 22 km/11,8 mi

• Distance – 22 km/11,8 mi
• Time –  5 hours (moving time)
• Accumulated ascent – 140 m 
• Accumulated descent – 134 m
• Walking surface – 18 km/11 mi – tar road;  2 km/1,2 mi – footpath/gravel road; 2 km/1,2 mi- boardwalk
• Walking along the coast – 18 km/11 mi out of 22 km/11,8 mi

It is my least favorite stage of the Litoral Way. Vigo is a big port city with a lot of traffic and people. The last time I walked through it I thought it would be better to take a taxi to the accommodation instead of walking for kilometers through the city. Most of the route is beautiful; along the coast and past many sandy beaches. The last 2-3 km are through the city and that part I don’t like. 

Another unpleasant part of the route is walking on the shoulder of a busy road for over 1 km. 

At 8 km/5 mi once you get to the road you’ll see the arrows (green and yellow) pointing right. They’re very misleading. Don’t turn right, continue straight along the road. The arrows will take you to the Coastal Route. This loop will add 2-3 extra kilometers to your walk.

Highlights

• Playa America, a picturesque beach in A Ramallosa
• Playa de Patos, another beautiful sandy beach on the route
• Many small beaches and bays
• Spectacular coastal scenery
• Walking for 6 km on a long promenade along the coast and beaches south of Vigo
• The Cathedral and historical center of Vigo

Challenges

• The route is not marked but the coastal part of it is easy to follow. Once you get to Vigo use Google.maps and head to your accommodation place. The route marking in the city is non-existent. 
• Walking on a shoulder of a busy road for about 1 km
• Walking through the port and busy parts of Vigo for 2 km

Stage 8. Route description

1,5-3,8 km/0,9-2,3 mi – along Playa America, a beautiful sandy beach with cafes and restaurants

4,5-5,5 km/2,7-3,4 mi – several restaurants and cafes

8,3 km/5,1 mi – a restaurant and a bakery (on the left, upper road)

8,5-9,8 km/5,2-6 mi – on a wide shoulder of a busy road

11-17 km/6,8-10,5 mi – on the promenade along the beaches

12,5 km/7,7 mi – a bar

13 km/8 mi – a restaurant

18 km/11,1 mi – Bouzas, a neighborhood of Vigo

18,5-20,5 km/11,5-12,7 mi – busy roads and port of Vigo

22 km/13,6 mi – the Cathedral of Vigo

Places to stay in Vigo

Stage 9. Vigo to Redondela, 16,5 km/10,2 mi

• Distance – 16,5 km/10,2 mi
• Time –  3-4 hours (moving time)
• Accumulated ascent – 203 m 
• Accumulated descent – 210 m
• Walking surface – 11,5 km/7,1 mi – tar road/asphalt; 5 km/3,1 mi – footpath/gravel road
• Walking along the coast – 8 km/5 mi with the spectacular coastal view

For this stage, I’d suggest from your accommodation walking directly to the intersection of Rua Urzais and Rua de Toledo. From there you can follow the arrows. The Camino route through Vigo is not marked so use navigation, app, or our GXP files.

While walking through Vigo make sure to stop for breakfast. There are no places to stop along the route till Redondela.

Highlights

• Stunning views of the coast from the Camino route
• Walking through a beautiful forest with small creaks and waterfalls

Challenges

• Finding the route in Vigo without using any sort of navigation
• A couple of steep ascents in the first half of the Litoral Way
• A steep descent 2 km before Redondela

Stage 9. Route description

The first couple of kilometers are through the city, the distance depends on where in Vigo you stay. If you stay close to the historic center it’s about 3 km to walk out of the city.

3,5 km/2,1 mi – a cafe, it’s the last place to stop till Redondela

Between 4 km/2,4 mi and 14 km/8,6 mi, you walk through quiet neighborhoods and a forest. For about 10 km you get spectacular views of the coast. 

14 km/8,6 mi – a steep downhill

16,5 km/10,2 mi – Redondela. All 3 routes of the Portuguese Camino come together in Redondela. Expect to see a lot more pilgrims than on the Litoral Way. From here on there is only one route to Santiago (except for the optional route called the Spiritual Variant). The Camino is well-marked, it has many albergues, and pilgrims.

Places to stay in Redondela

Stages 10-13. Redondela to Santiago de Compostela

You can find detailed information on the last 4 stages HERE.