On my way to Santiago - The Portuguese Coastal Way – Part 1

There are several possible ways to reach Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, from the most popular French Way (Camino Francés) to the newest Camino way from Portugal by the coast (Camino Portugués de la Costa). Other Camino options also include the Northern Way (Camino del Norte), the English Way (Camino Inglés), Camino Primitivo, and Camino de Finisterre, which leads to the place once known as “the end of the world”.

Which way to choose?

I believe each path has its own charm. There's even a saying “every pilgrim finds their way”, so the choice really depends on every person, their motivation, and their preferences. Religious faith is probably still one of the most common reasons why people decide to walk the Camino, but each person has its own reason and story. No matter which path you take, you can rest assured you will never walk entirely alone. You will come across many friendly locals cheering you with “Bom Caminho” in Portugal or “Buen Camino” in Spain. You will also meet other fellow pilgrims who will inspire you with their enthusiasm and stories and will definitely form an integral part of your experience.

On every path, there are a lot of accommodation options, where you can choose from public albergues to more comfortable options like hostels, hotels, and other private accommodations. One thing you have to keep in mind, in order to obtain a Compostela, the accreditation that certifies that a pilgrim has completed one of the Camino ways, is to walk at least the last 100 km or the last 200 km in case of cycling. To receive the Compostela, which has been handed out to pilgrims for over the past 1,000 years, you must collect the stamps on the “Credencial del Peregrino”. Credencial serves as a pilgrim's passport that needs to be stamped at least two times a day to prove a pilgrim has completed the minimum kilometers required. Moreover, it provides access to pilgrim albergues and can be a nice reminder of the experience and places you have visited.

Why the Portuguese Coastal Way?

The Portuguese Coastal Way is an alternative route to the traditional Portuguese central route, and it stands out mostly because of its spectacular views along the Atlantic coast. It is less known and therefore quieter than the Central route and the French Way. The Coastal Way officially starts in the UNESCO-listed city Porto and it covers approximately 280 km to Santiago de Compostela. The path follows the northern coast of Portugal and it takes you to charming seaside towns and villages, such as Viana do Castelo and Vila Praia de Âncora. After crossing the river Minho by ferry, you enter Spain's region Galicia, and in Pontevedra, the path joins the Central Portuguese Way.

There are many reasons why to choose the Coastal Way. One of the main reasons is keeping the Atlantic Ocean as your companion for sure, although you should be prepared that the path isn't always right by the coast. When you join the Central Way in Spain for example, the route leads you inland. However, there is another alternative called the Spiritual Way, which takes you back, closer to the ocean.

If you still aren't quite sure why to choose the Coastal Way, here are some more reasons why:

• The Coastal Way follows the northern coast of Portugal to Southern Galicia and offers stunning views over the Atlantic coast. The landscapes by the ocean will surprise you with white sand beaches, cliffs, lively greenery, and enchanting forests.
• You will walk through two different countries and get to know their culture, history, and language. You will be able to see just how different they are and at the same time with a lot of things in common.
• If you are looking for a quieter and less-crowded Camino, this is the perfect choice for you. You will be able to enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of the landscapes.
• The terrain, compared to other Caminos, is quite flat and comfortable. There are also many pilgrims cycling this way.
• You will mostly walk by the ocean, through vineyards and small forests, and have the chance to explore charming coastal towns and villages. Of course, there will be some bigger crowded cities and busy streets as well, but in very small doses.
• A route plays an important historical and religious part of the Camino. You will get a chance to know the rich cultural heritage of the regions.
• On the Coastal Way, you will have the chance to discover the delicious gastronomy both regions have to offer. In Northern Portugal, you can't miss trying Pastel de Nata and Vinho Verde, and in Galicia, you should try world-famous Pimientos de Padron, Pulpo Gallego, and other seafood.

In the second part, I invite you to join me on my journey to Santiago de Compostela on the Portuguese Coastal Way. I will tell you about some places you really shouldn't miss on your way to Santiago, give you some more useful tips for planning the Camino and hopefully inspire you to spend your next holidays differently.