Bom Dia! In June 2026 I walked the Caminho Portugues da Costa (or Coastal Route) from Porto, Portugal to Vigo, Spain. This walk continued the exploration of the Camino Portuguese trails that began in 2022 with a walk on the Central Route by Dad and me (Part 1). Since then I’ve walked solo from Lisbon to Porto (Part 1). All the trails are unique and present their own rewards.
Caminha da Costa is the older ‘traditional’ Way that follows the coast but also climbs inland. The trail encompasses dirt paths, rocky roads, cobblestone lanes, and cement walkways along the water.
The other coastal option is the Senda Litoral, a ‘modern’ path that directly follows the beach. It intermingles with the Costa at several junctions, sometimes creating confusion about which path you’re on. But, as an owner of a guest house told me, “both trails are correct” and can be swapped at various points if desired. For navigation I used Brierley’s guide & also the Wise Pilgrim app that helped keep the two trail options clear (more guide options are listed in Camino Resources, Pt 1).
The coastal routes have gained increasing focus in recent years and in 2025 were the third most popular Camino paths. As expected, I met more walkers than in previous years from Lisbon to Porto. In particular, there were quite a few other solo women or women in pairs/small groups.
The Green Foliage Bag once again joined me on the journey to carry essentials, including my iPhone, sunscreen, cafe Euros, & Credencial (Pilgrim Passport). For info about Credencials check out Camino de Santiago, Part 1.
My Credencial and shell were purchased at Porto’s newly opened Pilgrim Office located near the Cathedral (where Credencials and shells are also available). Additionally, the office provides route info, answers to any questions, and Bom Caminhos! It opens early in case pilgrims want to stop at the outset of their first day walking.
Snapshots from Days 1-3:
The Costa begins at thePorto Cathedral (Se do Porto).
The marker in front of the Cathedral also directs walkers on the Central route; yellow arrows nearby point walkers to the Litoral trail down by the water.
Day 1 to Moreira involved walking Porto’s urban landscape, including the old town and beyond into residential/commercial sections.
Guidance included metal markers embedded in streets.
Large plaque for the Caminho da Costa
At one point the Costa veered to the left while the Central route kept straight ahead — watch out for these important markers since they’re easy to miss!
The D. Goimil medieval bridge near Custoias was part of the old Roman Road.
St. James appeared in Custoias
Capela do Christo Rei de Pedras Rubras in Moreira
On Day 2 to Vila do Conde the trail passed Porto’s airport.
Lots of cool tile designs on buildings
Heading towards Vila Cha
Neat as a bow
Casa in Azurara
Wayside shrines are found along streets, by casas, or even on rural roads. The one above located near Labruge was covered with azulejo tiles, a Portuguese decorative art form that dates back to the 15th c. These pictorial tiles illustrate religious, mythological, & cultural themes. The blue color was inspired by imported Chinese porcelain & blue tile from Delft, Netherlands during the 16th & 17th c.
The town before Vila do Conde, Mindelo, invited visitors to “Leave your Mark” on “a path to freedom.”
14th c. Monastery of Santa Clara in Vila do Conde overlooks the Rio Ave.
Displays decorated streets in Vila do Conde for the Sao Joao Festival that happens in June.
Day 3 to Apulia began by walking the outskirts of Vila do Conde. One cobblestoned street was being repaired; special artisans construct this pavement tradition, calcada portuguesa.
The path through Povoa de Varzim
A sign about the Caminho next to Igreja Matriz de Povoa de Varzim
Looking back to Povoa de Varzim along the beach boardwalk
Peregrinas in A Ver-o-Mar
A Caminho ‘intention’ board included shells, ribbons, & mementos.
The inland trail by Estela
Portugal flags waved at many casas & public buildings.
Welcome to Apulia
Apulia’s beach area showcases historic windmills from the early 19th century. Originally built to grind grain for cereal, they’re now private vacation homes.