PORTUGUESE COASTAL CAMINO
DESTINATION GUIDE
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Explore a Camino less travelled along the wild Atlantic coast of Portugal
and Galicia in Spain as you travel from the beautiful city of Porto to
Santiago de Compostela. To experience rural Portugal & Spain by foot is
truly rewarding, it’s an area with it’s an area with beautiful coastal
landscapes, fishing villages, history and the food and wine is
exceptional! This route offers a much quite experience than other
Camino’s and although you will meet other walkers, there is nothing like
the same numbers of walkers as on the main Spanish Camino so it
lends itself to solitude and reflection.
Your Camino experience starts here at home, from the moment you pick
up the phone to call me on 03 5976 3763. I will work with you to create
a tailor-made Camino Journey that will challenge you, inspire you and
excite the senses!
Elize
Camino Specialist
[email protected]
ph. (03) 5976 3763
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Discover yourself on the the Portuguese Coastal Camino ( or
Caminho de Costa) to Santiago De Compostela. Following coastal
tracks, beach walks, old Roman roads and forest tracks crossing old
villages and cities born from the Camino trail. This route to Santiago
was in use from the 12th Century and was followed by Queen Isabel
of Portugal (1271 – 1336) to make her pilgrimage. A unique feature
of our Camino is the chance to spend two nights in the Parador at
Baiona and make a side trip to Tui.
The Coastal Camino traverses the Atlantic coast of Portugal before
heading inland in after Pontevedra in Spain and has the sun on your
back all the way to Santiago, ( though walkers should prepare for the
conditions that this may entail in colder months of the year) .
Conversely in summer it offers a cooler more pleasant route than
Camino’s in the interior. Enjoy the excellent food and wine this
region has to offer as well as the surroundings and stay in historical
accommodation that will delight you.
SELF-GUIDED WALKING
Travelling self-guided allows you to walk from place to place
progressing from one comfortable accommodation to the next in
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your own time. You walk without a guide, following our walk notes
Rooms are ensuite and have towels and the usual amenities you
and marked maps and your main luggage is transferred for you each
would expect of a hotel. Most hotels along the Portuguese Camino
day, allowing you to carry just a daypack.
tend to have WIFI available for their guests.
It should be noted that walking this route requires a bit more self
ARRIVAL HOTEL & ARRIVAL INFO
confidence in finding your route as there will be less fellow walkers
around to ask but the locals are very friendly and willing to help. The
Portuguese Coastal Camino or ‘Caminho da Costa’ is in sometimes
referred to as ‘the friendly Camino’! You can choose your own
departure date (dependant on availability of accommodation of
course).
Self guided walks can be custom made to suit the requirements of
your group.
ACCOMMODATION
Our Portuguese Camino trips use a variety of accommodation from
charming ‘Casa Rurales’ which are country B & B’s to small historic
hotels. Generally speaking we avoid characterless modern hotels
and book places with character and welcoming hosts. A full list of
your accommodation will be given to you at the time of confirming
your booking as with flexible dates we have to confirm availability on
your chosen days in any given property. If our preferred property is
full on your chosen dates then we reserve the right to book you into
an alternative accommodation of which you will be informed in
advance.
You will need to make your way to the meeting point which will be
given to you once your booking is confirmed.
Please note that the hotel details of this hotel and others on your
trip trip may vary according to availability on your chosen dates.
RAW Travel reserves the right to use alternative accommodation of a
similar standard where needed. You will be advised of your hotels
when your booking is confirmed.
MEAL INCLUSIONS
Usually only breakfast is included on our Camino trips, allowing you
to choose where to eat lunch and dinner on your own schedule and
budget, whether at your accommodation or nearby restaurants. The
‘menu del dia’ in Spain or ‘menu del Touristico’ in Portugal offers
excellent value at around €9-11 for 3 courses. If you were to prefer ‘a
la carte’ then you would need to budget for 20-25€ per meal. There
is no shortage of places to stop and eat when you are passing
through towns and villages.
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TRANSPORT
Your luggage will be transferred daily. It will be picked up at 8am so
you must have your main luggage packed and down stairs in time for
this pick up - after that it is entirely up to you when you start walking.
Your luggage will be waiting for you at your accommodation each
evening.
If you think you will be unable to walk your full km’s each day then
we are able to consult with you prior to departure and tailor an
itinerary that either breaks up the long days, includes a morning
transfer to start your journey off or includes more ‘rest days’. If you
are travelling on the Camino and you can no longer walk due to
injury you can contact our bilingual local representative/emergency
contact German and he will assist you in arranging transport and
medical services.
IS THIS THE RIGHT TRIP FOR ME?
With physical gradings it’s important to understand that a label, of
say ‘moderate’ can mean two differ completely different things to
two different people depending on their experience, fitness level and
mental attitude. For our Australian based walking trips there is now a
track grading scale that we refer to (developed as an industry
standard). For overseas walking trips you need to rely upon
interpreting the information given and relating it to your own fitness
levels and abilities.
So if a trip describes daily activity of 5-7 hours a day walking then
you must ask yourself are you currently doing walks
of that distance in comparable terrain? So if a walking trip involves
ascents of 500-1000m each day then you should go and walk a
mountain with a 1000m ascent and see how you cope.
While we often see amazing improvements in people’s fitness with a
programme of regular training before a trip you have to be realistic
about whether you can commit to regular training with your current
When considering booking a trip it’s important that you look at the
lifestyle. If you feel that you would be unable to commit to doing the
descriptions in these trip notes relating to the accommodation, food
training to achieve that level of fitness then you should consider
and difficulty level to ensure that it matches your expectations.
Particularly with the physical difficulty rating it’s vital to select a trip
another trip that is less demanding. This is the only way to accurately
judge whether you can cope with the demands of any given trip.
that is realistic for your ability.
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WHAT’S IT LIKE UNDERFOOT?
Underfoot you will experience a variety of tracks and trails on the
Portuguese Camino. For the most part it is relatively flat and there
are no mountain ranges to cross. There are sections of boardwalk
and sometimes beach walks. Some sections of the Camino are on
single-track paths that can be rocky in places, sometimes with steps
but mostly footpaths or sometimes just bare earth. Tracks are also
common - perhaps gravel forest roads, walking tracks or unsealed
roads. There are some sections of country lanes, and coming into
the towns and cities you follow regular footpaths. You will always be
following the yellow arrows and other markers of the way, featuring
the famous scallop shell of the Way of St James.
PHYSICAL RATING - GRADE 4
On most days you will walk between 20-30km on undulating terrain,
so the time spent walking can vary between 5-8 hours depending on
your walking speed. Allow for up to 7 -9 hours to complete the day though for most of the walk the gradient is quite gradual once into
the mountains.
Please refer to the Australian walking track grading system for more
details.
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We expect people to have a good level of fitness where they are
3. Pilgrim Passport
taking regular physical exercise in the lead up to the event. This can
Your pilgrim passport will be sent to you by RAW Travel. Afterwards
be from walking, cycling or going to the gym. You will also need to
you can have it stamped
practice hiking in a mountain environment with your equipment that
at each location you pass through - though this is not a requirement
you’ll be taking to the Camino. You should prepare for walking
or legality, merely an affirmation of your pilgrimage for those who
several hours (5-7 hours per day) a day with ascents and descents,
want it.
so your training should reflect this in the led up to the trip. Choose
hills to train on and push yourself to do long days to prepare
4. Water
yourself adequately.
Water is available for free from fountains in villages along your
route. It is safe to drink (but you always assume any risks with your
health) and this is how almost all pilgrims get their water. Always
IMPORTANT NOTES
1. Self-Guided
Please note this RAW trip is a self guided one. We will provide you
ensure you have enough to get to your next destination and on hot
days carry at least two litres of water. Likewise it is good to carry
some snacks to make sure you have sufficient energy between meals
and locations.
with an excellent guidebook with maps and instructions on how to
get to your first day and maps showing the locations of your
accommodation. You will follow the many yellow arrows and Pilgrim
way markers along the way, it’s not difficult as there are thousands
of them and plenty of fellow pilgrims!
PACKING LIST
Your main luggage is transported for you on the trip, so you carry
only a daypack. Generally speaking though, you should pack as
2. Insurance
lightly as possible and we recommend keeping the weight of your
Make sure that your Insurance covers you for emergency rescue.
luggage case under 15kg.
Phone your insurer directly if you are not certain.
Your trip includes 1 piece of luggage transferred daily per person.
We can transport 1 additional bag of up to 15kgs to Santiago de
Compostela and store at our hotel awaiting your arrival for an
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additional $145 per person per bag. Because of limited space
available in the vehicle please avoid taking hard, bulky suitcases.
• 3 T-shirts (lightweight quick drying tech fabric) or long sleeved
Trekking shirts
• 2 pairs of shorts and at least one lightweight trousers (for walking
You will also need a good day pack when out walking to carry a
in - avoid wearing Jeans! )
jacket and personal effects such as camera, sunscreen, water,
• Warm fleece, sweater, hat, gloves (cold evenings)
snacks, blister kit. You do not need to carry more than 2 litres of
• Waterproof jacket & over trousers
water maximum as there are fairly frequent water stops all long the
• Broad brimmed sunhat
way.
Optional but highly recommended
Essential Travel Documents
• Walking poles. Good for balance & taking weight off your knees on
• Travel insurance, air ticket, and your RAW travel documents pack
descents. Can also be bought locally in Portugal along with carved
• Portuguese Phrasebook (included)
wooden staffs.
• John Brierley Portuguese Camino Guidebook (included)
• Credit card & spending money
Other Suggestions
• Camera
Personal Items
• Spare batteries for camera
• Blister kit, rehydration salts and any personal medication you use
• Reading & writing material
• Alarm clock and LED head torch/flashlight
• Spare pair of flip flops / trainers for evenings
• Water bottles or Camel Bak system (2 litres recommended)
• Knee brace - not essential but useful for injury
• Sunscreen, hat and high UV sunglasses
• Hand sanitiser - optional
• Comfortable daypack
• Miniatures of your usual toiletries
• Waterproof bags for pack rain protection while walking (garbage
• Snacks - though these can be purchased locally
bags are fine)
• Swiss army knife
• Mobile & charger
Clothing
• Well worn in boots with ankle support
Weather along the Portuguese Camino does vary greatly. In the
• 3 pairs of walking socks
summer months you can expect 20-35°C but coastal breezes, in
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autumn/spring you can expect 12-25°C. At night temperatures can
fall below 10°C. On the Camino you should prepare for all
eventualities with weather.
LOCAL SUPPORT
Our local support person is German Limeres, he is bilingual,
speaking fluent Spanish and English & is based in Galicia, your end
destination. We will provide you with his contact details at time of
booking. German is available to help you with any emergencies you
may encounter along the way.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
We believe strongly in low impact or rather positive impact tourism.
Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimise the negative
aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we
visit and highlight the positive aspects. Please see our online policy
for more details on our social and environmental approach and
commitment.
For more details please visit our website where we have a
downloadable document detailing our responsible travel practice
and philosophy.
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HEALTH
SAFETY
No Vaccinations compulsory. Tetanus recommended.
Fire Precautions
Although there are no specific health requirements for this trip
facilities differ from those in Australia or your home country and not
please be aware you need to be in good health to undertake this trip
due to the sometimes demanding days. You should consult your
Please be aware that local laws in Portugal governing tourism
all the accommodation which we use may have a fire exit, fire
extinguishers or smoke alarms.
doctor if you have any medical conditions to assess your suitability
before departure.
We recommend that you carry first aid supplies for common
ailments as well as any personal medical requirements .
Your first aid supplies should include:
• headache tablets
• diarrhoea treatment (both a blocker to bring relief from the
symptoms and an antibiotic)
• band-aids
• blister pads for your feet and zinc tape
• antiseptic for cuts & scrapes
• lip balm
• high factor sunscreen.
Traffic and Driving on the the Other Side of the Road
Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this
part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road
from what you are used to. Make sure you cycle on the right side and
look both ways before crossing any road. Be aware!
Petty Theft & Personal Safety
While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty
theft, particularly in bigger tourist cities. We recommend that you
exercise caution when walking alone at night and only on main, welllit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple
measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your
bag over the back of your chair and wearing a money belt will reduce
any chance that your valuables should go missing.
We recommend using zinc oxide tape / moleskin to cover ‘hot spots’
on your feet to stop potential blisters developing.
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VISA
Australian citizens visiting Schengen
countries (of which Portugal, Spain,
France, Switzerland and Italy are part) do
not need to apply for visas if staying for
not more than 90 out of 180 days.
ELECTRICAL
Portugal and Spain generally use two pin round, 230V.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Clients must have insurance to cover themselves for helicopter
search & rescue for this trip.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a
minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including
emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also
covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage
and personal effects.
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When travelling with RAW you will not be permitted to join the trip
until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company’s 24
hour emergency contact number has been provided to us. If you
have credit card insurance we will require proof of purchase of the
trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your
name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the
level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Our preferred insurance company is CoverMore as they provide an
excellent service. Apply for insurance on line.
READING & RESEARCH
Whilst there are numerous books and resources on the Spanish
Camino there is virtually nothing in English for the Portuguese
Camino and we provide you a copy of the only guidebook ( John
Brierly’s). The below account is a good one for general inspiration:
I’m Off Then: Losing and Finding Myself on
the Camino de Santiago
by Hape Kerkeling
A very entertaining personal account by the
overworked, overweight, German comedian
Hape Kerkeling. The book is now a movie and
has inspired countless people to walk the
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Camino.
RAW TRAVEL NEWSLETTER
We have a free email newsletter full of traveller’s stories and
experiences as well as news on new trips that we are running. Please
send us an extract from your travel journal at the end of the trip.
If you have any suggestions to add more information to our
destination guide that you think other walkers would find useful
please email: [email protected]. And of course email us if you
have any questions leading up to your trip.
We hope you will love the Portuguese Camino as much as we do and
we look forward to you joining us on other RAW experiences.
The information in these trip notes has been compiled with care and
is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does
not form part of the contract between the client and RAW Travel.
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Tear off section to take with you on your travels. This section
contains information that will come in handy on the road and
is optimised for travel and printing. Simply print from this
page until the end of this guide and pack with your other
travel documents.
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money
requirements will vary. Breakfast is included but lunch and dinner
are not included and you will have to pay for these meals, any snacks
& drinks en route or evening drinks. Allow €30-40 per day. Some
travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to
purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own
spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and
RAW Travel - Portuguese Camino
Notes For The Road
Money Exchange
Spain and Portugal use the Euro.
The exchange rate at the time of writing is:
$1= €0.71
Take some of your money in cash to avoid having to change money
tipping.
Tipping
In Portugal tipping is discretionary. Service is included in Portuguese
restaurants, although it is polite to tip 5-10% if the service has been
very good.
No tip is expected for a cup of coffee or a drink, although some
people will leave the change rounding up from the nearest Euro for
Bar staff and café waiters.
at the beginning of the trip.
Emergency Funds
ATM Availability: There are a large number of ATM cashpoints that
used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our
accept Visa and Mastercard at towns and cities along the
Camino.
Please also make sure you have access to an additional €300 to be
control (e.g. a natural disaster, or an outbreak of bird flu) necessitate
a change to your planned route. This is a rare occurrence but it is
well worth being prepared!
Credit Card Acceptance: In major restaurants and shops.
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Communications
Pulpo ‘Octopus’, traditional galician dish in Melide
Mobile coverage is fairly consistent though there may be the odd
place where it cannot be relied upon. Global roaming charges are
very expensive and pre-paid cards such as Travel Sim are a good
Useful Phrases
Spanish
idea: www.travelsim.net.au
“Hola” - Hi
Alternatively if your phone is not locked to a carrier here then you
“Como estas?”(formal) or ”Que tal?”(informal) - How are you?
can buy a SIM card locally. Vodaphone is a common local carrier.
“Hablo muy poco espanol” - I only speak a little Spanish
“Habla usted Ingles?” - Do you speak English?
Emergency Contact
“Donde esta?” - Where is it?
In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, our Melbourne HQ can
“Aqui/Alli” - Here/there
be reached on +61 3 9787 4366
“Buen Camino!” - Have a good Camino!
Outside of office hours please call: +61 478 649 848
“Thank you!” Gracias
“Please” Por Favor
Transport Connections
International flights will come into Lisbon or Porto.
There are trains which run to the main starting/finishing points of
the Camino such as St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Pamplona, Leon, Sarria &
Santiago de Compostela.
Food
Foods you must try along the Camino:
Tapas/Pintxos
Salted Cod: Bacalhau
Portugese custard Tarts: pasteis de nata
Caldo verde: soup with onions, potato, kale, spicy sausage
Tortilla (Spanish Omelette)
White asparagus & Chilindron sauce; Navarra, Basque Country
“Excuse me” Desculpe
Portuguese
“Ola” - Hi
“Good Morning!” Bom Dia
“Como voce estas?”(formal)- How are you?
“Eu só falo um pouco de Português” - I only speak a little Portuguese
“Voce fala Ingles?” - Do you speak English?
“Onde esta?” - Where is it?
“Aqui/ha” - Here/there
“Buon Camino!” - Have a good Camino!
“Thank you!” Obrigado
“Please” Por Favor
“Excuse me” Com licenca
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