Portuguese Coastal Camino - Baiona to Santiago Rambler

Make your own way to Baiona and check in to your hotel. If you have time take a walk around the town with its medieval centre, situated on the Vigo Bay. On a clear day you should be able to see the Cies islands. Its best streets are set around the bay next to the mouth of Miñor River. It was here that Pinzón's La Pinta moored in 1493, the first caravel to reach port after the voyage of discovery to the New World. Sunset from Monterreal Fort and its famous Príncipe Tower (where the parador is located) should not be missed.

As you leave Baiona you will walk alongside sandy beaches for most of the day. There are plenty of opportunities to take a break at a seaside cafe along the way. From Oia on the Ria de Vigo (estuary) there will be a transfer back to Baiona and your hotel.. Distance 16km/10m, highest point approx 60m

Transfer back to Oia then continue on foot along the estuary. Later you will arrive in Vigo, a typical Galician town with a wide sandy beach. Walking along the harbour you'll arrive at your hotel for the night. Overnight Vigo. Vigo's old quarter is home to the neoclassical Church of Santa María and the nearby archaeological site of Castro de Vigo has reconstructed ancient dwellings. Distance 10.7 km/6.7mi, highest point approx 40m

The route as you leave Vigo is mainly uphill, and you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the city and harbour. Continue onto a plateau before descending into Redondela. Enjoy your final steps on the Coastal Route - at Redondela you join the main Portuguese (central) Camino. Redondela has a rich natural and cultural heritage and some lovely beaches including Cesantes. Distance 16km/10mi, highest point approx 160m

Walking from Redondela you are now on the main Portuguese Camino route. It's a short walk to Arcade, a nice quiet town on the Atlantic coast which is known for its oysters. In early April there is an oyster festival (can be very busy). Arcade has charming old stone houses set on green hills and tranquil bays. Its arched bridge spans the River Verdugo and dates from Roman and medieval times. Stroll the cobblestone streets and narrow lanes through old neighbourhoods where many homes still have traditional 'horreos' (granaries). Time permitting, there is a castle out of town, Soutomaior, dating from the 12th century, and a winery nearby. There are are also several beaches and small coves, perfect for swimming (weather permitting). Overnight Arcade. Distance 9km/5.6mi, highest point approx 160m

You start the day by walking over the beautiful old bridge of Ponte Sampaio at the mouth of the river Verdugo. The bridge is famous for having been the scene of the last battle in Galicia against Napoleon’s army during the War of Independence. From here there's a short uphill stretch following ancient stone paths before the trail descends to the provincial capital of Pontevedra. There are some interesting sites to be explored here including the Santuario da Peregrin chapel and the Convento de San Francisco. The medieval town centre is a maze of cobbled laneways with tapas bars and cafes. Overnight in Pontevedra Distance 12.3km/7.7mi, highest point approx 140m

Most of this stage is through woodland and countryside along gentle river valleys with virtually no climbing. Overnight is usually in a 'casa rural' in the village of Outeiro. Distance: 11km/6.9mi, highest point approx 100m