About this trip.
Comparing firms? Every Camino holiday on Mooch, route by route.
Before you book: Walking holidays vs cycling holidays — when each one is the right answer · Which Camino route is right for you — an honest opinion on each of the seven
Vigo to Santiago on the coastal Camino
Vigo is the starting point for the last 100km of the Camino Portugués Coastal. It's a lively seaside city of the Rías Baixas, known for its Albariño wine, fresh seafood and views of the Cíes Islands. From here you walk to Santiago de Compostela in five days, which covers the minimum distance needed to earn your Compostela certificate. It is the most popular way to walk the coastal stretch of the Camino Portugués in under a week. After you arrive, there's time for a stroll along the seafront and through the Casco Vello old quarter, then dinner overlooking the Cíes Islands.
This is a self-guided holiday. It includes hand-picked accommodation in each stage town, daily luggage transfers, a digital route pack with maps and 24/7 support while you walk. If you'd like more sea views, you can start a day earlier in Baiona and walk 26km along the Atlantic coast to Vigo. The route is also offered as a guided tour if you'd rather walk with a group.
From the ría to Padrón
Leaving Vigo, the trail follows the ría to Redondela, where the Coastal route joins the Camino Portugués Central. From there you share the path with pilgrims on both routes. Your last day on the coast is short, so you have time to enjoy the seaside and try the oysters in the fishing village of Arcade. Next you cross the Verdugo River on the historic bridge at Ponte Sampaio, where Napoleon's army suffered one of its greatest defeats in Galicia, with views over the Bay of Vigo as you walk on towards the old town of Pontevedra.
Beyond Pontevedra the Camino runs through chestnut groves and pine and eucalyptus woods. It passes the rectory of Santa María de Alba at Ponte Cabras, a statue of Saint James at Lombo da Maceira, and the fountain and public washing area in the hamlet of Tivo before reaching the spa town of Caldas de Reis. The next day you cross the river Umia and the hot springs that have given Caldas its name since Roman times. The path climbs gently through forest to Santa Mariña, then drops down to cross the river Fontenlo and goes on through pine forest to Padrón. Legend says this is where the body of Saint James arrived by boat.
Arriving in Santiago de Compostela
Santiago is small enough to explore on foot. You can wander the cobbled streets of its UNESCO-listed old town, walk in the Alameda Park and try regional food at the Mercado de Abastos and the city's many restaurants and bars.
Where you stay and getting there
The standard collection uses hotels and guesthouses of up to 3 stars, chosen for their character. They are in town centres close to the trail, and all rooms are en-suite. Occasionally a hotel is a few kilometres from the trail, and in that case transport is arranged. You can also choose Country Cottages (restored farmhouses and country homes) or the Superior Collection of 4 and 5-star hotels, boutique guesthouses and Parador hotels. Both depend on availability, and standard hotels are used where they aren't available.
Vigo Airport is 12km from the city, and the bus takes around 45 minutes. A direct bus runs from Porto Airport to Vigo three times a day and takes about three hours. Spring and autumn bring mild temperatures and quieter trails, while summer has long days and sea breezes along the Galician coast.
The shape of the trip.
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1How hard is it really?
The grading is set by the operator and usually reflects daily distance and total ascent. As a rule of thumb: if you can comfortably manage a 5-6 hour hillwalk at home on a weekend, a moderate-graded route will be fine. Read the day-by-day notes carefully, and train with a loaded pack in the months before.
Q2Can I do this solo?
Yes — self-guided walking holidays are well suited to solo travellers, and some operators waive the single-room supplement on certain departures. The route notes are written for confident independent walkers, and most operators run a 24/7 support line.
Q3Do I need to speak the language?
No. Hotels and restaurants on the route are used to English-speaking walkers. A phrasebook for menus and a few polite basics (hello, thank you, please) is all you really need. The operator's support line speaks English.
Q4Can I bring my dog?
Some routes are dog-friendly, others aren't — it depends on whether all the accommodation on the itinerary accepts dogs. Check with the operator before booking. If you do bring a dog, you'll need a pet passport, up-to-date rabies vaccination, and a lead for villages.
Q5What if it rains?
The route is walkable in rain — your luggage travels ahead regardless, so you'll always arrive somewhere dry. Some trails get slippery in wet weather and the operator's support line can arrange a taxi for any stage if conditions are properly bad.
Q6How do I get there from the UK?
Most routes are reachable by a short flight to a nearby airport, followed by train or transfer. The operator will usually point you at the nearest airport and can advise on rail connections. Some will book train tickets on your behalf for a small fee.
Q7Can I shorten or extend it?
Usually yes. Many operators offer shorter versions of a route as a standalone, and most will add extra nights at the start or end at their own rates. Ask when you enquire — they'll tailor it before booking.
Q8What about cancellation?
Typically a deposit (usually 20-25%) is taken at booking, with the balance due 8-10 weeks before departure. The operator's own terms apply — Mooch doesn't handle the booking or refunds. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Three walking holidays, side-by-side.
The two closest walking holidays on Mooch, both on the Camino. Prices are the operators' own, per person.
