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
Lisbon to Coimbra on the Portuguese Way
Lisbon sits where the River Tejo meets the Atlantic Ocean, and it's where this month-long Camino de Santiago begins. Before setting off you can explore its cobbled streets and busy squares on foot or by tram, visit São Jorge castle, and head to Belém for the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower. Both are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The first stage is the shortest of this section. It follows part of the Caminho de Fátima along the Tejo through the Parque das Nações, then soon turns into the countryside along a lush valley. Over the following days the river guides you through Vila Franca de Xira and Azambuja. This is a region known for bullfighting and horse breeding, and Azambuja holds a bull run in its streets every May. Vineyards, orchards and crop fields lead up to Santarém, an old Moorish city of narrow cobbled streets. At 110 metres it is one of the highest points on the whole route. From there, long but flat country lanes run to Golegã. The next stage passes the manor house of Quinta da Cardiga and ends in the historic city of Tomar.
Woodland, Roman roads and Coimbra
After Tomar comes one of the most challenging stages of this section, through woodland and valleys and along ancient Roman roads. From Alvaiázere a sharp climb gives way to rolling hills and olive groves on the way to Ansião. You then cross the 17th-century Ponte da Cal and walk through eucalyptus, pine and olive trees to Condeixa a Nova. The climb over Alto de Cruz de Mourocos, at 190m, brings you down into Coimbra. Once Portugal's capital, Coimbra has a well-preserved Gothic cathedral and a 13th-century university, which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013.
North of Coimbra the trail passes remains of the old Roman road on the way to Mealhada, which sits in a wine-making area. Next come Águeda on the Certima river, a stretch of the Via Romana XVI with a Roman bridge over the Rio Marnel, and Albergaria A Velha. From there the route enters more urban parts of the northern Beira Coast, passing Oliveira de Azeméis and its Matriz de São Miguel church.
From Porto along the Atlantic coast
After Santarém, Coimbra and Porto, the route switches to the coastal path. It passes beaches and fishing towns and crosses into Galicia via A Guarda, Baiona and Vigo. After Vigo it rejoins the main Camino through Arcade, Pontevedra, Caldas de Reis and Padrón, and finishes at the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.
Choosing your start and finish
This route suits walkers who want the full distance from Lisbon to Santiago with a sea-air finish. It also makes a good second Camino if you've already walked the Camino Francés, as it's less crowded overall and has a more local feel. You can start and end anywhere along the route, and it's available for walking and cycling.
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 closest walking holidays on Mooch, by trail, then region, then country. Prices are the operators' own, per person.
