Information from John Twort
Projected Camino for May 2026
I am planning to walk the Portuguese Coastal Caminho section, from OPORTO to Santiago de Compostela in May 2026.
NB I am only leading a group of 10-12 MAX - Logistics.
From experience, I know that to obtain the range of accommodation needed, booking should take place ASAP, especially as this Camino is growing in popularity. Twin rooms are ideal because costs are much lower than single rooms, although single rooms can usually be obtained, but are more expensive.
The Coastal Portuguese Caminho is the second most popular route after the Frances. Last year 120,000 pilgrims walked it. Hence the necessity to book accommodation well in advance.
I have walked it twice and I can assure you that it is a very rewarding and enjoyable saunter, offering both ocean views and, when in Galicia, lovely countryside.
BASIC INFORMATION
Flight to Oporto from Birmingham with Jet2 departing
Thursday,14th May 15.35
Current price £78.00
Overnight stay in Oporto
DISTANCES AND PROPOSED SECTIONS
PORTUGUESE SECTION
Porto Sé cathedral by the Douro riverside and the Atlantic coastline to Matosinhos 10km - allowing a morning in Oporto
Matosinhos to Vila do Conde 22 km
Vila do Conde to Esposende 27 km
Esposende to Viana do Castelo 19 km - possibility of a rest day TBC
Viana do Castelo to Caminha 23 km
Most of this stretch borders the ocean.
SWITCH TO THE PORTUGUESE INTERNAL CAMINHO
The route from Caminha to Valença is 29 km/18 mi. This distance is from the bridge in Caminha to Valença. It's quite a long walk, but can be shortened by taking a bus part way .
SPANISH GALICIAN SECTION OF THE PORTUGUES CAMINO
Walk from Valenca or Tui to Porrino 21.8km
Porrino to Redondela 19.1km
Redondela to Pontevedra 17.2km
Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis 22.2km
Caldas de Reis to Padron 19.1km
Padron to Santiago de Compostela 25.6km
13 days’ walking in total.
You may want to extend your stay in Santiago de Compostella by a day or two, or walk on to Finisterre (optional) but not part of this Camino as such. Down to you…
I should state that I would appreciate only a definite commitment, as in the past I have booked accommodation in vain, which impacts on everyone.
Bearing in mind the limited number of places, I am prepared to reserve provisionally until 07/08/2025.
After that I should expect your flight to Oporto to have been booked.
Return flight TBA.
Meanwhile, if you have any queries, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Regards and best,
John