Get Ready to Join a Camino Adventure with C. Woodcock & Co
I'm planning several Camino walks for 2026, each beginning in northern Portugal. I encourage you to consider joining one of the small teams I will be leading. Or, if you want to follow from home, you can follow along here!
Join the Journey and Bom Caminho!
Brian
THE CAMINO de SANTIAGO
The Camino de Santiago or the Way of St. James in English, is a network of pilgrim's ways or pilgrimages leading to the shrine of the apostle James in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in northwestern Spain, where tradition holds that the remains of the apostle are buried. Pilgrims follow its routes as a form of spiritual path or retreat for their spiritual growth. It is also popular with hikers, cyclists, and organized tour groups.
In addition to those undertaking a religious pilgrimage, many are hikers who walk the route for travel or sport, along with an interest in exploring their own relationship with themselves, other people, nature, and what they perceive as being sacred. Also, many consider the experience a spiritual retreat from modern life.
The Routes
There is more than one Camino!
There are pilgrim paths all over Europe that lead to Santiago de Compostela. For 2026, we will be focusing on the Caminho Portuguese routes.
The Camino Portuguese da Costa
The Portuguese Coastal Route from Porto to Santiago de Compostela
From All Trails...
The Portuguese Way along the Coast is an alternative Way of Saint James route from Porto, in Portugal, to Santiago de Compostela, in Spain. Unlike the Caminho Português Central, which follows a more inland route, the Caminho da Costa follows the Atlantic coastline, providing stunning views.
The path is approximately 280 kilometers long, and although it is slightly longer than the Central Portuguese Way, many pilgrims choose this route because of its natural beauty and the charming seaside towns along the Way.
The route starts in Porto, the second largest city in Portugal, famous for its beautiful landscapes, historic architecture, and Port wine production. From there, the path continues along the Coast, passing through cities such as Vila do Conde, Póvoa de Varzim, Esposende, Viana do Castelo, and Caminha before entering Spain.
Once in Spain, the path continues along the Galician Coast, passing through cities such as Baiona, Vigo, Redondela, Pontevedra, and Caldas de Reis, until reaching Padron. From Padron, the path connects to the Camino Português Central and heads towards Santiago de Compostela.
Pilgrims encounter coastal scenery, beaches, rivers, forests, and historic villages along the Way. The route offers a variety of accommodation options, from pilgrim hostels to hotels and inns, as well as a wide range of restaurants to try the local cuisine.
It is important to mention that the Portuguese Way along the Coast can be more challenging regarding terrain, and some stages can be more physically demanding due to the steep ascents and descents. However, walking this picturesque and less traveled path is certainly rewarding. As with any pilgrimage, planning your trip well, including the necessary physical preparation, obtaining a pilgrim's credential, checking the availability of accommodation along the Way, and familiarizing yourself with the official signs of the Camino de Santiago.
Therefore, if you are interested in taking the Portuguese Way along the Coast, prepare for a unique journey to enjoy beautiful coastal landscapes, learn about local cultures and experience the millenary tradition of pilgrims on their Way to Santiago de Compostela.
The Portuguese Central Route
The Portuguese inland route, also known as the Central Route, is a popular way to walk the Camino from Porto to Santiago de Compostela. Although the Portuguese Camino de Santiago officially starts in Lisbon, the Central Route starts at the Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto).
Instead of following the stunning Portuguese coast, the Central Route goes inland and crosses the Minho River into Spain. Instead of beaches and boardwalks, pilgrims can expect to see charming towns, Roman bridges, vineyards, and forests as they make their way north.
The Portuguese Caminho Jacobeau da Geira e dos Arrieiros
A true adventure through northern Portugal and Galicia
The Caminho da Geira e dos Arrieiros is an up-and-coming 239km camino linking the Portuguese city of Braga to Santiago de Compostela. ‘The Geira’ is an isolated camino that takes adventurous pilgrims on Roman roads past beautiful natural scenery, three border crossings and some of Galicia’s oldest vineyards.
This is one the three routes from Portugal to Santiago de Compostela which I am planning for 2026 and the one I am most looking forward to walking. It is by far the least traveled route.
Geira is the common name given to the Via Nova, an ancient Roman road that linked the cities of Braga (Bracara Augusta) and Astorga (Asturica Augusta). The surviving sections of this road form part of the camino itself beginning in Santa Cruz, 23km from Braga.
This route starts in Braga and is perfect for mid-September through early October, harvest time in the vineyards, and the time when all the fruit trees will be heavy with fruit along the way. There is something magical about hiking an ancient pathway and literally eating fruit off the vine and from the trees while doing so. It feels a bit like being in a Garden of Eden. More on this route to coming soon.
A good website providing info on the highlights of this Camino can be found here.
The Portuguese Caminho Litoral Path
A coastal walk from Porto to Santiago de Compostela
