LOTUS EATERS TRAVEL

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WHERE TO STAY ON THE CAMINO PORTUGUESE COASTAL ROUTE: OUR 21 FAVOURITE OVERNIGHT STOPS.

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Choosing where to stay on the Camino Portuguese Coastal Route can make a real difference to your experience. Although many pilgrims follow the same route from Porto to Santiago de Compostela, there are plenty of opportunities to tailor your walk, depending on whether you prefer lively cities, small seaside villages or peaceful spots away from the crowds.

In fact, one of the reasons I often recommend this route to others, are the flexible daily stages. And indeed, one of the things I love about the Coastal Camino is the variety. You can spend one evening enjoying fresh seafood beside a fishing harbour, the next watching the sunset from a sandy beach, and a few days later exploring the historic streets of a Galician town.

We’ve walked this route several times, and over the years we’ve discovered some wonderful places to stop overnight. Some are popular Camino destinations, whilst others are little places we stumbled upon along the way. A few of our choices were dictated by accommodation availability, but those unexpected stops often turned out to be some of our favourites!

In this guide, I’ve shared our favourite overnight stops on the Camino Portuguese Coastal Route, from Porto all the way to Santiago de Compostela. I’ve included the distances from Porto, highlights of each destination and a little insight into why you might want to stay there.

Some places are ideal for breaking up longer walking days, whilst others are worth spending a little extra time exploring. The hardest part is choosing between them.

Our favourite overnight stops: a map

Below you can see a map of our favourite overnight stops on this route. The blue pins are on the Coastal Route, the orange on the Litoral Way and the purple on the Central Route.

If you want to know more about the difference between the Litoral and the Coastal routes – you can find our guide here.

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1/ Porto

Key details:

City vibes and an exciting start to the Camino Portuguese. Porto is a wonderful city to explore, and the airport is conveniently located a short metro ride away.

Distance from Porto: 0km

Highlights:

We recommend staying overnight for at least one night if you haven’t visited Porto before. Not least to visit the Pilgrim’s Office, where you can get a Pilgrim Credential and information about the route.

Porto has plenty to keep you occupied before you set off walking. Visit the Port wine lodges across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia, explore the beautiful Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto), and wander through the city’s historic streets. The Ribeira waterfront is particularly lovely, with colourful buildings lining the Douro River and plenty of places to stop for a drink.

If you have time, it’s worth exploring a little further afield, too. Porto is a fantastic city for food, architecture and simply soaking up the atmosphere before beginning your Camino.

Where to stay:

The Camino routes start at the Cathedral, so staying in or around the historic centre is a convenient choice if you want to explore Porto and make an early start on your first walking day.

BUDGET: Porto Wine Hostel or Urban Garden Porto Central Hostel.

MID-RANGE: Rio da Vila or Casa Zogbi Hotel.

LUXURY: TOP Porto or Espaço Palmeiras.

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2/ Matosinhos (Litoral Route)

If you choose to take the Litoral Way out of Porto (which I would recommend), you’ll reach Matosinhos after around 10km. This is an alternative for night one if you prefer not to stay in Porto, or if you’re planning to walk shorter days.

On our most recent Portuguese Camino, we chose to stay here rather than Porto, simply because we’d both visited Porto numerous times and accommodation in Matosinhos was much less expensive.

Key details:

Distance from Porto: 10.5km

Highlights:

Matosinhos has a lovely beachside location, making it an ideal stop if the weather is fine and you want to enjoy the coast.

It’s also a buzzy area, with lots of seafront restaurants to choose from. Matosinhos is particularly well known for its seafood, so if you enjoy fresh fish, this is a great place to indulge before heading north.

The beach is a lovely place to unwind after your first day of walking, and you can enjoy a stroll along the promenade before finding somewhere for dinner.

Where to stay:

Look for accommodation close to the beach or the town centre, depending on whether you prefer a seaside setting or easier access to restaurants and transport.

BUDGET: Oportocean Hostel

MID-RANGE: Fishtail Sea House or VYBE Matosinhos Centro.

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3/ Praia de Mindelo (Litoral Route)

Key details:

On our most recent Camino, we chose to stay in Praia de Mindelo because we wanted to enjoy a smaller seaside Portuguese village. Praia de Mindelo is on the Litoral Route, whilst Mindelo town centre is on the Coastal Route. But it’s all semantics, really, because a 15–20 minute walk takes you from the beach to the town.

Distance from Porto: 28km

Highlights:

Praia de Mindelo has a lovely seaside location and a beautiful beach. The sea can be quite choppy, but the beach has a lifeguard, so I felt comfortable taking a dip here.

There’s a small promenade with beachfront bars, ideal for a cold drink after a long day of walking.

There are a handful of restaurants in Mindelo, although not all of them are open every day. We dined at O Bistro Delicioso, an incredibly unassuming restaurant run by a German couple. They offer a simple menu of home-comfort food, which was ideal after a day of walking.

I particularly liked the relaxed atmosphere here. If you want to break up your journey with a quieter seaside stop rather than another busy town, Mindelo is a lovely option.

Where to stay:

BUDGET: Casa Alba

MID-RANGE: On the Way, Mindelo Beach

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4/ Vila do Conde

Key details:

Vila do Conde is a charming coastal town with a historic centre, a long sandy beach and a lovely waterfront. It’s a good option if you want to combine a seaside stop with a little sightseeing.

Distance from Porto: 33km

Highlights:

One of the most striking sights in Vila do Conde is the Santa Clara Aqueduct, an impressive structure that stretches across the landscape towards the former Convent of Santa Clara.

The historic centre is lovely to explore, with traditional Portuguese architecture, small squares and plenty of cafes where you can stop for a coffee. There’s also a beautiful riverside area where the Ave River meets the Atlantic.

If you fancy some time on the beach, Praia de Vila do Conde is an excellent place to unwind after a day of walking. You can also wander along the seafront and enjoy the fresh sea air.

Vila do Conde feels a little more historic than some of the other coastal stops, making it a great choice if you enjoy exploring towns as much as walking between them.

Where to stay:

The historic centre is a good choice for sightseeing and restaurants, whilst the seafront is ideal if you’d prefer to finish your walking day by the beach.

BUDGET: HI Vila do Conde – Pousada de Juventude

MID-RANGE: Venceslau Boutique.

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5/ Povoa de Varzim

Key details:

Póvoa de Varzim is a lively coastal town with a long beachfront, a bustling centre and plenty of places to eat and drink. It’s a good stop if you enjoy having lots of choice in the evening.

Distance from Porto: 36.5km

Highlights:

A vibrant city centre, it has lots of shopping opportunities if you want to stock up on clothing or toiletries.

We loved the selection of restaurants, cafes and bars. After much deliberation, we opted for Italian at Pizza D’Artista. This restaurant has a long lunch service and opens fairly early for supper, ideal for Camino walkers.

Probably one of the best-known things about Póvoa de Varzim is the casino. We chose to avoid it, opting instead to spend our time strolling through the city and taking in the painéis de azulejos – decorated Portuguese tiles that tell stories about the town’s history and culture.

The beachfront promenade is another lovely place to explore, particularly in the evening. If you’re looking for a stop with plenty of amenities and a lively atmosphere, Póvoa de Varzim is a good choice.

Where to stay:

BUDGET: Sardines Rooms & Apartment

MID-RANGE: Rêve D’Or

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6/ Fão

Key details:

Fão is a slightly less popular overnight stop than Esposende. We actually ended up here simply because we couldn’t get accommodation in Esposende, but it turned out to be a lovely, chilled overnight stop.

Distance from Porto: 54km

Highlights:

Praia de Fão is a pretty beach with sand dunes, around a 20-minute walk from the town. It’s a lovely place to stretch your legs and enjoy a quieter stretch of coastline.

Padaria Bar is a pleasant place for drinks or lunch, close to the Cávado River.

Chalé Tapas Bar is wonderful for an evening meal. It’s a very vibrant place and can get busy, so reservations are recommended if you want to eat here, especially at weekends.

Fão is a good reminder that you don’t always need to stay in the most obvious Camino destination. Although we hadn’t originally planned to stop here, we enjoyed its relaxed atmosphere and the chance to experience somewhere a little different.

Where to stay:

BUDGET: Hostel do Alto or The Spot Ofir.

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7/ Esposende

Key details:

Esposende is a coastal town on the Cávado River, with a lovely waterfront and easy access to beaches and the surrounding natural landscape. It’s a popular stopping point on the Camino and a useful place to break up the walk along this stretch of the coast.

Distance from Porto: 57km

Highlights:

Esposende is a good place to enjoy a relaxed evening beside the river. The waterfront is ideal for a stroll after a day on your feet, and there are cafes and restaurants where you can stop for refreshments or dinner.

If you enjoy the outdoors, the nearby coastline and dunes offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery. The surrounding area is also known for its natural beauty, with the river estuary providing an attractive backdrop to the town.

Compared with some of the smaller seaside villages, Esposende has a good range of everyday amenities too.

That said, if you’re planning your stages in advance, it’s worth checking accommodation availability here, particularly during the busier Camino season.

Where to stay:

BUDGET: Hostel Eelven, Casa Sal, Esposende Gusethouse.

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8/ Viana do Castelo

Key details:

Viana do Castelo is one of the most attractive towns on this stretch of the Camino Portuguese. Set between the Lima River and the Atlantic Ocean, it combines a beautiful historic centre with a striking hilltop sanctuary and plenty of coastal scenery.

Distance from Porto: 82km

Highlights:

The historic centre is well worth exploring, with its handsome squares, traditional architecture and narrow streets. It’s a wonderful place to spend a little time wandering around rather than simply arriving, eating and heading to bed.

One of the most iconic sights is the Sanctuary of Santa Luzia, perched high above the town. You can walk up, or rest your weary bones and take a funicular up to the top for just a few euros.

Back in town, you can explore the waterfront and enjoy the many cafes and restaurants. We loved picking up pastries from Manuel Natário, which is known for the Bola de berlim.

Of all the larger towns on this part of the route, Viana do Castelo is one where I’d recommend allowing a little extra time if your itinerary permits. This was John’s favourite stop and he wished we had a rest day to see a little more of the town.

Where to stay:

BUDGET: Albergue de Santa Luzia or HI Viana do Castelo.

MID-RANGE: Hotel Jardim Viana do Castelo or Pensao O Laranjeira.

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9/ Vila Praia de Âncora

Key details:

Vila Praia de Âncora is a relaxed seaside town with a beautiful beach, a long promenade and a welcoming holiday-town atmosphere. It’s a lovely place to stop if you’re looking for a little coastal downtime before continuing towards the Spanish border.

Distance from Porto: 101km

Highlights:

The beach at Praia do Forte do Cão, on the approach to Vila Praia de Âncora, is absolutely stunning. I recommend walking the Litoral Way if you want to pause at this beach.

In town, Vila Praia de Âncora has a beachfront promenade with lots of bars and restaurants, ideal for strolling and grabbing refreshments.

Praça da República is a lively square, with a church and lively cafes dotted around.

The town is particularly appealing if you enjoy being beside the sea. After a day of walking, you can take a stroll along the promenade, sit with a drink overlooking the water or simply enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

It’s also a useful place to pause before the final Portuguese stretch towards Caminha and the crossing into Galicia.

Where to stay:

BUDGET: Bombarda 51 – Inn & Hostel or Guest House Periera.

MID-RANGE: Blue Ancora Hotel.

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10/ Caminha

Key details:

Caminha is a pretty town on the river Minho and the last possibility for an overnight stop on the Coastal Camino in Portugal, before entering Spain.

Distance from Porto: 109.5km

Highlights:

Caminha has a lovely historic centre, with a traditional main square, attractive old buildings and narrow streets that are perfect for a wander.

The Praça Conselheiro Silva Torres is the heart of the town, with cafes and restaurants surrounding the square. It’s a lovely place to sit with a coffee (and obligatory final Portuguese pastry) or enjoy a relaxed dinner after a day’s walking.

Caminha is also an important practical stop because the route continues across the river to Spain. Many pilgrims choose to stay in Caminha to take the boat across to A Guarda the next day.

Where to stay:

BUDGET: Santiago Rooms or Albergue de São Bento.

MID-RANGE: Arca Nova Guest House – Caminha.

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11/ A Guarda

Key details:

A Guarda is the first town on the Coastal Camino as you arrive in Galicia. Because most people stay in Caminha, it is often overlooked and can be a quieter Camino stop.

Distance from Porto: 115km

Highlights:

The harbour is stunning, and A Guarda was so much prettier than we expected. The water around the harbour is calm, and you can swim here in summer.

Restaurants around the harbour offer wonderful fresh fish and seafood, and we just loved the vibe here in the evening.

That said, the town away from the harbour is also really vibrant and interesting to explore.

Where to stay:

BUDGET: Albergue O Peirao

MID-RANGE: Hotel Eli-Mar or Hotel Monumento Convento de San Benito.

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12/ Portecelo

Key details:

Around 7km after A Guarda is the small hamlet of Portecelo. A few years ago, when I walked this route, I decided to stay here as I wanted somewhere a little quieter and off the beaten track. It is a wonderful choice if you like sea views and a slice of tranquillity.

Distance from Porto: 122km

Highlights:

Staying in Portecelo is just about relaxing and enjoying the sea views, whilst getting away from the Camino crowds. Portecelo won’t be for everyone. There’s not a huge amount to do here, and that’s precisely the appeal. If you enjoy quiet places, sea views and the chance to slow down for an evening, it’s a lovely alternative to the busier towns along the route.

There’s only one bar – Explanada do horizonte – which has a really nice vibe. It’s busy during the day with Camino walkers, which can mean that food runs out by the evening, but it is an excellent place for sunset drinks.

Tip: if you plan to stay in Portecelo, pick up some food from A Guarda that you can prepare once in your accommodation. Just in case the bar isn’t open or serving food.

Where to stay:

CASA MAR DA LAXE or Apartamento Peregrinos Por la Costa Camino Portugués As Casetas.

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13/ Oia

Key details:

If you could paint a picture-perfect Camino village, I think it would be Oia. Although many people pause for lunch here, not that many Camino walkers stay overnight, which makes it even more special.

Distance from Porto: 128.5km

Highlights:

One of the simplest pleasures here is grabbing a drink from the small shop and enjoying a cold refreshment overlooking the water.

There are a couple of restaurants, but we loved Taperia A Camboa, which has incredible views over the water.

The tide goes in and out here, but when it’s in, you can walk down to the jetty and take a dip.

If the Royal Monastery of Santa María de Oia is open, I recommend popping in.

For me, this is one of the most atmospheric stops on the route. If you’re looking for somewhere that feels a little removed from the busier Camino trail, Oia is a wonderful choice.

Where to stay:

Casa Puertas Bed & Breakfast or Casa Picota.

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14/ Baiona

Key details:

Baiona is a beautiful coastal town with a historic centre, sandy beaches and a lively waterfront. It’s a popular holiday destination as well as a Camino stop, and there’s plenty to keep you occupied once you’ve finished walking for the day.

Distance from Porto: 147km

Highlights:

Baiona has two beaches, and Praia da Ribeira is right in town. You can swim here in summer, although the water is very cold but calm.

One of the most iconic sights in Baiona is the fortress that has been turned into a Parador hotel. You can walk the castle walls for free, enjoying views over the harbour and the coastline.

For me, evenings in Baiona are all about tapas – the tiny streets dotted with numerous restaurants make for great tapas adventures. We loved La Ventana del Cativo, Capitán “Monguer” , and Olivando.

Baiona is also a good place to spend a little longer if you fancy a rest day or a slower pace. With its beaches, historic sights and excellent food scene, it’s one of the most enjoyable coastal stops on this stretch of the Camino and if I had to pick an ultimate favourite town on the whole route, this would be it.

Where to stay:

Parador de Baiona or Hotel Carabela La Pinta.

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15/ Praia de Patos (Litoral Route)

Key details:

Praia de Patos is on the Litoral Route, as you walk between Baiona and Vigo. We chose to stay here as we wanted to break up the 26km between the two major points on the route, and I was craving a beach day.

Fewer people walk the Litoral Route, and even fewer choose to stay in Patos, so it felt like a little secret haven for the evening.

Distance from Porto: 157km

Highlights:

The stunning beach of Patos, with views towards the Cíes Islands.

There are various beach bars along the long beach, where you can stop for a cold drink.

Restaurants are low-key and often aren’t open out of season, but if you stay at the hostel, you can cook. There’s a small supermarket which is reliably open.

Praia de Patos is a particularly good choice if you want to break up the walk between Baiona and Vigo without spending the night in another large town. It’s all about the beach here, and I loved the chance to slow down and enjoy the coastline.

The views towards the Cíes Islands are beautiful, and on a fine day, it’s a lovely place to spend a few hours. Just bear in mind that this is a quieter area, so it’s worth planning ahead for dinner, especially outside the summer season.

Where to stay:

Patos Beach House offers private rooms or dorm style accommodation and is super close to the beach.

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16/ Vigo

Key details:

A large and vibrant city, with the last chance to be near the water before joining the Central Route. We chose to take a rest day here to explore the city.

Distance from Porto: 173km

Highlights:

The Old Town of Vigo is well worth strolling around – see the Basilica, and other monuments, whilst you soak up the vibe. This is an excellent city for food lovers – from Michelin star restaurants to loads of old fashioned tapas places.

You can find a detailed guide to the 14 best things to do in Vigo here.

Where to stay:

BUDGET: Hotel Pantón

MID-RANGE: Hotel Arias or B&B HOTEL Vigo.

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17/ Redondela (Central route)

Key details:

Redondela is an important junction on the Camino Portuguese, where the Coastal Route joins the Central Route. After following the coast from Porto, this is where you begin to head inland towards Santiago de Compostela.

I’ve included Redondela on this list, as it is a lovely place to stay. But it’s worth keeping in mind that it is generally quite busy – as the two routes are merging in this town.

Distance from Porto: 190km

Highlights:

Redondela is a pleasant town with a historic centre, traditional squares and a lively local atmosphere. It’s also famous for its impressive railway viaducts, which cross above parts of the town and have become one of its most recognisable features.

The centre is a good place to wander around after arriving, with cafes and restaurants where you can refuel and relax.

Where to stay:

There are a number of choices in Redondela, I would strongly recommend booking ahead as accommodation does get booked up.

BUDGET: Avoa Regina or A Conserveira hostel.

MID-RANGE: Rubín 21.

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18/ Pontevedra (Central Route)

Key details:

Pontevedra is one of my favourite cities on the Camino Portuguese and it’s a wonderful place to spend an evening or even take a rest day.

Distance from Porto: 210km

Highlights:

Pontevedra is a lively and quirky city, there’s lots to see and do. We’ve put together a detailed guide of the best things to do in Pontevedra here.

Where to stay:

Stay in or close to the historic centre for easy access to the main sights, restaurants and the Camino route.

BUDGET: Albergue GBC or Acolá Rooms.

MID-RANGE: Galicia Palace.

LUXURY: Parador de Pontevedra (if you like hotels with history), or Rias Bajas (a more modern option).

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19/ Padron (Central Route)

Key details:

The first time I visited Padrón, I wasn’t sure I liked it. The outskirts can feel a little industrial, but having now returned numerous times, I realise its charm. Look beyond the outskirts and you’ll find traditional wine bars, historic churches and a local, lived-in feel that makes it an interesting place to stop.

Distance from Porto: 250km

Highlights:

Padrón has an important place in the story of the Camino de Santiago, with strong links to the tradition of St James and the origins of his journey to Galicia. The town’s historic church of Santiago is well worth a visit, particularly if you’re interested in the history and traditions surrounding the pilgrimage.

It’s also a lovely place to enjoy a more local side of Galicia. Wander through the streets, find a traditional bar and settle in for a drink or a meal. Padrón is famous for its pimientos de Padrón, the small green peppers that are usually fried and served with salt.

What I appreciate more with every visit is that Padrón feels like a real working town rather than somewhere that exists solely for visitors. It might not be love at first sight, but give it a chance and you’ll discover plenty of character.

Where to stay:

BUDGET: Albergue Adventus

MID-RANGE: Padrón Suites.

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20/ Vilar (Central Route)

Key details:

Vilar is the location, but what I really mean is we loved staying at O Lagar de Jesus, a fantastic rural albergue around 23km from Santiago de Compostela.

Distance from Porto: 255.5km

Highlights:

The grounds of the albergue are simply stunning. The garden is huge, with lots of places to lounge and a large swimming pool.

For us, the highlight was the communal supper. Spirits are very high as it’s the last night before Santiago de Compostela, and it was just so nice to spend time hearing about everyone’s experiences on the route.

If you want to make the most of the final night before the city, this is the sort of stop that can make the experience feel even more memorable.

Where to stay:

The fabulous O Lagar de Jesus hostel.

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21/ Angueira de Suso (Central Route)

Key details:

I say Angueira de Suso, but what I really mean is Camiño da Vieira albergue another lovely rural stop on the Camino.

Distance from Porto: 295km

Highlights:

This albergue has a wonderful above-ground swimming pool, a garden with countryside views and a handy honesty bar with snacks. We chose to bring food and cook in the kitchen.

The garden is a lovely place to relax after a day of walking, and the countryside setting makes a welcome change from the towns and cities along the route.

This is a particularly useful option if you’d prefer to break up the final stretch rather than walk all the way into Santiago in one go. It gives you a chance to slow down, enjoy your surroundings and arrive in Santiago feeling a little more rested.

For us, these quieter rural stops are part of what makes the Camino so special. Not every overnight stay needs to be in a town with lots of attractions; sometimes a garden, a swimming pool and a peaceful evening are exactly what you need.

Where to stay:

The wonderful Camiño da Vieira, which has dorm bunk beds or private rooms.

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Written by Emma

Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.

British travel writer and long-distance hiker, native to Kent. Emma has walked the Camino de Santiago more than ten times, completed trails across Europe from the Corfu Trail to the Fisherman’s Trail, and covered thousands of kilometres on foot. She always writes from first-hand experience. Her goal? Inspire just one person to go on their first long-distance hike.

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