You'll travel independently to Porto and take a comfortable taxi to your first hotel (approx. 30 minutes, approx. €25). Detailed directions will be included with your travel documents. If you have a little more time, it's worth arriving a day earlier. Porto is Portugal's second largest and second most important city after Lisbon. Its impressive old town on the Douro River was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 – less for the number of its historic buildings than for its overall character, which has evolved over centuries. Today, it's a magnet for visitors and locals alike. In numerous restaurants, you can sample the specialties of Portuguese cuisine and, of course, the typical port wine. It's well worth strolling through the narrow streets and exploring the city.

To avoid starting your first hike in the city center, you'll be taken to Matosinhos in the morning (approx. 30 minutes), where your Camino de Santiago journey begins. The first stage follows the coastline: with sea views, you'll hike through beautiful landscapes and cross the dunes on wooden boardwalks.

Today's hike is very varied and offers a little bit of everything: You hike through coastal towns and along wooden boardwalks on the beach, pass vegetable fields, go inland, pilgrimage through forests and meadows and finally cross the Cávado River on a 500-meter-long bridge before reaching your destination for the day, Esposende.

Today your destination is Viana do Castelo. You'll initially head a little inland, only to see it again in the evening. Your hike takes you through a hilly landscape before you reach Viana do Castelo. Here, a short exploration is worthwhile – the town boasts churches, palaces, and monasteries.

Today, the route initially leads through the town, then later through the eucalyptus forests typical of the region. You'll pass small villages before reaching your destination, the town of Praia de Âncora. Here, too, a short stroll through the town and along the beach is worthwhile.

From Praia de Âncora, you'll hike into Galicia, Spain, today: You'll leave Portugal behind and walk the final stretches on Galician territory. You'll cross the border river Miño by boat. The trail then continues to the charming fishing village of A Guarda. The Galician landscapes and towns are every bit as beautiful as their Portuguese counterparts.

You leave A Guarda behind and hike northwards, always with a view of the stunning coastline. The Oia Monastery is located not far from your next accommodation – a visit is well worth it.

First, you continue hiking along the coast before heading inland to Baiona. Baiona was the first European port to receive news of the discovery of America. The town still captivates visitors today with its charming old town, where you can practically feel the history at every turn.

From Baiona, you hike along the Miñor estuary to Nigrán. Along the way, you can enjoy the scenery and the diverse architecture, including historic farmhouses and numerous Romanesque bridges. The route leads past beautiful, fine sandy beaches until you finally reach Vigo, the largest city in Galicia. The old town and the fishermen's quarter are well worth a visit.

You leave Vigo heading towards the "Senda da Traída das Augas" (Augas Trail). The path leads you to Redondela, where your route meets the Portuguese Inland Trail. Shortly before this junction, you'll pass Trasmañó – here you can take a 5 km detour to see an impressive waterfall. Forests and the river estuary accompany you throughout the day.

You leave Redondela towards Arcade, still on the Bay of Vigo. The town is particularly famous for its oysters. Continue inland through lush forests until you reach Pontevedra.

Today's hike offers a peaceful and pleasant stretch across flat terrain. You'll walk through small villages until you reach Caldas de Reis. Here you can relax in one of the famous baths – the thermal springs were already used by the Romans.

This stage is one of the most scenic of the trip. You'll hike past vineyards, fields of grain, and ancient chestnut trees to Padrón. The town's name comes from the "Pedrón," a Roman milestone on the banks of the estuary where, according to legend, the ship carrying the body of the Apostle James docked. This stone is now located in the Church of Santiago Apóstol. After the body was transferred to Santiago de Compostela, Padrón became the starting point for pilgrims arriving by boat.

Today you set off on the final stage of your Camino. The path begins along the road, which you will cross several times. Finally, you reach O Milladoiro, where you will see the towers of Santiago Cathedral for the first time – a truly moving moment. Here, the joy of arrival is often mixed with the bittersweetness of saying goodbye. You will still have plenty of time in Santiago to explore this special place, perhaps on a guided tour of the old town.

We recommend that you stay in Santiago for another day and let the hustle and bustle of this fascinating city work its magic on you in peace and quiet while enjoying a café cortado or a good glass of wine. If you don't have time, you can take a taxi (approx. €23) or a bus (€1–2) to the airport and begin your journey home. If you'd like to visit Vigo or Porto again, or fly back from there, you can get there cheaply by bus or train. Or you can hike further to the "end of the world," to Cape Finisterre: Three moderate and one longer day hike (33 km) separate you from what is perhaps the most beautiful sunset in Europe. We would be happy to provide you with a quote.