Santiago from Portugal: the central Portuguese route vs. the coastal route

You can start the journey from anywhere in the world, as there are several alternatives to the Portuguese Way. However, for those starting their journey in Portugal, the two routes to consider are:

1. The Central Route

2. The Portuguese Coastal Way

In this guide, we will help the reader compare the two options.

Pros and Cons of the Central Portuguese Way
The Central Portuguese Way starts in Lisbon and goes inland until reaching Galicia. For those starting from the capital, the journey can be over 600 kilometers. From Porto, it is the shortest Portuguese Way (albeit by a small margin), at about 240 kilometers.

This is the best option for travelers who like to meet other pilgrims and have access to typical Camino de Santiago structures, such as hostels. Because it passes through several rural areas and small parishes, including traditional schist villages, this is also the ideal route for those who appreciate the landscape and culture of Minho.

Other advantages:

• Safer journey (better signage, places accustomed to pilgrims, etc.).

• The best choice for enjoying an organized Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.


Disadvantage:

• More rugged route (greater physical demands).

• Passing through rural areas can cause feelings of isolation, especially for those traveling alone.

Pros and Cons of the Portuguese Coastal Way
The coastal route starts in Porto and, as the name suggests, follows the coast and not the inland towns of Minho. Those traveling from Lisbon should use the central route until they reach Porto and only then change their route.

This is the best option for the summer months and for those who prefer a walk along the beach to a walk in the mountains. The route is about 270 kilometers long, 170 more than the minimum 100 allowed on the Sarria Way. In addition to being coastal, the landscape is less rustic, more urban, and with more people, but fewer pilgrims…

Advantages:

• Less uneven terrain (less physical effort).

• No queues or congestion at pilgrim services.

Disadvantages:

• Does not offer the same level of immersion as the central Portuguese Way.

• Fewer services for pilgrims (it is important to check where to stay before starting the journey).

Portuguese Central Way vs. Coastal Way: A Comparison
Beyond the pros and cons of each route, it's essential to pay attention to other key factors, such as:

Camino de Santiago costs (variant):

• A budget of €1,000 should be sufficient to complete both routes without problems, but more practical travelers can reach Santiago for less than €30 per day.

• The Portuguese coastal way is significantly more expensive because it may require the payment of hotels (more expensive than hostels).

Camino de Santiago stages:

• On the Portuguese central way, the main stops include Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto, Barcelos, and Ponte de Lima.

• On the coastal route, the main stages are: Porto, Póvoa de Varzim, Viana do Castelo, and Caminha.

Camino de Santiago map:

• It is not necessary to buy specific maps for each route. GPS systems (Google Maps, Waze, etc.) do the job, but the best choice is the "Camino de Santiago" app, launched by the Galician government, which contains all the relevant information to complete the route.