100km
Vigo to Santiago
12
days
Easy–Medium
a couple of 20km days
Max 10
women, fully guided
Welcome
Vigo to Santiago de Compostela
Hello, welcome to Camino Confidence and Beyond and thank you for showing an interest in our Camino Taster walk on the Camino Portuguese.
We start our 100 km walk to Santiago in the vibrant coastal city of Vigo on the Portuguese Coastal Camino and later join the traditional Central Portuguese route. This part of Galicia is gloriously green and lush, and we'll be enjoying spectacular views as we walk through open landscapes, vineyards, and verdant woods. Though we will be staying close to the coast, there are some hills that will get the blood pumping faster - and provide plenty of photo stops.
The trail takes us through villages and towns steeped in history and colourful legends, as well as sites of religious significance. We will have a day to explore the originally Roman town of Padrón, where the stone boat carrying the remains of the Apostle St James the Greater – who we know as Santiago – came to shore after the long voyage from Palestine. This is the birthplace of the legend of Santiago and the pilgrimage in his name, which makes Padrón such an important stop on this journey.
Why women walk with us
We look forward to you joining us for what will be an unforgettable experience. Pilgrims walk the Camino for many different reasons be it to reconnect with the church, search for a spiritual experience, walk in someone's memory, search for answers, take time to reflect or simply for the fitness benefits.
Whatever your reasons, it will definitely challenge you both physically and mentally. We have walked with women who have experienced the death of a loved one, a devastating divorce, loss of their roles due to children leaving home but also women looking for adventure, excited about discovering Spain and the Camino, determined to make the most of this exciting time of life.
Our groups of no more than 10 women come together from all over the world with one common goal - to follow their dream to experience the Camino. Over 8 days, with an average daily walking distance a manageable 15 km or 9 miles you will walk the final 100 kilometres on our Camino Confidence and Beyond Camino Taster, all the while experiencing a roller coaster of emotions – expect joy, excitement, trepidation, happiness and hilarity, but also discomfort and even sadness – all with the added support of a circle of like-minded women who will share these moments with you and encourage you to keep going.
At the end of the journey you will be walking into Santiago, mingling with other pilgrims and sharing your joy and tears with strangers who have become friends. The Camino can be a deeply emotional and spiritual experience, and many find their lives will truly never be the same again.
We openly encourage you to enjoy every moment of your Camino, whether you walk with the other members of the group or choose to walk alone and meet up with the group in the evening. It is important to us that you walk your Camino your way, see the Camino through your own eyes, but all the while aware that your luggage is being transported, your accommodation is booked and there is a guide to help you.
Our guides will share wonderful stories with you about the Camino, its rich history and fascinating legends to help you to fully immerse yourself in this wonderful experience.
As Founder and Guide at Camino Confidence and Beyond, I am so proud of the women in these groups. It gives my guides and I great pleasure to see them come together in the WhatsApp group, helping each other, booking activities together, often even arranging to travel together to and from the start and finish point. We observe as their confidence grows every day as they become a unit, often becoming such good friends that many come back to walk with Camino Confidence and Beyond time and time again.
For a full itinerary please contact Carol Alexander-Price by email contact@caminoconfidence.com.
Some facts about this wonderful route
A little history along the way
The city of Vigo is where the Nautilus submarine came to stock up on gold in Jules Verne's novel 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and there is a statue of Verne by the harbour.
This area of coastal Galicia is one of the world's leading mussel producers – you can see the mussel floats out in the estuary.
The medieval bridge at Pontecesures, where our route and the Spiritual Variant meet, was originally built by the Romans, and the name is thought to come from Pons Caesaris – Caesar's bridge.
Pontevedra was founded in the 9th Century, around the old Roman bridge and enclave. In 1169, King Ferdinand II of León granted it the status of a town.
The charming town of Caldas de Rei is famous for its hot springs.
Is a Camino Taster for me?
Do you enjoy walking with like-minded women? Do you prefer to walk reasonable daily distances at a more leisurely pace but with a couple of longer more challenging days to get your heart pumping? Are you happy to share private accommodation within the group? Then a Camino Taster is definitely for you.
What is a Camino Taster?
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Camino Tasters are mindful fully guided walks along various stages and routes of the Camino de Santiago.
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They are usually between 7 and 14 days long.
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Difficulty level is easy/medium.
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The daily distances vary between 10 and 15 kms but with a couple of 20 km days aimed to challenge you and to get your heart pumping.
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They are designed for small friendly and supportive groups of women.
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Your luggage will be transported so that you can relax without the strain of carrying a heavy backpack.
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You will be offered two online meetings prior to walking to help guide you on issues such as what to pack, what equipment to buy and other tips. You will be added to a dedicated WhatsApp group where you can get to know the other walkers and the guide and have a chance to coordinate your travel.
Our route
Day by day
1
Arrive in Vigo
Vigo boasts one of the finest and most important natural ports in Spain and the world and was the origin of this bustling city which is fringed by breathtaking mountains. No visit to Vigo is complete without wandering around the old town's network of steep and narrow streets and discovering some of its main tourist attractions and plazas. The cuisine of the Galician coast, based on fresh fish and seafood, is an added incentive for visiting this city. And don't worry if the weather should decide to take a turn, just make your way to the indoor shopping centre located right next to the port for some retail therapy.
When you arrive your guide will meet you and check you into your hotel with comfortable twin ensuite rooms. After a short informal meeting where the guide will provide information for the journey ahead, we'll go for lunch or dinner together, and you can start to get to know the rest of the group.
2
Vigo ➜ Redondela, approx 15.7 km ( 9.7miles)
Your pilgrimage begins in the lively port of Vigo, where your guide will take you off the busy city streets onto a quieter trail through the suburbs. After some initial ascent the Camino follows a lovely forest path with views over the estuary, before arriving in the small town of Redondela. After lunch we'll check into a house with several twin rooms and shared bathrooms, with a fully equipped kitchen and a garden to relax in after our first day.
3
Redondela ➜ Pontesampaio, approx 7 km (4.4 miles)
For our second day we'll take a shorter walk to really enjoy the scenery. The trail offers some challenge on the way up to the highest point, but as we return to river level, we are rewarded with a nice lunch and a very photogenic medieval bridge. Your guide will lead you away from the Camino trail to follow a riverside path on the way to our hotel, with a restaurant and a rooftop bar, where we'll stay in twin ensuite rooms.
4
Pontesampaio ➜ Pontevedra, approx 12.5 km (7.7 miles)
Returning to the Camino again, we'll follow the trail uphill – some parts are rocky, so poles will be useful. The trail winds through the beautiful Spanish countryside to the town of Pontevedra with its delightful medieval centre, where we will pay a visit to the famous church of the Virgen de Camino. Our accommodation is a small, but comfortable pension in the heart of the old town, where we'll stay in twin rooms with private bathrooms.
5
Pontevedra ➜ Caldas de Reis, approx 21.4 km (13.3 miles)
From Pontevedra we have a longer, but mostly easy day on narrow paved country lanes and tranquil paths in lush green woods. The Camino winds through little hamlets and open fields, past old stone cruceiros and churches, to arrive in the charming town of Caldas de Reis, known for its hot springs. The group will be accommodated in a 6 bedroom house with twin bedrooms and two shared bathrooms.
6
Caldas de Reis ➜ Padrón, approx 19.7 km (12.2 miles)
Another longer day on dirt paths and quiet paved roads through rural landscape, near but not on the road. From open countryside the trail moves into the cool shade of the woods towards the end of the day before meandering through the fields towards the small town of Pontecesures. The boat carrying pilgrims on the last stage of the Spiritual Variant docks here, having followed the same route that the body of St James took as it arrived in Galicia. The two pilgrim routes merge by the old bridge, and we all carry on across the river to walk the last few kilometres into Padrón. We'll be staying in Padrón for two nights, in twin ensuite rooms very close to the old town and the Camino.
7
Day off in Padrón
Padrón may be small in size but it has a huge historical significance for the Santiago pilgrimage. You can choose to spend the day relaxing and reflecting, catching up on journalling and laundry or just pilgrim watching and exploring, or you can join your guide and visit some of the highlights, and even earn yourself a Pedrónia, Padrón's own pilgrim certificate. Whatever you choose to do, you will find something of interest in this little gem of a town.
8
Padrón ➜ O Milladoiro, approx 15 km (9.3 miles)
You didn't think we were going to let you arrive in Santiago sweaty, tired and late, did you? Instead, we will get through most of the elevation on the way to Santiago and then stop in a beautiful rural hotel with a pool and restaurant on site, where you can enjoy a dinner together on the penultimate night of your very special journey. We will be staying in twin ensuite rooms and waking up to a leisurely breakfast before embarking on the short (ish) walk into Santiago.
9
O Milladoiro ➜ Santiago de Compostela, approx 8 km (4.9 miles)
On our last day we will walk a relatively short distance, joining the crowds of excited walkers pouring into Plaza Obradoiro in the footsteps of thousands of pilgrims before you, side by side with people from all over the world and all walks of life. Congratulations everyone, you did it!
We will arrive fairly early so will be able to enjoy soaking up the atmosphere in the stunning old town and take photos for our family and friends. Your guide will take you to collect your well-deserved Compostelas and will have booked a table for a long leisurely lunch to celebrate your achievement with the group.
We'll be checking in to twin ensuite rooms near the old town with breakfast included, and after a shower and change we will make our way to mass in the Cathedral – where if we are lucky, we will see the famous botafumeiro fly – and then perhaps a tapas treat in true Spanish style.
What next? Santiago is a wonderful city to wander around in, so you might like to stay an extra day to explore, perhaps enjoy a tour on the roof of the Cathedral, have your photo taken with the two Marias, search for the shadow pilgrim, or you could venture a bit further afield and take the bus or a tour to Finisterre and/or Muxia.
The details
What's included
What is included
9 nights shared good standard accommodation sourced and personally checked by Camino Confidence and Beyond
Luggage transported from accommodation to accommodation
A friendly guide with extensive camino experience and good local knowledge
Advice on travel and logistics within Spain
Your credential (pilgrim passport for stamps) and scallop shell for your backpack
Two question and answer zoom meetings
What's not included
Health or travel insurance
Travel to and from start and finish point
Food, drinks and snacks (allow 35-50 euros a day)
Taxis, buses and incidentals not included in the itinerary
Tips for guides
We recommend travel and medical insurance. If you choose not to take out an insurance policy then you will be ask to complete an option out form.
Good to know
Everything else you need to know
We will stay in a variety of excellent standard accommodations from rural hotels, rural houses, apartments and city hotels.
As a rule, you will be accommodated in twin rooms with private bathrooms. All accommodation is selected by and approved by Camino Confidence and Beyond. You can choose who you would like to share with, or your Guide will allocate rooms. Very rarely, due to the remoteness of some of the stops, you may have to share a larger room or dormitory, but we always ensure that the accommodation is good!
Many people ask us if they have to walk as part of a group, and the answer is that it is entirely up to you. We usually like the group to walk together on the first day, just while they familiarise themselves with the terrain and signage, but after that, we at Camino Confidence and Beyond encourage you to see the Camino through your own eyes and walk it your own way.
What most women enjoy about walking as a group is the camaraderie, and the fact that they have company for evening meals and extra activities if they wish. Please bear in mind that taxis can be organized for you should you require extra support.
During your Camino you will meet up with your guide each day to have a chat about the day's events. You can discuss how you found the route, how you feel physically and mentally and any issues you may have.
We will also take a look at the following day, the weather, the time you prefer to start walking, organize any taxis required, decide what to carry, point out where the facilities are along the route and confirm what time you can check in to our next accommodation.
Communication will be via messaging app WhatsApp, and there will be two dedicated private groups. One is for general chat, where members of the group can keep in touch and even share photos. The other is for specific information like links to accommodation – the group will have read-only access to this, but only the guide will be able to post.
Although we do not expect you to walk a Camino before walking the Camino, we highly recommend that you take steps to prepare yourself both physically and mentally. Even though this part of the route is not overly difficult, there are some steep ascents and descents and a strong body and a positive mindset will not only help prevent injuries, which could result in you ending your Camino early, but it will also enhance your enjoyment.
The cost of transporting 1 bag each of no more than 20 kgs is included in the price. If you require more than one bag to be transported, this can be arranged at your own cost. Your guide will provide a label and zip ties to secure the label to your transported bag.
You must not attach anything to the outside of this bag, or you will be charged extra, and although the transport company is reputable, I would not transport anything of value or very fragile. If you have to transport a CPAP machine or anything else that is necessary for your trip them make sure they are wrapped up carefully in your luggage.
Try to make your luggage as obvious to you as possible with perhaps a bright coloured ribbon or luggage tag. The bags must be left where instructed by your guide before 08.00 every morning and are guaranteed to arrive at the next accommodation by 15.00 at the latest.
Be aware that it is your responsibility to get your bags to your room from the drop-off point and to return them the next day. Please bear in mind that not all accommodations have lifts so you may be required to carry them up stairs.
There is free WIFI available at all of our accommodations and also at cafés and bars on the route.
As a rule, meals are not included in the price, but occasionally our accommodations do include breakfast in the price, please check with your guide. This is to offer you more flexibility to eat what you want, when you want. There are plenty of cafés and restaurants on the route with lots of choice on offer, as well as supermarkets where you can buy fruit, snacks and water. Spanish stores and most eateries will also have some gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options.
While we highly recommend that you prepare physically for this walk, we also understand that life happens and you may need a little more support.
There are bus routes along the Camino, but in some areas buses are few and far between, so any such travel arrangements need to be made as far in advance as possible. The same goes for taxis. With Galician authorities temporarily restricting the release of more licenses, a limited number of taxis are available. Should you need one, you must alert the guide the night before at the latest, so that she can reserve one for you. Please note that taxis cannot be flagged down in the street.
It is customary to tip a guide in Spain if you are happy with their service, however it is not obligatory. If you do choose to tip, the amount you tip is entirely up to you, but around 10 euros a day is a good guide.
It is also customary to tip waiters, local guides etc. if you are happy with their service, 10% of the bill is recommended if you are eating, if you are just having a coffee then it's normal just to leave the difference – for example if it's 1.40 euros and you only have 1.50 euros, leave the 10 cents.
We are here to help you. You will be provided with a range of information including what to carry and what to transport, how to prepare physically, tips on what backpack or footwear to take etc. All you need to do is ask. Camino Confidence and Beyond is a small bespoke company, and we are proud to offer you very friendly and personal experience.
