Waves of the sea of Vigo, have you seen my loved one? wondered Martin Codax, a famous medieval troubadour in the 13th century.
If, like a Galician medieval troubadour, the sea if your muse; these are 6 amazing coastal trails to inspire your next walking trip:
PORTUGUESE COASTAL CAMINO
This is a scenic coastal alternative to the classic Camino Portugues route. Pilgrims on the Portuguese Coastal Camino start their journey in picturesque and vibrant Porto, and walk along the Atlantic Ocean stopping in pretty seaside towns and coastal villages in the undiscovered North coast of Portugal, such as Viana do Castelo, Vila Praia de Ancora and Caminha.
From Caminha, a ferry crossing of the Minho River, will take you into Galicia and the Rias Baixas region. It is here, in Vigo Bay, where Martin Codax and other medieval troubadors lived and sang to love and the mighty sea.
CAMINO TO FISTERRA Camino pilgrims traditionally continued their journey after Santiago to reach the Atlantic Coast at Cape Fisterra, believed to be very edge of the known world. This is a land of fascinating legends and mystery, as well as wild landscapes and spectacular beaches. Many believe this Camino route actually pre-dates christianity and the medieval pilgrimage to Santiago. From Cape Fisterra to the tiny fishing village of Muxia, the ocean will be a magnificent travel companion.
CAMINO DOS FAROS, THE LIGHTHOUSE WAY If you are in a more adventurous mood, you can head to the Lighthouse Way, Camino dos Faros, also in the Fisterra region. The trail takes its name after the lighthouses dotting the shores of the Costa da Morte. This is a more challenging and technical trail, hugging the craggy coastline, with its cliffs, coves and idyllic sandy beaches; ideal for experienced walkers. It is a truly spectacular coastal trail ideal for Summer months, so we recommend walking it from May onward.
CAMINO DEL NORTE Pilgrims on the Camino del Norte, the Northern Camino, start their epic journey from elegant San Sebastian in the Basque Country. This formidable route takes in all the Northern coast of ‘Green Spain’ all the way to Ribadeo, in Galicia, where the trail heads inland towards Santiago de Compostela across Galicia’s countryside.
CANTABRIAN COASTAL WAY – RUTA DO CANTABRICO It is in the historic town of Ribadeo where the Ruta do Cantabrico starts, a truly spectacular new coastal route along the Northern shores of Galicia. The majestic Cathedrals Beach with its arches carved by the Cantabrian Sea is one of the highlights of this great route, off the beaten track.
FISHERMEN’S TRAIL IN PORTUGAL This is the South of Portugal as you’ve never seen before. The Fishermen’s Trail, the Rota Vicentina to Cape St Vincent follows in the footsteps of local fishermen, hugging this spectacular coastline dotted with quaint fishing villages, phenomenal cliffs and wild beaches. The Cape is one of the best spots in Europe for bird watching in the Autumn months.
You can see all our coastal trails here: Coastal Caminos Collection.
