My 6-Day Camino de Santiago Experience (Portuguese Route)
My Camino at a Glance
+Route:
Portuguese Coastal Route (Last 100 km)
–Start:
Vigo
+Finish:
Santiago de Compostela
+Distance:
Approximately 104 km
+Days: 6
+Accommodation:
Hotels & Airbnbs
–Walking With:
My friend Geleen (@geleenonthego)
Why I Decided to Walk the Camino
The first time I heard about the Camino de Santiago was actually through TikTok. I came across another travel creator sharing her experience, and immediately thought, “That has to go on my bucket list.”
It looked challenging, rewarding, and like one of those experiences that would stay with you forever.
Even after traveling solo to over 40 countries, I have to admit… the Camino still intimidated me. Walking more than 100 kilometers across Spain felt very different from hopping on a plane and exploring a new destination. I always hoped that if I ever did it, I’d have someone to experience it with.
Luckily, that’s exactly what happened.
Last year I finally met another digital nomad, Geleen (@geleenonthego), after years of following each other on Instagram. She originally reached out after watching one of my videos about Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa, and eventually fate had us meeting in Alicante while she was speaking at a digital nomad conference.
When she told me she was coming back to Spain this year, I casually asked,
“Have you ever thought about walking the Camino?”
To my surprise, she immediately replied,
“I’ve always wanted to!”
That was all the convincing we needed.
Why We Chose the Portuguese Coastal Route
Instead of walking the full Camino de Santiago, we decided to complete the final 100 kilometers via the Portuguese Coastal Route.
We chose this route because:
- We wanted to finish at Santiago Cathedral.
- We loved that parts of the trail followed the coast.
- Walking the final 100 km qualifies you for the official Compostela Certificate.
Originally, we planned to complete everything in five days (but ended up doing it in 6), staying mostly in Airbnbs instead of albergues. We figured after walking 20+ kilometers every day, we’d appreciate having our own space, a comfortable bed, and a hot shower.
Looking back…
That was one of the best decisions we made.
We also did plenty of research beforehand and found several blogs that helped us decide which route to take.
| https://www.pilgrimagetraveler.com/day-twenty-two-A-coastal-route-camino-portugues.html |
| https://thenwewalked.com/vigo-to-redondela-camino-portuguese-coastal/ |
| https://www.gronze.com/ |
Tracking Our Camino Distance
Throughout the Camino, we used Strava to track how far we actually walked each day. I loved being able to look back at our route and see the total distance we covered, especially since our actual daily mileage sometimes included a little more than just the official Camino stage.
An App That Helped Us Along the Way
We also used the Buen Camino app throughout our walk, which was really helpful for navigating the route and checking what was coming up along the way. While the Camino is generally well marked with yellow arrows and shell symbols, having the app gave us a little extra reassurance that we were heading in the right direction.
I’d definitely recommend downloading it before your Camino, especially if it’s your first time walking the route.
Before the Camino
The day before starting, we took the train from Madrid to Vigo.
If you’re planning this route yourself, I highly recommend comparing train prices through Omio.
One thing many first-time pilgrims don’t realize is that you’ll also want to pick up your Pilgrim Passport (Credencial) before beginning your walk. We picked ours up at the cathedral in Vigo, just a few minutes from our hotel.
Throughout the Camino, you’ll collect stamps, known as sellos, from hotels, restaurants, churches, cafés, and various stops along the route. I tried to collect them as often as I could throughout the six days, and it quickly became one of my favorite little traditions of the walk.
Most stamps are completely free when you show your Pilgrim Passport, although we also came across a few special or decorative stamps that cost around €1. Those were especially fun to collect because they felt a little more unique.
Once you reach Santiago, your collection of stamps helps verify your journey so you can receive your official Compostela Certificate. Beyond that, though, the passport itself ended up becoming one of my favorite souvenirs from the trip because each stamp reminded me of a specific stop, meal, church, hotel, or moment along the way.
Where We Stayed in Vigo
Why I recommend it
- Excellent central location
- Great starting point for Day 1
- Free coffee and tea available all day
Other Hotels I Recommend
Day 1 — Vigo → Redondela (16.36 km)
Morning Thoughts
We set off from our hotel at 7:00 AM, ready to officially begin our Camino.
I was excited… but definitely nervous.
One of my biggest concerns was my backpack. I decided to use a regular backpack instead of a hiking backpack, and once I added my water bottle, it immediately felt much heavier than expected.
I kept thinking,
“Hopefully this isn’t a mistake.”
Only time would tell.
Finding Our First Camino Marker
Once we started walking, we had to figure out where the Camino actually began from Vigo. After walking for a little while, we finally spotted our first yellow arrow and Camino de Santiago marker, and that was when it really hit me that we were officially doing this!
These yellow arrows and Camino shell symbols would become very familiar over the next six days. You’ll see them throughout the route pointing you in the right direction, so whenever we weren’t completely sure where to go, we knew to keep an eye out for the next yellow arrow or shell.
You’ll also come across stone Camino markers showing how many kilometers you have left until Santiago de Compostela. Watching that number slowly get smaller each day was honestly one of the most satisfying parts of the walk.
From that point on, it became a little routine: walk, look for the next Camino sign, and keep going.
Highlights
- Beautiful coastal views overlooking the water
- Peaceful forest trails
- Walking through small towns and residential areas along the route
- Lunch at O Eido Vello (highly recommend!)
- Collecting our first Camino stamps
- Seeing our first Camino markers and watching the kilometers to Santiago begin to count down
The first day honestly wasn’t as difficult as I expected. We had such a mix of scenery throughout the walk, from coastal views and quiet forest paths to little towns along the way. It made the kilometers go by much faster because it felt like the scenery was constantly changing.
There were definitely moments when I could feel the weight of my backpack 😂, but overall, I was surprised by how good I felt. After being nervous that morning, it was such a relief to realize, okay… maybe I can actually do this.
And seeing the Camino markers along the way made everything feel even more real. Every kilometer we walked meant we were officially getting a little closer to Santiago.
Shops, Cafés & Little Stops Along the Way
One thing I was pleasantly surprised by was how many small shops, cafés, restaurants, and little local stops we came across along the Camino.
During our first day walk, we stopped at a small shop where we were able to get another Camino stamp, and we ended up buying matching ladybug friendship bracelets too. It was such a simple little purchase, but it became one of my favorite souvenirs from the trip because it reminds me of that specific day and moment on the Camino.
So if you’re worried about having nowhere to stop for food, drinks, coffee, snacks, or even little souvenirs, that usually isn’t something to stress too much about on this route. There are plenty of places along the way where you can take a break, refill, grab something to eat, collect another stamp, and keep going.
Evening Thoughts
One thing I loved about staying in Airbnbs along the Camino was having access to a washing machine. Being able to wash our clothes every evening made it so much easier to pack light and rewear things throughout the week.
Unfortunately, that first night also came with my first Camino lesson.
We arrived in a small town on a Sunday, and because so many places were closed, we ended up ordering Telepizza for dinner. It tasted good in the moment, but it was also incredibly greasy.
My stomach is pretty sensitive, and later that night I got really sick. I barely slept and spent most of the night in the bathroom.
By the next morning, I had almost no appetite, which is definitely not ideal when you know you have another 20+ kilometer walking day ahead of you.
💡 Lesson Learned
Be mindful of what you eat on the Camino, especially the night before a long walking day. When you’re walking this much every day, your body really does need good fuel, plenty of water, and food that you know sits well with you.
🥾 Total distance walked according to Strava: 16.36 KM
Where We Stayed
Other accommodations nearby
Day 2 — Redondela → Pontevedra (22.17 km)
Morning Thoughts
This morning definitely wasn’t ideal.
Geleen developed a cough overnight, and I was still recovering from being sick the night before, so neither of us was exactly starting the day at 100%.
At one point, I even tripped while walking because I was dehydrated, exhausted, and running on almost no food.
Safe to say…Day 2 humbled me. 😂
But somehow, despite the rough start, this ended up becoming one of my favorite days of the entire Camino.
Highlights
This was our first 20+ kilometer day, so mentally it felt like a big milestone.
The route itself was beautiful, with long stretches of forest trails, small towns, and eventually the stunning Ponte Sampaio Bridge.
One thing we really appreciated about this stage was how many little stalls and stops we found along the way offering drinks, snacks, and simple refreshments for pilgrims. It made such a difference on a long walking day because we never felt like we had to go too far without somewhere to stop, rest, and recharge.
The scenery was gorgeous…but the forest honestly felt like it would never end. 😂
There were definitely moments when we started wondering,
“How are we supposed to keep doing this every day?”
Still, something about this route just felt really enjoyable. Between the scenery, the little snack stops, and finally reaching Pontevedra, it ended up being one of the days I remember most fondly.
Evening Thoughts
We really liked Pontevedra, and it quickly became one of my favorite towns along the route.
After such a long walking day, it felt so nice arriving somewhere lively and beautiful where we could relax, grab food, and wander around a little.
By this point, we had also started getting into a better routine with food. Every evening, we’d stop at a supermarket and stock up on things like yogurt, bread, fruit, meats, and snacks so we’d have breakfast ready for the next morning and wouldn’t have to depend on cafés or restaurants opening early.
This was also the day we bought trekking poles.
Ironically…I barely used mine. 😂 Geleen loved hers.
So if you’re debating whether to buy trekking poles before your Camino, I wouldn’t say they’re absolutely necessary for everyone. Some people swear by them, while others barely use them at all. It really depends on your walking style and what feels comfortable for you.
🥾 Total distance walked according to Strava: 22.17 km
Where We Stayed
Pontevedra Apartments – Peregrina Family Suite
Other accommodations nearby
Day 3 — Pontevedra → Caldas de Reis (21.50 km)
Morning Thoughts
This was probably my hardest morning of the entire Camino.
I woke up around 4 AM feeling like I’d been hit by a bus.
My back hurt.
My legs hurt.
Honestly… everything hurt.
For the first time, I genuinely questioned whether I could keep going.
I even considered paying to have my backpack transported for the day, but because we were mostly staying in Airbnbs rather than hotels or pilgrim accommodations, that wasn’t really an easy option for us.
So instead, we slowed down.
We didn’t start walking until almost 9 AM, which initially made me feel guilty because I had this idea in my head that we should be starting earlier.
But looking back, this was one of the biggest things the Camino taught me:
There is no perfect Camino schedule.
Some mornings your body simply needs more time, and that’s okay.
Geleen was also starting to develop blisters by this point, so she switched from hiking shoes to sandals with socks, which somehow ended up working much better for her.
Highlights
Surprisingly, after such a rough morning, this ended up becoming one of my favorite days.
Because we had no choice but to slow down, I felt like we actually noticed the scenery more, the quiet trails, little villages, countryside views, and all the small moments we probably would have rushed past otherwise.
There was something really peaceful about accepting that we weren’t going to move quickly that day and just taking the walk as it came.
I remember writing in my notes:
- Today made me realize how capable I actually am.
- I really wanted to quit.
- But I’m so glad I didn’t.
That feeling stayed with me for the rest of the Camino.
Evening Thoughts
By the time we arrived in Caldas de Reis, I was completely exhausted, but also really proud of myself.
That morning, I genuinely wasn’t sure if my body could handle another full day of walking, so finishing the route felt like a huge mental win.
It also made me realize that the Camino isn’t always about how fast you walk or how early you start. Sometimes it’s just about listening to your body, adjusting your expectations, and continuing anyway.
That night, I remember feeling much more confident going into the next day.
🥾 Total distance walked according to Strava: 21.50 km
Where We Stayed
Caldas de Reis 4-bedroom apartment
Other accommodations nearby
FondeRiviere
Apartamentos Rúa Vella
Day 4 — Caldas de Reis → Pontecesures (16.63 km)
Morning Thoughts
This was probably Geleen’s toughest day of the Camino.
She woke up feeling completely overwhelmed and honestly wasn’t sure if she wanted to continue.
This was one of those moments where I had to learn to be patient, give her space, and trust that she would eventually decide what felt right for her.
I remember quietly hoping – and honestly praying – that she would change her mind.
It took a few hours, but eventually she did. And I’m so glad she did.
I think moments like this are more normal on the Camino than people realize. You’re walking long distances day after day, you’re tired, your body hurts, your emotions are all over the place, and sometimes you just hit a wall.
Highlights
This was also the hottest day of our Camino, which definitely didn’t make things easier.
Because of how the morning went, we didn’t start walking until the early afternoon. Instead of panicking about the late start, we made a conscious decision to slow everything down and just take the day one section at a time.
Before we left, Geleen found a short affirmation video on YouTube that helped shift her mindset. Little by little, she found the motivation to keep going.
One thing I really loved about this part of the Camino was seeing all the motivational quotes, prayers, and little messages of encouragement posted along the trail.
Sometimes you would come across one at exactly the moment you needed it. And on a day like this, those little reminders really mattered.
Evening Thoughts
We eventually arrived in Pontecesures around 8–9 PM, completely exhausted.
It had been a long, hot, emotional day, but reaching our destination felt even more meaningful because of how uncertain the morning had been.
This day reminded me that the Camino isn’t just physically challenging.
It can test your patience, your mindset, your emotions, and even your relationships with the people you’re walking with.
But sometimes the days that start out the hardest end up becoming some of the most memorable.
🥾 Total distance walked according to Strava: 16.63 km
Where We Stayed
Day 5 — Pontecesures → Teo (15.83 km)
Morning Thoughts
By Day 5, we finally started to feel like the finish line was actually within reach.
We started walking around 8 AM, and knowing we were only one full day away from reaching Santiago made everything feel a little different.
Seeing the Camino markers continue to decrease throughout the day was honestly so motivating. Every time we passed another one, it was this little reminder that we were getting closer and closer.
At that point, I kept thinking…
How are we already this close to the end?!
Highlights
The trail offered a really nice mix of forests, small villages, and countryside, which made the walk feel peaceful and scenic.
One stop I definitely recommend is Igrexa da Escravitude.
There, you can walk underneath the church to visit the healing fountain. We definitely stayed for a little while and took the opportunity to reflect, hoping for a successful final stretch of the Camino and a peaceful journey ahead.
It was one of those simple moments that felt really meaningful, especially this close to the end.
And once again, watching the kilometer markers slowly get lower made the day feel even more exciting.
We were officially one day away from reaching the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.
Evening Thoughts
We stayed at an Airbnb that night, but honestly…
I wouldn’t recommend it, so I won’t be sharing it here. 😂
Thankfully, our host was kind enough to drive us back to the Camino trail the following morning, which made starting our final day much easier.
This was also the point when I started developing blisters, which was definitely not ideal with one more long walking day ahead of us.
💡 Lesson Learned
Take breaks before you feel like you desperately need one.
Apply Vaseline or an anti-chafing product before hot spots turn into actual blisters.
And most importantly…Invest in good shoes.
By this point, I realized just how much of a difference the right footwear can make when you’re walking this many kilometers day after day.
🥾 Total distance walked according to Strava: 15.83 km
Day 6 — Teo → Santiago de Compostela (13.63 km)
Morning Thoughts
After getting over nine hours of sleep, I woke up feeling surprisingly energized.
And honestly… I couldn’t believe it.
This was our final day.
After five days of following yellow arrows, watching the kilometer markers slowly decrease, walking through forests and tiny villages, dealing with sickness, blisters, exhaustion, and moments when we both questioned whether we could keep going…
We were actually about to walk into Santiago de Compostela.
Geleen and I decided to split up for the final stretch. I wanted to walk a little faster and experience those last kilometers at my own pace.
And I think that was another reminder of something the Camino had been teaching me all week:
There isn’t a right or wrong way to experience the Camino.
This was ours.
Highlights
Watching the numbers on the Camino markers get smaller and smaller was almost surreal.
For six days, Santiago had always felt like this destination somewhere far ahead of us. Suddenly, we were seeing signs telling us it was only a few kilometers away.
And then…
I finally crossed into Santiago de Compostela.
Walking through the city knowing that the cathedral was somewhere ahead of me was such an emotional feeling. Every step brought back memories from the previous six days, the difficult mornings, the endless forest trails, our random snack stops, the people we met, the little Camino stamps, the moments we wanted to quit, and all those yellow arrows that kept telling us where to go.
Then I finally saw the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
After six days of walking, actually standing there felt incredibly rewarding.
I made it. 🥹✨
Evening Thoughts
After finishing, we went to collect our Compostela Certificates.
Holding that certificate, and looking through my Pilgrim Passport filled with stamps from the journey, made everything suddenly feel real.
We had actually done it.
And honestly, after six days of walking, we decided we deserved a proper reward. 😂
That same day, we booked a two-hour deep tissue massage at a place called Massage 4 Pilgrims, and it felt SO good.
My entire body was sore, tight, and exhausted, so having a massage right after finishing the Camino was honestly one of the best decisions we made. If you’re planning to do the same, I’d definitely recommend booking ahead if possible, especially during busier Camino seasons.
I have a photo of the place below in case you’re interested!
🥾 Total distance walked according to Strava: 13.63 km
What Walking the Camino de Santiago Taught Me
Walking the Camino de Santiago was one of the biggest challenges I’ve ever taken on, and it taught me so much about myself.
More than anything, it reminded me of what I’m capable on, even on the days when I want to give up.
This journey reminded me that life isn’t linear.
Sometimes it’s an uphill climb that feels never-ending. Sometimes you’re given a flat stretch where you can finally catch your breath. And sometimes life gives you a downhill section, but those moments don’t last forever either.
You just keep moving.
Halfway through the Camino, I found myself repeating one simple phrase over and over:
“I’m happy and healthy.”
That became my mantra.
Whenever things felt difficult, I would repeat it to myself and keep walking.
Along the trail, we met people of all ages, backgrounds, and fitness levels. Some had bad knees, some were just beginning their fitness journeys, and others had completed multiple Caminos before.
Yet somehow, we were all moving toward the same destination…One step at a time.
There were mornings when every muscle in my body hurt. There were days when I questioned why I had signed up for this in the first place. 😂
But standing in front of the Cathedral in Santiago made every difficult step worth it.
One of my biggest realizations was that there really is no right or wrong way to walk the Camino.
It’s your journey.
Whether you stay in albergues, Airbnbs, or hotels; carry your own backpack or use luggage transfer; walk quickly or take your time, the Camino is about showing up each day and moving at your own pace.
For me, one of the biggest lessons was patience.
If you know me, you know I’m usually a go, go, go kind of person. But for six days, my only job was to slow down, appreciate what was around me, listen to my body, and keep putting one foot in front of the other.
And somehow, eventually…those little steps got me all the way to Santiago. 🥹
If you’re thinking about walking the Camino, I hope this post gave you an honest look at what the experience is really like, the beautiful moments and the difficult ones.
I’ll also be sharing more Camino guides soon, including my Camino packing list, what I brought (and what I wish I’d left at home), travel insurance and other essentials I recommend, the biggest lessons I learned, and everything I wish I knew before starting.
Until then…Buen Camino. 🥾💛
