Central vs. Coastal Camino Portugués: Which Route is Right for You

You have decided to do the Camino de Santiago, and have chosen the Camino Portuguese as your route, starting from the city of Lisbon or Porto. Great! Whether you choose, both are amazing starting points; it all depends on how much time you have to do it, but that’s not the biggest concern about it. The big question is: should you take the Central Route or the Coastal Route?

It’s a classic dilemma for pilgrims; it’s not just picking a trail, it’s about the experience, which is why most people hesitate a lot when faced with the question. Both are incredible experiences, but they offer very different journeys. My goal is to give you a clear, honest picture of what each one offers.

Central or Coastal Camino Portugués

First things first, before we compare, we need to define the options. The Camino Portuguese is one of the most popular routes to Santiago de Compostela, and the section that starts in the city of Porto gives you two main trails:

First, you have the Central Route, which is the original, ancient path that heads northeast from Porto. This trail moves inland through the Portuguese and Spanish countryside, also passing through historic towns like Barcelos, Ponte de Lima, and Valença do Minho before crossing into Spain.

Then, you have the Coastal Route, which turns west from Porto instead of northeast like the Central Route. This trail follows the Atlantic shoreline and makes its way north through seaside towns like Póvoa de Varzim, Esposende, and Viana do Castelo. Then, at Redondela, this path joins the Central Route for the last 100 kilometers from Santiago. Despite that, many people prefer to start the Camino Portugues from Tui, which is around 120 kilometers.

As you can see, both are valid, beautiful, and will get you to the same cathedral square; the main difference is the landscape you will be walking on.

What Will You See and Feel?

The only difference and the biggest one between those two routes is the area they take place in.

On one hand, the Central Route offers a deep rural experience that is combined with a lot of history. As you walk, your days will be packed with walks through farmland, vineyards, and eucalyptus forests. The towns you will find while walking here are full of history, and you will be able to spot ancient Roman bridges, old churches, and plazas.

The vibe is traditional, and everything seems to slow down a lot, but despite that, it’s still a popular route, so you should expect more people on the trail with you. If you want a less crowded trail, then you should try the Camino de Santiago from Ferrol.

On the other hand, the Coast Route changes the inland landscape and the feeling for stunning views of the cliff and the ocean. The energy here is also different; everything feels more open and a lot more airy. On this trail, you will spend countless hours walking paths situated on top of cliffs and wooden boardwalks.

The towns on this side are vibrant and have a characteristic holiday-like atmosphere thanks to their popularity as holiday destinations for both Portuguese and Spanish people.

The Final Verdict: How to Choose Your Path

So, after all this, how do you make the final decision? It really comes down to what you want from your walk. For example, if you want history, rolling hills, and to visit ancient villages, then the Central Route will be your best option, but you should know that it’s a physically tougher but deeply rewarding journey.

If that’s not the case and you prefer the ocean vibes, then the Coast Route and its cliff sights, and wave sound are for you. Keep in mind that this one is a flatter, gentler walk compared to the other one.

Conclusion

Whether you choose the Coastal or the Central Route, you need to keep in mind that the Camino de Santiago is a personal experience, and there’s no single correct path. They are all correct if you decide to walk them. The central route has the weight of history on its side, while the coastal route has the peace of the ocean on its side. Both will lead you to the same amazing square in Santiago de Compostela, filled with your own unique stories and memories. Trust what you feel drawn to.