Viana do Castelo to Caminha is your fourth day on the Coastal Way. It is 27 km with the climb up the Serra de Santa Luzia, the descent to Vila Praia de Âncora and Moledo beach before you reach Caminha. Here you have the itinerary, the map, where to sleep and where to eat.
- 27 kmDistance
- ± 7 hDuration
- Hills and coastTerrain
- ModerateDifficulty
What to expect on the Viana do Castelo to Caminha stage
Intense, beautiful and full of contrasts. City, hills and sea on the same day, with one of the most striking views on the whole Camino.
The hills have steep climbs and descents and long stretches without cafés or fountains. Fill your bottle before you start climbing.
From here you can carry on to Valença along the Coastal Way or cross the river Minho and enter Galicia on the Senda Litoral.
Viana do Castelo to Caminha itinerary, point by point
Five stops that shape the day, from the city to the hills and back to the sea.
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Viana do Castelo
You cross the Eiffel bridge and leave the historic centre behind. Busy streets give way to quieter neighbourhoods and, little by little, the Camino takes you away from the urban pace.
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Climb up the Serra de Santa Luzia
The Camino takes you past Quinta da Boa Viagem and the village of Carreço to the forest trail that climbs the hills. It is one of the most demanding stretches of the stage and one of the most memorable: from the top you see the endless Atlantic, the shimmer of the river Lima and the villages tucked into the green.
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Vila Praia de Âncora
The descent brings you back to the sea. Vila Praia de Âncora, with its fishing-town feel, is the right place to rest, eat or even spend the night.
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Moledo beach
Wide dunes and the Ínsua fortress keeping watch on the horizon. It marks the final stretch before Caminha, on a section where the Atlantic shows all its strength.
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Arriving in Caminha, end of the Viana do Castelo to Caminha stage
The main square is the heart of Caminha, full of cafés and restaurants, including vegan options. Look up and you see churches, towers and old buildings. Here you choose your way: Valença on the Coastal Way or the Minho crossing on the Senda Litoral.
Viana do Castelo to Caminha in photos
Real photos of the way between Viana do Castelo and Caminha.
Pack your backpack
Some of pilgrims’ favourite products, chosen by people who have walked the Camino. Discover them all in our online shop.
Viana do Castelo to Caminha stage map
Open the map on your phone before you set off.
Where to sleep on the Viana do Castelo to Caminha stage
In Caminha, Moledo and Vila Praia de Âncora. From the pilgrim albergue to rural guesthouses.
Albergue de Peregrinos de Caminha
In the centre of Caminha, next to the bridge over the river Coura that you take out of town the next day.
- Estúdio AzulPets welcome
- Casa de Santa Luzia APets welcome
- Casa do CarqueijoPets welcome
- Casa de CrespinsPets welcome
- Hotel MeiraPets welcome
- Design & Wine Hotel
Prices and times are a guide. Always check directly before you set off.
Where to eat on the Viana do Castelo to Caminha stage
Five places to eat, from Vila Praia de Âncora to Caminha.
Questions about the Viana do Castelo to Caminha stage
How long is the Viana do Castelo to Caminha stage?
About 27 km, from Viana do Castelo to Caminha.
How long does the Viana do Castelo to Caminha stage take?
Allow about 7 hours, including breaks.
Is the Viana do Castelo to Caminha stage hard?
It is demanding because of the Serra de Santa Luzia, with steep climbs and descents. Bring poles and enough water.
Where to sleep in Caminha?
The Albergue de Peregrinos de Caminha has 20 beds, opens from 3 pm to 10 pm and costs €8. There are also private albergues and guesthouses in the centre.
After Caminha, which way do I go?
You can carry on to Valença on the Coastal Way or cross the river Minho and enter Galicia on the Senda Litoral.
Just want to walk? We’ll take care of the rest.
If you’d rather take the first step with everything sorted, we’ll organise your trip. You only have one thing to do: live the Camino. Choose what you’d like to add and we’ll shape the Camino around you.
Included
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