Subscribe to our Newsletter and receive the free Camino de Santiago Checklist to prepare you for the adventure of a lifetime!
On the Póvoa do Varzim - Marinhas stage, we'll head out to sea from Póvoa de Varzim and continue for most of the route. Once again, we'll have to pay close attention to the wind and the proximity of the sea, as it makes it easier to get scalded.
This stage also includes iconic moments on the Camino de Santiago Costa, such as the photogenic windmills of Apulia, which deserve a moment to be observed.
To get out of Póvoa de Varzim, all you have to do is look towards the beach and follow the large wall that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean. At this point, in less touristy areas where nature hasn't yet had (so much) human hand-holding, the wooden walkway returns to help us cross.
Praia de Santo André is a landmark for welcoming pilgrims. Here, in addition to the locals, weekend walkers, unknowingly strolling along one of the paths to Santiago, there are cafés and other facilities. We also have a repository of shells left here by pilgrims. I suggest you deposit yours here too.
The five windmills are now cultural heritage sites, but not so long ago they were a place of work. Taking advantage of the strong winds, the population made bread out of nature. Today it is one of the most recognizable landscapes on the Way.
Just before Esposende we have Fão. A town with a charming and natural historic center that has been standing for at least five centuries. This is where you cross the pedestrian bridge into the main town, so it's the perfect place to have lunch and rest for a while.
Charming Marinhas is stuck in the middle of a road. However, when you cross it, you get the (real) feeling that you're entering one of Portugal's many villages. Here we recommend staying in the municipal hostel, hidden among the little houses and in a large green space lost in the middle of the Portuguese countryside.
Not in principle! The yellow arrows are clearly marked on the ground. If you're in any doubt, just look around and see which direction the other walkers are heading. Another idea is to ask someone how to get to the Carvalhido church.
Incidents tend to be minimal and many people make the journey alone. However, safety can be subjective. Many hikers do the route, so if you're afraid you can always ask for help.
This is the most urban stage of the Portuguese route. At the entrance to Vairão, the difference in the natural landscape is remarkable.
