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Baiona to Vigo: Step By Step Guide to Stage 9 of the Camino Portuguese Coastal

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I’ll admit, this is the stage I’ve found the most challenging to write about. The journey from Baiona to Vigo offers so many choices, and the variations and lack of arrows between Baiona to Vigo are unlike any other stages on the Camino Portuguese Coastal.

For starters, there are two main routes; the Coastal and the Litoral.  We’ve had this since Porto but as you approach Vigo, the traditional Camino path seems to have been lost to the annals of time. With urban development, local politics, and disappearing signage walking in and out of Vigo is a little confusing.

Over the years, I’ve adopted my own way of walking this stage. When I’m leading groups, I offer them choices but my preference is to stay close to the sea. Today is the last chance to enjoy this coastline before we head inland tomorrow to follow Roman paths towards Santiago de Compostela.

So, follow me along this stunning coast and we’ll navigate the twists and turns and all the possibilities of this stage into Vigo

Route Overview: Baiona to Vigo (26.9 km)

I’d like to start by clarifying that distance of 26.9 km here will take you to the harbour front and the Iglesia Colegiata de Santa María in Vigo’s historic centre.

However, Vigo is a big city with some steep hills. Depending on where your hotel is located, you may need to add extra kilometres to your day’s total. It’s worth checking your accommodation’s location in advance and planning your final walk accordingly.

Litoral Route to Vigo

If you choose the Litoral path, you’ll hug the coastline, offering really glorious white sandy beaches and mostly flat terrain; until you reach Vigo’s hills.

The arrows along this route change to pale green and they are sparse at times; but they are there. I keep the Wise Pilgrim App on my phone to stay on track, but I also follow my nose at times and just keep the sea to my left. Once in Vigo, Google Maps is the choice for navigating us to our hotel.

Coastal / Inland Route to Vigo

For those planning to take the traditional Coastal route and go inland, you’ll find more familiar yellow arrows, at least until you reach Vigo.

Whilst this route is shorter it does involve more elevation, climbing to a maximum of 206 metres. But it could save around 2 km compared to the Litoral route; depending on where your hotel is.

Distance and Elevation Compared

Whether you choose the Litoral or the Coastal route, do remember that Vigo’s hills will be waiting for you at the end of the day; along with the confusing arrows or total lack of arrows in the city.

It’s always worth double-checking the location of your accommodation and planning how you’ll get there before walking in.  Vigo is large, it’s one of Europe’s biggest ports, and those hills can feel like quite the challenge after a long day’s walk.

Biaona to Vigo (Litoral)

Biaona to Vigo (Coastal / Inland)

Towns and Villages Between Baiona and Vigo

One of the wonderful things about this Camino between Baiona and Vigo is the variety of options available. Whether you want to walk every step into Vigo, take a slower day to explore Baiona, or even enjoy a ferry ride to the Cíes Islands, there’s a choice.

Starting from Baiona, walking the Litoral route feels like walking through coastal communities that roll into each other, joined by sandy bays, headlands, and glorious beaches. And there are plenty of options for pausing with well spaced cafes along the route, or you could carry your lunch and have a picnic beside the sea.

Baiona

If you’ve spent the night in Baiona, you have a range of options to suit your mood, timescales, budgets and energy levels.

Walking from Baiona

For this guide, I’ll assume you’re walking from Baiona into Vigo. However, I’ll include tips for where you can break the stage or when you can take transport if needed.

These days, I stay at the Parador in Baiona; I know it’s a bit indulgent, but oh my  it’s wonderful. From the Parador, our groups walk along the ramparts as the sun rises, heading down to the water’s edge and following the coastline as far as possible to Ramallosa.

The Camino arrows in Baiona are a street or two inland through the town, but it’s easy to pick them up as you head out. As always, I rely on the Wise Pilgrim App to track my location to ensure I find the arrows.

Either way, you’ll cross the River Miñor, and you have to do so using the ancient bridge at Ramallosa.

Ramallosa (4.4 km)

To reach the bridge at Ramallosa, you’ll pass through the parish of Sabarís, just across the river. This area has evidence of human occupation dating back to the Mesolithic Period (10,000 BCE), when flint tools were used in the Miñor River estuary. In the Bronze Age (circa 2,000 BCE), petroglyphs were carved into the rocks at Outeiro dos Lameiros, while the Celtic Grovii tribe later settled in the valley, lending their name to the nearby Groba mountain range and river.

By Roman times, the area became a waypoint along the Vía XX, constructed during Emperor Hadrian’s reign. This coastal road connected the region to Tui, and you’ll walk on parts of this in a few days. Later, the Suebi established themselves here in 411 CE, followed by the Visigoths under King Leovigildo in 573 CE.

That’s a lot of history, right? You’d never guess, as you walk to the bridge, what lies hidden beneath our feet. I’m always blown away by the ancient lands we cross and the people who walked here long before us.

Follow the arrows across the river on the Ponte Románica da Ramallosa. The medieval bridge, built in the 13th century, is believed to have replaced an older Roman one. Its ten arches connect Nigrán to Baiona and lead you onwards to Vigo. You can spend the night here; it allows you to spend more time exploring Baiona but still shorten this stage into Vigo.

Top Tip : From the bridge, you’ll need to make your choice;  follow the arrows inland, or turn left to stay along the beaches of the Litoral.  If you prefer the seaside path, go left, cross the road, and walk between the river and the park to leave Ramallosa.

Nigrán / Playa America (1.9 km)

As you leave Ramallosa, the Camino leads you along a path between the water and a small park.  You’ll head over a headland between smart residential houses and while there are arrows to guide you, some are pale green rather than the usual yellow; but they’re there.

The Camino drops you onto a new beach, you’ll repeat this pattern throughout the day, with each beach offering something different.  Playa América, one of the most popular beaches here nearly two kilometres of soft white sand and calm waters.  And the beach enjoys a mild microclimate, with average temperatures of around 10°C in January and 20°C in July which makes it a sought-after place to live.

Top Tip : You’ve been walking a while from Baiona but from the beach you’ll clearly see the Parador and it’s ramparts across the bay.

Playa América was originally called Praia de Lourido for its golden sands, but it was renamed in 1927 when Manuel Lemos sought to establish a Nice of Galicia. He built the Hotel América, and the beach’s name was changed to reflect his vision.

You can choose to walk along the sand or take the promenade that runs parallel to it; it’s dotted with cafés, although not all of them open in the early morning. Thankfully, I’ve always found at least one for a morning coffee.

If you’re considering breaking your stage here, Playa América is a lovely place to spend the night.  There isn’t an albergue, but several hotels and apartments to choose from:

Saians (7.1 km)

From Nigrán, the Camino takes you away from Playa América and over the headland to Playa de Patos. This beach is much quieter, with a wide expanse of soft sand.

Be aware that the arrows will lead you down onto the sand. You’ll walk on the beach for a minute or two before being directed back onto the pavement. A few steps down to the sand can be a little tricky, but nothing to worry about; just watch your footing.

From Playa de Patos, the route heads uphill into residential streets, climbing over another headland but this time you’ll be rewarded with glorious views of the Cíes Islands.  From here the road leads down to a tiny, hidden beach: Praia do Portiño.

The beach might be the perfect spot for a quiet picnic, with only a few bobbing boats for company; although there is a small restaurant on one side, but otherwise, no services.

From Praia do Portiño, you’ll climb up a set of steps and continue inland for a few kilometres, through quiet residential streets, with occasional glimpses of the sea. Eventually, dropping you back down to the beach at Areal de Canido.

Canido / Oia (3.5 km)

As you arrive at the beach in Canido, you’ll pass Bar del Puerto, which has often been closed as we walked by, but just a few steps further along is Mesón do Marisco. A large, popular restaurant, full of  locals, making it an excellent choice if you’re looking for a lunch stop.

This area is renowned for it’s seafood so this would be a good to enjoy a taste of Galicia; washed down with a glass of the local Alberino white wine!

Continuing onwards, the Camino leads you past more beaches and into busier streets. You’ll start to feel the change in pace as we approach Vigo.

You can spend the night here.  Before reaching Samil, there’s a wonderful little option for anyone looking for a special place to stay :

Samil Beach (2.9 km)

As you enter the outskirts of Vigo, you’ll first pass a sports field and cross a few busy roads before arriving at the glorious stretch of sand that is Samil Beach.

Samil Beach is Vigo’s most popular and expansive beach, stretching nearly 2 kilometres along the Atlantic coast. Its fine white sands and calm, safe waters have made it a firm favourite with both locals and visitors alike.

This beach has it all: three public pools, a mini-soccer field, tennis courts, a skating rink, and a wide range of water sports. Along the promenade, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafés, offering everything from a quick coffee to a slap-up seafood dinner. In July and August, expect the area to be very busy with holiday makers as it’s a top summer destination for the Spanish.

You’ll walk along the promenade, and if you’d like to pause, there are several cafés right on the front where you can grab a drink before continuing your journey into Vigo.

Top Tip : If you’d prefer to skip the urban sprawl of Vigo, you can take a Vitrasa urban bus from Samil Beach to various parts of the city. The bus lines L10, C15A, C15B, and C15C connect the beach to central Vigo. Alternatively, you could call a taxi to take you directly to your accommodation.

Alternatively spend the night here.  It makes for a more manageable day and means you have just a short walk into Vigo tomorrow.  You can choose then to either explore the city at a leisurely pace or walk through on to Redondela.

If you’re looking for a very comfortable place to stay by the seaside, there is a rather fabulous hotel.

Vigo (7.1 km)

From Samil, prepare for a fair amount of pavement walking with the occasional detour back toward the coast. While there are Camino arrows, they become harder to spot as you approach the city.

Initially, you’ll pass through leafy suburbs, which provide welcome shade on hot days. There are beaches along this stretch, but some lack accessible exits, so it’s best to stick with the arrows; even if they are sparse. We’ve had to doubling back on some and on tired legs that’s not always welcome!  

Bouzas, once a village in its own right, is now a neighbourhood absorbed into Vigo. It’s a charming area with a strong maritime history, but from here onward, the city starts to feel busy. At this point, I recommend switching to Google Maps, as the Camino markers are scarce, and your route will vary depending on the location of your accommodation.

Before reaching the modern cruise port and the old town, you’ll pass through the busy industrial port area. This stretch can feel a little overwhelming after your days along the wild coast.  Expect busy streets, heavy traffic and noise.

Top Tip : Choose your accommodation in Vigo wisely. I always look for hotels or albergue near the cruise port or along the Camino route out of town. This makes for an easier exit in the morning, especially since the way out of Vigo is also poorly marked.

Exploring Vigo

Vigo, the largest city in Galicia, has a rich and varied history. Its roots trace back to ancient times, with early settlements by the Celts and later development as a Roman port. Over the centuries, Vigo has been shaped by many cultures, including the Visigoths, Moors, and Vikings. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the city faced several attacks, most notably by Sir Francis Drake in 1585 and 1589.

Today, Vigo has grown into one of Europe’s largest and most important ports, particularly renowned for its fishing industry. The Portuguese Camino passes through Vigo, on its way to Redondela, where all routes from Porto merge. While Vigo serves as a starting point for pilgrims covering the last 100 km to Santiago de Compostela, it’s not always the most Camino-friendly city. In October 2024, the president of the Xunta de Galicia highlighted that Vigo remains the only section of the Camino de Santiago without proper signage; at least now it’s officially acknowledged!

That said, Vigo has plenty to offer, and many choose to spend an extra day here. I’ve visited Vigo many times, and while the old town is pleasant, it’s not my favourite city. Personally, I’d prefer to spend an extra day walking up from Baiona at a slower pace or taking a ferry to the stunning Cíes Islands.

But if you’re here to explore, these are the highlights I’d recommend:

Where to Stay in Vigo

Vigo has a lot of accommodations, offering something for every budget; from simple albergue to luxurious boutique hotels. And yet the last time we walked the National Seafood Convention was taking place and it was almost impossible to find a bed!  In summer too this is a popular destination so I do recommend you book ahead!

Over the years, I’ve experienced both ends of the bed spectrum: from bunks to a 5-star hotel with a bath that felt like a tiny swimming pool!

Below, I’ve listed places I’ve stayed and would confidently recommend to friends and family. These options are also well-placed to make your exit out of the city much easier.

Potential Challenges Between Baiona and Vigo

The biggest challenge today will likely be the way markings. This is a longer stage, and Vigo is a large city that can be difficult to navigate.

However, with a bit of planning, you can make the most of this stage and enjoy everything it has to offer.

Recommended Apps, Books And Websites for the Coastal Camino

If you’re walking any stage of the Camino Portuguese Coastal, these apps, guidebooks, and websites are invaluable. Be sure to download or purchase them before leaving home:

Final Thoughts: Camino Portuguese from Baiona to Vigo

Reading this, you might think today’s stage will be a tough one, but honestly, I don’t think it is; but it is long. And the final few kilometres of urban walking into Vigo can be challenging.

This land has been home to our ancestors for millennia and you can almost feel the history beneath your feet. And the beaches; oh my, the beaches! They are glorious, each one seemingly better or at least different than the last.

If you can spare the time, break the stage into two shorter days and meander your way along. Or add an extra day to take the ferry out to the Cíes Islands, where the crystal-clear waters and white sands offer a very different Camino experience.

This stage has so much to offer, but a bit of planning goes a long way to helping you find your bed. Fall in love with this stunning coastline; and don’t forget to enjoy a glass of Albariño with your fish supper!

Tomorrow, the Camino leaves the coast and heads inland. If the last few days from Porto have felt like a scenic coastal walk, tomorrow brings a return to the yellow arrows and ancient Roman roads. All routes lead to Santiago de Compostela but the Portuguese routes merge at Redondela, so make the most of the coastline today; it’ll soon be a memory (and maybe a distant view as you climb the hills away from Vigo!).

Are You Walking The Portuguese Coastal Camino?

I’ve walked this glorious trail many times and I know I’ll walk again. If you’re walking from Porto to Santiago de Compostela, I’ve created detailed daily walking guides packed with route tips, accommodation recommendations, and insights to help you along the way.

Here are some posts that may inspire and help you to plan your journey:

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