19 May 2022
We didn't quite realize that the world famous "Pilgrimage to Santiago" route passes just by our driveway...
Moledo Beach with the distinctive peak of Santa Trega - Spain in the distance.
Part of several routes through Portugal and Spain enroute to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia - Spain, Caminha is a popular destination on the Portuguese "Coastal" trail. While we have occasionally seen hikers traversing the roadside with backpacks and sometimes a wooden cross wrapped with a shroud, late this spring, the route was noticeably frequented by the pilgrims making the trip.
It's about a 6-day walk (averaging 30km daily) to Santiago from our property, and I've found this idea firmly added to my travel bucket list. While I haven't done this route myself, I have spent my time finding special spots along the route that I yearn to visit again and again. Here are a few highlights of my vehicular adventures, in-between Viana do Castelo, to our South, and Vigo, Galicia, to our North:
Caminho signage, at the bottom of our driveway.
Scenes from Viana do Castelo.
Perhaps my favourite beach in the North, Praia do Paco, about 15 minutes northward from Viana do Castelo.
One of the many spectacular sunsets of the route, seen from the Miradouro at Capela de Santo Antao in Caminha.
The quiet reserve of Praia do Camarido and the forest Mata do Camarido behind, looking at Spain in the background.
One of the curious "sandcastle" structures on the beach at Praia do Camarido, in Caminha.
Riverside dining at Aqui Ha Gato in Seixas on the River Minho.
Sunsets over Caminha and Seixas.
Looking back from the top of Monte de Santa Trega in Spain, toward the mouth of the River Minho, Moledo and Camarido Beaches, and the Atlantic.
The River Minho, Caminha and Seixas from Spain.
Cliffside roadways are perfect for biking in Spain.
A Guarda, Spain.
The coastal road and pedestrian path in Galicia, Spain.
Ocean route in Spain.
The picturesque village of Oia in Galicia, Spain.
Faro Vello de Silleiro, Spain.
Scenes from Vigo, Spain.
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