Places of the Camino
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Vigo is one of the most popular starting points for pilgrims on the Portuguese Coastal Way, second only to Porto. So far in 2026, more than 13,000 pilgrims have received their Compostela after beginning their journey in Vigo.
The Camino de Santiago from Vigo can be completed in just 5 days, which is ideal for pilgrims who don’t have many days to walk the Camino. In addition, the route is gentle and offers surprisingly beautiful scenery. Finally, the distance between Vigo and Santiago is 100 kilometers, ensuring that walkers will receive their Compostela.
For all these reasons, Vigo is now the seventh most popular starting point for pilgrims, trailing only behind other traditional starting points such as Sarria, Tui, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, and Porto.
Despite this boom, Vigo remains a relative unknown on the Camino de Santiago. That’s why today we’re offering a guide to things every pilgrim should know if they’re starting their Camino de Santiago in Vigo: how to get there, where to get your pilgrim’s passport, the stages of the Portuguese Way from Vigo, and what to see and do in Vigo.
What are the stages of the Portuguese Coastal Way from Vigo?
The 100 kilometers between Vigo and Santiago allow pilgrims to cover this section of the Portuguese Coastal Way in 5 stages.
- Stage 1. Vigo – Redondela. 16 kilometers. This first stage is easy and allows you to explore the city of Vigo and enjoy the beautiful views of the Vigo estuary.
- Stage 2. Redondela – Pontevedra. 18 kilometers. In Redondela, the coastal route joins the Portuguese Way and takes pilgrims through places like Arcade and Ponte Sampaio.
- Stage 3. Pontevedra – Caldas de Reis. 23 kilometers. Vineyards and natural landscapes with very little elevation gain will take pilgrims from Pontevedra to Caldas, a spa town where they can rest and recharge.
- Stage 4. Caldas de Reis – Padrón. 19 kilometers. Pilgrims will travel this stage comfortably until reaching Padrón, the place where, according to legend, the remains of St. James the Apostle arrived from Palestine.
- Stage 5. Padrón – Santiago de Compostela. 23 kilometers. The final stage of this Portuguese Way from Vigo will be the most tedious for pilgrims, as it is the least rural of the five. The reward is well worth it: reaching the Obradoiro, entering the Cathedral, and embracing the Apostle.
Pilgrims who have more time or wish to extend their experience can add the three stages of the Spiritual Route:
- Stage 1. Vigo – Redondela. 16 km.
- Stage 2. Redondela – Pontevedra. 18 km.
- Stage 3. Pontevedra – Armenteira. 23 km.
- Stage 4. Armenteira – Vilanova de Arousa. 23 km.
- Stage 5. Vilanova de Arousa – Padrón. 28 km.
- Stage 6. Padrón – Santiago de Compostela. 23 km.
We remind you that if you start the Portuguese Way in Vigo, the Correos backpack transport service is available for all stages, including those on the Spiritual Route.
Map of the Camino de Santiago from Vigo: What to See and Do.
Are you planning to start the Portuguese Coastal Route in Vigo? The city has plenty to offer. Here’s a small map of the Camino de Santiago from Vigo highlighting the must-see spots:
Co-Cathedral of Santa María de Vigo. Popularly known as La Colegiata, the Co-Cathedral is the main religious site to visit in Vigo. Built in the 19th century, its interior houses the statue of Cristo de la Victoria, Vigo’s most valuable religious symbol. It is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. as well.
A Pedra Market. Very close to the Co-Cathedral are the popular A Pedra Market and Rúa Pescadería, where you can try oysters freshly harvested from the Vigo Estuary paired with an Albariño.
Alameda Park. Located in Plaza de Compostela, near the port and the Old Town, is the Alameda. It’s the perfect place to take a stroll in the shade of its trees and enjoy its sculptures and fountains.
Across the street is the Main Post Office, open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. There, you can mail packages or buy stamps.
Santiago de Vigo Church. On García Barbón Street, you’ll find the 19th-century Santiago Church. Masses are held Monday through Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., and on Sundays and holidays at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m.
Where can I get my Camino de Santiago pilgrim’s credential in Vigo?
Before starting your Camino de Santiago from Vigo, you must obtain your pilgrim’s credential. In Vigo, you can get your Camino de Santiago pilgrim’s credential at the following locations:
- Church of Santiago de Vigo. García Barbón Street, s/n.
- Church of María Auxiliadora. Ronda de Don Bosco Street, No. 6.
How to Get to Vigo to Walk the Camino de Santiago?
Vigo is a city with good transportation connections. You can reach Vigo from northern Portugal as well as from other parts of Spain or Galicia by plane, train, bus, or car. If you’re wondering how to get to Vigo to start the Camino de Santiago, here are some tips:
- How to get to Vigo by plane. Flying to Vigo is the easiest option if you’re traveling from cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Palma de Mallorca, Valencia, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria. All of these cities have direct flights to Vigo. There are also connections to other European cities.
Vigo–Peinador Airport is located about 20 minutes from the city center. You can get there by taxi or by city bus, using Line A.
- How to get to Vigo by train. Vigo has two train stations located in the city center: Urzaiz, which serves the AVE high-speed train; and Guixar, located on Areal Street.
If you’re traveling to Vigo to walk the Camino de Santiago, you can take the train from Porto (Portugal). You can also reach Vigo by train from Madrid, Barcelona, Ponferrada, León, Bilbao, and Alicante. If you’re traveling from Galicia, there are train connections to Vigo from Santiago, Ourense, Pontevedra, and A Coruña.
- How to get to Vigo by bus. If you want to get to Vigo to walk the Camino de Santiago, you can do so by bus. From Spain, there are direct connections from Madrid, Barcelona, Asturias, Bilbao, Irún, San Sebastián, Zaragoza, Extremadura, and several cities in Andalusia.
You can also reach Vigo by bus from various Galician cities such as Santiago, A Coruña, Pontevedra, or Ourense.
- How to get to Vigo by car. It’s also possible to reach Vigo by road. The city has good highway connections. From northern Galicia (A Coruña or Santiago), take the AP-9.
The drive from Porto to Vigo takes just over an hour via the A3 in Portugal, which connects to the AP-9 or the A-55 upon entering Galicia. And from Madrid, you can reach Vigo by car in about 6 hours via the Autovía del Noroeste (A-6) and the Autovía das Rías Baixas (A-52).
Correos services from Vigo
If you want to explore the city light and at your own pace, Correos offers a wide range of services to help make the Camino de Santiago a unique experience.
We offer a backpack transport service from stage to stage, the Paq Mochila, now available from Porto.
If you’d like to have your luggage transported directly from Vigo to Santiago de Compostela, Paq Peregrino is for you.
If you’re cycling the Camino, once you reach your destination in Santiago, you can ship your bike back home with Paq Bicicleta, now available for online booking.
Starting the Portuguese Coastal Way in Vigo is the perfect choice for those seeking an accessible route rich in history, heritage, and unforgettable landscapes. Are you ready to embark on your adventure?
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