This was a big day at 27 km, but it was also my favorite day’s walk. The official Camino route goes inland through hills, but there is an alternative coastal route that is not so well way-marked but a beautiful day by the sea.
I left while it was still dark and walked along the waterfront and boardwalks to the bridge at A Ramallosa. To take the coastal route, turn left here, even though there are no signs. I met a pilgrim the next day who walked straight here and bitterly regretted taking the official route away from the beaches.
The coastal route was definitely quieter as most pilgrims take the official route. I made a few wrong turns, but mostly, just keep the water on the left all the way to Vigo.
The way skirts a number of beaches, mostly empty as I walked on a weekday morning. There are plenty of coffee bars, restaurants, and public toilets on the route.
There were a couple of sandy spots, but mostly it was boardwalks and quiet roads near the beaches. The waymarkers were mostly just painted yellow arrows as below, as the ‘official’ route with the usual Galician markers went further inland.
Lots of boardwalks along the coast.
There are lots of these crosses along the way.
The last section into Vigo is road-walking and because it’s a big city, it’s busy, noisy, and pretty unpleasant. The aim is to get to your accommodation as quickly as possible and remember that most of the day was quiet walking by the sea!
Continue the Camino journey: Vigo to Arcade, Spain
Accommodation: I stayed at the Sercotel Hotel Bahia Vigo, which was down by the port. It was basic and functional with a good breakfast, but it was about 2 km away from the Camino, so meant an extra few kms either side to get back on track. Most of the accommodation is higher up in the city, which I had to walk past in the morning.
Facilities: Plenty of coffee bars (after 9/10 am), restaurants, and public toilets on the route. Vigo is a big city, so it has everything you might need.
The cross by the sea is so serene and I want to leave some flowers there.
Thank you for your beautiful description of your coastal walk to Vigo.
I’m looking at an Airbnb in Plaza del Berbes as it’s near the port. We want a day trip to the Cies Islands.
Does this sound a good area?
Thank you
I’m glad you liked it, Sharon — but I can’t comment on a day trip or that area for AirBNB as I don’t have that specific experience. The area in general is great though 🙂 Have fun.
Did you find any possible accommodations on the coastal route in small towns? We are hoping not to have to go all the way to Vigo and do 27K in a day. Any ideas about cutting off maybe 5 K?
Sorry, I don’t know the area, but check on Google Maps. Lots of pilgrims walking so very likely there are options.