Stages 15 : Start in Oporto
This route along the coast is the most accessible of them all and it begins in the second largest city of Portugal, Oporto, a city by the river and by the sea that is considered one of the most important links in the Ways to Santiago de Compostela.
Along this route you will discover historical cities, full of traditions and popular legends; majestic monuments; landscapes of stunning beauty and stories that will forever remain in the memory of those who listen to them. You will find some places such as Don Luis Bridge, designed by the Belgian engineer Théophile Seyrig, disciple of Gustave Eiffel, to the famous Lello’s bookstore, which inspired JK Rowling in the creation of the fantastic world of Harry Potter, and the aerial view from the Basilica of Santa Luzia to the city of Viana do Castelo, Lima River and Atlantic Ocean.
The Portuguese way through the coast is unique for its magical beauty, blending the architectural grandeur of Monte de Santa Luzia to the he simplicity of the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the stunning beaches by the river and the green hills.
In Caminha, it is possible to visit a very peculiar and unique island, Ínsua, famous for its spring crystalline fresh waters, which springs from the rocky soil. This phenomenon is peculiar since only three similar fountains are known in the world, and some say that it is miraculous. As the Portuguese historian José Hermano Saraiva asked: ” Is there anyone who comes to Caminha and do not ask about “Which island is that?” and do not feel the urge to go there? ”
The islands Cíes, Ons, Sálvora and Cortegada, a set of islands of turquoise blue water and white sand that the British newspaper The Guardian considered as the best in the world. It is also the only, maritime-terrestrial national park of the country. In addition to the natural beauty along the coast, there is also a sense of environmental and cultural concern. The Cerveira’s International Art Biennial in Vila Nova de Cerveira is an example, such as A Guarda, a town distinguished by the European Commission as European destination of excellence due to its policies to develop sustainable tourism.
