Camino de Santiago from Baiona

The Atlantic start that does clear the 100 km. Six stages from the town where the Pinta docked with news of the discovery of America, with two days by the sea and inland Galicia after.

Distance

125 km

Duration

6 days

Route

Coastal Portuguese Way

Starts in 2025

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Figure checked Pilgrim Office, January–July 2026.

How the stages are usually split

There is no official split. These are the ones actually used, depending on the days you have.

In 6 stages, the usual split

Stage distances are general references. We have not recalculated them against the official track yet, which is why they are underlined.

Why Baiona rather than Vigo

The main reason is safety, not scenery. From Vigo the distance hovers around the 100 km minimum and depending where you start it can fall short. From Baiona there are about 30 km more, which removes any doubt about the Compostela.

The second reason is that you gain the first stage, skirting the Vigo estuary with views across to the Cíes Islands. It is one of the finest coastal stretches on the Portuguese Camino, and anyone starting in Vigo misses it entirely.

The price: that first stage is 27 km and ends by crossing the outskirts of Vigo, which is not pleasant.

Baiona deserves the evening before

This is where the Pinta docked on 1 March 1493 with the first news of the discovery of America. There is a replica of the caravel you can visit in the harbour.

The town keeps its old quarter, the Monterreal fortress — now a parador — on the headland, and good seafood. It is one of the more pleasant starting points to spend a night in before setting off.

Getting to Baiona

There is no railway station. You arrive by bus from Vigo, about 45 minutes, with reasonable frequency during the day.

Vigo has an airport, high-speed rail from Madrid and a coach station, so the connection is straightforward. Check the last bus if your flight lands late.