Stage of the Camino
Stage Description
This is a very short and symbolic stage on the Camino that marks a milestone in Portugal: crossing into Spain. The journey consists of a brief walk through the village of Caminha to its port, followed by a small ferry ("Xacobeo Transfer") that crosses the mouth of the Miño River in about ten minutes. Disembarkation takes place in A Guarda, the first Galician town on the route. It's an unique and exciting experience that changes country, language, and culture. The arrival at A Guarda, with its maritime atmosphere and the imposing silhouette of Monte Santa Trega, is a wonderful welcome to Galicia.
The Caminha to A Guarda stage is more of a border crossing and symbolic experience than a walking journey. Its brevity allows the pilgrim to enjoy calmly the medieval village of Caminha in the morning before embarking on the crossing.
Caminha, situated at the confluence of the Miño River, is an enchanting medieval village with a beautiful central square and a clock tower. After a short stroll, the pilgrim heads to the dock to take the ferry. It is essential to check the ferry schedules in advance, as they can vary depending on the season and tides.
The boat ride is short but very beautiful. One sails through the tranquil waters of the estuary, with Portugal on one side and Spain on the other, a natural border of great beauty. The disembarkation takes place at the port of A Guarda, already in the province of Pontevedra.
A Guarda is an authentic fishing village, famous for its lobster quality. Its fishing port and seaside promenade invite a pleasant stroll. However, the greatest treasure of the locality is in the heights: Monte Santa Trega. It is highly recommended to climb (on foot or by taxi) to visit its impressive celtic settlement, one of the best-preserved Celtic settlements in Galicia, and to enjoy the panoramic views from the top, which encompass the Miño River estuary, the Galician coast, and the Portuguese coast.
Caminha, situated at the confluence of the Miño River, is an enchanting medieval village with a beautiful central square and a clock tower. After a short stroll, the pilgrim heads to the dock to take the ferry. It is essential to check the ferry schedules in advance, as they can vary depending on the season and tides.
The boat ride is short but very beautiful. One sails through the tranquil waters of the estuary, with Portugal on one side and Spain on the other, a natural border of great beauty. The disembarkation takes place at the port of A Guarda, already in the province of Pontevedra.
A Guarda is an authentic fishing village, famous for its lobster quality. Its fishing port and seaside promenade invite a pleasant stroll. However, the greatest treasure of the locality is in the heights: Monte Santa Trega. It is highly recommended to climb (on foot or by taxi) to visit its impressive celtic settlement, one of the best-preserved Celtic settlements in Galicia, and to enjoy the panoramic views from the top, which encompass the Miño River estuary, the Galician coast, and the Portuguese coast.
Last updated: 12/08/2025
Where to Sleep
Accommodations in this Stage
Find the perfect place for your rest in Caminha o A Guarda.
Design & Wine Hotel
Hotel Porta do Sol Conference & SPA
Prazer da Natureza Resort & Spa
Albergue de São Bento
Azenha do Tio Luís
Bom Caminha - Private Albergue for Pilgrims
Casa do Coura
Casa do Montinho
Donna Nega Guest House
Ednas Place - Tranquilidade e Natureza
Just Like Home - Casa da Telheira
Just Like Home - Casa do Rosmaninho
Just Like Home - Casinha da Vila em Caminha
Litos al alojamento local
Palacete Villa Idalina
Parque de Campismo Orbitur Caminha
Quintinha D' Arga
Rinoterra Minho
Villa Idalina
Villa Victoria
Start your adventure
Ready to walk this stage?
We design your personalised Camino de Santiago experience.
Plan your Camino