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.
casa viana
Una Casa Con Vistas Al Mar Entre Baiona Y A Guarda
Albergue O Peirao
Xicotina
Vento Mareiro
Villa Idalina
Aparthotel Marouco
Casa da Seara
Hotel Bruselas
Apartamentos Blanco Y Negro
Saint Benedict Convent
Camping Santa Tecla
Casa Pasaxe
Hotel Vila da Guarda
Mountain Villa with Swimming Pool
Prazer da Natureza
Arca Nova Guest House & Hostel Caminha
Camping Orbitur Caminha park
Hotel Eli Mar
Hotel GBC Celta
Hotel Novo Muiño
Hotel Porta do Sol
LITOS AL
Albergue de Peregrinos Santiago de Caminha
Public Pilgrims Hostel of A Guarda
Design&Wine Hotel
Albergue de Peregrinos
Casa De Crespins
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