Walkers on the trail to Santiago de Compostela with Dr Stephanie Dale - Walk & Write the Portuguese Camino with Dr Stephanie Dale, Spain

Walkers on the trail to Santiago de Compostela with Dr Stephanie Dale | Dr Stephanie Dale

View from the walls of Monterreal Fortress in Baiona - Walk & Write the Portuguese Camino with Dr Stephanie Dale, Spain

View from the walls of Monterreal Fortress in Baiona | Tim Charody

Walking the green fields of the Camino with Dr Stephanie Dale - Walk & Write the Portuguese Camino with Dr Stephanie Dale, Spain

Walking the green fields of the Camino with Dr Stephanie Dale | Dr Stephanie Dale

The Virgen de la Roca (Virgin of the Rock) monument in Baiona, Spain. - Walk & Write the Portuguese Camino with Dr Stephanie Dale, Spain

The Virgen de la Roca (Virgin of the Rock) monument in Baiona, Spain. | Tim Charody

Writing on the Camino with Dr Stephanie Dale - Walk & Write the Portuguese Camino with Dr Stephanie Dale, Spain

Writing on the Camino with Dr Stephanie Dale | Dr Stephanie Dale

New

Walk & Write the Portuguese Caminowith Dr Stephanie Dale

Spain

12 Days from

$3990 USD

Trip Code: SDDP

View dates to Book

Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single supplement

$950 USD

Duration

12 Days

Activities

Walking
Writing Workshops

Accommodation

11 nights hotels and guesthouses

Meals

11 Dinners
11 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading: 2 / 10
introductory to moderate

Trip highlights

Travel with Dr Stephanie Dale, author and creative mentor, who enriches your Camino with optional writing workshops for personal insight, creative exploration and book writing development - no experience required
For women who long to embody life’s great themes and keep good company as they walk the Camino
Walk a quieter route to Santiago de Compostela following scenic Atlantic coastlines through fishing villages, pine woods, vineyards and small hamlets
Enjoy the camaraderie of a small, supportive group of women, with the freedom to walk at your own pace while sharing moments of inspiration
Celebrate the 2027 Jacobean Holy Year, arriving in Santiago as the cathedral’s symbolic Holy Door stands open, adding historical depth and atmosphere to your pilgrimage

Overview

This journey is for women who long to reconnect with themselves through embracing creativity in all its forms. As you walk the Portuguese Coastal Camino, following Atlantic shores, wandering through historic seaside towns and tranquil woodland paths, you’ll find space for reflection, inspiration and self-expression - whether through writing, sketching, photography, or simply through a deeper engagement with the world around you. This is a trip for writers, artists, storytellers and anyone longing to live more creatively, whether you journal your thoughts, capture scenes through art, or simply wish to reconnect with yourself and return home with renewed clarity and creative confidence.

Walking is at the heart of this journey, not as a challenge, but as a way to slow down and notice more. Following the Portuguese Coastal Route northward, from Baiona to Santiago de Compostela, you will walk one of the quieter Camino paths, offering a more contemplative and intimate experience while still retaining the rich cultural and historical heritage that defines the Way of St James. It is ideal for those who may have previously walked other Camino routes and feel drawn to return, as well as for first-time pilgrims. Completing this final stage provides eligibility for the Compostela certificate upon arrival in Santiago. The 2027 departure coincides with a Jacobean Holy Year, a rare and historically significant event that occurs only when the Feast of St James (25 July) falls on a Sunday. During this special year, the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela opens its symbolic Holy Door. With the previous Holy Year held in 2021/22 and the next not until 2032, the 2027 Walk & Write Camino offers a particularly meaningful opportunity to complete the pilgrimage.

Guiding the experience is writer and creative mentor Dr Stephanie Dale, who gently supports each guest in connecting with their creative voice. Through optional writing prompts and guided discussions, Stephanie offers a thoughtful framework while leaving ample space for personal reflection. This tour is for those who wish to keep good company as they walk, clarify their direction, reset priorities and nurture a more creative way of living.

With a group size of just 12 guests, the journey remains personal and supportive. And as Stephanie often says, your Camino begins the moment you sign up - from that point forward, the experience starts to unfold.

Itinerary

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Make your own way to the charming seaside town of Baiona, beautifully positioned on Vigo Bay. With its medieval centre and sweeping Atlantic views, Baiona offers a memorable introduction to the Portuguese Coastal Camino. Historically significant, Baiona was the first European port to receive news of Columbus’s voyage when the caravel La Pinta arrived here in 1493. Spain has a network of historic buildings that have been converted into high end hotels to preserve cultural heritage. For our two nights in Baiona, we have a very special stay at the Parador de Baiona, a traditional Galician mansion with impressive views of the sea.

Meals: D

Your first steps on the Camino follow sandy beaches and dramatic Atlantic scenery, with the sound of waves setting the tone for the days ahead. Seaside cafés provide perfect pauses to reflect, journal, or simply take in the views. Arriving in the peaceful coastal village of Oia, known for its striking 12th-century Cistercian monastery facing the ocean, you’ll transfer back to Baiona for the night. Stephanie will offer an optional creative prompt centred on beginnings and intention, with time to share insights over dinner. Walk: 16km

Meals: B,D

After transferring back to Oia, continue along the Ría de Vigo, to our destination Vigo, Galicia’s largest fishing port and a town renowned for its exceptional seafood, particularly oysters. Explore the atmospheric Casco Vello (Old Quarter), home to the neoclassical Church of Santa María, or visit Castro de Vigo, an archaeological site featuring reconstructed ancient dwellings and panoramic city views. Walk 11km

Meals: B,D

Departing Vigo, the trail climbs steadily, rewarding you with spectacular views over the harbour before traversing a peaceful plateau and descending into Redondela. Known as the “village of viaducts,” the town is distinguished by its impressive 19th-century railway bridges. Here, the Coastal Route joins the main Portuguese (Central) Camino, bringing a renewed sense of pilgrimage. Stephanie may invite reflections on transition and connection, marking this symbolic merging of paths. Walk 16km

Meals: B,D

A shorter and relaxed stage leads to the tranquil town of Arcade. The walk passes traditional stone houses and horreos (raised granaries), emblematic of rural Galician architecture. Cross the historic Ponte Sampaio bridge spanning the River Verdugo, an important site in the Peninsular War. With time to explore, consider visiting nearby Soutomaior Castle or simply enjoy the peaceful coastal atmosphere. Walk 9km

Meals: B,D

Crossing the beautiful Ponte Sampaio, the trail follows ancient stone paths through woodland before descending into Pontevedra, one of Galicia’s most elegant towns. Its well-preserved medieval centre is a maze of cobbled streets, lively plazas and inviting tapas bars. Highlights include the Santuario da Peregrina, dedicated to the Virgin of the Pilgrims, and the Convento de San Francisco. Stephanie leads conversation that explore the stories held within historic places. Walk 12km

Meals: B,D

Today’s gentle stage meanders through shaded woodland and peaceful river valleys, offering a serene contrast to earlier coastal scenery. We walk to the small village of San Amaro before our transfer back to Pontevedra to sleep. Walk 11km

Meals: B,D

Transfer to San Amaro to continue our walk. Passing through picturesque villages, the route continues to Caldas de Reis, a historic spa town renowned since Roman times for its thermal waters. Stroll through the botanical gardens along the river or relax in the peaceful surroundings. Walk 12km

Meals: B,D

A more undulating stage leads through fertile countryside and the valleys of the Bermana and Valga rivers. In the village of Herbón, discover the origins of the famous Padrón peppers, celebrated in the saying: “Algunos pican y otros no” - some are hot, and some are not. Walk 19km

Meals: B,D

Breaking the journey before Santiago allows time to savour the anticipation of arrival. Walking through peaceful Galician countryside, you reach Rúa de Francos, a quiet village offering a restful setting for reflection. This evening provides an opportunity for a gentle group gathering with Stephanie to consider the insights and transformations experienced along the Camino. Walk 12km

Meals: B,D

The final stage of the Camino leads to a gentle climb to O Milladoiro, where pilgrims traditionally catch their first glimpse of the cathedral spires . As you enter the historic streets of Santiago, the journey culminates in the magnificent Praza do Obradoiro, where the grand façade of the cathedral stands as a powerful symbol of arrival. Walking into Santiago during a Jacobean Holy Year adds an extra layer of significance to the experience. The cathedral’s Holy Door (Puerta Santa) - opened only during these special years - welcomes pilgrims from across the globe, creating a vibrant and celebratory atmosphere. Whether appreciated for its historical, cultural or symbolic meaning. This evening offers a meaningful opportunity to celebrate your achievement and share final reflections with Dr Stephanie Dale and your fellow walkers. Walk 13km

Meals: B,D

After breakfast, your journey concludes. As you bid farewell to fellow pilgrims and Dr Stephanie Dale, you carry with you not only the memories of the Camino but also renewed creative inspiration and meaningful connections formed along the way.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

1 scheduled departure between 3 May 2027 and 3 May 2027.

Departs 3 May 2027 – ends 14 May 2027 (12 days)

View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

Accompanied by author, creative mentor and experienced pilgrim Dr Stephanie Dale
11 nights in hotels and guesthouses including 2 nights at a historic parador in Baiona and a 4 star hotel in Santiago de Compostela
11 breakfasts, 11 dinners
Luggage transfer (1 piece - max 20kgs) - fees apply for any excess luggage
Transfers as noted in the itinerary
Pilgrim passport

Not included

Travel to Baiona and from Santiago de Compostela
Single supplement if booked in your own room (limited single rooms available)
Travel insurance - compulsory
Excess luggage - 20kg limit only included
Visa/ETIAS if applicable - please check
Lunches and drinks
Local guide - this is a group self guided tour
Transfers not noted as included. These are scheduled transfers, not on call vehicle support
Airport transfers

About your guide

Dr Stephanie Dale is an award-winning author, journalist and creative mentor with a passion for pilgrimage. She holds a PhD on the relationship between writing and wellbeing and is the author of four books, including the best-selling travel memoir My Pilgrim’s Heart, the journaling guidebook Write Your Way Home: Journaling for the Brave, and Mothercry, a groundbreaking exploration of human longing. In 2014, Stephanie founded The Write Road, a wellbeing-through-writing initiative supporting rural and remote Australians. In 2017, she launched Walk & Write Camino in partnership with World Expeditions.

Stephanie has undertaken extensive pilgrimages, including a 1,500-kilometre walk across Italy and through the Balkans. She has completed the Camino Francés multiple times.

Her programs and events are grounded in research and informed by the principles of pilgrimage. She works with both experienced and emerging writers, specialising in the use of writing as a tool for personal transformation and creative development.

Walk the Camino. Write your journey home with award-winning author Stephanie Dale. Sleep in castles!

Responsible Travel

At AMP Libearty Bear Sanctuary in Romania, rescued brown bears are given a second chance to live as they should—free to roam, forage and explore within a protected forest environment. The sanctuary provides lifelong care for bears rescued from captivity, offering a safe haven for animals that can no longer survive in the wild. Support for this project helps provide nutritious food, expert veterinary care and ongoing habitat management, ensuring every bear can live in dignity and comfort. The sanctuary also plays an important role in raising awareness about wildlife welfare, ethical tourism and the lasting impacts of animal exploitation.

Your support will help care for Jimmy, one of the sanctuary’s rescued residents. For 11 years, Jimmy was confined to a small concrete cage at a bread factory, deprived of the opportunity to behave naturally. Since his rescue, he has experienced the freedom of a natural forest habitat for the first time, feeling the earth beneath his paws and living alongside other rescued bears. By contributing to Jimmy’s ongoing care, you are helping transform the life of an individual animal while supporting the broader mission of protecting bears from cruelty and promoting compassionate wildlife conservation.

Extra trip info

Parador de Baiona ****

Feature stay. A mix between a medieval castle and a Galician stately home. Features include the majestic stone stairway in the reception area and a huge garden with a large swimming pool, from where you can view the entire bay.

Hotel Lux Santiago de Compostela ****

A light and modern hotel in the heart of Santiago.

Rias Bajas Pontevedra ***

In the heart of the city and featuring a rooftop terrace.

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Absolutely not! Everyone is welcome. New writers, experienced writers, writers who are not yet confident enough to call themselves a writer. Our program is about your individual pilgrim journey.

Walk & Write adventure writing is designed to open your senses to experiencing whatever it is you’d like to write. Past pilgrims have explored travel writing, blogging, social media messaging, food writing, fiction, short stories, memoir, letters, speeches, family and community histories, landscape, architecture and journaling.

Our pilgrim writing journey is a self-guided pilgrimage. This means it’s completely up to you whether you walk with the group or wander on alone. In our experience, some in our merry band of pilgrims will enjoy time alone, as well as time with the group, meeting up in coffee shops and at various waymarkers along the trail. We’re easy. If you want company along the way you will find company along the way. If you want the day to yourself you will have the day to yourself, confident we will meet up with you at designated meeting points.

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Walk & Write the Portuguese Caminowith Dr Stephanie Dale

Trip highlights

Overview

Itinerary

Ready to start your adventure?