Porto to Galicia Coast by Train

Cross the border north from Porto, connecting Vigo, the Cíes Islands, Santiago de Compostela, and A Coruña.

A car-free combination of Northern Portugal and Galicia. Spend two nights in Porto exploring the riverbanks and wine cellars, cross the border to Vigo to visit the Cíes Islands, and then head north by rail to Pontevedra, Santiago, and A Coruña. The train rides are short. Perfect for couples or solo travelers who prefer not to drive, bypassing the Ribeira Sacra and the northern coast. Note that the cross-border segment currently has road replacement services; confirm before departure.

From October to mid-May, access to the Cíes Islands is restricted to official guided tours only.

Day by day

Day 1 · Douro Riverbank & Ribeira

Porto（São Bento Railway Station、Clérigos Church & Tower、Ribeira、Dom Luís I Bridge）

Take the metro from the airport to the city center in about 30 minutes. Walk downhill through the Old Town to the riverfront and cross the bridge.

Stay: Baixa and Avenida dos Aliados

Day 2 · Lello Bookstore, Stock Exchange Palace & Wine Cellars

Porto（Livraria Lello、Palácio da Bolsa、Vila Nova de Gaia Port Wine Cellars）

Walk around the downtown area in the morning. Cross the river to Vila Nova de Gaia in the afternoon to visit the wine cellars, returning by cable car or on foot.

Lello Bookstore requires ticketed entry; purchase tickets online in advance.

Stay: Baixa and Avenida dos Aliados

Day 3 · Cross the Border to Vigo Old Town

Vigo & Cíes Islands（Casco Vello & Rúa da Pescadería）

Take the morning Celta train from Campanhã Station. The journey takes about 3.5 hours including the time zone change. Walk to the Old Town upon arrival.

For 2026–27, a road replacement service operates between Valença and Vigo. Spain is 1 hour ahead of Portugal.

Stay: City Center and Ensanche

Day 4 · Ferry to the Cíes Islands

Vigo & Cíes Islands（Cíes Islands & Rodas Beach）

Take a 45-minute ferry from the Vigo pier. Walk to the lighthouses and beaches on the island.

In peak season, obtain authorization before buying ferry tickets. Book as early as possible for July and August.

Stay: City Center and Ensanche

Day 5 · Pontevedra to Santiago de Compostela

Vigo & Cíes Islands（Pontevedra Old Town） → Santiago de Compostela（Praza do Obradoiro）

Take the train from Vigo to Pontevedra (about 20 minutes), then continue to Santiago in the afternoon (about 40 minutes).

Stay: Cathedral Old Town

Day 6 · Cathedral & Old Town Market

Santiago de Compostela（Santiago de Compostela Cathedral、Cathedral Museum & Rooftop Tour、Mercado de Abastos、Praza das Praterías）

Walk around the Old Town, which has a radius of about 1 km. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the market followed by a stroll.