GASTRONOMY ON THE PORTUGUESE WAY TO THE COAST

We can’t deny it. One of the reasons why many pilgrims join our Caminos is because of the culinary experiences they have at Marly Camino. There is no doubt that Spain and Portugal every year make travelers from all over the world, including pilgrims, fall in love with their dishes and recipes.

Today we bring you an article with the most interesting dishes of the Portuguese Coastal Route in its journey through Portugal. A richness of products and preparations that far from declining, it expands and enriches the arrival of the pilgrim to Galicia.

A GUARDA RECEIVES PILGRIMS WITH ITS GREAT SPECIALTY, SEAFOOD

Pilgrims enter Spain by leaving Caminha on the ferry that crosses the Miño Estuary, to reach the town of A Guarda, the first encounter with a new language, gastronomy and customs.

A Guarda is famous for its seafood and we can taste it in one of the many restaurants that are located on its promenade, overlooking the port. Also in A Guarda is celebrated every year in July the “Fiesta de la langosta y de la cocina marinera”, unique occasion in the Way to enjoy these delicacies and the popular traditions of this area of Galicia.

At the exit of A Guarda we can also enjoy the historical cetaceans excavated in the rock where the seafood was kept alive for its later distribution to the rest of the country.

The pilgrim also enters Galicia through the Rias Baixas, birthplace of the most famous white wine in Spain, ideal for accompanying fish and seafood. The Albariño. We are in the cradle of this fantastic wine and for those pilgrims with some free time a visit to one of the wineries near A Guarda can be another unforgettable experience.

BAIONA AND ITS TAPAS BAR AREA

The next gastronomic reference in our walk along the Portuguese Way of the Coast is Baiona and its pedestrian streets in the old town, full of bars and restaurants where enjoying the best tapas and rations is a must for the pilgrim.

THE LOCAL MARKETS ARE ALSO A GASTRONOMIC HERITAGE ON THE PORTUGUESE WAY.

Upon arrival in Vigo, the renowned Stone Market offers the pilgrim the possibility of enjoying the best seafood in any of its terraces. It is a pleasure to buy one (or several) dozen of this delicacy directly from the oyster sellers and sit down to accompany them with a good Albariño wine in any of the premises of this famous market.

Also on arrival in Pontevedra, the Gastromercado de Pontevedra is becoming a reference point, located just a few meters from the Camino on its way through this capital. A good place to enjoy the best cheeses, sausages, wines and other delicacies of Galician cuisine.

THE WEEKLY MARKETS ARE ALSO WORTH A VISIT ON OUR TOUR.

All the towns of Galicia enjoy a street market once a week. On the Portuguese Coastal Route, now in its final stage, the Padrón market stands out. It is held every Sunday in the middle of the Route, from the entrance to the village to the Church of Santiago. The pulperías (grocery stores) with their tents stand out, where the locals taste the best octopus a feira (a type of fish) and the churrasco (grilled pork ribs) prepared in the purest traditional style.

THE ARRIVAL IN SANTIAGO IS ALSO A DELIGHT FOR LOVERS OF GOOD FOOD.

The end of any good pilgrimage has in Santiago a gastronomic goal where to celebrate the achievement of the desired goal. In the company of friends who will undoubtedly arise along the route. From restaurants with Michelin stars to its famous Rua do Franco, where all gastronomic options are available to the pilgrim and local residents. A must, in our opinion, is to visit the Mercado de Abastos, where besides being able to see the best products of the sea and the land for sale, you can enjoy them in its recently renovated restaurant gallery.

In short, this Portuguese Way of the Coast will lead us to discover products, recipes, restaurants and traditions that will undoubtedly enrich the experience of the pilgrim throughout his journey.  BUEN CAMINO!!