5 Quirky Facts about the Portuguese Coastal Camino

The Camino Portugués along the Atlantic Coast is not just a beautiful journey through stunning landscapes, but a path rich in history, myths, and local traditions. Along the way, pilgrims and travelers pass through charming coastal villages and historic towns, each with its own quirky stories and fascinating legends. In this post, we’ll share 5 intriguing facts, some rooted in history and others in folklore, about the places you’ll discover on our Camino Portugués Coastal Tour. Get ready for a journey full of surprises, mysteries, and the hidden treasures of the Portuguese coastline! 

1. The largest outdoor showcase of gold in the world 

The Mordomia Parade is one of the most iconic events in the city of Viana do Castelo, in northern Portugal. It is celebrated as part of the festivities of the Pilgrimage of Nossa Senhora da Agonia, one of the most important and traditional festivals in the country. 

This celebration usually takes place in mid-August. Hundreds of women, known as mordomas, walk the streets dressed in the typical costumes of the region, wearing impressive gold jewellery, such as necklaces, earrings and lockets, which represent the family legacy and the cultural richness of the area. These pieces, often passed down from generation to generation, symbolize the devotion, prosperity and pride of the community. 

This parade is said to be the largest outdoor showcase of gold in the world.  

Photo by Arménio Belo / LUSA

2. The legend of the Castro de Santa Trega 

Among the many stones that dot Monte Santa Trega, legend whispers of three magical rocks whose whereabouts are a mystery. Each one contains a powerful spirit: that of water, gold and fire. It is said that whoever lifts the goldstone will see all their financial problems solved, but if they accidentally unearth the firestone, terrible flames from hell itself would ravage the region. And even worse, if someone were to release the water stone, an unstoppable torrent could submerge the entire town. So, if you run into these stones: ”May the odds be in your favor!”.

Castro of Santa Tecla
Castro of Santa Trega (Tecla in Spanish)

3. The fishermen who guide you with their songs 

In some coastal towns along the Camino Portugués, especially in regions such as northern Portugal and Galicia, it is possible to hear fishermen singing as they go about their work. 

One of the best-known traditions is the “Cantares do Mar”, where fishermen sing traditional songs related to the sea, work and life on the coast. These songs, often passed down from generation to generation, reflect the harshness of life on the ocean, the hopes for a safe return and the connection with nature. 

In towns such as Viana do Castelo, A Guarda, and other fishing villages along the Camino, it is common to hear maritime fados in Portugal and cantigas de taberna in Galicia. Also, at local events or while working in the port, fishermen often sing these melodies spontaneously, creating an authentic and emotional atmosphere for pilgrims and visitors. 

4. The monks and the battle against the pirates 

In 1624, the monks of the Monastery of Santa María de Oia successfully repelled an attack by a corsair fleet. According to documents of the time, on April 20 of that year, five Turkish ships were pursuing two Portuguese ships and one French ship near the Galician coast. The monks, equipped with eight pieces of artillery installed in the monastery, managed to sink the attackers’ flagship, drowning its crew and forcing the retreat of the rest of the fleet. This brave act led King Philip IV to grant the monastery the title of “Royal”. This decree granted new privileges to the friars.

Courtesy of Real Mosteiro de Oia

The feat of the artillery monks of Oia is still commemorated today. In 2024, on the 400th anniversary of the battle, the monastery hosted special events to remember this historic episode.  
 
Our Camino Portugues Coastal tour includes a visit to the Monastery of Santa María de Oia. Click here if you want to learn more about the itinerary.  

Monastery of Santa María de Oia
Monastery of Santa María de Oia

5. The mermaids of the Miño/Minho* River 

The xacias are mythological creatures, half fish and half human, that live in the waters of the Miño/Minho River. They can be found in its depths, along the banks, and even in forts and caves. These mysterious beings are central to many legends in the Ribeira Sacra. According to tradition, the xacias were incredibly beautiful and often fell in love with humans. However, these romances rarely had a happy ending. The Miño River, like many others, was sacred to ancient cultures. They believed its waters were home to fantastic creatures, forming part of a rich water mythology.

Quirky fact about Portuguese Coastal Camino: Xacias of the Miño River
Courtesy of Just History Posts. https://justhistoryposts.com/

Are you ready to experience the fascinating blend of history and mythology of the Camino Portugués along the coast? What we’ve shared is just a glimpse of what awaits you on this unforgettable journey.  

Don’t miss the chance to walk this magical path! Join our Camino Portugués Coastal Tour and create your own adventure along the Portuguese coastline!

*In Spanish the river is called Miño, and in Portuguese it’s Minho; both are pronounced the same way.

AUTHOR

Picture of Jeffery Barrera

Jeffery Barrera

Jeffery is a seasoned Camino tour leader who also works part-time in the Marketing and Media Content Department at Fresco Tours. Originally from the United States, Jeffery now lives in Madrid, Spain, where he earned a BA in Fine Arts. Though he considers himself a Spaniard at heart, he remains deeply proud of his American heritage. Over his 13-year tenure with Fresco Tours, he has led more than 80 tours to Santiago de Compostela. A passionate Camino enthusiast, Jeffery has walked the French, Portuguese, Primitive, English, Gran Canaria, Madrid, Salvador, and Uclés routes. He is also the author of three Camino de Santiago guidebooks, available at BarreraBooks.com.

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