Seeking your wisdom on efficient ways to visit - by rail or bus - a couple of small, non-touristy fishing villages as we travel from Santiago, Spain to Porto in September. Hope to spend 5-7 days, including a day or two in Porto. Is there a train or bus that goes along the coast in that part of NW Spain/Portugal? What towns do you recommend as overnight stops? In advance, thanks!
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11156 posts
Assuming you mean starting in Santiago de Compostela?- In Spain,in the Rias Baixas, look at pretty O Grove and there is a beautiful Parador on the water in Baiona.
In Portugal, Viana do Castelo has a Pousada that overlooks the sea. Guimares is the historic first capital of Portugal. It is not on the water but we enjoyed staying there, lots to see and enjoy. We drove a rental car but there was a train and there were buses between Santiago de C. and Porto when we were there.
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Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
Trains connect Santiago de Compostela north to A Coruna, for instance, or south with stops including Pontevedra, Redondela, and Vigo, but they don't run to the small peninsulas along that coast line. Trains that cross the border from Vigo into Portugal depart only about 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. (actually a little before those times). There are also a couple of international bus companies with one service per day.
You will probably prefer to rent a car, but must pick up and drop off within one country to avoid fees. For instance, drop in Vigo where many offices re-open from 4-7 p.m. (after lunch, in time for the train). Don't expect any car rental activity on Sundays.