Camino Portuguese Monday 04/05/2026 Rest Day Baiona

Monday, 4th May 2026 – Rest Day

We kicked off the day with a late breakfast and a stunning view from our window. The Parador overlooked the water, which glittered in the morning sun—just gorgeous. But by the time we were ready to head into town, the rain had started. So instead, we explored the Parador itself. Honestly, it felt like wandering through a museum—every corner filled with art, tapestries, and ornately carved tables. There were little lounge areas everywhere, perfect for sitting, reading, or just doing nothing.

After a while, we checked the weather again and set off along the walkway around the old fort wall. Naturally, we got a little sidetracked along the way. The fortress is preserved in spectacular condition. A full three kilometers of defensive walls encircle the peninsula, and you can walk along most of them . We followed the Paseo de Monte Boi—a looped walk that offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the bay, the Cíes Islands, and the wild Atlantic beyond . Also, on March 10, 1493 at the port of Baiona, the caravel La Pinta from Columbus's famous voyage—docked here. Baiona became the very first European port to receive news of the discovery of America . How incredible is that? 

Eventually, we made it into town to visit the farmacia and the mercado, stocking up for the next day. We’d read that services would be few and far between, so we grabbed bananas, bread rolls, ham, cheese, tomatoes, donuts, chocolate, lollies… and ice cream for the walk back. That covered morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and snacks. I also popped into a yarn shop and bought some needles and wool—something to keep my hands busy at night.

Back at the hotel, we settled in for lunch: hamburgers and pizza. And then we waited. And waited. Finally, the waitress came over to apologise—they’d burnt the pizza and were making a fresh one. We didn’t eat until after 3:00pm.

Turns out the cable for the circular needles I bought was too long, so Julie and I walked back to the shop, only to find it closed for siesta. I thought about trying again at 5:00pm, but instead asked reception to call. Still closed. They tried again half an hour later—and the shop didn’t have a smaller size anyway.

So the afternoon was spent resting, all of us taking it slow. Some days, that’s exactly what you need.