Identity experiences on the Portuguese Coastal Way to Santiago.

Abstract

Given the growing popularity and increasing interest in the Portuguese Coastal Way to Santiago in recent decades, and especially in recent years, this article aims to understand the cultural and aesthetic experience that unfolds along this specific route, focusing on northwestern Portugal as its fieldwork. The article cross-references diverse sources to understand the historical and patrimonial aspects of this important – and emerging – cultural itinerary. Adopting a distinctly qualitative approach, it uses documentary and content analysis, as well as interviews and research with pilgrims, particularly in the communities of Labruge and Rates, to which we add testimonies collected from the official website of the coastal route. The ultimate goal is to understand to what extent this tourism product can constitute an opportunity for the enjoyment of new aesthetic experiences.