Start by enjoying a glass of ruby port in the UNESCO heritage city of Porto
Discover some of Portugal’s most important historic sites
Crossing the Minho river from Portugal to Spain
Walk through the diverse landscapes and charming villages of Northern Portugal and Galicia
The satisfaction of receiving your Compostela in Santiago
Camino Portugués: The traditional inland route from Porto to Santiago
Why choose the Portuguese Way?
The Portuguese Way is the second most popular Camino route and is a great alternative to the Camino Francés for pilgrims looking for something a little different. The route is relatively flat, in comparison to the French Way. It passes through lush forests, vineyards and historic villages along centuries-old paths, and crosses numerous important rivers by way of medieval bridges. This traditional inland route offers an unforgettable experience of rural tranquility and historic towns and villages. Chapels, churches and convents are your constant travel companions on this adventure. The signposting of the route is excellent, especially in the Galician section, and the route is far less crowded than the French Way.
Three different options
The Portuguese Way can be walked all the way from Lisbon (610 km), but the most popular starting point is Portugal’s second largest city, Porto (230 km). If the full route from Porto to Santiago seems a little long, you can also choose to walk only the Portuguese or Spanish sections. Our 9-day trip from Porto to Tui takes you from the UNESCO heritage city all the way to the Spanish border at the River Minho. Our 8-day trip from Tui to Santiago covers the last 100 km from the border to Santiago.
15-DAY TRIP | FULL ROUTE FROM PORTO TO SANTIAGO
€1,455 per person sharing* *A single supplement charge of €380 will apply for solo walkers. |
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9-DAY TRIP | PORTUGUESE SECTION ONLY: FROM PORTO TO TUI
€899 per person sharing* *A single supplement charge of €250 will apply for solo walkers. |
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8-DAY TRIP | SPANISH SECTION ONLY: FROM TUI TO SANTIAGO
€799 per person sharing* *A single supplement charge of €250 will apply for solo walkers. |
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ACCOMMODATION |
In charming hotels and guesthouses in a double room with private bathroom and breakfast. Dinners are included some nights. On the other nights you will stay in towns/villages with a choice of nearby restaurants. | ||||||||||||||||
AVAILABILITY | You can start on any day of the week (subject to availability) all year round. | ||||||||||||||||
INCLUDED ON THE 15-DAY TOUR |
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INCLUDED ON THE 9-DAY TOUR |
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INCLUDED ON THE 8-DAY TOUR |
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NOT INCLUDED |
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OPTIONAL EXTRAS |
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Day 1: Arrival in Porto
Make sure to arrive in plenty of time to explore the UNESCO World Heritage City of Porto. Set on the bank of the Douro River near the Atlantic Ocean, the city is perhaps best known internationally for its famous Port wine. Enjoy a glass or two at one of the countless terrace bars overlooking the river.
Overnight: Porto
Day 2: Porto to Fajozes – 23 km
Starting from the centre of Porto, the first half of this walk takes you gradually out of the city suburbs into the Portuguese countryside. Pay careful attention to your route notes as you follow the maze out of Porto. The route is much more rural from Maia onwards; taking you through tranquil countryside with numerous churches along the way.
It is possible to shorten today’s walk by 11 km and skip the suburban stretch by taking the metro to Maia and starting your walk from there.
Overnight: Fajozes
Day 3: Fajozes to Arcos – 12 km
From Fajozes the Camino starts heading northeast, gradually moving away from the coastline. A little bit outside Fajozes the route crosses an incredible medieval bridge, Dom Zameiro. The first woodlands of this section also appear here, with pine and eucalyptus trees providing shade from the sun.
Overnight: Arcos
Day 4: Arcos to Barcelos – 21 km
This stage takes you through rolling hills and woodlands to the charming market village of Barcelos. You will pass through numerous villages, including Pontegãos, Vila Chã, Porto Carreiro, Santa Cruz, Mercedes, and finally through Barcelinhos, before crossing the medieval bridge and arriving in the main square of Barcelos, complete with Renaissance fountain and one of the largest markets in Europe.
Overnight: Barcelos
Day 5: Barcelos to Balugães – 16 km
Your day begins with a steady climb to Portela and Albergaría. From there, you follow the yellow arrows that lead you along the Camino, past the churches of Vila Boas and Aborim and finally over the 12th century Ponte das Tábuas bridge into Balugães.
Overnight: Balugães
Day 6: Balugães to Ponte da Lima – 19 km
Less villages along the way today, but the scenery more than makes up for it as you wall along rolling green hills and through the tranquil Lima valley to Ponte da Lima; one of Portugal’s oldest and most charming towns situated on the country’s finest medieval bridge.
Overnight: Ponte da Lima
Day 7: Ponte da Lima to Rubiães – 19 km
Regarded as the most difficult stage of the Portuguese Camino, today you will walk next to the Labruja river and through lovely meadows and woodlands. Beginning with a long, steady climb to Alto da Portela Grande (410m), from where you will enjoy splendid views of the surrounding countryside before descending through pine forest and past the church of São Paio in Aqualonga to the rural village of Rubiães.
Because of a lack of accommodation in Rubiães, you will be transferred back to Ponte da Lima at the end of your walk to spend a second night in the historic town.
Overnight: Ponte da Lima
Day 8: Rubiães to Tui – 19 km
Your day begins with a transfer back to Rubiães for the start of your walk to Tui.
Today’s route takes you from Portugal to Spain, as you cross the River Minho over the International Bridge to reach Tui, in Galicia. Tui is a well-preserved medieval town with an impressive Romanesque cathedral. You will mainly walk along quiet country roads and woodland paths.
Overnight: Tui
Day 9: Tui to O Porriño – 17 km
Your first stage in Galicia is a relatively short and easy stage along quiet country roads and woodland paths through the Louro river valley to O Porriño.
Overnight: O Porriño
Day 10: O Porriño to Arcade – 24 km
The terrain becomes easier as you cross the Louro Valley. After a gentle climb you arrive at the chapel of Santiaguino de Antas, which is a pleasant place to take a rest. You then enter a wide expanse of woodland before descending through the hamlet of Setefontes to the seaside town of Arcade, famed for its oysters.
Overnight: Arcade
Day 11: Arcade to Pontevedra – 12 km
Begin by crossing the Verdugo river via the beautiful medieval bridge of Pontesampaio, where Napoleon’s army once suffered a heavy defeat. Continue by climbing the ancient stone paths to the 13th century Church of Santa Maria with its wonderful views over the Bay of Vigo before arriving in Pontevedra. This small riverside city has an impressive heritage; it was once Galicia’s biggest and most important port and it was here that Columbus’ flagship, the Santa María, was built.
Overnight: Pontevedra
Day 12: Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis – 21 km
Gentle paths take you through chestnut groves, pine and eucalyptus woods and along river valleys today. You will pass through lots of typical Galician villages, such as the hamlet of Tivo with its lovely fountain. As you reach Lombo da Maceira, look out for a statue of Saint James with his walking stick, showing pilgrims the way. The Romanesque Church of Santa María welcomes you at the entrance to Caldas de Reis, a spa town where you can rest your weary feet in the hot springs on arrival.
Overnight: Caldas de Reis
Day 13: Caldas de Reis to Padrón – 18 km
Today you will leave Pontevedra province to enter the province of A Coruña – Santiago is getting very close!
This is an easy and very pleasant day of walking through pine forests in two river valleys. Padrón is believed to be place where St. James first preached in Spain, as well as being the arrival point where his body was brought to following his martyrdom in Jerusalem, before it was carried onwards by the disciples to Santiago.
Tasting the world-famous Pimientos de Padrón (Padrón peppers) is a must!
Overnight: Padrón
Day 14: Padrón to Santiago de Compostela – 24 km
The final stage of your journey. As you approach Santiago you will pass through the same villages as the disciples did when carried St. James’ mortal remains to lay them to rest for eternity. There is inevitably some road walking as you approach the city, but you will also walk through some pleasant sections of forest before spotting the spires of the magnificent cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. You can feel the centuries of history as you walk the cobbled streets of its UNESCO-listed old town and enjoy the sense of achievement in completing your journey!
Overnight: Santiago de Compostela
Day 15: Departure from Santiago
Your arrangement ends after breakfast this morning, unless you have booked additional nights.
Day 1: Arrival in Porto
Make sure to arrive in plenty of time to explore the UNESCO World Heritage City of Porto. Set on the bank of the Douro River near the Atlantic Ocean, the city is perhaps best known internationally for its famous Port wine. Enjoy a glass or two at one of the countless terrace bars overlooking the river.
Overnight: Porto
Day 2: Porto to Fajozes – 23 km
Starting from the centre of Porto, the first half of this walk takes you gradually out of the city suburbs into the Portuguese countryside. Pay careful attention to your route notes as you follow the maze out of Porto. The route is much more rural from Maia onwards; taking you through tranquil countryside with numerous churches along the way.
It is possible to shorten today’s walk by 11 km and skip the suburban stretch by taking the metro to Maia and starting your walk from there.
Overnight: Fajozes
Day 3: Fajozes to Arcos – 12 km
From Fajozes the Camino starts heading northeast, gradually moving away from the coastline. A little bit outside Fajozes the route crosses an incredible medieval bridge, Dom Zameiro. The first woodlands of this section also appear here, with pine and eucalyptus trees providing shade from the sun.
Overnight: Arcos
Day 4: Arcos to Barcelos – 21 km
This stage takes you through rolling hills and woodlands to the charming market village of Barcelos. You will pass through numerous villages, including Pontegãos, Vila Chã, Porto Carreiro, Santa Cruz, Mercedes, and finally through Barcelinhos, before crossing the medieval bridge and arriving in the main square of Barcelos, complete with Renaissance fountain and one of the largest markets in Europe.
Overnight: Barcelos
Day 5: Barcelos to Balugães – 16 km
Your day begins with a steady climb to Portela and Albergaría. From there, you follow the yellow arrows that lead you along the Camino, past the churches of Vila Boas and Aborim and finally over the 12th century Ponte das Tábuas bridge into Balugães.
Overnight: Balugães
Day 6: Balugães to Ponte da Lima – 19 km
Less villages along the way today, but the scenery more than makes up for it as you wall along rolling green hills and through the tranquil Lima valley to Ponte da Lima; one of Portugal’s oldest and most charming towns situated on the country’s finest medieval bridge.
Overnight: Ponte da Lima
Day 7: Ponte da Lima to Rubiães – 19 km
Regarded as the most difficult stage of the Portuguese Camino, today you will walk next to the Labruja river and through lovely meadows and woodlands. Beginning with a long, steady climb to Alto da Portela Grande (410m), from where you will enjoy splendid views of the surrounding countryside before descending through pine forest and past the church of São Paio in Aqualonga to the rural village of Rubiães.
Because of a lack of accommodation in Rubiães, you will be transferred back to Ponte da Lima at the end of your walk to spend a second night in the historic town.
Overnight: Ponte da Lima
Day 8: Rubiães to Tui – 19 km
Your day begins with a transfer back to Rubiães for the start of your walk to Tui.
Today’s route takes you from Portugal to Spain, as you cross the River Minho over the International Bridge to reach Tui, in Galicia. Tui is a well-preserved medieval town with an impressive Romanesque cathedral. You will mainly walk along quiet country roads and woodland paths.
Overnight: Tui
Day 9: Departure from Tui
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning, unless you have booked any additional services with us.
Day 1: Arrival in Tui
Perched on a hill across the River Minho from Portugal, the Galician town of Tui is a picturesque border town. The town boasts a number of historic monuments, and the 12th century cathedral should not be missed. You can also take a walk around the picturesque streets or stroll over the International Bridge for a quick visit to Portugal.
Day 2: Tui to O Porriño – 17 km
Starting from the Cathedral of St. Mary in the centre of Tui, the first Galician stage of the Camino Portugués is relatively short and easy. You will follow quiet country roads and woodland paths through the Louro river valley to O Porriño.
Overnight: O Porriño
Day 3: O Porriño to Arcade – 24 km
The terrain becomes easier as you cross the Louro Valley. After a gentle climb you arrive at the chapel of Santiaguino de Antas, which is a pleasant place to take a rest. You then enter a wide expanse of woodland before descending through the hamlet of Setefontes to the seaside town of Arcade, famed for its oysters.
Overnight: Arcade
Day 4: Arcade to Pontevedra – 12 km
Begin by crossing the Verdugo river via the beautiful medieval bridge of Pontesampaio, where Napoleon’s army once suffered a heavy defeat. Continue by climbing the ancient stone paths to the 13th century Church of Santa Maria with its wonderful views over the Bay of Vigo before arriving in Pontevedra. This small riverside city has an impressive heritage; it was once Galicia’s biggest and most important port and it was here that Columbus’ flagship, the Santa María, was built.
Overnight: Pontevedra
Day 5: Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis – 21 km
Gentle paths take you through chestnut groves, pine and eucalyptus woods and along river valleys today. You will pass through lots of typical Galician villages, such as the hamlet of Tivo with its lovely fountain. As you reach Lombo da Maceira, look out for a statue of Saint James with his walking stick, showing pilgrims the way. The Romanesque Church of Santa María welcomes you at the entrance to Caldas de Reis, a spa town where you can rest your weary feet in the hot springs on arrival.
Overnight: Caldas de Reis
Day 6: Caldas de Reis to Padrón – 18 km
Today you will leave Pontevedra province to enter the province of A Coruña – Santiago is getting very close!
This is an easy and very pleasant day of walking through pine forests in two river valleys. Padrón is believed to be place where St. James first preached in Spain, as well as being the arrival point where his body was brought to following his martyrdom in Jerusalem, before it was carried onwards by the disciples to Santiago.
Tasting the world-famous Pimientos de Padrón (Padrón peppers) is a must!
Overnight: Padrón
Day 7: Padrón to Santiago de Compostela – 24 km
The final stage of your journey. As you approach Santiago you will pass through the same villages as the disciples did when carried St. James’ mortal remains to lay them to rest for eternity. There is inevitably some road walking as you approach the city, but you will also walk through some pleasant sections of forest before spotting the spires of the magnificent cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. You can feel the centuries of history as you walk the cobbled streets of its UNESCO-listed old town and enjoy the sense of achievement in completing your journey!
Overnight: Santiago de Compostela
Day 8: Departure from Santiago
Your arrangement ends after breakfast this morning, unless you have booked additional nights.
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