Portuguese Camino de Santiago

You arrive in Porto, a city of river views, tiled façades and lively streets. 
Take time to explore the historic centre, stroll along the Douro River, or enjoy a relaxed dinner — tomorrow, the Camino begins.

After breakfast, you meet a member of our team who drives you to Mosteiró, your starting point for the Portuguese Camino. This transfer allows you to avoid busy roads and shortens the first walking day, making for a more enjoyable introduction.

As you walk, you’ll notice the gradual shift from urban surroundings to a more rural landscape. The route passes through Vilarinho, then crosses a beautiful medieval bridge over the River Ave before reaching the village of Arcos, where your first stage comes to an end.

Distance: 17 km

You leave Arcos and walk toward the ancient village of Rates, home to an impressive Romanesque church. The path continues through small villages such as Courel and Pedra Furada, following rural roads through farmland and quiet countryside.

The stage ends in Barcelos, a lively town known for its historic centre and strong local traditions. You’ll find plenty of restaurants here, making it an ideal place to relax after the day’s walk.

Distance: 20 km

Leaving Barcelos, you follow minor roads into increasingly rural surroundings. Along the way, you may see small-scale farming and encounter local villagers going about their daily lives.

The route passes through the villages of Tamel and Aboim, before reaching the River Neiva and crossing a medieval bridge just before the village of Balugães, where you spend the night in a peaceful countryside setting.

Distance: 15 km

Today’s walk follows rural roads through open countryside, leading to a particularly memorable arrival in Ponte de Lima, one of the most picturesque towns on the Portuguese Camino.

Plan your timing to enjoy the historic centre, its gardens and the riverside atmosphere. In the evening, choose from a wide range of restaurants and try local dishes such as polvo à lagareiro or bacalhau com broa, paired with a glass of Loureiro white wine.

Distance: 18 km

You leave the medieval charm of Ponte de Lima behind and return to quieter rural landscapes. Midway through the stage, you reach Labruja Mountain, where a steady 2 km uphill stretch marks the most demanding climb of the Portuguese Camino.

The effort is rewarded with wide views over the surrounding countryside. Once over the hill, the route becomes gentler, leading you comfortably to Cossourado.

Distance: 22 km

The day begins by leaving the Coura Valley, followed by a gentle climb toward São Bento da Porta Aberta. The path continues through fields and brushwood, maintaining a quiet, rural feel.

You arrive in Valença do Minho, a striking fortress town overlooking the river that marks the border with Spain. Enjoy dinner in one of the many local restaurants within the historic walls.

Distance: 13 km

Cross the Minho River and enter Spain, arriving in the medieval town of Tui. Before continuing, take time to visit its impressive Gothic cathedral.

From Tui, the route follows the Louro Valley, passing through forest paths and crossing a stone-slab bridge into a wetland area rich in birdlife. The day ends in O Porriño, known for its distinctive Gothic town hall.

Distance: 20 km

Leaving Porriño, you walk through the forest of Chan das Pipas, enjoying shaded paths and a quieter atmosphere.

In Redondela, the central and coastal Portuguese routes merge, bringing more pilgrims together. The stage ends in Arcade, a small town famous for its oysters and relaxed coastal feel.

Distance: 22 km

One of the shortest and most enjoyable stages of the route. You walk through green surroundings and gentle paths, making for a relaxed day.

Arriving in Pontevedra, take time to explore the beautifully preserved historic centre, known for its lively squares and excellent tapas bars.

Distance: 13 km

You leave Pontevedra through pleasant countryside, following a route that is longer but technically easy. The landscape remains varied and green, with regular opportunities to rest.

In Caldas de Reis, you can soak your tired feet in the town’s famous thermal springs — a well-deserved reward after the day’s walk.

Distance: 22 km

You’re getting close to Santiago. Leaving Caldas de Reis, the path climbs gently through the wooded area of Valga, passing churches, stone crosses and small rural settlements.

The stage ends in Padrón, a town closely linked to the legend of St James and an important milestone on the Camino.

Distance: 19 km

Your final walking day follows mostly rural paths. The last section is the most demanding, but the sense of anticipation grows with every step.

You enter Santiago de Compostela, making your way through the historic streets to the cathedral, where the journey reaches its symbolic conclusion.

Distance: 25 km

After breakfast, it’s time to prepare for your onward journey. If time allows, enjoy a final walk through Santiago’s old town before leaving.

The Camino Portuguese from Porto o Santiago is ideal if you’re looking for a complete and well-balanced Camino experience, combining culture, nature and a steady walking rhythm. The route follows the Central Portuguese Way, with mostly moderate terrain, clearly marked paths and a good mix of rural tracks, villages and historic towns.

Daily distances are generally manageable, with one more demanding stage over Labruja Mountain. A basic level of fitness and some walking experience are recommended, but no technical skills are required.
If you enjoy walking through varied landscapes, discovering local traditions and moving at a thoughtful, unhurried pace, this itinerary is an excellent choice.

For our trips, we always choose accommodation with private rooms and private bathrooms. In rare cases, shared accommodations or shared bathrooms may be provided, so we recommend carefully checking the inclusions section to understand the type of accommodation included in the trip you are interested in.  

We place great importance on the choice of accommodations and select hotels with care and attention. We understand how essential it is to rest well after a day of walking. We always prefer cozy and characteristic establishments, preferably family-run, that fully embody the spirit of the place and offer hospitality with courtesy and comfort.  

Where, due to the nature of the route, accommodation options are limited, we choose the one that best aligns with our standards.