Camino Portuguese Routes

August 27, 2018 Yolandi van der Wath
Camino Portuguese Routes

Camino Portuguese Main Route

The Central and original Camino Portuguese stays inland along ancient Roman roads, crossing numerous Roman and medieval bridges as it winds through the lush, green hills of Portugal’s Douro and Minho regions, before entering Galicia in Spain. This was a popular route chosen by many pilgrims in medieval times. The Section north of Porto, in particular, is characterised by cobbled roads and forest paths surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards and farmland.

The last stop in Portugal is the fortified town of Valença, which overlooks the River Minho, the border between Portugal and Spain. This is also the last opportunity to enjoy a delicious pastel de nata or have a glass of the delightfully sweet Portuguese digestif, Licor Beirão.

Start at Porto
  • Total Nights: 14   l   Total Walking Days: 12   l  Total Distance: 211 km

 

Now, pilgrims cross the International Bridge over the River Minho to enter Tui, in Spain’s Galician region. Tui is a popular starting point for pilgrims with limited time, as starting here fulfils the minimum 100km distance required to receive the Compostela. Tui’s 12th and 13th century cathedral is exceptional, as are the river views from its walls. Buying fish-shaped almond biscuits from the nuns of Convento das Clarisas through the rotating window in Tui is a memorable experience, so be sure to try it. The following days through Galicia often follow the Via XIX Roman Road and continue to be punctuated with rolling green hills and eucalyptus forest trails.

Continue walking or start at tui 
  • Total Nights: 7   l   Total Walking Days: 6   l  Total Distance: 120 km

SLOW Camino Portuguese Main Route

start at tui 
  • Total Nights: 10   l   Total Walking Days: 9   l  Total Distance: 122 km

Camino Portuguese Coastal

The Portuguese Coastal Camino route is ideal for those who love coastal scenery and for more adventurous walkers. This ‘younger’ Camino doesn’t always hug the coastline, although it’s spectacular when it does. This route is characterised by cobbled roads, esplanades, boardwalks, sea views and forest paths.

With its sunny climate, gorgeous beaches, picturesque towns, historical sites and delicious food, the Portuguese Camino is the perfect destination to hike, feast, dance and relax.

If you’ve been following the Coastal Camino all the way to Vigo, then the next town is Redondela or Cesantes (about 90 km from Santiago), where you join the Central Camino in time to pass through the wonderful areas of Pontevedra, Caldas de Reis and Padrón before arriving in Santiago de Compostela.

Start at Porto - VIGO
  • Total Nights: 9   l   Total Walking Days: 9   l  Total Distance: 264 km
Start at  VIGO - Santiago
  • Total Nights: 7   l  Total Walking Days: 5   l  Total Distance: 103 km

CAMINO PORTUGUESE MAIN & COASTAL COMBINED 

If you’d like just a taste of the Central or Coastal Caminos, consider using one of the three link routes between the two. For example, you could follow the coastline from Porto to Vila do Conde, then take the link route to São Pedro de Rates and continue along the Central Camino. Alternatively, you could take the Central Camino to São Pedro de Rates, then use the link route to Esposende and continue along the Coastal Camino, which passes through the beautiful city of Viana do Castelo. Another option would be to take the Coastal Camino to Caminha, on the border of Portugal and Spain, then follow the link route along the River Minho to Valença, where you join the Central Camino as it enters Spain across the International Bridge into Tui.

Contact us to explore this custom-made option.

Camino Portuguese Spiritual Variant

Lastly, there is also a variant called "The Spiritual" route or "Variante Espiritual" due to the number of monasteries you pass. This is an optional route between Pontevedra to Padrón with the final stage completed by boat. According to tradition, the route follows the last part of the journey of the remains of the apostle Saint James (Santiago in Spanish) from Jerusalem to the Iberian Peninsula. 

This variant change route from Pontevedra

 

General Information

Included in the package:

  • Pre-booked accommodation with breakfast included. Dinner can be included on request. All our accommodation are in private rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Lodging are 1 & 2* star but up-grades to 3 - 4 * are possible
  • Daily luggage transfers. 1 bag/ suitcase per pilgrim: 18 kg maximum
  • Pilgrim Registrations: We provide credentials and visa letters for your Schengen Visa application
  • Camino preparation material: 12 week training program and "what to pack" suggestions
  • Google Maps pins for easy navigation to your hotel each day
  • 24 hour assistance during your Camino
  • Assistance with booking transfers (trains/ busses/ taxi's) to your starting point.

Excluded in the package:

  • International flights
  • Transfers to your starting point and on the day of departure (we will assist with the bookings)
  • Meals other than breakfasts
  • Travel Insurance: This is compulsory and comprehensive insurance is advisable