Camino Portugués: Porto to Santiago

The Camino Portugués to Santiago de Compostela is an increasingly popular network of coastal and inland paths leading generally north from Lisbon to Santiago first in Portugal and then into Spain. A start in Porto is most enjoyable, and to get a taste of the coastal route, our itinerary heads north to Vila do Conde then branches inland to enjoy the stronger infrastructure and increasingly pilgrim-oriented vibe of the central route. Along the way, enjoy a rest day at charming Ponte de Lima with its eponymous multi-arched bridge and many historic monuments and churches. After the calm and tranquil beachside and rural areas, pass into Spain at Tui before coming to the dynamic and beautiful Spanish city of Pontevedra. Just before Santiago, pimientos de Padrón (fried peppers) in the town that made them famous. Your entry to Santiago de Compostela comes after a walk of 12 days and 244 kilometers (152 miles) which earns you a compostela completion certificate and a day of rest to explore this legendary Galician capital that has been a pilgrim destination for over 1000 years.

Daily Schedule – Porto to Santiago:

Day 1. Arrive in Porto. You made it! Settle in and relax. Overnight in Porto

Day 2. Explore Porto. You start your trip from the second largest city of Portugal, one of the oldest European centers and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the beautiful Cathedral, the Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque style churches, and the interesting tile work on many buildings. In addition, it has a great public transport system, the buses and light rail are quick and comfortable. Overnight in Porto

Day 3. Walk 10.0km from Porto to Matosinhos. Your first day’s walk starts at the Cathedral (Sé do Porto) where you will walk down to the Duoro River and follow it north to where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. There will be others walking with you on this paved almost level promenade enjoying the river and city views, the parks, street vendors, and places to restaurants. Don’t forget to enjoy the seafood and the pasteis de nata! You’ll know that you’ve reached the beginning of Matosinhos when you see the Forte de São Francisco Xavier (Fortress of Saint Francis Xavier) also called Castelo do Queijo (Cheese Castle). 

Day 4. Walk 23.0km from Matosinhos to Vila do Conde. Yesterday was your warmup! Today is just a bit longer. Depending on where you’ve stayed, you’ll walk through Matosinhos, with the ocean on your left and cross the bridge (Ponte móvel de Leça) going past the Port of Leixões, a sheltered port constructed at the end of the 19th century with Leixões Cruise Terminal and the large oil refinery of Galp Energia. You’ll pass by the Farol de Boa Nova (Lighthouse of Boa Nova) and there will be many signs indicating various points of interest. Otherwise, your view today is of beautiful beaches, always on your left and walking on boardwalk or pavement just a few feet from the beach. Or you could walk on the beach! Soon you’ll have to go a bit inland to cross the Ave River bridge to enter Vila do Conde.

Day 5. Walk 26.4km from Vila do Conde to Barcelos. Today is your transition day from the Atlantic Coast to Barcelos on the Central Caminho. This will be a long day with small, sometimes busy roads through the small town of Arca and then São Pedro de Rates and its historic church and museum. Continue from there on dirt or cobbled roads and rolling hills through the small town of Pedra Furada until you arrive in Barcelos. 

Day 6. Walk 33.5km from Barcelos to Ponte di Lima. Another long, but picturesque stage on country lanes with rolling hills. You pass several small chapels, crosses, shrines, and churches enroute. Medieval bridges and a few short forest sections add to the variety of the day. Also, many places to rest and get food or water as needed. You can choose to divide this stage and stay in Balugães (15.1km) or Facha (24.3km) or do the entire stage and have a rest day in Ponte di Lima.

Day 7. Rest day in Ponte di Lima. Portugal’s oldest village (established in 1125), you walk along the Rio Lima (Lima River) before you get to it and cross a bridge originally constructed by the Romans. With its medieval quarter, ancient town walls and beautiful gardens Ponte di Lima is a great place to have a rest day. You can and try out the Vinho Verde, a young, sparkling wine that’s popular and produced here. 

Day 8. Walk 17.9km from Ponte di Lima to Rubiães. Stock up on water and food before leaving today. You’ll walk through what’s considered the hardest section of this Caminho. Cafés are in Arcozelo and Revolta, but otherwise you walk a combination of paved, dirt and cobbled lanes crossing many Roman bridges through the countryside until you reach Portela Grande, the highest part of this stage at about 400 meters. After that it’s about 7km downhill to Rubiães.

Day 9. Walk 19.5km from Rubiães to Tui. This stage is very different from the last. Today you’ll climb another 100 meters then have a steep descent to Fontoura. After that there are small rolling hills through beautiful forest and woodland until you reach the last Portugues town on this walk, the walled 13th century hilltop village of Valença. From there you’ll cross the International Bridge over the River Minho and take your first step into Spain.

Day 10. Walk 16.8km from Tui to O Porriño. As you begin your day you also begin the official last 100km to Santiago. Don’t forget to get your credencial (pilgrim passport) stamped twice each day so that you’ll be eligible for a Compostela when you arrive in Santiago. Leaving Tui you’ll be walking on paved or dirt roads through woodlands close to the River Louro until just before Orbenlle. Here you decide whether you want to take the slightly shorter (total difference is 1.2km) industrial route along a highway or continue along the river 8.8km until you reach O Porriño. 

Day 11. Walk 22.6km from O Porriño to Arcade. Today’s walk from this small mining and industrial town starts easily enough for about 6km until reaching the small town of Mos. After that, you’ll climb first to Capela de Santiaguiño de Antas, a 17th century chapel in a park at the top of the first hill. Then you’ll walk downhill to Redondela and then climb again to the Alto de Lomba, a smaller hill. Starting in Redondela you will sometimes be able to see the Ria de Vigo on your left, a large bay flowing from the Atlantic Ocean. Arriving at Redondela you will join the Coastal route that you walked for the first three days. A very scenic day with places to stop and rest abide. After leaving Arcade, known for its oysters, you’ll start walking uphill after crossing the River Verdugo to the out every three kilometers.

Day 12. Walk 12.8km from Arcade to Pontevedra. Today is a combination of paved and dirt roads and forest tracks through the countryside. After leaving Arcade, known for its oysters, you’ll start walking uphill after crossing the River Verdugo to the Alto da Canicouva before going downhill and having a level walk into Pontevedra. However, after the Alto, you’ll need to choose between different paths; either following the highway or walking along a peaceful river path. 

Day 13. Walk 21.2km from Pontevedra to Caldas de Rei. Pontevedra is a delightful medium-sized town on the Ria de Pontevedra with great restaurants, bridges and a remarkable church called the Capela da Virxe Peregrina. Constructed in the 18th century the façade has an image of the Virgin as a pilgrim between San Roque and St. James. Cross the River Lérez on the Ponte de Burgo (Burgo Bridge) and you’ll be starting a day walking along country lanes or dirt tracks past gardens, creeks, and vineyards. Three kilometers outside of Pontevedra you’ll soon see the sign indicating the crossroads for turning left onto the Spiritual Variant. This variant might be good to do the next time!

Day 14. Walk 18.6km from Caldas de Rei to Padrón. Before you leave, be sure that you try out the thermal waters of Caldas de Rei. Royalty and Romans enjoyed the spa treatments here. Leaving Caldas de Rei, you’ll have just a couple of places to rest, so be sure to take some snacks with you to last until you are close to Padrón. Other than that, a very pleasant walk along small roads and paths through woodlands and near creeks. You’ll have a couple of bridges to cross also until arriving at Pontecesures bridge, where the Spiritual Variant rejoins the Camino. From there it’s just a short walk to Padrón.

Day 15. Walk 24.9km from Padrón to Santiago de Compostela. This is the final stage of your Camino. You leave Padrón, the home of the famous peppers and a town also rich in Camino history. Today is a walk-through small villages, crossing bridges though sometimes you meet up with the N-550 highway. Soon you’ll find yourself on the outskirts of Santiago close to the Parque da Alameda before you walk through parts of the University of Santiago to reach the Praza do Obradoiro and the Santiago Cathedral.

Day. 16. Rest day in Santiago. There is so much to see! If you haven’t already, you’ll want to head to the pilgrim office to obtain your Compostela certificate. Then you can attend the noon pilgrim mass at the Cathedral. You may want to absorb the pilgrim vibe in Plaza Obradoiro as other pilgrims make their entry to the city. It’s also fun to walk through the Old City and explore the back alleys and shops. Most of all, relax after a great journey of many miles. You did it!

Day 17. Depart Santiago De Compostela for further adventures!

Map – Porto to Santiago de Compostela

Accommodation Options

The Camino famously features dormitory housing on bunk beds, where travelers are challenged to adjust to the rhythm of snoring and strange sounds in the night. Instead, all Pilgrim Paths package itineraries select private single or double rooms in pilgrim hostels or simple hotels so you get the best rest possible to prepare for the coming day’s walk.

Standard Level Accommodation

Standard Plus+ Accommodations

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Recommended packing list

This comprehensive packing list is designed to help you be well-prepared for a great pilgrimage hike experience. Participants must be prepared for rain, blisters, bugs, sun and potential emergencies. We ask that you carefully prepare yourself by going through this list in detail well before departure, and then bringing along each item. 

  • Backpack — In pilgrimage, your pack becomes your home. You will come to carry it with love and care, or with anger and resentment. Along the way, as each step weighs heavy, you’ll consider at great length what is necessary to hold within. The following is a list of things to consider for your pack of choice:
    • A 35-liter pack is fine for the average build
    • Backpack rain cover: for the wetter days
    • A hip strap fit just above the hips and a chest strap to help the burden on your shoulders. Return to Top
  • Outdoor clothes and shoes/boots — The first rule for outdoor clothes is: no cotton. It’s cold when wet and dries slowly after washing. The second rule is layer your clothes for warmth — add and subtract clothes when cold or hot. The third rule is to be prepared for rain.
    • Hiking shorts (at least 1 pair) — poly material, lightweight and quick-dry, with zip pocket for money. Stretchable, breathable material is best. 
    • Long pants (1 pair) — Again, lightweight poly material is best. Quick drying feature allows these to be used as rain pants.
    • Short sleeve running/hiking shirts (2 shirts) — These are sometimes called “technical t-shirts” and should be in a lightweight wool or poly material. On warm days it’s great to have one of your shirts be very light and breathable in a light color. 
    • Long sleeve running/hiking shirt (1 shirt) — This is primarily a base layer for cold or wet days, but can also be good as a sun layer when it’s sunny but not too hot. 
    • Underwear (3 sets) — As always, poly material for quick drying. Very lightweight for coolness. Why three? One set is worn during the day, one set is to change into after hiking, one stays in your day pack in case you need a change while hiking. 
    • Socks (3 pair) — We recommend lightweight, wool trekking socks, but snug, wool biking socks are even better. The goal is a very tight fit to keep your foot from moving around inside your sock. One pair stays in your day pack in case you need to change them on a wet or sweaty day. 
    • Trail runners or hiking shoes (1 pair) — Whether you choose a hiking boot or shoe is personal preference, but we strongly recommend choosing the thickest, most cushioned sole available with a very “toothy” tread for steep, gravelly inclines. Trail runners make a great choice since they’re cool. We prefer the Olympus 5 shoes, which offer a wide toe box, grippy sole, and lots of cushion for long days.
    • Rain jacket — This important item should be a breathable material e.g. GoreTex, with sealed seams. As well as protecting from rain, this jacket is your wind-proof layer, so it should always be in our pack in order to provide a quick warm-up in a chill wind. 
    • Warm layer fleece jacket or down sweater — This doubles as a mid-layer and as a sweater for cool evenings. 
    • Sun/rain hat – You’ll want a hat with a wide brim to protect your face, ears and neck from sun exposure. It’s also useful on cold and/or rainy days for warmth and rain protection. 
    • Sunglasses 
    • CamelBak or other water storage – Good hydration is vital, so plan ahead for plenty of capacity. While there are some fountains along the way we should plan to carry about 1.5-2 liters with us. 
    • Sunblock lotion – The all-day varieties are simplest to use. 
    • Insect repellant — Drop this into your day pack for the occasional use. In general, mosquitoes are not a big problem on our summer trips, but it’s wise to be prepared. Return to Top
  • Smartphone – We advise bringing a smartphone, even if you don’t plan to use it—mainly in case of emergency. If you choose to use one for navigation, we advise using an app like MapMe, Gaia, or PocketEarth.
    • Small plastic bag for smartphone in case of rain 
    • Smartphone charger, power cord, and Euro plug adapter (if you’re from off the continent) Return to Top
  • Blister kit – blisters need prompt attention since nothing can end a walk faster than painful feet. Your blister kit should include:
    • Band-Aids or other self-adhesive bandages in assorted sizes 
    • Paper surgical tape or duct tape 
    • A few small packages of gauze 
    • Vaseline or Glide lubricant (We use HikeGoo)
    • Alcohol/iodine bottle or antiseptic pads 
    • Small pair of scissors (put these in your clear ‘liquids bag’ for check-in at the airport)
    • Compeed or similar medicated pads for pre-blister hot spots Return to Top
  • Optional: Hiking poles — These are a must if you have knee or hip problems and can be very helpful if you don’t. If you are flying with only carry-on baggage plan to bring a shipping tube for your telescoping poles so you can check them since not all security checks at airports allow them in the cabin. 
  • Optional: Camera, camera pouch, charger and plug adapter – You may already have this covered if you’re bringing a smartphone with an internal camera. If you’re particular about your photos, a small camera can meet your needs. 
  • Toilet paper roll and plastic bag – just in case nature calls while you’re on the trail 
  • Camp shoe (1 pair) — These comfortable shoes are for evenings and walking about town. Some use Crocs or Teva sandals for this. Another great choice is for your camp shoe to be a hiking sandal so you can alternate these with your hiking boots/shoes. 
  • Toiletries – toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, shampoo, medicines. You may want to buy liquid consumables when you arrive in Europe rather than trying to pass liquid containers through security check at the airport. 
  • Clothes pins and travel clothesline – While occasionally you will be near laundromats or sometimes you will be able to ask your hotel to clean your clothes, most often it’s best to do laundry in hotel sinks. For that reason it’s great to have a 3-4 meter hiker’s clothesline and 6-8 clothespins for hanging up wet laundry. 
  • Dinner attire – Nothing fancy, but after each day’s hike you’ll want to have something comfortable to wear about town and at dinner. It’s nice not to have to wear sports gear, so a shirt/pants outfit or a simple dress works great. 
  • Swimsuit — There are a couple of options to swim, so bring your suit if you want to take a dip. Return to Top
  • Documents and cards – including
    • Passport and passport photocopy — Make a copy and put it somewhere safe and dry so you have an extra just in case. 
    • Airline/flight info — Bring copies of your reservation information so you easily can find confirmation numbers, flight times, etc. 
    • Waterproof document bag — Your passport should be with you at all times, along with your credential while you’re hiking in a waterproof document bag stored in a safe place. 
    • Pen and paper – Always have a pen with you on the airplane so you can fill out Customs forms before landing. 
    • Debit card(s) and credit card(s) and copies — Breakfast is included as part of your package, but lunches and dinner are “on our own.” Many cafes, food stores and restaurants in rural Europe are “cash only,” so you’ll want to bring your debit card for use at ATMs. No need to buy Euros before your arrival; it’s easiest to get them from an ATM upon arrival in Europe. Make certain you’ve contacted your banks so they know you’re traveling and won’t cancel your card as a caution against fraud. Having a second ATM/Debit card is a good failsafe in case one is lost or not functioning. Credit card — Carry one for emergencies, and again, contact your bank in advance. Copies of your cards — Bring a photocopy of the fronts and backs of any cards so you have the customer service phone numbers available in case of loss or theft. 
  • Guidebook – We provide a printed guidebook; you may want to purchase an e-copy for yourself to reduce the weight in your pack. Return to Top

Pilgrim Paths