When they talk to you about the Way of St. James, this is the second busiest route and is experiencing strong growth in pilgrims, both the Central Way and the one that comes from the Coast. Within this, there are some stages that we consider more interesting and we are delighted to explain them to you so that you can get to know them better before embarking on them.
We know that this experience will be unique and one that you will remember forever. We will help you experience this “adventure” your way and assist you with planning your Way based on our extensive experience.
You can start the Way at any location along the route and finish it wherever you wish, whether in Santiago de Compostela or another town along the Way – it’s up to you.
When they talk to you about the Way of St. James, this is the second busiest route and is experiencing strong growth in pilgrims, both the Central Way and the one that comes from the Coast. Within this, there are some stages that we consider more interesting and we are delighted to explain them to you so that you can get to know them better before embarking on them.
We know that this experience will be unique and one that you will remember forever. We will help you experience this “adventure” your way and assist you with planning your Way based on our extensive experience.
You can start the way in any town along the route and finish it the same way.
You can start the Way wherever you want, in Santiago de Compostela or in another town along the Way – you decide.
Most of the route runs through our neighboring country (Portugal).
The Jacobean cult has had in the Portuguese Way, a fundamental territory to understand the true international dimension of the phenomenon of pilgrimages. This route gained relevance from the 12th century, after Portugal's independence, where the flow of pilgrims to the North of the Peninsula was establishing cultural, economic, and spiritual ties, across borders. Its layout inherits old roads and paths, such as the Via XIX, built in the 1st century AD, which connected Braga with Astorga, through Ponte de Lima, Tui, Pontevedra, Santiago, and Lugo, and was one of the most important Roman roads. Due to the pilgrimage to Santiago, a significant part of its road network was configured from South to North, taking into account the Way of St. James, so throughout it. A long Way, about 650 Kms, from Lisbon to Santiago de Compostela that millions of pilgrims have traveled, to kneel before the Apostle's tomb, equivalent in distance and historical importance to the French Way, the Northern Way, or the Via de la Plata. From Porto (Central Way), it moves inland through towns like Barcelos, Ponte de Lima, and Valença do Minho, from where it enters Galicia through Tui, already in Spain, continues through Porriño, Redondela, Pontevedra, Caldas de Reis, Padrón, where the ancient "Pedrón" is kept, and finally, Santiago.
There are numerous reasons for us to make our pilgrimage to Santiago via this historic route, among which we cite the most important:
It’s a journey through the history of the culture of Spain and Portugal, so close yet so far in many aspects, with countless common ties that have produced an interaction of knowledge, traditions, and historical events of enormous importance in the course of history.
Now that you know what this route offers for the pilgrim, you might be envisioning the journey in your head. It sounds very beautiful, and the truth is that it is, but for an excellent experience, it is essential to plan the Portuguese Way:
Best Time to Walk the Portuguese Way
The choice of the best time to walk the French Way depends on various factors such as climate, the influx of pilgrims, and personal preferences. Traditionally, the busiest months are from May to September, taking advantage of the warmer climate and the longer days. However, each season has its own characteristics.
It's an ideal time for many. The landscape comes to life, with green fields and wildflowers. The temperatures are pleasant, although there may be rain. The influx is moderate, which allows for a quieter experience.
Although it is the high season, with more pilgrims on the way and greater activity in towns and cities, you should also consider the high temperatures.
Similar to spring in terms of weather, autumn offers a landscape with ochre tones and cooler temperatures. There are fewer pilgrims, allowing for a more introspective and peaceful experience.
It is the least crowded time. Some sections can be challenging due to cold, snow, or rain. However, it is ideal for those seeking solitude and reflection. It's crucial to check the availability of accommodations as many close during this season.
The distance to be covered varies significantly depending on the pilgrim and their planning. On average, you should walk between 20 and 25 kilometers per day, although you will always decide what you want to do. It's important to take into account the terrain conditions and the weather. Some stages can be more challenging due to steep terrain or adverse weather conditions, which could reduce the distance covered in a day. Planning ahead, taking these variables into consideration, ensures a more comfortable and satisfying experience. Finally, flexibility is key. Each pilgrim should adjust the daily distance according to their needs and abilities, ensuring a memorable and enriching journey.
The Portuguese Way is a safe itinerary for pilgrims thanks to good signage, established infrastructure, and the presence of other walkers and locals, who can help, guide, or advise you on any needs you may have. However, as with any trip, it's important to take certain precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, mainly knowing the places you will pass through and the emergency phone numbers of each country (usually 112), as well as having one of the numerous guides and applications that provide extensive information on the route to follow. The route is well marked with the famous yellow arrows, scallop shells, and other types of signs, minimizing the risk of getting lost.
Although you decide your Way, the stages you take and the route will depend, to a large extent, on the time you have available to do it, the final destination, and the kilometers you want to walk per day.
As a guide, the “usual” stages tend to be 20 to 25 Kms per day.
However, there are some “typical” routes that the majority of pilgrims usually take, to some extent, because they coincide with localities that have acceptable services, both for accommodation and for food, health, etc.
We mention some of the most common stretches. that are usually done, depending on what was previously explained:
From Porto to Tui (8 days)
From Tui to Santiago de Compostela (7 days)
*You can design your route as you wish, both in terms of distance per stage and days on the Way.
Just like if you do the Way on foot, there are no totally defined stages if you want to do the Way by bicycle, as it will depend on what was previously exposed for the walking routes.
As a general rule, cyclists tend to do stages of 40/60 Kms per day.
We will mention some of the most common stages:
Stage 1: Porto to Barcelos (52 Kms)
Stage 2: Barcelos to Tui (74 Kms)
Stage 3: Tui to Pontevedra (52 Kms)
Stage 5: Pontevedra to Santiago de Compostela (64 Kms)
In case you still have doubts, we will answer the most common questions regarding the Portuguese Way:
The Portuguese Way is the most traditional route. It leaves from Lisbon or Porto and heads into the interior of Portugal towards Santiago de Compostela. Unlike the Portuguese Coastal Way, which follows the Atlantic line, this route crosses cities historical and rural landscapes of Portugal and Galicia, staying away from the coast.
The most popular starting points for the Portuguese Camino are Porto and Vigo. From Porto, the route is approximately 240 kilometers to Santiago, and from Vigo, it’s about 102 kilometers, the minimum distance required to obtain the Compostela.
Yes, it is possible to adjust the duration according to your preferences and availability.
Normally, the full stretch from Porto to Santiago de Compostela takes between 10 and 14 days on foot, walking between 20 and 25 kilometers daily. However, if you have less time, you can combine stages. For example, starting from Ponte de Lima and finishing in Redondela. Similarly, it is possible to begin your journey from cities like Tui or Pontevedra, reducing the walking days.
And if you prefer a slower pace and want to extend the number of stages, Mundiplus can help. Just consult with us, and we will propose some options for you.
Yes, in fact it is considered one of the most accessible and suitable routes for beginners. The terrain is hardly mountainous, and the infrastructure along the way is well developed, making access to accommodation and services easy. In addition, the signage is clear and the route is moderately busy, allowing for a calmer pace.
Among the most important stages of the Portuguese Camino, the following stand out:
The best time to do the Portuguese Camino is in spring (April to June) or in autumn (September and October). During these seasons, the weather is pleasant, and there are fewer pilgrims compared to the summer, allowing for a more peaceful and comfortable experience.
The terrain of the Portuguese Camino is varied, but generally gentle, with stretches of asphalt, dirt paths, and rural roads. It does not feature significant elevation changes, although there are some climbs, such as in the stage from Ponte de Lima to Rubiaes.
We recommend wearing comfortable, waterproof trekking shoes with good grip, as some areas can be slippery, especially on rainy days.
The Pilgrim’s Credential can be obtained at various parishes, hostels, and Camino friends’ associations in the main cities along the route, such as Lisbon, Porto, or Tui. It can also be requested in Santiago or at the tourist offices in the cities along the Camino.
Yes, the Portuguese Camino is suitable for cycling. In fact, it is one of our services. However, keep in mind that some parts of the route, such as cobbled or rural sections, can be more challenging. It is recommended to use a mountain bike and be prepared to divert or walk through the more difficult stretches. We remind you that cyclists must cover at least 200 km to obtain the Compostela.
