Each pilgrim experiences the pilgrimage to Santiago in a unique way. Some seek a physical challenge, others a spiritual connection, and many simply want to enjoy a way filled with history and unforgettable landscapes. Whatever your motivation, walking the Portuguese Way is an experience you will remember forever.
From the first step to your arrival at your destination, we want you to enjoy the experience without worries. We take care of providing everything you need so that your only task is to walk and live the experience. We help you plan your route, manage your luggage, and resolve any unforeseen issues along the way.
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.
If you like walking surrounded by nature in all its splendour, spring is an ideal time. The landscapes of northern Portugal and Galicia are dressed in intense greens and wild flowers, creating a spectacular setting. The temperatures are mild, although rain can still be present.
In addition, the influx of pilgrims is moderate, allowing you to enjoy a balanced experience between tranquillity and company.
For those looking for a more atmospheric experience with a wider range of open services, summer is the best option. The towns and villages along the route are full of life, and hospitality can be felt in every corner. However, temperatures can be high, especially in some parts of Portugal, so it is essential to get up early to avoid the hottest hours.
Golden and reddish hues colour the vineyards and forests of the Portuguese Way, creating a unique atmosphere for pilgrims who choose this season. Temperatures are cooler than in summer, but still pleasant for walking. In addition, the lower crowds allow for a more intimate and leisurely experience, perfect for reflection.
An option for the more adventurous. Although in Galicia rain is frequent and temperatures can be cold, this route does not usually suffer from heavy snowfall like other variants of the Camino. It is a perfect time for those seeking solitude and a deeper connection with the journey. However, it is important to plan the route well, as some accommodations may be closed.
Whatever season you choose, this tour will give you a unique experience. The important thing is to adapt the trip to your needs and prepare to enjoy every step.
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 starts from Lisbon or Porto and heads inland through Portugal to Santiago de Compostela. Unlike the Portuguese Way by the Coast, which follows the Atlantic coastline, this route crosses historic cities and rural landscapes of Portugal and Galicia, staying away from the coastline.
The most popular starting points of the Portuguese Way are Porto and Vigo. From Porto, the route is approximately 240 kilometers to Santiago, and from Vigo, it is 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 entire 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. It is also possible to start your journey from cities like Tui or Pontevedra, reducing the walking days.
And if what you need is to take a more relaxed pace and extend the number of stages, we at Mundiplus can also help you. Just consult with us, and we will suggest some options.
Yes, in fact, it is considered one of the most accessible and suitable routes for beginners. The terrain is not very mountainous, and the infrastructure along the way is well-developed, which makes access to accommodations and services easier. Additionally, the signage is clear, and the route is moderately trafficked, allowing for a more relaxed pace.
Among the most important stages of the Portuguese Way, the following stand out:
The best time to undertake the Portuguese Way 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 Way is varied, but generally gentle, with stretches of asphalt, dirt paths, and rural roads. It doesn’t have significant elevation changes, although there are some uphill sections, such as in the stage from Ponte de Lima to Rubiaes.
We recommend wearing comfortable trekking shoes that are waterproof and provide good grip, as some areas can be slippery, especially on rainy days.
The Credential of the Pilgrim can be obtained at various parishes, hostels, and associations of friends of the Camino 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 the Camino passes through.
Yes, the Portuguese Way is suitable for cycling. In fact, it is one of our services. However, remember that some parts of the route, such as cobbled or rural sections, can be more challenging. It is recommended to opt for a mountain bike and be prepared to detour or walk on the more difficult stretches. We remind you that cyclists must cover at least 200 km to obtain the Compostela.
