This itinerary offers a complete experience of the Central Portuguese Way, with a mix of natural landscapes, historical heritage, and spirituality.
Departure: The walk starts at Porto’s Cathedral, a fortified cathedral offering an impressive view of the city. The cathedral is the official starting point for many pilgrims.
Route: The walk begins through the cobbled streets of Porto’s historic center. After crossing the D. Luís I Bridge, the path follows the Vila Nova de Gaia side, passing through more suburban and industrial areas. After crossing the Douro River, the landscape transitions to agricultural fields and quieter villages.
Points of Interest: The Church of São Pedro de Rates (a short detour), one of the oldest Romanesque churches in Portugal.
Arrival: Vilarinho, a quiet village offering simple accommodation for pilgrims. It’s an ideal place to rest after the first day.
Route: The path moves further away from Porto into a more rural area, passing through small villages and country roads. The landscape becomes greener and more mountainous as you approach Barcelos.
Points of Interest: Before reaching Barcelos, pass by São Pedro de Rates, a site of great historical importance on the Camino de Santiago, and the medieval bridge over the Cávado River.
Arrival: Barcelos, known for its famous rooster, a national symbol of Portugal. It’s a city rich in history, with highlights like the Paço dos Condes and the Main Church. Barcelos offers good accommodation options for pilgrims.
Route: This is one of the longest and most demanding days of the Camino. You pass through a vast rural area, with cornfields, vineyards, and small farms. The route is mainly flat, but the distance makes the day challenging.
Points of Interest: Upon reaching Ponte de Lima, the oldest town in Portugal, admire its famous Roman and medieval bridge over the Lima River. Ponte de Lima is also known for Vinho Verde and its well-kept gardens.
Arrival: The town offers excellent facilities for pilgrims, with several hostels and traditional restaurants.
Route: A day with a significant climb as you cross the Serra da Labruja. This is one of the most physically challenging stretches of the Portuguese Camino but also one of the most beautiful, with spectacular views of the valley and dense forests.
Points of Interest: On the way, pass by the Chapel of Senhora das Neves, where many pilgrims stop to rest.
Arrival: Rubiães, a small village serving as a resting point for pilgrims. There are several hostels and simple accommodations in the area.
Route: After the climb of the previous day, today’s walk is relatively easy. You cross the Coura River via the historic Ponte Velha. From Valença, the route follows the walls of the fortress protecting this border town.
Points of Interest: The fortress of Valença do Minho is a must-see. Stroll along its walls and narrow streets before crossing the border.
Arrival: Tui, now in Galicia (Spain), where you can visit the imposing Tui Cathedral, which blends Romanesque and Gothic styles.
Route: Today’s route crosses a mixed landscape of urban and rural areas. There is an alternative, more natural route that avoids the industrial area of O Porriño and is recommended by many pilgrims.
Points of Interest: Ponte das Febres, where it is believed that Saint Telmo, the patron saint of Tui, fell ill.
Arrival: O Porriño is an industrial city with good infrastructure for pilgrims. Although not particularly picturesque, it offers good lodging and dining options.
Route: A peaceful stage, passing through forested areas and small villages. The landscape alternates between agricultural fields and mountains in the background.
Points of Interest: Monte Cornedo offers a magnificent view over the Rías Baixas and the city of Vigo.
Arrival: Redondela, a town by the Vigo estuary, where the Central Camino and the Coastal Camino meet.
Route: The path follows the coast of the Vigo estuary, passing through rural areas and small villages. You cross the historic Pontesampaio bridge, the site of an important battle against Napoleonic troops.
Points of Interest: Pontevedra’s historic center is charming, with pedestrian streets and historical buildings like the Church of Santa Maria la Mayor and the Praça da Ferraria.
Arrival: Pontevedra offers excellent facilities for pilgrims, with multiple lodging and dining options.
Route: The path leads through green valleys and eucalyptus forests, with constant views of vineyards and agricultural fields.
Points of Interest: The thermal springs of Caldas de Reis, known since Roman times, where pilgrims can relax their tired feet.
Arrival: Caldas de Reis is a small spa town, perfect for a comforting rest.
Route: You cross the Ulla River valley, a rural area rich in vegetation. The path is mostly flat, with some gentle climbs.
Points of Interest: Padrón is a significant location in Jacobean tradition, as it is believed that the body of Saint James arrived here by boat to Galicia.
Arrival: Visit the Church of Santiago and the Convent of Carmen in Padrón.
Route: The final stage is a mix of rural and urban areas. The climb up to Monte do Gozo offers an exciting first view of the towers of Santiago Cathedral.
Points of Interest: The arrival at the Praza do Obradoiro, in front of Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, is one of the most emotional moments of the pilgrimage.
Arrival: Santiago de Compostela, where the grand Cathedral marks the end of the Camino. Here, pilgrims can attend the famous Pilgrim’s Mass.
Activities: Spend this day exploring the city. Besides the Cathedral, visit the Cathedral Museum, the Mercado de Abastos, and the Alameda Park.
General Tips:
Signage: Always follow the yellow arrows and the stone markers (milestones) indicating the distance to Santiago.
Accommodation: Many hostels operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s advisable to arrive early, especially during peak season.
Walking Time: Set aside between 6 to 8 hours per day for walking, depending on your pace and stops. Start early to avoid the hottest hours.
