Camino Portugues: Central way from Porto to Santiago de Compostela

Arrive in Porto, taking time to explore its UNESCO-listed historic centre, walk through the Cathedral district to the bustling Baixa Portuense. Stroll through Praca da Ribeira and ascend the Clerigos Tower for incredible panoramic views of the city. Visit the famous Lello Bookshop and cross the impressive Dom Luis I Bridge, designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel. Conclude your city walk at the riverfront and enjoy a drink of port wine from the region's renowned wine cellars.

YOUR ACCOMMODATION

To reflect the spirit of the Pilgrimage, we carefully select welcoming, simple accommodation along the route. We offer stays in hotels and guest houses. While these stays may not offer the same level of luxury as our classic Headwater holidays, they provide genuine hospitality and a warm, friendly atmosphere.

You will enjoy private rooms and private bathrooms wherever possible, ensuring a restful night after a full day of walking. On the rare occasions when this cannot be arranged, we will let you know in advance.

Most of the properties we work with are small and family-run, and availability varies depending on how early you book. Full details of your stays will be provided closer to your departure date.

The first stage of your journey starts from bustling Porto with a taxi transfer (payable locally) that will take you into rural countryside to the start of the walk. You will reach the pleasant village of Vilarinho, situated along the banks of the Ave River. Have a rest here to appreciate the magnificent, five-arched medieval bridge and the small Nossa Senhora de Lapa chapel. You'll then continue onto Arcos where you will spend the night in a relaxing countryside environment.

Today you will meander through peaceful forests and open countryside toward Sao Pedro de Rates where you will be met by a magnificent Romanesque church. After stopping here, continue onto the beautiful town of Barcelos, your home for the night. Famous for it's bustling markets, this charming town is an ideal place to unwind and enjoy the atmosphere of northern Portugal.

Today's walk leads you out of Barcelos and into the heart of the countryside, where vineyards stretch across fields and cobbled tracks wind through aromatic eucalyptus groves. Along the way, you will pass through several picturesque villages before arriving in Balugaes. Here you will find two charming churches and peaceful views that capture the charm of rural Portugal.

As you depart from Balugaes, you will travel through a landscape of vineyards and lush green countryside. Along the way, you will pass idyllic villages dotted with quaint churches. Your day ends in the serene town of Ponte de Lima, famed for its stunning 24-arched Roman bridge crossing the tranquil Rio Lima.

Today will take you down quiet country paths, following ancient Roman roads. You will first encounter the historic Cruz dos Mortos, also known as the Cross of the French, where Napoleon's rearguard met its fate in 1809. Continue to Portela Grande, where you will be met with breathtaking panoramic views. The path then descends to the village of Cabanas, following a Roman road into Sao Roque. From Sao Roque, you will be transferred back to Ponte de Lima for a second overnight stay.

The day starts with a short transfer back to Sao Roque. From here, you will visit the sanctuary of Sao Bento da Porta Aberta, a significant pilgrimage site dating back to the 17th century. The path continues to the tranquil village of Fontoura where you can visit the Chapel of Senhor dos Aflitos. Your journey will conclude in the historic town of Valenca, where you can explore its magnificent hilltop fortress and 17th and 18th century fortifications.

Your day starts by crossing the iconic bridge built in 1885 over the Mingo River. In the historic town of Tui, be sure to visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria, a magnificent blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture that has welcomes pilgrims since the 12th century. As you enter Galicia, you'll start to see markers counting down the kilometers to Santiago. You will pass the Chapel of the Virgin of the Way and the historic Fever Bridge, where Saint Telmo is said to have succumbed to malaria. The day's walk ends with your arrival into O Porrino.

Today will lead you through a series of charming villages and offers the chance to discover the quarries of Lourina Valley. These are the largest quarries in Spain, where the famous pink granite, exported globally, is extracted. The day concludes in the historic town of Redondela, where you can check into your hotel and unwind.

Your journey follows quiet country lanes, winding through serene forests and ancient Roman paths. Towards the end of the day you'll arrive in Pontevedra, once one of Galicia's most important ports. Take time to explore its beautifully preserved historic centre, home to two architectural wonders, the 16th century Basilica of Santa Maria and the 18th century Sanctuary of the Virgin of La Peregrina, a beloved symbol of pilgrimage.

Today you'll journey through vineyards and along ancient Roman roads. Midway, stop and explore the charming village of San Mauro before heading to the serene Agra River, guiding you to the elegant town of Caldas de Reis. This town was once an episcopal see until 569 and has, since the Middle Ages, welcomed countless pilgrims journeying north. Famed for its soothing thermal waters and natural hot springs, Caldas de Reis gives you the opportunity to unwind as you explore its deep Roman archaeological heritage.

Walk through peaceful natural countryside leading to Padron, where history and legend are perfectly intertwined. Visit the church of Santiago, home to el Pedron, the sacred stone said to have served as a mooring post for the boat that carried the body of the Apostle James from Jerusalem. This is the location that St. James is said to have preached in Spain for the first time. Take time to explore this historic location before going back to your hotel in anticipation for the final day.

The final stage takes you through fragrant eucalyptus forests toward Santiago de Compostela. As you enter the famous city, take time to explore it's historic streets, bustling squares and charming old quarters. Finally, you will reach the magnificent Cathedral of Santiago, the resting place of the relics of the Apostle James and the ultimate destination of your pilgrimage.

Leave Santiago de Compostela and onward travels.

Enjoy exploring the town and consider an extra night before heading home.