The Portuguese Way - From Porto
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The Portuguese Way > The Portuguese Way - From Porto (M)
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Porto, a vibrant city located in Northern Portugal, is a popular starting point for Pilgrims on the Camino portugués. It boasts a rich history, wine culture and a welcoming riverside charm, that can mark an excellent way to start off your route. You can also explore the Porto Cathedral, which stands as a prime example of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture.
The Portuguese Way is a popular choice among pilgrims owing to the smaller distances, the stunning views of the western European coast and providing an unforgettable experience of both Portuguese and Spanish culture.
3/5
Difficulty
Porto
Start
241 Km
Distance
13
Nights
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Favourable months to travel
Peak season
Shoulder season
Off season
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BASIC PACKAGE
LUXURY PACKAGE
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This package includes:
Nights in hostels and rural houses with breakfast
Travel
insurance
24h assistance
Room with private bathroom
Welcome pack with digital credential
Route itinerary
Free cancellation
up to 15 days before
You deserve a break, enjoy it in the best way possible.
Walk the same route but with better accommodations thanks to our selection of high standing hotels.
Read more info about our accommodations and how our team handpicked the best venues.
All the basic package services
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Luxurious accommodations
Instead of hostels and rural houses
Transfer to hotel
If your accommodation deviates
slightly from your itinerary.
This package includes:
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Itinerary
Stage 1
O Porto – Fajozes
22 km
We will start this walking day in the Cathedral of Porto. After leaving behind the outskirts of Porto, we will start walking through small rural areas.
Fajozes - Arcos
Stage 2
11 km
This is one of the shortest walking days, just 11 km from Fajozes to Arcos. We will walk through small forests.
Arcos - Barcelos
Stage 3
20 km
Be prepared to cross green valleys, rolling hills and pine and eucalyptus forests, with stretches on dirt roads and small country roads. Along the way, pilgrims pass through charming towns and villages, where chapels, ancient fountains and stone crosses stand out. The arrival in Barcelos, a historic town on the Cávado River, is a highlight, with its famous medieval bridge, rich cultural heritage and lively pilgrim atmosphere.
Barcelos - Ponte da Lima
Stage 4
32 km
The stage between Barcelos and Ponte de Lima on the Portuguese Way of St. James is one of the longest, but also one of the most beautiful.
The arrival at Ponte da Lima is especially memorable, with its impressive Romanesque-medieval bridge over the Lima River, considered one of the most emblematic points of the route. The town, with its medieval atmosphere and cobbled streets, offers a warm welcome to the pilgrim.
Ponte da Lima - Rubiaes
Stage 5
18 km
Be ready from some ups downs, as this walking day is quite challenging. On the way, we will see chapels, and a lot of symbols related to the Camino de Santiago.
Rubiaes - Tui
Stage 6
20 km
The Camino de Santiago will finally take us to Galicia region. The boarder is marked by the bridge that connects Valença do Minho (Portugal) and Tui (Spain).
Tui– O Porriño
Stage 7
18 km
In Tui, the gateway town in Spain on the Portuguese Way and traditionally where many pilgrims commence their final 100 km. Key attractions such as the Cathedral and historic bridges are worth exploring before venturing towards O Porriño.
O Porriño – Redondela
Stage 8
16 km
This segment offers rugged terrain contrasted with spectacular seascape vistas as we move from O Porriño to Redondela. With limited lodgings in Redondela center itself, some accommodations can be found scattered along the route towards Arcade which lies directly on the path.
Redondela – Pontevedra
Stage 9
19,8 km
Merging with the Portuguese Coastal Way here may increase fellow traveler encounters heading to Santiago de Compostela. Noteworthy sights include Pontesampaio’s Roman Bridge and Canicouva’s climb. Upon reaching Pontevedra, visiting La Peregrina Church and wandering through its historic district are highly recommended.
Stage 10
Pontevedra – Caldas de Rei
21,5 km
Enjoy a relatively flat walk today amidst bucolic landscapes from Pontevedra onward to Caldas de Reis. Make a stop at Rio Barosa Natural Park near Barro to appreciate its cascades and mills. Caldas de Reis is famed for its thermal waters—a perfect spot for relaxation after your walk.
Caldas de Rei – Padrón
Stage 11
18,6 km
Journeying on to Padrón reveals an area steeped in legend as it was purportedly first sighted by sailors carrying St James’ remains ashore. It also boasts being hometown to famed Galician author Rosalía de Castro.
Stage 12
Padrón - Santiago de Compostela
24,6 km
For those not up for a full 25 km in one day, we offer an option to split this final stage into two parts allowing a restful stopover at Teo halfway through. As Santiago draws closer, there's a distinct shift from rural landscapes to urban cityscapes culminating at Obradoiro Square, where you're greeted by Santiago Cathedral’s grand façade.
Congratulations!
Frequently asked questions
Q
What is the Pilgrim's Credential?
The pilgrim's credential is essentially a pass that you'll need to collect stamps on if you wish to receive the Compostela certificate. It's also required for staying in the network of hostels along the Camino de Santiago. When you book with us, we’ll take care of it!
Find more information concerning your “Compostela” here.
Q
What should you do upon arriving in Santiago de Compostela?
Upon arrival, it's common to request the Compostela certificate. To do so, you must have walked at least 100 km (62 miles) or cycled 200 km (125 miles). It's also a tradition to attend the Pilgrim's Mass at the Santiago Cathedral. Afterwards, you'll have plenty of time to explore the city.
Q
How many stages does the Camino de Santiago have?
The number of stages on the Camino de Santiago can vary depending on whether you're walking or biking. Typically, walking stages are about 20 kilometers each (12.5 miles), while biking stages are around 50 kilometers (31 miles). The terrain and the pilgrim's physical condition also affect the division of stages. While each route can be broken down differently, some common stage suggestions are: 33 for the French Way, 28 for the Portuguese Way, 12 for the Portuguese Coastal Route or 5 for the English Way.
Q
If I add extras to my Camino de Santiago trip, will I keep the same itinerary?
Adding extras to your Camino de Santiago trip might change your itinerary. Depending on your specific requests, we can adjust your itinerary to better suit your needs. We also consider weather conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Adding extras may allow you to enjoy more days at hotels or other accommodations along the way. Contact us to tailor your trip perfectly to your preferences.
Q
Is it safe to travel alone on the Camino de Santiago?
Yes, many pilgrims choose to walk the Camino de Santiago alone and find it a deeply spiritual experience. Making friends along the way is also common. If walking solo, it’s wise to travel when other pilgrims are around to avoid isolation. During mountain stages, especially in bad weather, it's advisable to walk with others. If you prefer not to go alone, you can join an organized group.
Q
Which Camino de Santiago route is the easiest?
The Camino routes through Portugal are often considered the easiest. Both the Central Portuguese Way and the Portuguese Coastal Way are very manageable, as they feature minimal elevation changes.
Q
Can families with children, older people, and couples Do the Camino de Santiago?
Absolutely! Families with children, older individuals, and couples can all enjoy the Camino de Santiago. Each year, we see many diverse groups making the journey together. While age and group type are not barriers, they do require some thoughtful planning. For families with children, it's essential to be cautious on smaller, unpaved sections of the route. Designing your trip with these considerations in mind will ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone. Contact us for personalized tips and advice.
Q
How many kilometers do you walk per day?
Daily stages should ideally range between 20 to 25 kilometers (12.5 to 15.5 miles), though this can vary based on the difficulty of the stage and the pilgrim's physical condition. An estimated time could be between 4.5/5 hours of walking.
Tips
"Our family had an unforgettable experience with Welcome Camino! It was the perfect way to explore northern Spain and truly embrace the magic of the Camino de Santiago."
Carmen & Cristobal
Tips
"Our family had an unforgettable experience with Welcome Camino! It was the perfect way to explore northern Spain and truly embrace the magic of the Camino de Santiago."
Carmen & Cristobal