Starting off gently from Porto the terrain get gradually hillier as you approach the border between Portugal and Spain to enter Galicia.
The Camino Portugues became an extremely popular route when the country became independent in the 12th Century. Today, it is believed to be the route with the most cultural and architectural curiosities. The Portuguese Way begins in Lisbon and crosses the Alentejo and the central and northern regions of Portugal. Then it enters Spain, towards Tui, and continues to the North of Galicia and on to the city of Santiago de Compostela.
Porto
A vibrant coastal city in the north of Portugal, Porto has much to offer and is well worth an extra night to have the time to fully explore the city. Meander through the mediaeval streets of the Ribeira District, take a relaxing boat ride on the Douro river, or cross one of the many stately bridges to visit the southern side of the river, Vila Nova de Gaia, where the port wine houses are located. These offer tastings and tours of their cellars, as well as stunning views back to the city.
Barcelos
This delightful mediaeval town is perched on a hill above the Cavado River. Here you will find the oldest and largest outdoor market in the region. Held every Thursday, it sells not only food but hand woven linens and local pottery. One particular piece of pottery that you will see everywhere is the rooster of Barcelos. The legend goes that, with the intervention of St James, a dead chicken came back to life on the dinner table of a judge that had wrongly condemned a pilgrim to hang. After seeing this miracle the judge returned to the gallows and the man he had sentenced to hang was found alive. The rooster is now a widely recognised symbol of Portugal.
Ponte de Lima Bridge
Ponte de Lima is one of the oldest towns of Portugal. This bridge, which the town derives its name from, supposedly marks the spot where the Romans crossed the river. The legend goes that the troops wouldn’t cross the river as they thought it was the river of forgetfulness, so one of the Generals crossed the river and then called each of the soldiers across by name dispelling the myth. Today, on the river bank you can see 24 wooden soldiers waiting to be called across.
PORTO
TUI
Services
Included in this package
Add-On
Not included: Flights/trains, Insurance, Drinks/Lunch
Itinerary
Day
km
PORTO
The entire old city of Porto became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 and there’s plenty going on here to warrant that title. Set on the bank of the Douro River near the Atlantic Ocean, the city is perhaps best known globally for its famous Port wine, wine that goes down very well on the countless terraces and restaurants in Porto!
Day
23 km
PORTO FAJOZES
The terrain leaving Porto is generally flat and makes the first day of walking gentle. There are numerous ancient churches along the Camino and nearby, such as the 12th Century monastery, Mosteiro Leca do Balio, built on the exact spot a Roman temple dedicated to the god Jupiter once stood.
Day
11.5 km
FAJOZES ARCOS
From Fajozes, the Camino starts heading north-east, gradually moving away from the coastline. A little bit outside Fajozes the route crosses an incredible mediaeval bridge, Dom Zameiro. The first woodlands of this section also appear here, with pine and eucalyptus trees providing shade from the sun.
Day
20.6 km
ARCOS BARCELOS
Day 4 is a relatively short walk as the path leaves Arcos. Gentle woodland and charming villages alternate along the route, and there’s the option to visit the Chapel of Santa de Franqueira, which provides panoramic hilltop views. Further on, you cross another well-preserved mediaeval bridge and soon arrive in the main square at the lively market town of Barcelos, complete with Renaissance fountain and one of the largest markets in Europe.
Day
33.5 km
BARCELOS PONTE DE LIMA
As we leave Barcelos, we start to feel Galicia approaching. The landscape begins to change, becoming both hillier and greener, offering pastoral views all day. This day is probably the most challenging section of this route as there aren’t many towns or villages to stop at, and there are a few steep inclines. However, it’s worth it for the scenery alone.
Day
37.4 km
PONTE DE LIMA TUI
Leaving Ponte de Lima you will be struck by the beautiful scenery on your way to Tui. Passing through vineyards and forest paths, today is a restful day of introspection for the soul. Arriving at the port in Tui, treat yourself to a glass of wine and some seafood!
Day
km
TUI
After breakfast, we bid you farewell. Before you depart, take a walk through the town’s picturesque streets, and as you approach the Plaza de San Fernando, the silhouette of the west-facing facade of the 12th Century cathedral will provide you with a lasting memory.
Getting to Porto, Portugal
You can fly either to Porto in Portugal or Vigo in Spain, as several different airlines fly to both airports, directly from the UK, Ireland, and main cities in Europe.
Fly into Porto
Fly into Vigo
Getting home from Tui, Portugal
At the end of your Camino it is best to fly out of Porto or Vigo airports.
Fly from Porto
Fly from Vigo
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