Camino Portugues

This walking holiday explores the Camino Portugues, or Portuguese Way, of the iconic Camino. This route, the main option for the Camino de Santiago in Portugal, was used by Queen Isabel of Portugal in the 13th Century. It heads north following the Atlantic coast of Portugal and Spain. The Camino Portugues gently winds along ancient paths, running through woodlands, farmlands, vineyards and historic towns. Every day during the walk from Tui to Santiago you’re guaranteed scenic views and local gastronomic delights. This section requires a reasonable level of fitness. However, it’s a highly rewarding walk that includes numerous cultural highlights.

The Variante Espiritual de Camino de Santiago from Tui is an alternative route for pilgrims embarking on the renowned Camino de Santiago. It starts in the town of Tui, located in the Galicia region of Spain, near the border with Portugal. Unlike the traditional Camino Portuguese route that passes through Pontevedra, the Spiritual Variant diverges, offering a more spiritually enriching journey. Throughout the journey, pilgrims will encounter picturesque villages, historic churches, and peaceful rural settings. The route follows ancient paths used for centuries by devout pilgrims seeking spiritual enlightenment. The Variante Espiritual de Camino de Santiago from Tui offers a deeply fulfilling pilgrimage experience for those seeking a more profound spiritual connection while walking the path of countless pilgrims who have journeyed before them. The route's origins stem from the execution of the Apostle James in the year 44 AD. Following his death, a group of Spanish disciples clandestinely placed his body in a boat made of stone and, guided by angels, sailed to the mouth of the Ulla River and landed at Iria Flavia (present-day Padrón). From there, the disciples carried the body of the Apostle James to the site of what is now Santiago del Compostela.

This walking holiday explores the Camino Portugues, or Portuguese Way, of the iconic Camino de Santiago de Compostela. This Camino, which was used by Queen Isabel of Portugal in the 13th Century, heads north following the Atlantic coast of Portugal and Spain. The Camino Portugues gently winds along ancient paths, running through woodlands, farmlands, vineyards and historic towns. Every day during the walk you’re guaranteed scenic views and local gastronomic delights. This section requires a reasonable level of fitness. However, it’s a highly rewarding walk that includes numerous cultural highlights.

The first section of the Camino Portugues starts in the capital city of Portugal, Lisbon, and heads north to reach Santarem and its magnificent scenic views over the area. After the urban surrounds at the beginning of the route, the route heads towards a rich agricultural area, often considered as ‘the garden of Portugal’. On this leg, the Camino also coincides with the famous Caminho de Fatima and mainly follows the Tejo River valley. The flat landscape of the area makes it doable for anybody with an average level of fitness.

This second section of the Portuguese Way stretches between Santarem and Coimbra, through the province of Ribatejo – the only one in the whole of Portugal that does not border either the Atlantic Coast nor Spain. So this walking holiday explores the true heart of Portugal, a region of traditions and with cities full of history such as Santarem, Tomar or Coimbra. This part of the Camino Portugues is a treasure trove of culture waiting to be discovered!

Starting in Coimbra and continuing all the way up to Porto, this third section of the Camino Portugues stretches between inland Portugal and the Atlantic coast. Here, the Camino brings us through history still alive today with cities such as Coimbra, the former capital city, and Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Between these urban areas, vineyards, river valleys, and gently undulating woodlands are also part of the landscape. With walks of a reasonable length, this holiday is accessible to anybody with a regular level of fitness.

The Camino Portugues became an extremely popular route when the country gained its independence in the 12th Century. This section is the last section you walk in Portugal as it moves from the coastal city of Porto north and inland, passing by traditional and historical villages including Barcelos and Ponte de Lima and crossing the Lima and then the Minho River, to the border with Spain and your destination, the town of Tui. This section is full of history, with the area of strategic importance to the Romans and then the Portuguese independence movement centuries later.

The Camino Portugues is a pilgrimage from Lisbon in Portugal that heads north through Portugal to cross the border into Spain, finishing at Santiago de Compostela and the tomb of St James. Passing through famous Portuguese towns and cities such as Santarem, Tomar, Coimbra, and Porto, you have plenty of opportunity to enjoy the varied cultures of Portugal. The walk will take you along ancient paths, running through woodlands, farmlands, olive groves, vineyards, and historic towns.