Camino Portugues Short Days: Tui to Santiago

You’ll be booked into a hotel in the heart of Tui. 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.

From the long-standing port of Tui, the Camino winds its way up to the old town, following the so-called Camino da Barca. Then, through the Tunel das Monxas, the Camino enters a very steep section and leads us to the historic bridge of San Telmo. From there, travelling over less strenuous terrain, we come to the town of O Porrino.

The terrain becomes easier to navigate as we cross the Louro Valley. Keeping the valley to the east, after a gentle climb you arrive at the chapel of Santiaguino de Antas; a pleasant place to take a rest. We now enter a wide expanse of woodland. Surrounded by pine trees, the Camino starts its descent to Redondela.

Leaving Redondela a short steep climb awaits but don’t worry; there is a cooling water font awaiting you at the top. Continuing through the eucalyptus woods, views begin to emerge of the Ria de Vigo before you descend to the seaside town of Arcade around mid-afternoon.

From here you will cross a Romanesque bridge where Napoleon was defeated by the Spanish during the War of Independence. Arriving into Pontevedra, you will head through the narrow streets before reaching the 13th Century Church of Santa Maria. Of interest to pilgrims is also the Capela da Peregrina which, although it appears round, is actually in the shape of a scallop shell.

Passing chestnut groves, the Camino leaves Pontevedra and runs parallel to the railway for a while. After passing through the hamlet of Ponte Cabras, we encounter the rectory of Santa Maria de Alba, tucked away among pine and eucalyptus trees. Emerging from the dense woods of Lombo da Maceira, you’ll see a statue of Saint James, his staff pointing the way to proceed through the town of Barro.

Crossing the River Barossa, a short section of the route will pass through vineyards before arriving at the lovely village of Tibo, with its fountain, public washing place, and stone cross. Shortly after, the Camino brings us to Caldas De Reis, your stop for the night.

Exiting the town, we take a bridge over the River Umia that leads us to a fountain of hot spring water that has lent the town its name since Roman times. Entering the woods once more, the Camino makes its way gently uphill to the hamlet of Santa Marina. Going downhill, we cross the river Fontenlo. Finally, we catch up again with the river as we arrive in Padron. Padron is famous for being the first land sighted by the ship bearing the body of St James.

The Camino passes through many small hamlets before arriving at the Baroque sanctuary of A Esclavitude. On a hilltop to the left stands the mysterious, abandoned ruins of the hillfort Castro Lupario. A few kilometres later, we come to the oldest wayside crosses in Galicia.

Today is your last walking day on this route! Leaving Parada De Francos, the walk is still rural despite its proximity to Santiago De Compostela. As we near Agro dos Monteiros, it’s now possible to see the spires of the cathedral in Santiago. Finally, the Camino passes by the ruins of a castle known as A Rocha Vella, before entering the city of the Apostle St James.

After breakfast, we bid you farewell.
If you wish to stay in the area, we recommend that you:
– Take your time and visit the magnificent historic centre of Santiago.
– Continue with us along the wild Camino Fisterra (Finisterre Way), and stay overnight at the hotel in the lighthouse!
– Or take a bus to Fisterra to visit the unspoilt sandy coves and beaches of the west coast. With very few tourists, you are guaranteed a very special experience. Buses depart from Santiago Bus Station at 9am and 10am. Buses return to Santiago at 4:45pm and 7pm. The journey takes 3 hours.