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Route:
Technical Characteristics:
Route Profile: Hard. With potentially longer walking days and/or several steep climbs and descents, this tour is designed for experienced, regular walkers and can be enjoyed by anyone in good health who has prepared sufficiently in advance. Elevation gain maximum 700 meters.
Total Distance: 226 km
Travel Season: Departures March 1 – October 31, 2023
Low Season: March 1 – June 30 and September 16 – October 31
High Season: July 1 – September 15
Accommodation:
Category: 2* and 3* hotels, all with private facilities
The Portuguese Camino de Santiago has been one of the main pilgrim routes to Santiago for centuries. Set out on a journey of discovery, not only of the country but of yourself as you follow in the footsteps of countless pilgrims and walkers. The long days of walking are physically and mentally challenging and rewarding but there’s no need to punish yourself by carrying all your gear or sleeping in overcrowded smelly dormitories. Our way of doing the Portuguese Way of St. James on foot involves luggage transfers and comfortable beds in the best establishments along this historical route. These carefully chosen fine hotels, charming country houses and historic buildings bring you closer to the history, culture and gastronomy of this region of Northern Portugal and Galicia.
Itineraries
Day 1
Arrival in Porto
One member of our team will meet you at the hotel and welcome you and provide a full briefing and all the documentation you will need.
Day 2
Mosteiro - Arcos 17 km
In the early morning you will have a transfer to Mosteiro to begin your first stage of the Portuguese Camino de Santiago. Notice the progressive transition from urban into rural areas as you walk this first stage. You will go through Vilarinho and cross the medieval bridge over the Ave before reaching the village of Arcos where the first stage ends. Note: after breakfast on your second day in Porto you will meet a member of our team who will drive you to Mosteiro to start your Portuguese Camino de Satiago. With this, you avoid the busy roads and the first stage is reduced to 17 km, instead of almost 35 km.
Day 3
Arcos - Barcelos 20 km
Start walking from Arcos towards the ancient village of Rates and its imposing Romanesque church. Pass the villages of Courel and Pedra Furada then follow rural roads until you reach the attractive town of Barcelos, the end of this stage.
Day 4
Barcelos – Balugaes 15 km
Set off from Barcelos along minor roads which will take you to a more rural area where you’ll see small scale agricultural practices and perhaps meet some villagers. Walk through the small villages of Tamel and Aboim towards the River Neiva. End the day in the village of Balugaes.
Day 5
Balugaes – Ponte de Lima 18 km
The day starts by crossing the River Neiva by a medieval bridge just before the village of Balugaes. This is a day of rural roads and magnificent countryside until your spectacular entrance into the picturesque town of Ponte de Lima. Time your walk so that you have ample opportunity to enjoy the historical center and gardens or just sit by the river for a while.
Day 6
Ponte de Lima - Cossourado (Paredes de Coura) 22 km
Leave the medieval town of Ponte de Lima and return to the rural world. In the middle of this stage you will encounter Labruja Mountain. The 2 kilometer uphill climb is the most demanding of the whole Portuguese Way of St. James but the views are worth the effort. Once you’re over the hill, it is an easy walk to complete this stage.
Day 7
A Cossourado (Paredes de Coura) - Valenca 13 km
This day starts by leaving the valley of the River Coura and climbing gently to Sao Bento da Porta Aberta. Continue to Fontoura through fields and brushwood until you reach the fortress town of Valenca.
Day 8
Valenca – O Porrino 20 km
Before you leave Tui, spend some time visiting its famous gothic cathedral. From Tui, you’ll follow the Louro valley, walk along a forest track and across a stone slab bridge into a wetland area where you should spot plenty of bird life. Go through the city of O Porrino with its magnificent gothic town hall building.
Day 9
O Porrino - Arcade 22 km
Leave Porrino and make your way through the forest of Chan das Pipas. You will pass in Redondela, where the central route and the coastal route merge. Finish this stage in Arcade, a small town renowned for its oysters.
Day 10
Arcade - Pontevedra 13 km
Start this stage by walking from the small city of Arcade. This stage is one of the shortest and most beautiful parts of the Way. When you arrive at Pontevedra don’t miss the historical city center with a lot of tapas bars.
Day 11
Pontevedra - Caldas de Reis 22 km
Leave Pontevedra through pleasant countryside. This stage to Caldas de Reis is fairly long but not difficult. Rest your tired feet in a Caldas de Reis thermal springs.
Day 12
Caldas de Reis - Padron 19 km
You’re nearly there! The last stage leaves Caldas de Reis and takes you through a soft climb to the charming woodlands of Valga. You’ll see many churches and stone crosses on the way to Padron.
Day 13
Padron – Santiago de Compostela 25 km
Your final stage. You will walk mostly through rural settings. The last part of this stage is the toughest but think that you are almost finishing your goal. Enter the ancient city of Santiago de Compostela and enjoy the end of your journey at the cathedral.
Day 14
Leave Santiago
After breakfast prepare for your onward journey. If you have time, explore the old city of Santiago de Compostela before you leave.
Prices
Included:
- 13 nights of accommodation with breakfast
- Luggage transfer between hotels (1 bag per person – maximum 15 kg/bag)
- Pilgrim kit: pilgrim passport and shell
- Road book of the way with tips, maps and detailed information (in English)
- 24/7 emergency support
- In-person welcome briefing
- Journey documentation
- Private transfer from Porto to Mosteiró on day 2
Not Included:
- Lunches and dinners
- Tips and items of a personal nature
- Transfer from Santiago de Compostela
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