The Camino de Santiago is one of the world’s most legendary journeys—a route of faith, adventure, and self-discovery. The Portuguese Way, starting from Porto, Barcelos, Ponte de Lima, and Valença, takes pilgrims through charming rural landscapes, medieval bridges, and historic towns before crossing into Galicia. Along the way, towns like Pontevedra and Vigo offer the perfect opportunity to savor local cuisine and explore cultural landmarks. The journey culminates in the magnificent Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, an unforgettable moment for every traveler. Our curated experiences provide full support, including luggage transfers, authentic accommodations, and cultural visits along the route, ensuring a seamless and enriching pilgrimage.
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Meeting Point: Porto, Portugal and Transfer to O Porriño (Tui)
Ending Point: Santiago de Compostela, Spain and Transfer to Porto
Walking Distance: Approximately 100 km (62 miles)
The Camino Português, a branch of the famed pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela, has drawn travelers for centuries. Since the 9th-century discovery of St. James the Apostle’s remains in Galicia, pilgrims have journeyed from across Europe to venerate his relics. Completing at least 100 km on foot grants pilgrims the coveted “Compostela” certificate, a testament to their dedication and journey.
This self-guided tour provides the independence to walk at your own pace, combined with the support of expert guidance at key points. You’ll receive comprehensive trail guides in both print and digital formats, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience from start to finish.
- Begin your journey by meeting in Porto. A comfortable minivan transfer will then take you to O Porriño, in Galicia, Spain.
- En route to O Porriño, enjoy a stop to visit the historic town of Valença, Portugal. Explore its impressive fortress, a remarkable example of Portuguese military architecture, and discover its key highlights.
- Upon arrival in O Porriño, meet the rest of the group and receive a welcome briefing and your pilgrim passport (credencial), which will be stamped at various points along the Camino.
- Begin your pilgrimage walking through rural landscapes and charming villages.
- Walk along shaded forest paths and cross the River Louro.
- Arrive in the charming coastal town of Redondela.
- Walk alongside the beautiful Ría de Vigo estuary.
- Cross the historic medieval bridge of Pontesampaio.
- Explore Pontevedra's historic district, famous for its lively tapas bars and bustling squares.
- Journey through vineyards, dense woods, and quaint rural hamlets.
- Relax and rejuvenate in the thermal springs of Caldas de Reis, known for their therapeutic properties.
- Continue your journey through beautiful Galician landscapes.
- Arrive in Padrón, a town with strong links to the legend of St. James's arrival in Spain.
- This is the longest walking day. The route passes through small villages and eucalyptus forests.
- Arrive at the magnificent Praza do Obradoiro, the main square of Santiago de Compostela.
- Celebrate the completion of your pilgrimage at the Cathedral of Santiago, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Receive your certification of Pilgrim.
- Breakfast at the hotel. - Transfer back to Porto by minivan.
Our main proposal is to complete the last 100 km of the Camino de Santiago, the minimum distance required to obtain the Compostela, the official pilgrim certificate. This route, accessible to beginners and enriching for experienced pilgrims, offers the perfect balance of challenge, natural beauty, and culture.
However, we understand that each pilgrim has their own motivation and availability, so we are open to creating customized itineraries. If you prefer to cover different distances or follow other recognized routes, we tailor the experience to your preferences.
Although we primarily focus on the Central Portuguese Way, we also offer experiences on other official Camino de Santiago routes:
Central Portuguese Way: The most traditional route for those departing from Portugal, passing through historic cities such as Porto, Barcelos, Ponte de Lima, and Valença before entering Galicia. This path offers a perfect combination of rural landscapes, vineyards, and medieval heritage.
Portuguese Coastal Way: An alternative to the central route, following the Atlantic coastline through towns like Vila do Conde, Viana do Castelo, and A Guarda before merging with the central path in Redondela.
French Way: The most popular and iconic Camino de Santiago route, crossing the Pyrenees and passing through historic cities such as Pamplona, Burgos, and León. We can arrange the last 100 km from Sarria, one of the most sought-after options for pilgrims.
English Way: A shorter and less crowded option, historically used by pilgrims from the British Isles. It starts from Ferrol or A Coruña and traverses unique coastal landscapes and charming villages before reaching Santiago de Compostela.
To ensure that your pilgrimage is memorable and comfortable, we offer a full-service experience, including:
Authentic accommodation: Carefully selected hotels and local lodgings to provide comfort and genuine hospitality.
Luggage transport: Walk freely without the burden of carrying excessive weight.
Support along the route: Logistical assistance for any needs during the journey.
Cultural visits: Exploration of historical sites and gastronomic experiences that enrich the trip.
Regardless of the route chosen, arriving in Santiago de Compostela and visiting its majestic cathedral are unforgettable moments, filled with emotion and significance.
Are you ready to begin your journey? Contact us and discover the best way to experience this unique adventure!