Portuguese Camino - Porto to Santiago

Set on the banks of the Douro River, Porto’s historical centre was declared a World Heritage site in 1996 and in the 12th Century it was in Porto that the country took its name and became an independent nation. Its maritime legacies and importance as a new world trading port have shaped it into the proud city it has become, with its impressive cathedral and port wine lodges. After checking in to your hotel, take the time to explore the city with its many cultural sites. Overnight Porto.

This morning a transfer (at 8.30am) will take you from your hotel in Porto to the small town of Vilar do Pinheiro, where today's walk starts. It's an easy walk in part through woodland trails to the rural town of Arcos, where you stay overnight. ascent/descent approx 250m/820ft The transfer enables you to avoid the urban sprawl of Porto, taking you directly into a rural landscape, however if you want to walk this section we suggest doing it the previous day and taking a taxi or bus back to your Porto hotel. (Walking the full distance Porto-Arcos is 35km/22mi, 8-9hrs, ascent/descent approx +570m/1870ft, -590m/1935ft).

The trail today takes you through cultivated fields and villages including Sao Pedro de Rates with its church of St Peter, and over the Monte Franqueira, before reaching Barcelos. There is an alternative route for a small section, via the ruins of the Castelo de Faria. Arriving in Barcelos you are in for a treat. With its impressive medieval bridge, Barcelos is treasured for its history and legends (eg. the Barcelos cockerel) as well as its famous roast chicken (Frango assado). The feast of the crosses is held on 3 May each year in its octagonal shaped baroque church. On Thursdays the Campo da Feira becomes one of Portugal's most atmospheric marketplaces. This is a nice town to add a rest day (must be requested at time of booking). Overnight in Barcelos. ascent/descent approx 730m/2395ft

Today's route takes you through a wine region, past small villages with pretty gardens and many baroque chapels on your way to the small and quiet town of Balugães, a traditional resting point on the Camino Portuguese. There are moderate slopes and some steep climbs, the most notable being to Portela de Tamel. Overnight in Balugaes. ascent 560m/1837ft, descent 510m/1637ft

Walk on moderate slopes through rural landscapes, enjoying panoramic views on your way to Ponte da Lima, the oldest town in Portugal. On arrival, the cobblestone streets are a delight to explore and there are many points of interest including museums, historic houses, a prison tower (now a library) and the main square, Largo de Camoes. The medieval bridge spanning the Lima River has Roman foundations but was rebuilt in 1368. Many festivals also take place here including Vaca das Cordas in June, medieval markets in August, and Feiras Novas in late September, a party which goes on for 3 days. Overnight in Ponte de Lima. ascent 630m/2067ft, descent 715m/2345ft

Today on the trail much of the route will be unpaved, running through farmland, rural areas and forests. Leaving by the Ponte de Lima, ascend to the Labruja Valley and up to a mountain ridge to reach the Alto da Portela Grande de Labruja, the highest point on the Camino Portugués Central at 430m (gain 315m in 4.2 km). The views sweeping to the Lima valley are well worth the effort! It is a pleasant route, crossing a large wooded area that does not present any great difficulties for pilgrims on foot (harder for those on bikes!). Descending trails heading north you soon enter the town of Rubiães by its Roman road, then continue on to Pecene, where you stay overnight. ascent 1048m/3438ft, descent 810m/2657ft

This stage is characterized by hilly terrain that gradually leads to Valença do Minho and across the border into Spain. There are rural landscapes and villages as you walk on country roads and unpaved trails for the most part. Before crossing into Spain it is worth taking a look at the historic walled town of Valença. Later reaching Tui, you can reflect on your travels as you visit the cathedral, which dates from 1120. This evening take a walk along the Paseo de Calvo Sotelo where a lively atmosphere is usually evident. Overnight in Tui ( (your first of 2 nights here). ascent 350m/1148ft, descent 555m/1820ft Optional upgrade available: stay in the parador for the two nights - supplement applies, must be requested at time of booking.

This stage is on woodland paths that follow the lovely Louro River valley, then along the N550 to the historical centre of O Porriño, a town famous for its pink granite due to its proximity to the granite quarries. There are hardly any gradients and you can enjoy a mixture of historical heritage and natural beauty. Essentially now a sprawling industrial town, O Porriño is located at the intersection of two motorways and the main railway line passes through town, so a private transfer (at 4pm, included) takes you back to Tui and your hotel. Overnight in Tui. ascent 330m/1083ft, descent 350m/1148ft

At 8:30am, transfer back to O Porriño (included) to continue your walk. Soak in the rural essence of Galicia: small villages, ancient churches and paths that wind through forests and rivers. After a stage following and crossing the N550, ascend through mixed forest to Monte Cornedo and the Chans das Pipas plateau before walking down to the town of Redondela. It's here that the Coastal and Central Portuguese Caminos meet. Continue through tiny hamlets along a coastal inlet to reach Arcade, where you stay overnight. ascent 483m/1584ft, descent 500m/1640ft

You start the day by walking over the beautiful old bridge at Pontesampaio. From here there's a short, quite steep uphill stretch following ancient stone paths before the path descends to the provincial capital of Pontevedra. There are some interesting sites to be explored here including the Santuario da Peregrin chapel and the Convento de San Francisco. The Medieval town centre is a maze of cobbled laneways with tapas bars and cafes. Overnight in Pontevedra. ascent 330m/1082ft, descent 305m/1000ft

Starting from Plaza de la Peregrina in Pontevedra, next to the Iglesia de la Vírgen Peregrina, a symbol of the city, the path enters the serenity of the Galician rural landscapes. Most of this stage is through woodland and countryside along gentle river valleys with virtually no climbing. Closer to Caldas de Reis the route crosses the N550 and follows it for short sections. Located between the Umia and Bermana rivers, the town of Caldas developed as a result of its thermal waters and continues to be a major health spa. The botanical gardens next to the river are lovely for some respite from the walk. Overnight in Caldas de Reis. Option to upgrade to a comfortable 4 star inn with pool or 3 star rural inn - supplement applies and must be requested when initially booking the trip. Note transfers are required for the rural inn option - additional cost applies. ascent/descent 550m/1804ft

This is a beautiful walk through the Bermana river valley with moderate gradients. The path descends into the Valga valley, passing through fields, forests and small villages. There are two short stages of main road: leaving Caldas and entering Padron. Padron is lovely, set on the banks of the Sar and Ulla rivers, with some St James relics to be seen at the Igrexa de Santiago (church). Herbón, a small village in the vicinity, is where the famous "Pimientos de Padrón" are grown. Overnight in Padron. ascent 730m/2395ft, descent 740m/2428ft

This stage runs mostly on paved paths and through urban areas, following the N-550, which will be crossed a few times. There is a gradual climb to Agro dos Monteiros in O Milladoiro. Highlights include the Colegiata de Iria Flavia, which was the first cathedral in Galicia, and the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Esclavitud (legend has it that a man was healed by drinking water from its fountain) - and of course, your arrival at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela! ascent 650m/2123ft, descent 400m/1312ft

Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast. We can assist with booking an extra night or two if you'd like to stay longer in Santiago - please ask for our rates.