What is the Camino de Santiago?
The Camino de Santiago has been a significant pilgrimage since the Middle Ages. Today, it remains popular among both devout pilgrims and hikers. There are multiple routes to Santiago, each offering a unique journey through varied landscapes, historic towns, and cultural landmarks.
Why Choose the Portuguese Camino?
The Camino Portugués starts in Portugal and makes its way north to Santiago de Compostela. This was the route that devout bygone Portuguese pilgrims used to go to Santiago de Compostela. Amongst these pilgrims, Queen Isabel of Portugal stands out. The so-called ‘Reinha Santa’ (Holy or Saintly Queen) went twice in the 14th century. Likewise in the 17th century, the Italian Priest Giovanni Confalonieri, left us perhaps one of the best medieval travelogs of this route.
Nowadays, the unofficial starting place is Porto. However, like on other Camino routes, pilgrims may start anywhere along the route. As there are two official Camino Portugués routes, the options are indeed many. The coastal route takes you along the Atlantic coast all the way to where it converges with the interior route in the Spanish town of Redondela. The interior route takes you inland following the remains of the Roman Road Via XIX. Amongst other sites, this route takes you through the oldest town in Portugal, Ponte de Lima, and the historic border towns of Valança do Minho in Portugal and Tui in Spain.
Key Takeaways from the Camino Portugués
- Discover stunning scenic beauty, both coastal and inland.
- The Portuguese Camino offers over two thousand years of history, dating back to Roman times.
- The Camino Portugués is the second most popular route to Compostela, which means a perfect combination of services and pilgrim numbers.
Two Official Routes on the Camino Portugues
The Coastal Route: A Scenic Experience
This path follows Portugal’s beautiful coastline. Pilgrims see amazing sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and quaint fishing villages. Walking this route is a treat for the senses, blending nature’s beauty with peace. The salty air and sound of waves add to the spiritual journey.
The Central Route: Rich Cultural Experience
On the other hand, the central route goes through historic towns like Barcelos and Ponte de Lima. It lets pilgrims explore local traditions, culture, and architecture. This route combines beautiful views of lush northern Portugal and the chance to connect with the area’s lively history.
Frequently asked questions about Camino Portugues
How long does it take to walk the Camino Portuguese?
Porto is 250 kms (155 miles) from Santiago de Compostela on the interior route. It takes between 10 and 14 days to walk. The coastal route is 280 kms (174 miles) and takes at least a couple days more.
Is the Camino in Spain or Portugal?
The Camino Portugués, as its name indicates, starts in Portugal. All Camino routes end in Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Depending on where you start, you will walk more or less in Portugal. Yes, you cross an international border on the Camino Portugués, by boat on the coastal route and over a bridge on the interior route. Please note that the border is symbolic and you will not have to present your passport or clear customs. Indeed, you will not even see border or immigration authorities.
How difficult is the Portuguese Camino?
Like other Camino routes, the Camino Portugués requires some preparation and training, especially if you’re not an experienced walker/hiker and have never done a long-distance walk. However, the trails are usually well groomed and marked and there are sufficient pilgrim services along the way. The terrain varies significantly between the two Portuguese routes. While the coastal route is flatter than the interior route, the latter, although hilly, does not present mountain challenges.
What is the best month for the Portuguese Camino?
Because of the temperate climate in this section of the Iberian Peninsula, the Camino Portugués is walkable year round. Portugal and Spain have four seasons, so expect warmer and drier weather in the summer, and colder and rain in the winter. The Camino Portugués rarely sees snow.
Camino Portugués Tours by Fresco Tours
Fresco Tours proudly offers tours on both Camino Portugués routes. We also offer full-service guided tours for pilgrims who would like more assistance and creature comforts, and independent self-walk tours for our more adventurous pilgrims.
Camino Portugués Coastal Tour
Discover the trail that takes you to Santiago de Compostela along the Atlantic Coast. Starting in Portugal, pilgrims follow the Camino northwards, with the lush Portuguese and Spanish countryside to their right, fabulous views of the Atlantic to their left, and a refreshing sea-breeze as their daily companion.
Starting in Viana do Castelo, we walk 145 km (90 miles) to Santiago de Compostela.
Camino Portugués Tour
Join us as we adjust our compass to north and head to Santiago de Compostela starting from Portugal. Our neighbors to the south are closely tied to Galicia and we will get a better feel for them as we cross through the lush countryside and quiet villages. Our Camino takes us through the town of Padrón, where Santiago’s stone boat brought him back to Spain.
Starting in Ponte de Lima, we walk 168 km (104 miles) to Santiago de Compostela.
A Kinder (Gentler) Portugués Tour
Come join us on our kinder version of the Camino Portugués! We´ll enjoy the same charming scenery of the Iberian Peninsula, but at a lighter, gentler pace. Our good friend, the yellow arrow, will keep us company as we cross over the River Miño and enter Spain. Our Camino also takes us through the town of Padrón, where Santiago’s stone boat brought him back to Spain.
Starting in Tui, we walk 129 km (80 miles) to Santiago de Compostela.
A Fresco Start Camino Portugués Coastal Tour
While we are very proud of our high-quality, full-service, guided cultural walking tours of the Camino de Santiago, we also recognize that some people would rather not have 2 guides with them and there are others that just do not like “group tours”, despite the fabulous gourmet picnics we prepare!
With these thoughts in mind, we created our “A Fresco Start Camino Portugués Coastal Tour”. On this journey, you will cover the last 260 km (160 miles) of the trail on foot as you start from the town of Oporto. This will allow you to request the Compostela certificate for having walked the Camino. We will take care of your hotel arrangements, breakfasts, and luggage transfers as you go along the trail. All walking will be from inn to inn, so no need for shuttles in taxis or regrouping points at the end of the day.
A Fresco Start Camino Portugués Tour
On this adventure, you will cover the last 118 km (73 miles) of the trail on foot as you start from the town of Tui. This will allow you to request the Compostela certificate for having walked the Camino. We will take care of your hotel arrangements, breakfasts, and luggage transfers as you go along the trail. All walking will be from inn to inn, so no need for shuttles in taxis or regrouping points at the end of the day.
Remember, A Fresco Start Camino means just that – a Fresco Tours guide will meet you at the Start! On the first evening in Tui, we will personally meet you to give you an Orientation Meeting, hand out your Welcome Packet that includes the Pilgrim’s Passport, and take you out for a fine meal of local cuisine! On the very next morning, your guide will be on hand to answer any questions that may have popped up overnight and walk with you out of town to help get your “feet wet” and introduce you to the symbols and markers of the Camino!
Freshly prepared gourmet picnics on all our guided tours!
