Join us walking the lesser travelled Caminho Português de Santiago from Porto to Santiago de Compostela, an alternative Camino to the more renowned Camino Frances through Spain. Passing vineyards, crop fields and farms along the way, this trail gives us an insight into the suburban Portuguese way of living.
Walking the Caminho Português is a quieter experience, allowing time for reflection and time to absorb the changing landscape of Portugal, the warmth of the local people, the stunning coastline and historic towns.
Beginning in the World Heritage site of Porto, we walk through a mixture of coastal, forest and open countryside trails to our final destination, the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, where pilgrims from all over the world congregate. Our arrival coincides with Easter Sunday, where the processions are an incredibly special experience!
Location
Please note map locations and route are approximate only Itinerary
Arrive Porto 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.
Meet with your Adventurous Women ™ Tour Manager at 6pm in the hotel lobby for introductions and trip briefing.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: TBA
Transfer to Vilar do Pinheiro and walk to Arcos (4hrs, 19km)
This morning a private transfer will take you from your Porto hotel to the small town of Vilar do Pinheiro where you begin an easy walk down in part through woodland trails to the rural town of Arcos.
The transfer enables you to avoid the urban sprawl of Porto, taking you directly to a rural landscape, however if you want to walk this section we recommend you do it the previous day and take a taxi or bus back to your Porto hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Walk to the market town of Barcelos (5hrs, 20km) The trail today takes you through lush valleys through towns such as Sao Pedro de Rates and 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 certainly in for a treat. With its impressive medieval bridge, Barcelos is treasured for its history and legends (eg. the Barcelos cockerel).
Overnight Barcelos.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Continue to Balugaes (4.5hrs, 16km) The route takes you through small villages with pretty gardens and past many baroque chapels enroute to the small and quiet town of Balugães, a traditional resting point on the Camino Portuguese. Overnight Balugaes.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Walk to Ponte de Lima, the oldest town in Portugal (5.5hrs, 17km) The route takes us gradually closer to the valley of the Lima River, where the village of Ponte da Lima is located, the oldest in Portugal.
The cobble stoned streets are a delight to walk through 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. Overnight Ponte de Lima.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Along delightful trails & crossing small hills en route to Pecene (6.5hrs, 22km) this is the first day on the trail where much of the route will be unpaved.
Leaving by the Ponte de Lima ascend to the Labruja Valley and up to a mountain ridge where you reach the Alto da Portela Grande, the highest point on the trail at 405m. The views sweeping back down to the Lima valley are well worth the effort!
Descending trails heading north you soon enter the town of Rubiães by its Roman road and then continue on to Pecene, where you will overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Cross the Spanish border at Tui (4.5hrs, 15km) This stage is characterised by hilly terrain that gradually leads to Valença before crossing the border into Spain. The trail is along quiet 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, the first stop in Spain. This evening take a walk along the Paseo de Calvo Sotelo where a lively atmosphere is usually evident. Overnight Tui.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Walk to O Porriño along quiet roads and woodland paths, transfer to Tui (5hrs, 16km)
Most of this first stage is 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.
Essentially now a sprawling industrial town, it is located at the intersection of two motorways and the main railway line passes through, so you return to your Tui hotel for overnight accommodation with a private transfer this afternoon (3pm). Overnight Tui.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Transfer to O Porrino, walk to Arcade on the coast (5.5-6hrs, 22km) After breakfast you will be transferred back to O Porriño.
After a stage following and crossing the N550, ascend through mixed forest to Monte Cornedo and the Chans das Pipas plateau before dropping down to the town of Redondela. From here you pass through tiny hamlets along a coastal inlet to reach Arcade. Overnight Arcade.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
A shorter walk to the old town of Pontevedra (3-4hrs, 12.5km) You start the day by walking over the beautiful old bridge at Pontesampaio then a short uphill stretch following ancient stone paths before dropping down to the provincial capital of Pontevedra. There are some interesting sites to explore including the Santuario da Peregrin chapel and the Convento de San Francisco. The Medieval town centre is a maze of cobbled lanes with tapas bars and cafes. Overnight Pontevedra.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Walk to Caldas de Reis (6-6.5hrs, 23.8km) 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 this road 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 Caldas de Reis.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Via the river valleys of Bermana and Valga to Padron (5-5.5hrs, 19.2km) This is a beautiful walk through the Bermana river valley before dropping down into the Valga valley, one short climb. Two short stages of main road, leaving Caldas and entering Padron. The town 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). Overnight Padron.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Through Galician villages to Santiago (6.5hrs, 25.6km) The final day takes us through pine, oak and eucalyptus wood before climbing up to reach Santiago. Closer to Santiago the route follows some sections of main road. Overnight Santiago.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Trip concludes Santiago de Compostela. (We encourage you to extend your stay in Portugal to explore)
Meals: Breakfast
Includes
Adventurous Women
® Tour Manager
13 nights accommodation twin share with ensuite
Daily Luggage transfers (1 piece of max 20kg per person)
Information pack, containing maps/route information
Pre-departure information & support to assist you with pre-trip planning (flight/transport options to Porto, local transport options, emergency contact numbers, taxi's, accommodation pre/post )
Visitor Tax
13 Dinners
13 Breakfasts
Excludes
International Flights
Drinks
Items of a personal nature
Entrance fees
Travel insurance (Compulsory)
What To Bring/Wear
- Wet weather gear, sunscreen, good walking boots well worn in / shoes, good walking socks, sun hat and walking poles.
Detailed Trip Notes will be provided well in advance of your departure, to help you plan & prepare.
More Information
How to Get There
Travelling BY AIR Your closest international airports are Porto, Lisbon or Madrid. There are a number of full service and low cost airlines that fly to these locations from points throughout Europe and beyond. If you need any assistance with booking flights please let us know and we can also help connect you with others from the group who are travelling from Australia.
On arrival at the airport you will need to take a taxi or local bus to our chosen adjoining hotel in the historic centre of Porto.
Trip grading
Moderate daily walks are between 15-26km on well marked trails over diverse terrain from relatively flat to hilly.
Each of our Tour Operators/Service Providers have their own booking conditions & cancellation policy over and above those of Adventurous Women's booking conditions, please ensure you request them and read them carefully.
Adventurous Women's Cancellation Policy can be viewed at the bottom of this website under the heading 'Cancellation Policy'.
Please ensure you read it carefully, as by paying your deposit, you acknowledge that you accept this cancellation policy, over and above that of our Service Providers
