Camino Portugués from Tui

The beginning of your Camino

Distance: 10 miles – 16,1 km

The stage begins in the charming city of Tui, where historical heritage intertwines with the spirituality of the Camino. As you cross the majestic Miño river, you will feel the excitement of starting this pilgrimage.

Before setting off, it’s worth visiting the Cathedral of Santa María, an impressive Gothic fortress overlooking the Miño River. As you move forward, the path takes you through the Monte Aloia Natural Park, a serene setting of forests and streams that immerses you in a sense of peace and connection with nature. The journey continues along rural paths and small villages until you reach the Gándaras de Budiño, a protected wetland area rich in biodiversity.

This route, with a low difficulty level, offers a pleasant and gentle walk, perfect for your first day as a pilgrim. The final stretch of the stage runs along asphalt tracks and dirt roads until you reach O Porriño, a town with a welcoming pilgrim atmosphere.

Between valleys and dreamlike estuaries

Distance: 9.9 miles – 16 km

Leaving O Porriño behind, you’ll enter a path that winds through picturesque valleys and small villages that preserve the essence of Galicia.

The route takes you on a gentle ascent to Mos, where you can visit the Church of Santa Eulalia and the historic Casa Blanca de Mos. From here, you continue toward Alto de la Inxertado, the highest point of the stage, offering stunning views of the Ría de Vigo. The descent leads through the lush Chan das Pipas Forest, a peaceful, shaded stretch that prepares you for your arrival in Redondela.

Known as the “Town of Viaducts,” Redondela welcomes you with its impressive railway structures and charming maritime atmosphere. Don’t miss the Church of Santiago and a stroll through Plaza de la Constitución, the heart of local life. Here, Galician cuisine shines, with specialties like chocos en su tinta (cuttlefish in its own ink), a perfect dish to recharge before continuing your Camino toward Pontevedra.

Forest Trails and Culture

Distance: 12.18 miles – 19,6 km

Leaving Redondela behind, the Camino takes you into a spectacular natural setting, blending lush forests, rivers, and charming small villages.

The first climb of the day leads to O Viso, where an impressive panoramic view of the Ría de Vigo rewards your effort. From here, the path winds through eucalyptus and oak trees, passing historic sites like the Chapel of Santa Marta, a peaceful spot perfect for a short break. Shortly after, you’ll cross Arcade, famous for its medieval Sampaio Bridge, where a crucial battle was fought against Napoleonic troops.

From there, the Camino follows the Verdugo River until reaching Pontevedra, a city with a vibrant and historic old town. In Plaza de la Peregrina, the iconic Church of the Virgen Peregrina welcomes you with its unique scallop shell-shaped floor plan. It’s the perfect place to unwind before diving into the region’s delicious cuisine, try  Arcade’s famous oysters, local squid, or a classic merluza a la gallega, paired with a refreshing Albariño wine.

Thermal Waters Await You on the Camino

Distance: 13.1 miles – 21,1 km

Leaving behind the charming city of Pontevedra, the Camino winds through a rural landscape where vineyards and oak and eucalyptus forests define the scenery.

As you progress, you’ll pass through small villages rich in tradition, such as San Amaro and Barro, where you can stop at the Church of San Mamede, a fine example of Galician Romanesque architecture. Shortly after, the Río Barosa Natural Area will amaze you with its stunning waterfalls and ancient stone mills—a perfect spot for a short break before continuing your journey.

The final stretch of the day leads you to Caldas de Reis, a town deeply connected to thermal waters. Its hot springs, such as the Fuente de las Burgas, are ideal for soothing your feet after a long walk. But it’s not just the water that makes this place special—the local cuisine is also a highlight. Enjoy fresh seafood or the classic lacón con grelos, all perfectly paired with a fine Albariño wine.

In the Footsteps of the Apostle

Distance: 11.55 miles – 18,6 km

Leaving Caldas de Reis behind, the Camino leads you through oak and eucalyptus forests, crossing small streams and villages that seem frozen in time.

The ascent to Santa Mariña de Carracedo is gentle and passes through vineyard-covered fields, reminding you that you are in one of Galicia’s most renowned wine regions. Shortly after, the descent takes you to San Miguel de Valga, where you can visit its small church and take a break before tackling the final kilometers of the day.

Finally, you arrive in Padrón, a place rich in Jacobean symbolism. According to tradition, this is where the stone boat carrying the remains of the Apostle James from the Holy Land came ashore. You can’t leave without visiting the Church of Santiago, home to the famous Pedrón, the stone to which, according to legend, the boat was moored. And, of course, this is the perfect time to savor the region’s culinary gem: the authentic Padrón peppers—“some are hot, and some are not.” Paired with good Galician bread and a Ribeiro wine, they provide the perfect ending to a stage where history, nature, and flavor come together.

We Arrive at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela

Distance: 15.2 miles – 24,4 km

The final day of your Camino begins in Padrón, a place steeped in Jacobean history, where, according to tradition, the remains of the Apostle James first arrived.

With your heart filled with emotion and your feet firmly on the path, you walk through small villages such as Iria Flavia, the birthplace of writer Camilo José Cela, and A Escravitude, home to the impressive Sanctuary of the Virgen de la Esclavitude—a perfect spot for a moment of reflection before the grand finale. The last kilometers take you through forests and villages until you reach the legendary Monte do Gozo, where you will catch your first glimpse of the towers of Santiago’s Cathedral.

From this point, your pulse quickens, and the excitement becomes tangible. You enter the historic center, walk along Rúa de San Pedro, and finally arrive at the majestic Praza do Obradoiro. Now is the time to embrace the Apostle, attend the Pilgrim’s Mass, and, of course, celebrate with a seafood feast or a plate of pulpo á feira. The perfect ending to a life-changing experience.

Santiago is not just the final destination—it is the beginning of a new story.