The Portuguese Camino - Tui to Santiago

Land Tour

8 days

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The Portuguese Camino - Tui to Santiago
  • About
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  • Itinerary
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$AUD 195 per day

Departure: Tui, Spain

Whilst the vast majority of pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela follow the French route across northern Spain, a lesser known but equally impressive route approaches the cathedral from the south. This is the Portuguese pilgrim trail, which is considered to be the 'inspired' way. The sheer humble beauty of the paths and countryside provided many of its medieval walkers with inspiration for songs and verse. As the trail from Tui is more than 100km you will qualify for the Compostela certificate upon your arrival in Santiago. This is the last of four stages on our self-guided walking along the Portuguese Camino.
About
7 breakfasts, 4 dinners (no dinner in Tui and Santiago). Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices. Dinner will consist of 3 courses, usually starting with a salad, followed by a chicken, red meat, fish or pasta dish & finishing with a dessert of fruit or cakes.
7 nights in comfortable hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities (upgrade to 4 star hotel/parador in Tui and Santiago, upgrade hotel option at Caldas de Rei - supplement applies. Upgrades must be requested at time of booking)
Transfers between Tui to O Porriño
Digital information pack with route notes, maps & GPX
Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
Pilgrim Passport
Emergency hotline
Hightlights
Monte Santiaguino where St James first preached in Iberia
Padron where the boat carrying St James mortal remains became shipwrecked
Arriving into Santiago and experiencing the satisfaction of reaching the end of the ‘Camino'
Enjoying a quieter pilgrimage route, following in the footsteps of Celtic, Roman and Christian wayfarers
Exploring the magnificent city of Santiago with its impressive architecture and cathedrals

Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Tui
Arrival in the historic city of Tui on the Portuguese / Spanish border. Connected to the Portuguese town of Valenca by a 19th Century bridge over the River Mino, Tui is a walled town with a compact historic centre. The Cathedral is a central focus of the city perched on the top of the hill at the top of the town. You will need to visit the cathedral to collect your pilgrim passport. Overnight in Tui.
Day 2 - Walk to O Porrino along quiet country roads & woodland paths (6hrs, 23km/14mi)
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, O Porriño is located at the intersection of two motorways and the main railway line passes through town, so rather than stay here overnight you return to your Tui hotel with a private transfer (included) at 4pm. Overnight in Tui.
Day 3 - Transfer to O Porrino, walk to Arcade on the coast (6hrs, 23km/14mi)
At 8:30am transfer back to O Porriño (included) to continue your walk. 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. From here you pass through tiny hamlets along a coastal inlet to reach Arcade. Overnight in Arcade.
Day 4 - A shorter walk to the old town of Pontevedra (3-4hrs, 12km/7.5mi)
You start the day by walking over the beautiful old bridge at Pontesampaio. From here there's a short 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.
Day 5 - Walk to Caldas de Reis (6-7hrs, 22km/13.5mi)
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 - supplement applies. This must be requested when initially booking the trip.
As of mid July the O Burgo bridge in Pontevedra is closed to pedestrian traffic, there is a temporary diversion of the Camino via the As Correntes bridge before returning to the usual route in A Santiña. The diversion is signed and local businesses and accommodation are aware, if you need to ask for directions.
Day 6 - Via the river valleys of Bermana and Valga to Padron (5-6hrs, 19km/11.5mi)
This is a beautiful walk through the Bermana river valley before the path drops down into the Valga valley. There are two short stages of main road: leaving Caldas and entering Padron. Padron 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 in Padron.
Day 7 - To Santiago (6-7hrs, 25.5km/16mi)
The final day takes you through pine, oak and eucalyptus wood, before a climb to reach Santiago. Closer to Santiago the route follows some sections of main road. Overnight in Santiago.
Day 8 - Trip concludes
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.
Location

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