Portuguese Camino - Porto to Santiago

Portuguese Camino - Porto to Santiago

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14 Days From

$2290

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Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating journey along "The Portuguese Camino - Porto to Santiago," a quieter pilgrimage route steeped in history and tradition. Follow in the footsteps of Celtic, Roman, and Christian wayfarers as you traverse scenic trails from Porto to Santiago de Compostela. Delight in the culinary wonders of Porto, explore historical towns like Barcelos, Tui, and Pontevedra, and marvel at the fabled church of Santiago de Compostela. Enjoy 13 nights in comfortable hotels, savoring continental breakfasts and three-course dinners. With luggage transfers, digital route notes, and an emergency hotline, this self-guided walking holiday offers a seamless and enriching experience through Portugal and Spain. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Enjoying a quieter pilgrimage route, following in the footsteps of Celtic, Roman and Christian wayfarers

  • Experiencing culinary delights, including the local port varieties in Porto

  • Discovering fascinating and historical towns including Porto, Barcelos, Tui, Pontevedra and Santiago

  • Walking to the fabled church of Santiago de Compostela

  • Exploring Porto's historical centre, a World Heritage site

  • Visiting the medieval bridge and market square in Barcelos

  • Crossing the beautiful old bridge at Pontesampaio

  • Walking through the oldest town in Portugal, Ponte de Lima

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrive Porto

Paul Allen

Location: Porto

Accommodation Name: Hotel

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. ...more ...less

Day 2 : Transfer To Vilar Do Pinheiro And Walk To Arcos (4Hrs, 19Km/11.8Mi)

Location: Porto

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Day 3 : Walk To The Market Town Of Barcelos (5Hrs, 20Km/12.4Mi)

Location: Barcelos

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

The trail today takes you through lush valleys and towns such as 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 certainly in for a treat. With its impressive medieval bridge, Barcelos is treasured for its history and legends (eg. the Barcelos cockerel). The feast of the crosses is held on 3 May each year in the octagonal shaped Baroque church. Every Thursday the Campo da Feira, or market square, becomes one of Portugal's most atmospheric marketplaces. If you are thinking of a rest day this is the place to have it. Overnight Barcelos.

Day 4 : Continue To Balugaes (4.5Hrs, 16Km/9.9Mi)

Location: Balugaes

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

The route takes you through small villages with pretty gardens and past many Baroque chapels en route to the small and quiet town of Balugães, a traditional resting point on the Camino Portuguese.
Overnight Balugaes.

Day 5 : Walk To Ponte De Lima, The Oldest Town In Portugal (5.5Hrs, 17Km/10.5Mi)

Location: Ponte de Lima

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

The route takes you 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 river has Roman foundations but was rebuilt in 1368. Many festivals take place here including Vaca das Cordas in June (the day before Corpus Christi), medieval markets in August, and Feiras Novas on the third weekend in September, a party which goes on for 3 days.
Overnight Ponte de Lima.

Day 6 : Along Delightful Trails & Crossing Small Hills En Route To Pecene (6.5Hrs, 22Km/13.7Mi)

Location: Ponte de Lima

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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 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, then continue to Pecene, where you will stay overnight.

Day 7 : Walk To The Spanish Border At Tui (4.5Hrs, 15Km/9.3Mi)

Location: Tui

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This stage is characterized by hilly terrain that gradually leads to Valença, before the border crossing into Spain. The trail is along quiet country roads and unpaved trails for the most part. Before crossing the border it is worth taking a look at the historic walled town of Valença. Later you'll reach Tui. This evening take a walk along the Paseo de Calvo Sotelo, which usually has a lively atmosphere. Overnight Tui.
Option to upgrade to the parador for the two nights in Tui - supplement applies, must be requested when initially booking the trip.

Day 8 : Walk To O Porriño Along Quiet Roads And Paths, Transfer To Tui (6Hrs, 18Km/11Mi)

Location: Tui

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Continue today 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. 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 9 : Transfer To O Porrino, Walk To Arcade On The Coast (6Hrs, 23Km/14Mi)

Location: O Porriño

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

A morning transfer (8.30am, included) will take you back to O Porriño 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 10 : A Shorter Walk To The Old Town Of Pontevedra (3-4Hrs, 12Km/7.5Mi)

Location: Pontevedra

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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 11 : Walk To Caldas De Reis (6-7Hrs, 22Km/13.5Mi)

Location: Caldas de Reis

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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.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.

Day 12 : Via The River Valleys Of Bermana And Valga To Padron (5-6Hrs, 19Km/11.5Mi)

Location: Padron

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a beautiful walk through the Bermana river valley. The path then 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 13 : Final Stage To Santiago (6-7Hrs, 25.5Km/16Mi)

Location: Santiago

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

The final day takes you through pine, oak and eucalyptus wood, before there's a climb to reach Santiago. Closer to Santiago the route follows some sections of main road. Overnight in Santiago. Own dinner arrangements.

Day 14 : Trip Concludes Santiago De Compostela

Location: Santiago de Compostela

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    13 nights in comfortable hotels

  • 13 breakfasts and 9 dinners. 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

  • 13 nights in comfortable hotels on a twinshare basis with private 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)

  • Digital information pack with route notes, maps & GPX

  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess

  • Transfers from Porto to Vilar do Pinheiro, and between O Porriño and Tui, as noted

  • Pilgrim's passport

  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Porto and from Santiago de Compostela

  • Meals not listed as included, drinks

  • Travel insurance - mandatory

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What's Not Included

  • Travel to and from the Tour

    Travel to Porto and from Santiago de Compostela.

  • Meals and Drinks

    Meals not listed as included, drinks, lunch and drinks throughout, and dinner in Porto and Santiago.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included.

  • Tour Guide

    This is a self-guided walking holiday; no tour guide is provided.

  • Single Room Supplement

    A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.

  • Entrance Fees

    Entrance fees not listed as included.

  • Additional Transfers

    Transfers not listed as included, including transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage.

  • Excess Luggage

    A supplement applies for excess luggage.

  • Hotel Taxes

    Hotel taxes, if applicable, are payable directly to the hotel.

  • Optional Accommodation Upgrade

    Optional accommodation upgrade in Caldas de Reis.

  • Personal Items

    Items of a personal nature are not included.

Grading

Daily walks are between 15-26km on well marked trails over diverse terrain –from relatively flat to hilly. The trail takes you along quiet rural roads, occassionally on the verges of roads with traffic. Some of the route is on walking trails away from the road and there are often alternative routes available. Route finding is reasonably straight forward following the yellow arrows and granite pillars (showing distance to Santiago), however you still need to be vigilant as markers from other trails such as the GR11 can be confusing (refer below for further details on self guided adventures). However our notes include hints and pointers to help you navigate the route. The route will inevitably cross main roads close to cities and towns, although the majority is on side roads and walking trails. The main areas to concentrate on route finding are arriving and leaving towns and cities. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. ...more ...less

What You Carry

As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, phone etc.

Mode of Transport

Transfers include a private transfer from Porto to Vilar do Pinheiro, and from O Porriño to Tui and back to O Porriño. Travel to Porto and from Santiago de Compostela is also included.

Accommodation

Enjoy 13 nights in comfortable hotels on a twinshare basis with private facilities. Upgrades to 4-star hotels or paradores in Tui and Santiago, and an upgrade option at Caldas de Rei are available upon request at the time of booking.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes 13 breakfasts and 9 dinners. Breakfasts are usually continental, inclusive of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee, and juices. Dinners will consist of 3 courses, usually starting with a salad, followed by a chicken, red meat, fish, or pasta dish, and finishing with a dessert. ...more ...less

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides 13 nights in comfortable hotels on a twin-share basis with private facilities. There are options to upgrade to 4-star hotels or paradores in Tui and Santiago, and an upgrade option at Caldas de Rei, but these must be requested at the time of booking and a supplement applies. ...more ...less

  • Is luggage transfer available during the tour?

    Yes, luggage transfer is available. You can transfer one piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 20kg. A supplement applies for excess luggage.

  • Are there any transfers included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes transfers from Porto to Vilar do Pinheiro, and from O Porriño to Tui and back to O Porriño. Additionally, there are transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage.

  • Is this a guided tour?

    No, this is a self-guided walking holiday. You will receive a digital information pack with route notes, maps, and GPX files to help you navigate the route.

  • What should I carry during the walks?

    As the walks are fully supported, you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements, including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, a water bottle, a warm top, and a phone.

  • What is the difficulty level of the walks?

    Daily walks are between 15-26km on well-marked trails over diverse terrain, ranging from relatively flat to hilly. The route takes you along quiet rural roads, occasionally on the verges of roads with traffic, and some sections are on walking trails away from the road. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.

  • What happens if I need assistance during the tour?

    The tour provides an emergency hotline for any assistance you may need during your journey.

  • Are there any optional upgrades available?

    Yes, there are optional upgrades available. You can upgrade to 4-star hotels or paradores in Tui and Santiago, and there is an upgrade option at Caldas de Rei. These upgrades must be requested at the time of booking and a supplement applies.

  • What happens on the final day of the tour?

    On the final day, the trip arrangements conclude after breakfast in Santiago de Compostela. If you wish to stay longer in Santiago, assistance with booking an extra night or two can be provided upon request.

  • How fit do I have to be?

    Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.

  • What happens if something goes wrong?

    On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.

  • I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?

    Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

S. Robertson(Indiana, United States)  

Portuguese Camino - Porto to Santiago

17 Oct 2023

This is the experience of a lifetime. Walking the Camino was life-changing. Not having to worry about our luggage or lodging or meals allowed us to be immersed in the experience and not the details. Carefully curated lodging, pre-trip checklists, tips, and travel guidelines. It was just OUTSTANDING from beginning to end. THANK YOU! ...more ...less

P. Hoonakker(France)  

Portuguese Camino - Porto to Santiago

4 Jul 2022

The trip was well organized by UTracks: our luggage made it without any problems to the next stage, the hotels were in general of good quality, and when there was a (minor) problem, UTracks managed in solving it without a problem.

A. Jackson(Subiaco, Australia)  

Portuguese Camino - Porto to Santiago

1 Aug 2024

The Portuguese Camino was an excellent, well organised trek. Accommodation was ideal and distances made time to see sites.

D. Gondek(Ivanhoe, Australia)  

Portuguese Camino - Porto to Santiago

31 May 2024

I enjoyed hospitality better in Portugal, places we stayed were very comfortable, professional service, good food.

Moira Ferguson(Guelph, Ontario, Canada)  

Portuguese Camino - Porto to Santiago

28 Mar 2023

We really enjoyed our Camino tour. The accommodation and meals were highly satisfactory and the variation among them was a positive feature. Everyone was friendly and welcoming. There was one issue with one place but that could have been the result of the rainy conditions we experienced. The distances walked kept us busy until early to mid afternoon. We enjoyed coming into contact with the same people (mostly backpackers) throughout the tour. Highly recommended. ...more ...less

S. Clements(Tarragindi, Australia)  

Portuguese Camino - Porto to Santiago

4 Oct 2023

Great trip and almost went to plan - 2 hiccups were sorted by the local agent.

K. Brianton(Melbourne, Australia)  

Portuguese Camino - Porto to Santiago

26 Jul 2024

A well organised camino.

K. Savage(Madora Bay, Australia)  

Portuguese Camino - Porto to Santiago

6 Oct 2022

Very well organised, hotels were lovely, food was great except in 2 places, one of which was an upgraded hotel. Easy to ring if we needed any help.

L. Mitchell(Mellons Bay, New Zealand)  

Portuguese Camino - Porto to Santiago

9 Oct 2024

An experience of a lifetime made all that better with good organisation and wonderful friendships established along the way.

R. Trubuhovich(Milford, New Zealand)  

Portuguese Camino - Porto to Santiago

31 May 2023

We booked our 2nd Camino with UTracks. Booking was easy and straight forward, even with a few extra days added. The accommodation was great. A good selection and usually very central. The directions to our hotels weren't so good sometimes and we resorted to Google maps on occasion. It was good to have accommodation etc booked so we didn't have to look for accommodation when hot and tired. Would book through them again. ...more ...less

Read all 18 reviews

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Portuguese Camino - Porto to Santiago

14 Days Starting in Porto, Portugal and ending in Santiago de Compostela, Spain

Visiting: Porto, Barcelos, Balugaes, Ponte de Lima, Tui, O Porriño, Pontevedra, Caldas de Reis, Padron, Santiago, Santiago de Compostela ...more ...less

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

PC3

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

moderate

Tour operated in:

English
From: $2290 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 15-Feb-2025 but subject to change.