The route
Here you can see a map of the route
Easy cancellation up to 35 days before departure
This tour is covered by our special easy cancellation policy up to 35 days before departure.
Itinerary
You'll arrive in Valença and check into your first hotel. You'll then have the rest of the day to explore. The hike starts tomorrow.
Hotel (example): Hotel Lara
Today you'll say goodbye to Portugal as you cross the metal bridge over the Minho River. Try to get an early start, especially during the winter months, so you have time to enjoy the medieval town of Tui before heading to the small industrial town of O Porriño.
Depending on the route you take, you'll either spend most of the day walking through forests and fields or a large part of the day in industrial areas.
Hotel (example): Hostal Expo
Today you'll get your first glimpses of the Ria de Vigo estuary when you reach Redondela and again towards the end of the stage in Arcade. Along the way you have two hills to overcome. The first is a slow, steady climb through a rural setting to an altitude of 235 metres. The second is lower, but somewhat steeper and perhaps more tiring as it is towards the end of the day.
About 15 kilometres into the stage, you'll pass through the town of Redondela, where the central and coastal routes merge and follow the same route all the way to Santiago. Redondela has some interesting medieval buildings, including the 16th-century Casa da Torre, which is now a pilgrim hostel.
You'll end the day in the small town of Arcade, known for its seafood thanks to its proximity to the water. It has an attractive beach and an attractive riverside park area. If you can't find the time or energy to enjoy these when you arrive, try to do it in the morning.
Hotel (example): Casa As Chivas - Arcade
Today's walk is short and only takes about 4 hours. You can postpone your departure and still have plenty of time to visit the historic centre of Pontevedra in the afternoon.
This short stage is also one of the most enjoyable on the road, especially if you take a detour to start from the beach in Arcade. Once you leave the city behind, follow old stone paths through the forest and if you detour via the Tomeza River, you'll spend most of the day surrounded by trees and birdsong.
There is one hill to climb, up to 145 metres, but it's not very steep and mostly in shade. After that it's downhill and then level for the rest of the ride to Pontevedra.
Pontevedra itself is a very attractive city. The historic centre is filled with beautiful squares and plenty of opportunities to enjoy tapas outdoors and watch the world go by.
Hotel (example): Hotel Avenida
From here starts the O Salnés Spiritual variant of the Camino
Today's stage marks the start of the Salnês Spiritual Variant, which begins about 2 kilometres after leaving the city of Pontevedra.
You'll pass through the picturesque landscapes of Comarca and O Salnês, cross the village of Poio - with its ancient monastery - and the beautiful coastal town of Combarro before beginning the long and demanding climb to A Armenteira. Here you'll find a magnificent monastery that was built in the 12th century and is still in operation today.
Hotel (example): Pousada Armenteira
Today's stage is one of the most beautiful and enjoyable of the entire Portuguese Camino. From Armenteira to Pontearnelas, you'll cover ‘A Ruta da Pedra e da Auga’ through beautiful natural landscapes in the municipalities of Meis and Ribadumia. Walking in the shade of the trees along the banks of the Armenteira River, you'll find old watermills resting on the riverbank, small waterfalls and bridges.
Vegetable gardens and vineyards show that the mouth of the Arousa is approaching. After a walk of almost 23 kilometres, you'll reach the beaches and the town of Vilanova de Arousa.
Hotel (example): Hotel Playa Las Sinas
On the last day of the spiritual Salnês variant before resuming the traditional Portuguese Camino, you will sail between Vilanova de Arousa and Pontecessures.
This part of the journey can be done in two ways: the first is by taking the ‘Translatio’, a boat trip that goes up the Ulla River and honours the journey taken by the remains of Saint James up to Pontecessures.
Please note that the boat sails from April to October. If the boat is not possible, we will organise transport for that stretch.
The other option, if taking the boat is not possible, is to walk along the coast of the Ria de Arousa, passing through a series of fishing villages until you reach Pontecessures, where you will find the Portuguese Camino.
From Pontecessures to Teo there are a few stretches on busy main roads without pavements, but most of the terrain is paved roads and stone or gravel paths.
Hotel (example): Casa Parada de Francos
The final stage begins with a steady but not very strenuous 160 metre climb through woodland to a peak of 260 metres. As you descend along quiet tarmac roads, you'll see the city of Santiago de Compostela ahead of you on the next hill.
Once you've reached 4 kilometres from the city, you'll have to decide whether to stay in the middle of the green for as long as possible or stick to the original route and take a shortcut up a steep hill through a built-up area.
Either way, the last few kilometres will be on asphalt and city roads, but as the graffiti sign at Ponte Rio Sar says, ‘Don't Stop Now!’
The yellow arrows almost completely disappear as you enter the centre of Santiago de Compostela, so follow these directions to reach the cathedral on the Portuguese road.
Hotel (example): Hotel Lux Santiago
After breakfast it's time to check out and head home, but we recommend you take some time to walk around and experience this gem of a city. Small, vibrant and historic, with its UNESCO-listed old town that can be quite enchanting. Santiago de Compostela is not only a place for pilgrims, but locals and students also abound in the city centre.
Pictures from the trip
Prices and dates
The price includes
- 8 nights in carefully selected hotels (2-3 stars)
- Breakfast every day
- Detailed descriptions of the daily routes (route maps, route descriptions, info on relevant tourist attractions and important phone numbers) (in English)
- Pilgrim passport
- Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
- Boat trip from Vilanova de Arousa to Pontecessures
- 24-hour local and international service hotline for the duration of the tour
- Access to the route in our GPS app, which also works offline
- This is a package holiday and is covered by the Travel Guarantee Fund and the Package Travel Act - see what benefits this brings you - click here
- Half board (7x dinner)
- Handling fee (€20)
- Tourist tax (if due)
Practical information
The price is based upon two people sharing. It is also possible travel alone in a single room. Simply choose "1 person" in the booking form and it will automatically add the single room surcharge.
On this tour you will be on your own supplied with maps, route descriptions and luggage transfers. That means that your time is your own and you have plenty of time to enjoy the stages in your own pace.
Check the price quickly
You can quickly check the price of your desired trip without having to fill in anything. Here's how:
- Choose your desired start date
- Click on the green button "See price and reserve your holiday" and go to the booking form
- Select number of people, add any optional extras and see the price at the bottom of the page (you don't have to fill in anything on the form).
Get a quote
For example, if you want a flight included or changes to the trip, you can order a quote for this using the "Get a quote" button. Remember to describe in detail what, if anything, you want changed.
The process of your booking
When you book, we will start booking hotels and arranging all the practical details of the trip. This process typically takes 2-5 working days, but some bookings may take longer. If you are arranging your own transport, we recommend that you wait until we have confirmed your booking before arranging this.
Dates
If you can select the date in the tour calendar at the top of this page, this is a possible start date. We continually update the tours with sold-out dates, after which those dates will turn red and cannot be selected.
The flights to Porto and home from Santiago de Compostela are not included in the price. You can easily find a suitable flight via a flight booking engine such as Momondo or Skyscanner.
Notice: we recommend that you book with us and wait for the confirmation before you book your flights.
It works like this:
- You book your chosen holiday with us
- We confirm your holiday (usually within 2-5 working days)
- You arrange your transportation
Getting there
Here is a link for the perfect tool which will help you get an overview of how to get to the starting point of the tour: Rome2Rio
For your overnight stays, we have hand-picked family-run hotels and guesthouses based on their character and warm hospitality. The standard is 2-3 star tourist class. The hotels are centrally located in the towns and close to the Pilgrims' Route. In rare cases it may be necessary to book accommodation further from the route, but in those cases transfers will be included so as not to affect the walking programme.
Extra nights
It is possible to book extra nights in Porto or Santiago. This can be selected on the booking form.
The standard package includes daily breakfast. The breakfast offered will depend on the hotel. Continental breakfast is the norm. A usual setup will be a breakfast buffet that includes fruit, bread, pastries, cheese, cold cuts, coffee, tea and juice. If there is a special breakfast product that you are used to having, then we recommend that you bring it or buy it at the local supermarket.
The dinners availble in the hotels will usually be a "pilgrim menu", where you can choose between three starters, three main courses and a dessert. The starters usually include soup, salad or fish. The main courses are usually fish or meat with fries, potatoes and bread. As a rule, there is the possibility of a vegetarian dish. For dessert, for example cheesecake, creme caramel or ice cream.
The food will vary depending on the area, as each area has its own seasonal and local dishes and specialties. For example, fish will be more common in Galicia, the northern coast and the Portuguese coastal regions rather than in the inland areas.
Regarding lunch, we recommend that you either buy it at the local store in your accommodation city or stop in the cities along the route to buy basics like water, snacks, fruit, etc. You can also eat at small cafés along the way.
Your route description will include guides to water posts and eateries.
Luggage transfer is included on this tour. Upon arrival at the first hotel you will be given luggage tags along with the rest of the welcome package. You fill out the luggage tags and put them on your bags where they will remain for the duration of the tour.
Your luggage is picked up from the hotel lobby around 9am every morning and will arrive at your next hotel at 6pm at the latest (often long before that). If there are any special exceptions to the luggage transfer you will be notified upon arrival.
Luggage transfer includes one bag per guest and the bags can weigh 20kg each.
This journey has difficulty level 2
Grade 2
Easy hiking on reasonably good trails. The day walks will last 4-6 hours in hilly terrain. Anyone in good physical condition can participate. Your luggage will be transported and you only carry a light daypack. Requires comfortable footwear such as trekking shoes or hiking boots.
Read more about our grading system here.
On this tour, you will receive the following documents:
Upon booking
Immediately after booking this trip, you'll recieve a pre-booking-email where you can get a complete overview of your booking. Once the tour is confirmed you get a confirmation email from us along with practical information about the tour.
One month before departure
You will receive a hotel list and final travel documents.
Upon arrival at the first hotel
You'll receive the welcome pack, which contains everything you need for the trip. There will be route descriptions, maps, luggage tags and specific local vouchers. The documents are in English.
Notice: On some tours it is necessary to either print the documents yourself or to bring them electronically.
Starting in 2025, travelers from visa-exempt countries will need an ESS or ETIAS authorization to enter EU nations. This system enhances border security while simplifying entry procedures. Ensure compliance by applying online before your trip to avoid delays.
You can read more about it here.
We recommend taking out travel insurance that covers at least illness, accident, repatriation, lost holiday, luggage and liability. As a customer, you are responsible for taking out the necessary travel insurance to cover these costs.
Before taking out insurance, you should check whether you are already covered by travel or cancellation insurance through your home insurance company, credit card or similar - please note that there may be differences in insurance coverage.
The Portuguese Camino offers temperatures between 12-20 degrees in the spring months of March, April, and May. Rainfall is moderate, and wind conditions are generally mild. The summer months of June, July, and August bring temperatures between 22-30 degrees. Here we recommend that you, especially on hot days, start your daily stages early in the day to avoid the midday heat. The summer months bring mild wind conditions and almost no rainfall. In the autumn months of September and October, you can expect temperatures between 17-25 degrees, with rainfall slightly increasing and wind conditions remaining mild.
Here is no text
"We look forward to making your holiday dreams come true"
