Hiking the Portuguese Camino

Introduction
Minho Portugal
Spend an unforgettable two weeks walking through stunning Portuguese and Galician countryside and villages and exploring fascinating historical towns and cities between two UNESCO World Heritage cities.

The Portuguese Camino de Santiago has been one of the main pilgrim routes to Santiago for centuries. Set out on a journey of discovery, not only of the country but of yourself as you follow in the footsteps of countless pilgrims and walkers.
The long days of walking are physically and mentally challenging and rewarding but there’s no need to punish yourself by carrying all your gear or sleeping in overcrowded smelly dormitories. Our way of doing the Portuguese Way of St James on foot involves luggage transfers and comfortable beds in the best establishments along this historic route. These carefully chosen fine hotels, charming country houses and historic buildings bring you closer to the history, culture and gastronomy of this region of Northern Portugal and Galicia.

Our Roadbook contains all the tips and information you need to easily follow the Camino Portugués and to understand and appreciate what you see en route. We’ll make suggestions for when and where you could stop for lunch as well as things that might be worth a slight detour.

Accomodation

Accommodations
Your package includes accommodation in 2 and 3* hotels along the way. It is possible to upgrade to 4* and 5* hotels upon request (extra fee).

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Hotel in Porto
Night 2: Hotel in Arcos
Night 3: Hotel in Bracelos
Night 4: Hotel in Balugães
Night 5: Hotel in Ponte de Lima
Night 6: Hotel in Cossourado
Night 7: Hotel in Valença
Night 8: Hotel in Porriño
Night 9: Hotel in Arcade
Night 10: Hotel in Pontevedra
Night 11: Hotel in Caldas de Reis
Night 12: Hotel in Padron
Night 13: Hotel in Santiago

Room Occupancy
Solo travelers will need to pay a single supplement fee.


Meals
All breakfasts are included. Lunches and Dinners need to be paid extra.

Special diets and dietary restrictions:
We can cater to dietary requirements with advanced notice.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

Itinerary

Sample Itinerary - Subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival to Porto
One member of our team will meet you at the hotel to welcome you and provide a full briefing and all the documentation you’ll need.
Meals included: none
Overnight in 3* hotel in Porto

Day 2: Walk from Mosteiró to Arcos
After breakfast you will meet a member of our team who will drive you to Mosteiró to start your Portuguese Camino de Santiago. With this, you avoid the busy roads and the first stage is reduced to 17km, instead of almost 35km.
Notice the progressive transition from urban into rural areas as you walk this first stage. You will go through Vilarinho and cross the medieval bridge over the Ave before reaching the village of Arcos where the first stage ends.
Hiking about 17 km / 10.5 miles
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in 3* hotel in Arcos

Day 3: Walk from Arcos to Barcelos
Start walking from Arcos towards the ancient village of Rates and its imposing Romanesque church. Pass the villages of Courel and Pedra Furada then follows rural roads until you reach the attractive town of Barcelos, the end of this stage.
Hiking about 20 km / 12.5 miles
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in 3* hotel in Barcelos

Day 4: Walk from Barcelos to Balugães
Set off from Barcelos along minor roads which will take you to a more rural area where you’ll see small scale agricultural practices and perhaps meet some villagers. Walk through the small villages of Tamel and Aboim towards the River Neiva. End the day in the village of Quintiães.
Hiking about 15 km / 9.3 miles
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in 3* hotel in Balugães

Day 5: Walk from Balugães to Ponte de Lima
The day starts by crossing the River Neiva by a medieval bridge just before the village of Balugães. This is a day of rural roads and magnificent countryside until your spectacular entrance into the picturesque town of Ponte de Lima. Time your walk so that you have ample opportunity to enjoy the historical center and gardens or just sit by the river for a while.
Choose from a range of restaurants in Ponte de Lima where you can try traditional dishes like polvo à lagareiro (baked octopus) or bacalhau assado com broa (baked cod with corn bread) and a fine Loureiro white wine.
Hiking about 18 km / 11.2 miles
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in 3* hotel in Ponte de Lima

Day 6: Walk from Ponte de Lima to Cossourado
Leave the medieval town of Ponte de Lima and return to the rural world. In the middle of this stage you will encounter Labruja mountain. The 2 km uphill are the most demanding of the whole Portuguese Way of St James but the views are worth the effort. Once you’re over the hill, it’s an easy walk to complete this stage.
Hiking about 22 km / 13.6 miles
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in 3* hotel in Cossourado

Day 7: Walk from Cossourado to Valença
This day starts by leaving the valley of the River Coura and climbing gently to São Bento da Porta Aberta. Continue to Fontoura through fields and brushwood until you reach the fortress town of Valença. Dine in one of Tui’s many restaurants.
Hiking about 13 km / 8 miles
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in 3* hotel in Tui

Day 8: Walk from Valença to Porriño
Before you leave Tui, spend some time visiting its famous Gothic cathedral. From Tui, you’ll follow the Louro valley, walk along a forest track and across a stone slab bridge into a wetland area where you should spot plenty of bird life. Go through the city of O Porriño with its magnificent Gothic town hall building.
Hiking about 20 km / 12.4 miles
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in 2* hotel in Porriño

Day 9: Walk from Porriño to Arcade
Leave Porriño and make your way through the forest of Chan das Pipas. You will pass in Redondela, where the central route and the coastal route merge. Finish this stage in Arcade, a small town renowned for its oysters.
Hiking about 22 km / 13.6 miles
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in 2* hotel in Arcade

Day 10: Walk from Arcade to Pontevedra
Start this stage by walking from the small city of Arcade. This stage is one of the shortest and most beautiful parts on the Way.
When you arrive at Pontevedra don’t miss the historical city center with a lot of tapas bars
Hiking about 13 km / 8 miles
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in 3* hotel in Pontevedra

Day 11: Walk from Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis
Leave Pontevedra through pleasant countryside. This stage to Caldas de Reis is fairly long but no difficult. Rest your tired feet in a Caldas de Reis’ thermal springs.
Hiking about 22 km / 13.6 miles
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in 2* hotel in Caldas de Reis

Day 12 : Walk from Caldas de Reis to Padron
You’re nearly there! The last stage leaves Caldas de Reis and takes you through a soft climb to the charming woodlands of Valga. You’ll see many churches and stone crosses on the way to Padrón.
Hiking about 19 km / 11.8 miles
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in 3* hotel in Padron

Day 13: Walk from Padron to Santiago de Compostela
Your final stage. You will walk mostly through rural settings. The last part of this stage is the toughest but think that you are almost finishing your goal. Enter in the ancient city of Santiago de Compostela and enjoy the end of your journey at the cathedral.
Hiking about 25 km / 15.5 miles
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in 3* hotel in Santiago

Day 14: Departure
After breakfast, prepare for your onward journey. If you have time, explore the old city of Santiago de Compostela before you leave.
Meals included: Breakfast

Rates and Dates for Hiking the Portuguese Camino

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Porto
Airport: Porto Airport
Transfer:

Climate:
                                            Barcelos area