Trip guides / North Portugal
Walking the Camino Portugues from Porto
The Camino Português is the second most popular route to Santiago de Compostela. It’s a pilgrimage walk through green countryside, granite villages and along the Atlantic coast. Most walkers start in Porto. Here’s how to plan it.
Quick answer: from Porto, choose the Central route (inland via Ponte de Lima and Valença, about 240km, 10 to 12 days) or the Coastal route (along the sea via Viana do Castelo and Caminha, about 280km, 12 to 14 days). To earn the Compostela certificate, walk at least the last 100km, for example from Tui or Valença on the Spanish border. Carry a pilgrim credential and collect stamps. See guided Camino options.
The routes
The Central route
The traditional route from Porto runs inland through Barcelos, Ponte de Lima and over the hills to Valença, then crosses into Spain at Tui. It’s well marked and well served with albergues (pilgrim hostels). See Ponte de Lima.
The Coastal route
This route follows the Atlantic through Vila do Conde, Esposende, Viana do Castelo and Caminha, then on along the Galician coast. It has sea views and beaches but fewer albergues. Some walkers combine coastal and central sections. See Viana do Castelo.
From Lisbon
The full route from Lisbon adds about 380km through central Portugal, and it’s much quieter.
Practical tips
- Credential: get a pilgrim passport and collect stamps along the way (two a day for the last 100km).
- Waymarks: follow the yellow arrows and scallop shells.
- Accommodation: albergues, guesthouses and hotels. Book ahead in summer.
- Bag transfer: services carry your luggage between stages.
- Best seasons: spring and autumn. Summer is hot and busy.
- Time zone: Spain is an hour ahead of Portugal.
Arriving in Santiago
More: hiking in Portugal and where to stay in Porto.
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