Santiago de Compostela Day Trip from Porto

Santiago de Compostela, in Spanish Galicia, is the end of the famous Camino pilgrimage routes. Its huge cathedral and granite old town are a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s a popular day trip from Porto, though a long one. Here’s how to visit.

Quick answer: Santiago is about 230km north of Porto, roughly 2.5 to 3 hours by road each way. An organised day trip is the easiest option, and many stop at the fortress town of Valença on the border. Spain is one hour ahead of Portugal. See Santiago tours from Porto.

How to get there

• Organised tour: includes transport, a guided walk around the old town and free time. Most also stop at Valença.
• Bus: direct buses run between Porto and Santiago, taking about 3.5 to 4 hours.
• Car: straightforward by motorway. Check that your rental car is insured for Spain.
• Train: possible via Vigo, but slow for a day trip.

What to see

• The Cathedral: the destination of the Camino, with its Romanesque Portico of Glory and the giant swinging incense burner (the botafumeiro), which swings only at certain services.
• Praza do Obradoiro: the grand square where pilgrims arrive.
• The old town: granite arcades, churches and convents.
• The Mercado de Abastos: Galicia’s seafood and cheeses.
• Galician food: pulpo a la gallega (octopus), Padrón peppers and tarta de Santiago (almond cake).

Walking the Portuguese Camino

The Camino Português is the second most popular route to Santiago, starting in Lisbon or (more often) Porto. From Porto, it takes about 10 to 14 days on foot, via the inland route through Ponte de Lima and Valença or the coastal route.

Tips

• Time zone: Spain is one hour ahead.
• Weather: Santiago is rainy, so bring a waterproof.
• Stay overnight if you can. It’s a long day there and back.

More: the best day trips from Porto, Viana do Castelo and the Minho and the best Porto tours.

See also: walking the Camino Portugues.

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