Camino Portuguese Coastal Route from Tui
Walk the Portuguese Camino from Tui in 6 stages with accommodations and luggage transfer
Briefing
The Camino Portuguese Coastal Route from Tui is the last stretch of the Portuguese Way. This tour starts in Tui and crosses the border between Spain and Portugal.
From Tui to Santiago you will walk a total of 75 miles (120 km) surrounded by large forests, farmland, and small villages as well as historic towns such as Arcade or Pontevedra.
You can also enjoy the incredible views of the Vigo and Pontevedra estuaries.
Our tour includes 6 nights accommodation in top quality rural hotels with private room and breakfast included (dinners available as extras). Luggage transfer is also included in all stages. Throughout the tour, you'll discover postcard-perfect places, share the experience with other pilgrims, and taste local products of the highest quality.
The best thing is that you won't have to worry about organizing anything, only about walking and reaching your destination. Get ready to check off a once-in-a-lifetime experience from your bucket list.
In Santiago de Compostela you'll receive the "Compostela" certificate and visit its beautiful old town, a site declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Read below to discover all the details of the Camino Portuguese Coastal Route from Tui.
Tour details
Included
- Lodging in hotels and rural houses
- Rooms with a private bathroom
- Breakfast
- Luggage transfers
- Camino de Santiago Credential
- Dossier with maps
- 24-hour telephone assistance
- Emergency assistance vehicle
- Travel assistance insurance
Not included
- Cancellation insurance
- Additional nights
- Dinners (option of extras)
- Picnics
Important information
This route is self-guided. After confirming your reservation we'll send you a complete document with all the recommendations and tips to enjoy the route.
Luggage transfer from one point to another is included but please note that it will be delivered to your accommodations at approximately 4:00 pm.
All accommodations included in the tour are of the highest quality. You will be staying in private en-suite rooms at small hotels or rural houses with small capacity, therefore they are subject to availability. Details of each accommodation will be provided approximately 30 days before departure.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellations!
Should you cancel more than 30 days before the start date of the Camino you will receive a 100% refund of the total amount of the reservation. If you cancel during the 30 days before the start of the Camino, you will be refunded 80% of the total amount paid. In case of a no-show, no refunds will be provided.
Tour itinerary
DAY 1 Arrival in Tui
Accommodations in Tui
✨ Highlights: Tui
Arrival in Tui
On the first day of the Portuguese Camino de Santiago Tour, there is no walking. You'll arrive in the town of Tui, check in at the hotel, leave your luggage, and start enjoying the atmosphere of the Camino.
Tui will be your starting point. This beautiful medieval town has a 12th-century cathedral that is well worth visiting.
You can also cross the international bridge over the Miño River that separates Spain from Portugal.
DAY 2 Stage 1 from Tui to O Porriño
Difficulty: Medium
Distance: 10 mi (16 km)
Total approximate time: 3.5 hours
Accommodations in O Porriño
✨ Highlights: San Telmo Breathtaking Bridge
Tui- O Porriño
The first day of walking begins. This stage has an easy start but increases in intensity as we advance. This is due to an uphill portion of the route.
From the port of Tui, we'll head towards the Camino de Barca. From this point, we'll cross the Túnel das Monxas and begin a steep climb to the breathtaking bridge of San Telmo. From here we'll pass through several well-known villages such as Orbenlle until we reach our next stop; O Porriño.
DAY 3 Stage 2 from O Porriño to Arcade
Difficulty: Medium
Distance: 14 mi (22 km)
Total approximate time: 4.5 hours
Lodgings in Arcade
✨ Highlights: Louro Valley
O Porriño- Arcade
Once we leave O Porriño, we'll start our route along the Louro Valley. After climbing a small hill, we'll arrive at the Hermitage of Santiaguiño de Antas, an ideal and charming place to rest and relax after the walk. Next, we'll continue through pine forests until reaching Arcade, a small postcard village with a population of 250.
DAY 4 Stage 3 from Arcade to Pontevedra
Difficulty: Medium
Distance: 7 mi (11 km)
Total approximate time: 2.5 hours
Lodgings in Pontevedra
Highlights: Pontevedra (especially the Plaza de la Leña).
Arcade- Pontevedra
Along today's route, we'll cross the Verdugo River at Ponte Sampaio. This bridge is historically significant because it's where Napoleon's army suffered the greatest defeat in Galicia. From Ponte Sampaio, we'll continue our way along a path laid with cobblestones (a slightly bumpy walk) that will take us to the 13th-century Church of Santa Maria.
From here, we'll enjoy magnificent views of the Bay of Vigo as we continue our route to Pontevedra.
In Pontevedra, we recommend visiting the Plaza de La Leña of medieval architecture and tasting mussels in vinaigrette. A Pontevedra classic to recharge
DAY 5 Stage 4 from Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis
Difficulty: Medium
Distance: 15 mi (24 km)
Total approximate time: 6 hours
Lodgings in Caldas de Reis
Highlights: Casa Parroquial de Santa María de Alba
Pontevedra- Caldas de Reis
After leaving Pontevedra behind, we'll continue our route through pine forests, eucalyptus, and chestnut trees until we reach the village of Ponte Cabras where we recommend visiting the parish house of Santa María de Alba.
We can also visit a statue of Santiago in Lombo da Maceira, very famous because it represents Santiago leaning on a cane that shows him the way. Before arriving at Caldas de Reis, we'll cross Tivo, famous for its beautiful fountain and public washing place.
DAY 6 Stage 5 from Caldas de Rei to Padrón
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 11 mi (18 km)
Total approximate time: 4 hours
Lodgings in Padrón
✨ Highlights: Padrón
Caldas de Reis - Padrón
After leaving Caldas de Reis behind, we'll cross the Umia River. Famous for its thermal springs since the Roman times, the town of Caldas de Reis currently has two internationally renowned spas. We'll continue our route through forests and climb to the village of Santa Mariña.
Once we reach the village, we'll start the descent until we cross the Fontenlo River that connects to the town of Padrón. Do not forget to try the famous Padrón peppers "Some are hot and some are not."
Fun fact: the word "Padrón" comes from ancient Greek meaning "stone" as the whole village was built in stone and still retains this unique facade. We hope you enjoy it.
DAY 7 Stage 6 from Padrón to Santiago de Compostela
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 15 mi (24 km)
Total approximate time: 6.5 hours
Accommodations: if you choose to do this section in two stages, accommodations will be in Parada de Francos.
✨ Highlights: Agro dos Monteiros
Padrón- Santiago de Compostela
From Padrón to Santiago de Compostela the road becomes more complicated because the terrain is no longer flat but is paved for several miles/kilometers. Along the way, we'll see small villages until we reach the historic sanctuary of A Escravitude and from there we'll continue along a stone path until reaching Agro dos Monteiros. The town features a lovely panoramic view of the towers of the Cathedral of Compostela.
After a few minutes, we'll have reached the center of our last stop: Santiago de Compostela.
💙 Howlanders Tip
If you want to attend the Pilgrim's Mass on this day, it's essential to start your route very early to arrive on time.
*If you deem it necessary, this stretch can be divided into two routes. The first one goes from Padrón to the town of Parada de Francos where we'll spend the night and the second route leads from Parada de Francos to Santiago de Compostela.
Contact us and we'll help you customize the itinerary according to your needs.
DAY 8 Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela
Now that you have finished the Portuguese Way and are a pilgrim, it's worth enjoying the city for a day. You can attend Pilgrim's Mass at noon and stamp your credentials to get your certificate. There are many types of trips, but this experience spanning 75 miles (120 km) is something unique that will fill you with emotion and satisfaction. Ready for the next stage of the Camino de Santiago?
What to bring to Camino Portuguese Coastal Route from Tui tour
The Camino Portuguese Coastal Route from Tui covers a total of 75 miles (120 km). For a comfortable journey, It's important to wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Remember, the tour includes the transfer of luggage (maximum 1 piece of luggage of 44 lbs or 20kg/person) but it's essential that you carry a small backpack to walk with it every day.
We also recommend bringing:
- Light and quick-drying clothes
- Waterproof jacket and pants (and that take up little space)
- hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Suitable hiking shoes
- Trekking poles
- Resting shoes
- Reusable water bottle
- A second small backpack (to carry daily; the big one is included in the luggage transfer)
- Documentation (DNI, NIE, or Passport)
- Cash (euros)
- Personal hygiene products
- First-aid kit (band-aids, gauze, dressing for blisters, disinfectant...)
Where does the tour Camino Portuguese Coastal Route from Tui start
The tour starts in the town of Tui and ends in the city of Santiago de Compostela. On the first day of the tour, you'll go directly to the corresponding hotel located in Tui, where you will spend the first night and then, start the first stage of the Portuguese Way the next morning.
There are different combinations of transport to get to the town of Tui and to return from Santiago de Compostela at the end of the tour. If you need help organizing your route please contact us.
Questions & Answers
What is the best time of the year to do the Camino de Santiago?
Any time of the year is a good time to start the Camino. Just take into account the weather and wear appropriate clothing. Each season of the year has its advantages and disadvantages, always carefully evaluate your interests and comfort level.
Spring (March to June) is a very good time because the weather is mild (not too cold, not too hot).
Summer (June to September) is the ideal time for many pilgrims because there are more hours of daylight to walk. Therefore, you can make the daily walk more leisurely and make the most of the day. The heat can be a problem, but keep in mind that in this region of Spain, the summers are not very hot. However, there is more overcrowding in hostels.
Autumn (from September to December) leaves spectacular scenery and, similar to spring, keeps us away from extreme temperatures. One con is the increase in rainfall.
Winter (December to March) is the time of the year with the least amount of pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. Winter is when there is the most peace and quiet however it does rain most frequently in this season.
What does the complete route itinerary and dossier contain?
It is a guide with maps, route profiles, and places of interest laid out mile by mile (kilometer by kilometer) of each stage. The times en route are indicated for each route based on reference values, although you manage your own time. It also includes all the documentation such as reservations for accommodations and luggage transfer.
When will I receive the complete itinerary of the route and the name of the accommodations?
You will receive it by email one month before starting your Camino.
Do I have to be physically prepared to do the Portuguese Way of Saint James?
Whether you regularly do physical exercise or are a sedentary person, you should prepare to do the Camino de Santiago. Keep in mind that you'll be walking between 10-12 miles daily (15 and 20 km).
If you do not usually exercise, we recommend taking 20-minute walks two or three times a week and incrementally increasing the time until you reach a speed of 2.5 miles per hour (4 km every hour).
If you exercise regularly, you can start by walking between 45 and 60 minutes a day and increase the amount of time and miles.
Normally, we recommend starting training three months before the Camino.
Keep in mind that the Portuguese route is the most complex of all the routes that make up the Camino de Santiago.
How does the luggage transfer between stages work?
Every day at 8:00 am you'll bring your luggage (well labeled), to reception. A carrier will pick it up and take it to your next lodging. The time of delivery depends on the distances between stages but normally, it is done before 4:00 pm.
Do all rooms in the accommodations have private bathrooms?
Yes, all the rooms are equipped with full private bathrooms.
Am I going to share a room with strangers?
No. All accommodations have private rooms and private bathrooms so you can rest properly.
Are the accommodations close to the route?
All accommodations are located in the town center, however, if there is no availability for your dates, the alternative accommodations may be located further from the center. Even so, the towns are small so all accommodations are within a short walking distance.
Along the way, will I find services at each stage?
Yes, every stage will have services. Keep in mind each stage may consist of several towns or villages. Not all the villages, towns, and sites through which you pass through have every service. But throughout the Camino, every day you'll come across cafes, pharmacies, ATMs, restaurants, supermarkets, tourist information, and health care. The towns with the most services are those where each stage begins and ends, that is, where you will be spending the night.
Can I travel alone?
Yes, all the routes of the Camino de Santiago are suitable for pilgrims to travel on their own. They are also very well-maintained with clear signage. You'll most likely meet people along the way.
Will I have an accompanying guide on the Camino de Santiago?
Almost all the routes on the Camino de Santiago are self-guided. This way, travelers can follow the routes according to their level of fitness level and at the pace they consider appropriate.
How many kilometers should I walk in each stage?
Normally, each stage of the Camino de Santiago is 10 to 12 miles (15 to 20 km) long but if this route is unsuitable for you, we can reorganize your Camino so you can cover fewer miles by dividing each stage into two or more parts.
You can click here if you'd like to receive more information
How are the accommodations during the tour?
All rooms have private bathrooms and all the necessary services to guarantee a comfortable stay.
We take care of checking the quality of all the accommodations offered so that the pilgrims have an unforgettable experience on the Camino accompanied by nights of absolute rest.
All accommodations for the Camino de Santiago are subject to availability. In case we can't confirm a booking due to capacity, we will accommodate you in another hotel of equal or better quality.
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