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8 Days
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From IntroductoryTo Challenging
Whilst the vast majority of pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela follow the French route across northern Spain, a lesser known but equally impressive route approaches the cathedral from the south. This is the Portuguese pilgrim trail, which is considered to be the 'inspired' way. The sheer humble beauty of the paths and countryside provided many of its medieval walkers with inspiration for songs and verse. As the trail from Tui is more than 100km you will qualify for the Compostela certificate upon your arrival in Santiago. This is the last of four stages on our self-guided walking along the central Portuguese Camino.
Spain (Portugal if arriving into Valenca across the river from Tui)
Tui
Santiago de Compostela
15kg of CO2-e PP per day
(104kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Tui
Make your own way to the historic city of Tui in Spain, on the border with Portugal. Connected to the Portuguese town of Valenca by a 19th Century bridge over the River Mino, Tui is a walled town with a compact historic centre. The Cathedral is a central focus of the city perched on the top of the hill at the top of the town. Visit the cathedral to stamp your pilgrim passport. Overnight in Tui.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Walk to O Porrino along quiet country roads & woodland paths (5hrs)
This stage is on woodland paths that follow the lovely Louro River valley, then along the N550 to the historical centre of O Porriño, a town famous for its pink granite due to its proximity to the granite quarries. There are hardly any gradients and you can enjoy a mixture of historical heritage and natural beauty. Essentially now a sprawling industrial town, O Porriño is located at the intersection of two motorways and the main railway line passes through town, so a private transfer (at 4pm, included) takes you back to Tui and your hotel. Overnight in Tui. Walking 17.5km/11mi, ascent 330m/1083ft, descent 350m/1148
Meals: B
Day 3
Transfer to O Porrino, walk to Arcade on the coast (6-7hrs)
At 8:30am, transfer back to O Porriño (included) to continue your walk. Soak in the rural essence of Galicia: small villages, ancient churches and paths that wind through forests and rivers. After a stage following and crossing the N550, ascend through mixed forest to Monte Cornedo and the Chans das Pipas plateau before walking down to the town of Redondela. It's here that the Coastal and Central Portuguese Caminos meet. Continue through tiny hamlets along a coastal inlet to reach Arcade, where you stay overnight. Walking 24km/15mi, ascent 483m/1584ft, descent 500m/1640ft
Meals: B,D
Day 4
A shorter walk to the old town of Pontevedra (3-4hrs)
You start the day by walking over the beautiful old bridge at Pontesampaio. From here there's a short, quite steep uphill stretch following ancient stone paths before the path descends to the provincial capital of Pontevedra. There are some interesting sites to be explored here including the Santuario da Peregrin chapel and the Convento de San Francisco. The Medieval town centre is a maze of cobbled laneways with tapas bars and cafes. Overnight in Pontevedra. Walking 12km/7.5mi, ascent 330m/1082ft, descent 305m/1000ft
Day 5
Walk to Caldas de Reis (5-6hrs)
Starting from Plaza de la Peregrina in Pontevedra, next to the Iglesia de la Vírgen Peregrina, a symbol of the city, the path enters the serenity of the Galician rural landscapes. Most of this stage is through woodland and countryside along gentle river valleys with virtually no climbing. Closer to Caldas de Reis the route crosses the N550 and follows it for short sections. Located between the Umia and Bermana rivers, the town of Caldas developed as a result of its thermal waters and continues to be a major health spa. The botanical gardens next to the river are lovely for some respite from the walk. Overnight in Caldas de Reis. Option to upgrade to a comfortable 4 star inn with pool or 3 star rural inn - supplement applies and must be requested when initially booking the trip. Note transfers are required for the rural inn option - additional cost applies. Walking 21km/13.2mi, ascent/descent 550m/1804ft
Day 6
Via the river valleys of Bermana and Valga to Padron (5hrs)
This is a beautiful walk through the Bermana river valley with moderate gradients. The path descends into the Valga valley, passing through fields, forests and small villages. There are two short stages of main road: leaving Caldas and entering Padron. Padron is lovely, set on the banks of the Sar and Ulla rivers, with some St James relics to be seen at the Igrexa de Santiago (church). Herbón, a small village in the vicinity, is where the famous "Pimientos de Padrón" are grown. Overnight in Padron. Walking 19km/11.5mi, ascent 730m/2395ft, descent 740m/2428ft
Day 7
Final day's walk to Santiago (6-7hrs)
This stage runs mostly on paved paths and through urban areas, following the N-550, which will be crossed a few times. There is a gradual climb to Agro dos Monteiros in O Milladoiro. Highlights include the Colegiata de Iria Flavia, which was the first cathedral in Galicia, and the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Esclavitud (legend has it that a man was healed by drinking water from its fountain) - and of course, your arrival at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela! Walking 26km/16.3mi, ascent 650m/2123ft, descent 400m/1312ft
Day 8
Trip concludes
Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast. We can assist with booking an extra night or two if you'd like to stay longer in Santiago - please ask for our rates.
What's included
What's not included
GRADE 3 - Daily walks are between 12-26km on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to hilly. Route finding is reasonably straight forward following the yellow arrows and granite pillars (showing distance to Santiago), however you still need to be vigilant as markers from other trails such as the GR11 can be confusing (refer below for further details on self guided adventures). However our notes include hints and pointers to help you navigate the route. The route will inevitably cross main roads close to cities and towns, although the majority is on side roads and walking trails. The main areas to concentrate on route finding are arriving and leaving towns and cities. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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Personal Experience
We've been exploring the world on foot for over five decades, and our passion for walking runs deep. Having hiked nearly every corner of Europe, we take pride in sharing the joy, freedom and perspective that only travelling on foot can bring, all with the exceptional service and care our travellers know us for.
Great Value & Quality
Our trips offer excellent value for money, with everything you need for a seamless walking holiday. Each package includes detailed route notes, maps and navigation app, luggage transfers, and comfortable locally run accommodation. We take care of the planning, so you can simply enjoy the walk.
Self-Guided Specialists
We've been operating self-guided active holidays since 1973, taking care of every detail so you can relax and explore at your own pace. With many walking and hiking tours departing daily, you'll enjoy the freedom and flexibility to travel when it suits you.
self guided walk
hotel, pension
8Days
Moderate to Challenging
hotel, guesthouse
Moderate
self-guided walking
hotel, manor house
11Days