Portuguese Way · Central route

Portuguese Way

The fastest-growing Way of St James: 11 stages, around 240 km, from Porto through inland Portugal and Galicia.

Distance
242 km
All stages
11

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The Camino that's growing faster than any other

The Portuguese Way (Central route) covers around 240 km from Porto to Santiago de Compostela, crossing northern Portugal through Barcelos and Ponte de Lima before entering Galicia at Tui and continuing on to Pontevedra, Padrón and Santiago.

Unlike the English Way, this route has no single "official" stage split: the one shown here is the one most often cited by guidebooks and pilgrim forums, and it's also the flattest, best-served variant of the whole Portuguese Way — a very comfortable option for first-time pilgrims.

The whole Portuguese Way, at a glance

Explore the full route and the waypoints of every stage.

Things to do and day trips in Santiago de Compostela

The most-booked experiences among pilgrims at the finish line. Worth booking ahead, especially in high season.

Tour

Small-group walking tour of the old town

A small-group walk through Santiago's old quarter with a local guide.

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Tour

Secrets of the Cathedral (night tour)

From €15

A night-time walk through the lesser-known corners of the Cathedral, outside normal visiting hours.

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Tour

Cathedral and Pórtico da Gloria

From €22

Guided visit to the Cathedral with access to the museum and the restored Pórtico da Gloria.

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Food & wine

Queimada show and tasting

From €15

Galicia's traditional flaming drink, explained and tasted in a show designed for pilgrims.

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Excursion

Finisterre, Muxía and the Costa da Morte

From €45

The three essential stops of the "end of the world" in a single full day from Santiago.

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Excursion

Rías Baixas boat trip and winery

A boat ride along the estuary followed by a visit to an albariño winery. Ideal for a rest day.

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Excursion

Cíes Islands

From €80

The Atlantic archipelago with some of Galicia's best beaches, on a full-day excursion.

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Excursion

Praia das Catedrais (Cathedral Beach)

From €65

A full-day excursion to Lugo, Ribadeo and the spectacular Praia das Catedrais.

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Wellness

Massage for pilgrims

From €60

Give your legs a break after the Camino with a massage right in the centre of Santiago.

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