Rubiães → Tui
Border-crossing day: from Portugal into Spain over the international bridge across the Miño river.
Transparency: this page contains affiliate links. If you book or buy through one of them, CaminoCompass may receive a commission. Read our affiliate policy
From Portugal into Spain over the international bridge
Leaving Rubiães, you cross the Roman-medieval bridge over the Coura river on the way to the Sanctuary of São Bento da Porta Aberta (17th-18th century), famous for its azulejo tile panels telling the saint's life story. From there it's about three kilometres of forest track, cobblestone and asphalt to Fontoura.
After Paços and the Roman bridge at Pedreiras, the Way approaches Valença do Minho, whose star-shaped fortress towers over the Miño river with views across to Tui on the opposite bank. The crossing itself is over the 1886 metal-lattice international bridge, with a pedestrian walkway kept separate from road traffic — the exact moment you step into Galicia and into Spain.
What the terrain is like, kilometre by kilometre
Terrain
Gentler than the previous two stages, with no demanding climbs, though a few short rises near Valença.
Scenery
Oak and pine forest alternates with farmland and small towns as you near the border.
Path surface
A mix of forest track, traditional Portuguese cobblestone and some short asphalt stretches.
Villages
São Bento da Porta Aberta, Fontoura, Paços, Pedreira, Valença do Minho and, once in Spain, Tui.
Water stops
Regular services in every village; there are no long stretches without a fountain or bar.
Shade
Good through the forest sections near Rubiães; scarcer in the built-up areas of Valença and Tui.
Traffic
Generally low, except on the international bridge, which has its own pedestrian lane separate from cars.
Key tip
Save time to visit the Valença fortress before crossing into Tui — the views over the Miño are among the best on the whole route.
What to pack, travel insurance and getting around
One single guide with the recommended gear, useful services (insurance, eSIM) and transport options for the whole Camino.
Accommodation in Tui for pilgrims
Tui is one of the liveliest, best-equipped stage endpoints on the whole Portuguese Way. Prices are indicative, per night.
Albergue de Peregrinos de Tui
Public albergue run by the Xunta de Galicia, a short walk from the old town and cathedral.
Parador de Tui
A historic manor house overlooking the Miño, a nice treat to mark crossing into Spain.
Refuel in Tui
Tui brings the best food options you've had since leaving Porto — make the most of it.
Last stop in Portugal
Plenty of cafés and restaurants in central Valença, right before you cross the bridge.
Back to Galician cooking
Octopus, empanada and seafood: Tui marks the shift in cuisine along the Portuguese Way.
Historic stops on this stage
Sanctuary of São Bento da Porta Aberta
A 17th-18th century sanctuary with azulejo tile panels telling the saint's life story — one of the most-visited devotional stops on the Portuguese Way.
Valença do Minho Fortress
A star-shaped walled fortress with views over the Miño and across to Tui — one of the finest viewpoints on the whole route.
International bridge over the Miño
An 1886 metal-lattice bridge with its own pedestrian walkway: the official crossing from Portugal into Spain.
Tui cathedral-fortress
A Romanesque cathedral that looks like a fortress, symbol of the city and the first great Jacobean stop in Galicia.
None of these stops require booking ahead — visit them freely as the Way passes.
Getting there and back
Starting here: Rubiães has few direct connections; most travellers go via Ponte de Lima or Valença to reach long-distance transport.
Heading back from Tui: the city has a train station on the Vigo-Porto line, plus bus connections to Vigo, A Coruña and northern Portugal — the best transport hub since Porto.
Good to know before this stage
Cross on the pedestrian side
The international bridge has a walkway separate from road traffic — take your time and enjoy the views over the Miño.
Set aside time for the Valença fortress
Even if you're not sleeping there, it's worth at least half an hour before crossing into Tui.
Mind the time change
Spain is one hour ahead of Portugal — adjust your watch right after crossing the bridge.
Celebrate the return of Galician food
Tui is the first stop where you'll find octopus, empanada and other Galician classics again.
Don't get this stage wrong
Skipping the Sanctuary of São Bento da Porta Aberta
Its tile panels and history deserve at least a ten-minute look.
Crossing the international bridge without noticing
It's easy to walk past without registering the change of country — stop and take in the moment.
Forgetting the time change on arrival in Spain
Portugal runs an hour behind Spain — adjust your clock and your arrival plans.
Not booking ahead in Tui during high season
It's one of the most popular starting points on the Portuguese Way, since Tui to Santiago clears the minimum 100 km required for the Compostela.
Everything you want to know before this stage
How many kilometres from Rubiães to Tui?
Is this the stage where you cross into Spain?
Why is Tui such a popular starting point?
What is the Sanctuary of São Bento da Porta Aberta?
Do you need to change your clock on arrival in Spain?
Is it worth visiting Valença before crossing to Tui?
Browse the stages
Things to do in Santiago de Compostela
Old town walking tour
Small-group walking tour of Santiago's old quarter with a local guide.
Cathedral and Pórtico da Gloria
Guided visit to the Cathedral with access to the museum and the restored Pórtico da Gloria.
Queimada show and tasting
The traditional flaming Galician drink, explained and tasted in a show designed for pilgrims.
Finisterre, Muxía and Costa da Morte
The three essential stops of the "end of the world" in a single full-day trip from Santiago.
Our top pick
Bonsai Café
You've still got stages ahead, but by the time you reach Santiago you'll have earned a proper breakfast. Bonsai Café is right in the centre, with weekend brunch, Berraco by Bou specialty coffee, and great cocktails to toast your arrival.