Camino Portugués from Oporto to Santiago

Difficulty: easy.

A transfer takes you from Porto to Moreira de Maia, where the first stage of this trip begins. This stage is not particularly attractive because it practically only runs through urban areas, but it is well marked and as we approach Arcos the landscape becomes more rural. The Zameiro Bridge deserves special mention.

Difficulty: easy.

As already mentioned, this stage is fundamentally different from the previous one. The bumps are still moderate and the difficulty is minor, but the environment is becoming more rural. We cross valleys, dirt roads, grain fields and vineyards to finally reach Barcelos via a medieval bridge.

Difficulty: medium.

Today we enter a wine-growing area full of small villages, but also with asphalt sections. The climb to Portela de Tamel, which is 130 meters above sea level, is the most difficult part of the day.

Difficulty: easy.

The closer Galicia moves, the more green hills flood the landscape. The difficulty of our itinerary remains minor, with a short ascent in Vitorino dos Piaes and then down to the Lima River, the river that gives its name to the city in which our day ends. The old town is particularly worth seeing in Ponte de Lima.
Accommodation in Ponte de Lima.

Difficulty: medium.

Due to the climb to the Alto da Portela Grande de Labruja with a height of 315 meters, we will have to master the most difficult stage of the entire route. As soon as this is overcome, a pleasant descent to Rubiaes begins, which leads to the city via the Roman road.

Difficulty: easy.

Last stage of the trip, today we leave Portugal and come to Galicia, Spain. It is a stage with moderate slopes and without great difficulty. We will cross the border between the two countries via the international bridge over the Miño River to reach Tui. In Tui we recommend visiting the cathedral.

Difficulty level: medium.

This stage is probably one of the most difficult but most beautiful of the entire trip. We will cross the Miño River and ascend to Ribadelouro. It may take some time as a large part of the itinerary goes through asphalt and urban areas, but pilgrims who want a more natural environment have been given an alternative that crosses the As Gándaras Natural Park to O Porriño. This alternative is also well marked.

Difficulty level: medium.

The climbs of this stage are difficult, but the beautiful views from above reward the effort. As soon as we reach the charming city of Mos, we find the first climb to the Alto de Inxertado. As soon as this is overcome, we begin a gentle descent towards Redondela.

Difficulty: easy.

We start the stage towards Setefontes and Arcade (famous for its oysters). Accompanied by the Vigo estuary, we cross lush forests until we reach the historic bridge “Puente de Sampaio” towards Pontevedra.

Difficulty level: easy.

Quiet and pleasant route. We move away from the bumps of the previous sections to enter a much flatter and more level terrain. We will pass through different villages until we finally arrive in Caldas de Rei, where pilgrims who want to relax can relax in one of the famous spas.

Difficulty level: easy.

Today's stage is one of the most beautiful and varied in terms of landscape technology. Vineyards, grain fields, the Bermaña valley, chestnut forests, eucalyptus ... we enjoy agricultural Galicia. In Padrón, we can´t miss the opportunity to try the famous peppers.

Difficulty level: easy.

The last stage of the caminos. We will cross the N -550 road several times and be guided by the railway line. We first hike towards Iria Flavia and then begin an ascent to “O Milladoiro” to finally see the towers of the cathedral as we approach Santiago. Here the desire to arrive is combined with the pain of parting, that this unique experience is over.

Buen Camino and see you next time!