The Camino Portugués
A Journey from the Heart of Portugal to Santiago
The Camino Portugués (Portuguese Way) is the second most popular Camino de Santiago route, running north from Portugal into Spain.
It is a historic and well-established pilgrimage path known for its gentle terrain, rich cultural heritage, and two main route options: the inland Central Route and the scenic Coastal Route.
The Camino Portugués has several popular starting points, all leading to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain.
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Central Route: The traditional inland path, passing through historic cities like Coimbra, Barcelos, Ponte de Lima (Portugal's oldest town), and crossing into Spain at Valença/Tui.
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Coastal Route (Caminho da Costa): Follows the Atlantic coastline, particularly scenic on its northern stages, with long stretches over boardwalks and past seaside towns like Póvoa de Varzim and Viana do Castelo. It merges with the Central Route at Redondela, Spain, for the final stretch.
The Camino Portugués is generally considered one of the easiest routes and is the second most popular Camino after the Camino Francés.
Terrain and Walking Surface
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Terrain: Mostly flat or gently rolling hills. It avoids high mountain passes, making it very popular for first-time pilgrims and those seeking a less strenuous physical challenge.
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Walking Surface: A mix of quiet country lanes, forest paths, cobblestones, and, especially on the Coastal Route, wooden boardwalks.
The journey from Porto offers pilgrims multiple route options, all of which are suitable for a two-week walking holiday, as their distances fall within a similar range. Starting from Porto lies between 240 km and 280 km, making the Portuguese Way highly accessible and achievable for most pilgrims.
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Why do people walk the Camino Portugués?
Pilgrims are drawn to the Portuguese Way for its unique combination of culture and ease of walking:
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Cultural Immersion: The path offers an intimate look at Portuguese and Galician culture, history, and architecture, including UNESCO sites in Lisbon, Coimbra, and Porto.
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Manageable Distance: The start in Porto is an ideal length for pilgrims with a standard two-week vacation, making it highly accessible.
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Coastal Scenery: The Coastal Route, in particular, appeals to those who enjoy ocean views, fresh seafood, and walking near beaches.
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Less Crowded (than the Francés): Although it is the second most popular route, it offers a calmer atmosphere than the French Way, especially in its initial stages.
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Gastronomy: The route is famous for its delicious and affordable Portuguese food, wine, and world-renowned port wine region.