Central Way Portuguese Camino de Santiago

Day 1: Arrival at Porto Airport. Transfer to Ponte de Lima.
Day 2: Ponte de Lima - Rubiães, 11 mi. (18 km)
Day 3: Rubiães - Tui, 10 mi. (16 km)
Day 4: Tui - Porriño, 11 mi. (17 km)
Day 5: Porriño - Redondela, 11 mi. (18 km)
Day 6: Redondela - Pontevedra, 13 mi. (21 km)
Day 7: Pontevedra - Caldas de Reis, 15 mi. (24 km)
Day 8: Caldas de Reis - Padrón, 14 mi. (22 km)
Day 9: Padrón - Santiago de Compostela, 16 mi. (26 km)
Day 10: Departure

All distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, such as weather conditions or provisions issued by the local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way, you may find temporary deviations/detours caused by roadwork not reflected in your route book or GPS tracks. In this case, please follow the directions posted locally.

Day 1: Arrival at Porto Airport. Transfer to Ponte de Lima
A tour representative will welcome you at Porto Airport and drive you to Ponte de Lima (approx 1 hour). This is a medieval town with narrow meandering alleyways, ramparts, and squares. The road of Ponte de Lima, which crosses the Lima River, was to be the only road north during the times of the Romans. Tomorrow, this will be your path as well! Today, take your time to enjoy and relax.

Preferred accommodation: In Lima 

Day 2: Ponte de Lima - Rubiães, 11 mi. (18 km)
Starting directly from the doorstep of your lodging, you walk north through an old Roman bridge. These were the first steps of all Pilgrims since Roman times. You too will be part of history! The route will take you up to the highest point of the entire hiking program. As you cross the beautiful countryside of northern Portugal, feast your eyes on the views of the landscape plains. As you move away from the big roads, you will hike on a small one which will take you all the way to Rubiães, where you will overnight.

Elevation gain: 500 m
Preferred accommodation: Casa da Capela

Day 3: Rubiães - Tui, 10 mi. (16 km)
After a wonderful breakfast, you will head to the sanctuary of Rubiães, a Romanic archeological site. Take a deep breath and absorb your surroundings. Today, the day will be slightly shorter and easier than yesterday, with your final stopping point being Valença do Minho. This route will take you through forest and farm fields on both road and dirt tracks. As you move on, notice the scenery, it is constantly changing and makes for a gorgeous trek to the town of Valença do Minho. There, you will find the last Portuguese fortress, which dates back to the 18th century. Don't forget to explore the old town as it has some interesting sights to see!

Elevation gain: 200 m
Preferred accommodation: Parador de Tui

Day 4: Tui - Porriño, 11 mi. (17 km)
As you will hike along small fortresses, meander medieval streets, and cross over ancient bridges, you will marvel at the beauty.  You will pass through medieval gateways in ancient protective walls that will make you feel like a pilgrim from the Middle Ages! Times have changed but the landscape and the people's pure lifestyle remain the same. The town of Tuy is the perfect place to spend some time in its center. The cathedral is a must-see. Soon, you will be arriving in Galicia, Spain and after a beautiful walk along the river, you will find your accommodation located in Porriño. *There are no superior accommodations available in Porriño, so today you will be accommodated in a very nice 2-star accommodation.

Elevation gain: 200 m
Preferred accommodation: Alojamientos Central

Day 5: Porriño - Redondela, 11 mi. (18 km)
There will be some uphill hiking today as you trek towards Redondela,  but it will be duly compensated with a great view of the horizon. Feel the breeze on your face and take some awesome photos over Redondela and Ria de Vigo. Before you arrive at the final town, the path will take you down to some rural villages that are full of water streams and local people who are full of spirit! You will be sleeping in town, but before you call it a day, enjoy the monuments in the center and have a beer as the sun goes down.

Elevation gain: 300 m
Preferred accommodation: Pazo Torres Agrelo

Day 6: Redondela - Pontevedra, 13 mi. (21 km)
Leaving the beautiful town of Redondela, a beautiful hike stretches before you. You will see a fjord-like scenery when you step inland through kilometers of forest areas that will take you through ancient Roman villages. As you pass Arcade Village, you will then ascend a small hill that will take you to historic Pontevedra with its many lively squares and streets.

Elevation gain: 300 m
Preferred accommodation: Parador Pontevedra

Day 7: Pontevedra - Caldas de Reis, 15 mi. (24 km)
Feeling fully energized after your breakfast, you will start one of the longest days of the program! The experience will take you along old railways, rural paths, and a section of wetlands. This is a beautiful place of extreme biodiversity featuring many different species calling it their home. Explore this day with all your senses, step by step, all the wonderful smells, tastes, sounds, and textures of nature! Once you arrive in Caldas, make sure to visit the waterfall and the watermill system of the Barrosa River. 

Elevation gain: 300 m
Preferred accommodation: Torre do Rio

Day 8: Caldas de Reis - Padrón, 14 mi. (22 km)
Your eighth day will begin with a nice walk through fertile farmland, blessed by its thermal waters. As you head towards Valga, the path will take you through a beautiful riverscape and a dark forest. Emerging, you then travel on rural roads that will take you to Pontecesures, a place full of religious architecture. After crossing the river, you enter Padrón, your last stop before Santiago de Compostela. This town has some beautiful gardens and monuments to appreciate. Look for some typical food and delight yourself with a great dinner.

Elevation gain: 200 m
Preferred accommodation: Pazo Lestrove

Day 9: Padrón - Santiago de Compostela, 16 mi. (26 km)
Today will be the last day of your adventure! Santiago is awaiting you and lies just 26 km ahead. This day will be the longest but also the most significant. Departing the town of Padrón, you head up north to the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria la Mayor, which was once the episcopal center before Santiago de Compostela. There is so much to see. You will want to explore Santiago and its old quarter, the religious buildings, and the new museum of the Galician people. 

Elevation gain: 500 m
Preferred accommodation: Virxe da Cerca

Day 10: Departure
Transfer from the hotel to Santiago de Compostela Airport airport (approx. 30 minutes).

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On each day’s details, you will find the preferred hotel listed. The majority of the overnights are spent in superior level establishments except in Porriño where you will be accommodated in a hotel that is rated as a 2-star. Do note that these preferred hotels are based on availability and if the tour hotel is not possible, you will be informed and offered an alternative of equal standard.