Central Way Portuguese Camino de Santiago

Day 1: Arrival at Porto Airport. Transfer to Ponte de Lima.
Day 2: Ponte de Lima – Pecene, 23 km (+600 m)
Day 3: Pecene – Tui, 17 km (+200 m)
Day 4: Tui – O Porriño, 17 km (+200 m)
Day 5: O Porriño – Redondela, 18 km (+300 m)
Day 6: Redondela – Pontevedra, 21 km (+300 m)
Day 7: Pontevedra – Caldas de Reis, 24 km (+300 m)
Day 8: Caldas de Reis – Padrón, 22 km (+200 m)
Day 9: Padrón – Santiago de Compostela, 26 km (+500 m)
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
After arrival in Portugal, you will be transferred from Porto to your hotel in Ponte de Lima. A welcome briefing (45 minutes) provides an overview of the itinerary and key highlights. The rest of the day is free to explore the medieval town, its cobblestone streets, riverside paths, and historic squares.

Accommodation: InLima Hotel & Spa
Alternative hotel: Arc My Otel
Transfer: Porto → Ponte de Lima (1 hour)

Day 2: Ponte de Lima – Pecene, 23 km (+600 m)
Begin by crossing Ponte de Lima’s iconic medieval bridge. The route climbs the Serra da Labruja to Alto da Portela, the highest point of the stage, passing Cruz dos Franceses and quiet rural landscapes. Descend through forests and small villages, including the medieval bridge of Rubiães, before arriving in Pecene.

Accommodation: Casa da Capela
Elevation gain: +600 m

Day 3: Pecene – Tui, 17 km (+200 m)
Follow the Camino through rural villages, forests, and chapels, including the Chapel of Senhora da Guia near Gondomil. Continue to Valença, the fortified Portuguese town overlooking the Minho River. Cross the historic international bridge into Tui, Spain, and reach your hotel near the old town and cathedral.

Accommodation: Parador de Tui
Alternative hotel: Pousada de Valença
Elevation gain: +200 m

Day 4: Tui – O Porriño, 17 km (+200 m)
Explore Tui’s historic center before following a scenic and quiet alternative section of the Camino. Walk through forests, farmland, and peaceful countryside. Arrive in O Porriño, a welcoming town with a blend of historic and modern elements, marking the midpoint of your Camino route.

Accommodation: Alojamientos Central
Elevation gain: +200 m

Day 5: O Porriño – Redondela, 18 km (+300 m)
Walk along the Louro River and climb gradually toward Mos, passing Santa Eulália Church and Paço Senhorial. Continue to the Victory Cross and the chapel of Santiaguiño de Anta. Descend into Redondela with views of the Ría de Vigo, the Rande Bridge, and the Cíes Islands.

Accommodation: Pazo Torres de Agrelo
Elevation gain: +300 m

Day 6: Redondela – Pontevedra, 21 km (+300 m)
Climb to the Outeiro Grande viewpoint overlooking the Ría de Vigo. Continue through Arcade and cross the historic Sampaio Bridge over the Verdugo River. Follow ancient stone paths and the Via Romana XIX toward Pontevedra’s pedestrian-friendly historic center.

Accommodation: Parador Pontevedra
Alternative hotel: Hotel Rías Bajas
Elevation gain: +300 m

Day 7: Pontevedra – Caldas de Reis, 24 km (+300 m)
Cross the Burgo Bridge into the Marismas de Alba Natural Park, a wildlife-rich wetland. Continue to Pontecabras, Valbón, and rural farmlands as you pass ancient crosses and villages. Follow the Umia River into Caldas de Reis along the Camino de Los Muiños and its historic watermills.

Accommodation: Torre do Río
Alternative hotel: Pousada Real Hotel
Elevation gain: +300 m

Day 8: Caldas de Reis – Padrón, 22 km (+200 m)
Walk through forests, riverside paths, and quiet rural landscapes toward Valga. Continue to Pontecesures and the Pino Manso viewpoint overlooking the Ulla River. Cross the Roman bridge into Padrón, home of the famous peppers and rich Camino history.

Accommodation: Pazo Lestrove (Superior Room)
Alternative hotel: Hotel Corona de Padrón
Elevation gain: +200 m

Day 9: Padrón – Santiago de Compostela, 26 km (+500 m)
Walk through the Sar Valley and several Galician villages toward the sanctuary of A Escravitude. Reach O Milladoiro for the first panoramic view of Santiago Cathedral. Follow the Sar River, cross the Ponte Vella, and enter the historic center, finishing in Obradoiro Square before the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

Accommodation: Parador de Santiago de Compostela (Hostal dos Reis Católicos)
Alternative hotel: Virxe da Cerca
Elevation gain: +500 m

Day 10: Departure
Transfer to Santiago de Compostela according to your schedule. You may extend your stay or add extra hiking days if desired.

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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.