Portuguese Way ClassicSelf-Guided from Tui

Welcome to Tui, a historic cathedral town overlooking the River Miño and the Portuguese border. Settle into your accommodation and take time to explore its medieval streets, stone houses and impressive hilltop Cathedral. If you arrive early, you may also cross the International Bridge to visit Valença, the beautifully preserved Portuguese fortress on the opposite bank. You will return to Tui for the night before beginning your Camino tomorrow.

Your Camino begins beneath Tui’s medieval Cathedral before descending through the old town and into the surrounding countryside. Quiet lanes, woodland and small villages accompany you north toward O Porriño. Along the way, follow the Camino Natural alternative beside the River Louro. This attractive route passes through woodland and wetlands, avoiding much of the industrial area on the traditional itinerary. After your walk, a private transfer takes you back to Tui for a second night.

A short transfer returns you to O Porriño. Continue through Mos, passing traditional homes, small churches and the Pazo de Mos before climbing into peaceful woodland. The descent toward Redondela reveals wonderful views over the Vigo estuary and, on clear days, the distant Cíes Islands. Continue beyond the town to Soutoxuste, where you will be transferred to a beautifully restored former wine estate overlooking the estuary (if available). Surrounded by vineyards, with its own wine cellar and outdoor swimming pool, it is a wonderfully peaceful place to relax at the end of the day.

Today’s route offers beautiful views over the Vigo estuary before descending toward Arcade, a small town known for its oysters. You will then cross the historic bridge at Ponte Sampaio, the site of an important Galician victory against Napoleon’s army in 1809. Follow the peaceful riverside route into Pontevedra, a city made for wandering. Its pedestrian streets, lively squares and excellent restaurants make this one of the most rewarding overnight stops on the Portuguese Way.

Leave Pontevedra through its historic center before returning to the Galician countryside. Today’s route follows quiet lanes and forest paths through vineyards, chestnut groves and small rural villages. Near the village of Barro, you may take a short detour to visit the waterfalls and old watermills of the Barosa River. Your destination is Caldas de Reis, a welcoming town that has been known for its natural thermal springs since Roman times. After 23 km, dipping your feet into naturally warm water feels less like sightseeing and more like a reward designed for pilgrims.

The Camino enters the beautiful Bermaña Valley on its way to Padrón, a town closely connected to the legend of Saint James. Tradition holds that the boat carrying his remains reached Galicia here before continuing toward Santiago. Padrón is also famous for its peppers, its Sunday market and its literary history. After exploring the town, cross the river and continue to Lestrove, where a special country stay awaits before your final stage.

This is it. Your longest stage carries you through villages and past the sanctuary of A Escravitude before reaching Milladoiro, where Santiago begins to feel wonderfully close. Soon, you will enter the city itself and make your way toward Plaza del Obradoiro, where the Cathedral stands at the end of your journey. Take time to enjoy the moment, celebrate your arrival, and reflect on the days you have walked. You still have plenty to do today: check in at your hotel, collect your Compostela, attend the Pilgrim Mass, and admire the architecture of our beloved city.

Your Camino journey ends after breakfast. You may choose to extend your stay in Santiago, spend more time exploring the Cathedral and old town, enjoy a guided visit, or continue onward to Finisterre and the Atlantic coast. A wise pilgrim once told us, “The real Camino starts where the Camino de Santiago finishes, but I will not be afraid because the Camino will always be there for me.” We hope the Camino has brought you whatever you were looking for, and we hope to see you again soon.