14 - 26 km
150 - 550 m
10 Days & 9 Nights
Religious architectural sites
- Tour Grade
- Distance
14 – 26 km / day
- Profile
Moderately hilly
- Route
Mix between unpaved foot track, cobalt roads, paved little roads
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Itinerary
Arrival Porto Airport (OPO) Transfer to Hotel
Our guide will welcome you at the Porto Airport and drive you to Ponte de Lima.
This is a medieval town with narrow old streets, ramparts and squares. The road of Ponte de Lima, which crosses the Lima River, used to be the only road north during the times of the Roman's. Tomorrow, this will be your path as well! Today, take your time to enjoy and relax.
Hike from Ponte de Lima to Rubiães
This day will start from the doorstep of your lodging and will head north through an old Roman bridge.
These were the first steps of all Pilgrims since the Romans times, meaning that you will also be a 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, delight your eyes with the landscape plains. As you move away from the big roads, you will instead hike on a small one which will take you all the way to Rubiães, your first night resting stop!
Hike from Rubiães to Valença do Minho
After a wonderful breakfast, you will head to the sanctuary of Rubiães, a Romanic arqueological 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 agricultural fields in both road and dirt tracks. As you move on, notice the scenery, it is constantly changing and makes for a gorgeous trip and way to arrive 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!
Hike from Valença do Minho to Porriño
On this day, you will hike along small fortresses, travel in medieval streets and cross over ancient bridges.
You will pass through small and old doorways that will make you feel like a pilgrim from the middle ages! Well, the times have changed but one thing is for sure; the landscape and the people's pure lifestyle remains the same. On the way, enjoy the town of Tuy and spend some time in its center! The cathedral is a must see. Soon, you will be arriving to Galiza, Spain and after a beautiful walk along the river, you will find your accommodation located in Porriño. *There are no superior alternatives to this accommodation.
Hike from Porriño to Redondela
The challenge for today will be heading all the way towards Redondela, which still lies on the Saint James path along the national road.
There will be some uphill hiking today but it will be duely 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 that 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.
Hike from Redondela to Pontevedra
Your adventure today will start in the beautiful town of Redondela and trust us when we say this; it will be a gorgeous one!
You will see a fjord-like scenery when you step inland through kilometers of forest areas that will take you to little and old Roman villages. All of this while following the camino spirit and atmosphere where people are always friendly and hospitable. As you pass the Arcade Village, you will then go up a small hill that will take you to Pontevedra. It is a wonderful town full of history and superb terraces in which you can have a delicious meal.
Hike from Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis
After your breakfast and once you feel fully energized, you will start one of the longest days of the program!
The experience will take you through old railways, rural paths and a section of wetlands. This is a place of extreme biodiversity with many different species calling it their home. The beauty of the natural landscape makes this place all the more special. We would like to remind you to explore this day with all your senses, step by step, as we head to Caldas dos Reis. Open yourself to the smells, tastes, sounds and textures of nature! As we arrive to the town, make sure to visit the waterfall and the watermill system of the Barrosa River, before you check in to your hotel.
Hike from Caldas de Reis to Padrón
Your eighth day will begin with a nice walk along fertile agricultural fields that are blessed by its thermal waters.
As you head towards Valga, the path will take you through some beautiful scenery by the river and a dark forest. As you head out of this forest, you will hike along little roads that will take you to Pontecesures, a place full of religious architecture. You will then cross the river and arrive in Padrón, which will be 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.
Hike from Padrón to Santiago de Compostela
Today will be the last day of your adventure! Santiago is awaiting you and lies just 26km ahead.
This day will be the longest but also the most significant, so make sure to keep a positive mindset. The path will leave the town of Padrón and will head up north to the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria la Mayor, which was the episcopal center before it was transferred to Santiago de Compostela. Soon, you will be arriving to the outskirts of Santiago. During the afternoon, feel free to explore Santiago and its old quarter. There is so much to see here! Make sure to check out all the religious buildings and the new museum of the Galician people which is filled with things to see. Later, you can spend a good time by enjoying a fantastic meal to the sound of the pipes!
Departure
Our splendid program has come to an end.
We hope that the memories and experiences that we have created and shared stay with you forever. Come back soon to discover some more of Portugal's Nature Trails!
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