Full Portuguese Camino

Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Lisbon, a place steeped in history and culture. Explore the majestic Belem Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and wander through the charming streets of the Alfama District, where the soulful sounds of Fado music fill the air. Don't miss the Lisbon Cathedral, where the first waymark of your Portuguese Camino awaits. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through this beautiful city, soaking in its rich heritage and lively atmosphere.

Transfer to Santa Iria de Azoia to start your walk through the industrial outskirts and modern suburbs. The last stretch from Alhandra to Vila Franca de Xira is a pleasant riverside path. Vila Franca, once a Crusader town, is now famous for its bull breeding and the Festa do Colete. Enjoy the nearby wetland reserve, home to migrating birds, before settling in for the night in Vila Franca de Xira.

Continue your journey along the river through flat agricultural lands and industrial zones to reach Azambuja. Known as the gateway to the fertile floodplains of the Tagus, Azambuja is famous for its 'running of the bulls' festival in May. Spend the night in this charming town, once home to Portugal's renowned female matador, Ana Maria.

Walk along the Tagus, passing the abandoned manor of Quinta da Cardiga, before the landscape shifts to rolling hills. Continue through woodlands and villages, following the Nabao River to the historic town of Tomar. Once the headquarters of the Portuguese Templars, Tomar is rich in history and architecture. Visit the Convent of Christ and its Charola, a richly embellished round church. Enjoy a rest day in Tomar, a perfect spot to unwind.

Traverse the tranquil rural plains, woodlands of pine and eucalyptus, and several hamlets. The peaceful journey is mostly on paved roads, offering a serene experience. Spend the night in Alvaiazere, a quaint town that provides a restful stop on your journey.

Continue across flat rural plains, with vineyards, olive trees, and pines dotting the landscape. Pass through small hamlets and the mid-way town of Ansiao, known for its Saturday farmers' market. Cross the 17th-century bridge leaving Ansiao and follow forest tracks to the hilltop town of Alvorge, where you'll spend the night.

Today's journey takes you through diverse landscapes, primarily farmlands and woods. Visit the Roman ruins at Conimbriga, where you can admire the intricate mosaics before continuing to Condeixa a Nova. Spend the night in this charming town, reflecting on the rich history you've encountered along the way.

Walk along paved roads and through small hamlets, with the trail undulating around the town of Palheira. Discover the remnants of a Roman aqueduct at Cruz dos Mourocos and learn the dramatic story of Dona Ines de Castro in Santa Clara. Cross the Mondego River to reach Coimbra, a bustling university town with a rich history. Spend the night in this vibrant city, exploring its many historic buildings.

The trail today is relatively flat, following river valleys and irrigation channels along a mix of asphalt and Roman roads. Pass through several villages and arrive in Mealhada, once a major Roman crossroads. Known for its leitão da bairrada, or suckling pig, and excellent wine, Mealhada offers a delightful culinary experience. Spend the night in this charming town.

Today's path gently undulates along the Certima River valley, mostly along roads with pockets of vineyards and woodland tracks. Pass through the town of Avelas de Caminho, known for its pretty Manueline features, and continue to Agueda after crossing the river and the old Ponte Velha bridge. Spend the night in Agueda, a town known for its vibrant atmosphere and colorful umbrellas.

The path today is mostly flat, with a small ascent into Albergaria-a-Velha. Walk along the original Via Romana XVI and cross the recently restored Marnel bridge. Albergaria-a-Velha, founded in 1120 to provide refuge to pilgrims, offers a welcoming atmosphere. This afternoon, you'll be transferred back to Agueda for the night.

After breakfast, transfer to Albergaria-a-Velha to resume your walk. The terrain today is more undulating, taking you through pine and eucalyptus forests and local villages. Oliveira de Azemeis, with its historic center and Matriz de Sao Miguel church, offers a glimpse into the past. Spend the night in this charming town, known for its popular festivities honoring Our Lady of La Salette.

Today's walk takes you over rolling hills and through more urban areas, including the town of Sao Joao da Madeira. The route is primarily on roads, following a section of the original Roman Via XVI via Arrifana to Malaposta. If you wish to visit the historic town of Santa Maria de Feira, with its well-preserved castle, arrangements can be made upon arrival at your Malaposta hotel. Spend the night in Malaposta.

Depart Malaposta on the original cobbled Roman road, leading to Grijo and its 13th-century monastery, Mosteiro San Salvador. Continue to Porto, a city rich in maritime history and known for its impressive cathedral and port wine lodges. After checking into your hotel, explore the city's cultural sites and vibrant atmosphere. Spend the night in Porto, savoring its unique charm.

A private transfer takes you from Porto to the small town of Vilar do Pinheiro, where you begin an easy walk through woodland trails to the rural town of Arcos. This transfer allows you to bypass the urban sprawl of Porto, immersing you directly in a rural landscape. Spend the night in Arcos, enjoying the tranquility of the countryside.

Today's trail takes you through lush valleys, passing through towns like Sao Pedro de Rates with its church of St Peter, and over the Monte Franqueira. Arrive in Barcelos, a town known for its impressive medieval bridge and rich history. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Campo da Feira market square, especially on Thursdays. Spend the night in Barcelos, a town steeped in legend and tradition.

The route today takes you through small villages with pretty gardens and past many baroque chapels. Arrive in the quiet town of Balugaes, a traditional resting point on the Camino Portuguese. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and spend the night in this charming village.

Gradually approach the valley of the Lima River, where the village of Ponte de Lima, the oldest in Portugal, is located. Stroll through its cobblestone streets and explore points of interest such as museums, historic houses, and the main square, Largo de Camoes. The medieval bridge spanning the Lima River, with Roman foundations, is a highlight. Spend the night in this picturesque village, known for its lively festivals.

Embark on the first day of the trail where much of the route is unpaved. Ascend to the Labruja Valley and up to a mountain ridge, reaching the Alto da Portela Grande, the highest point on the trail. Enjoy the sweeping views of the Lima valley before descending into the town of Rubiães and continuing to Pecene. Spend the night in this peaceful town.

This stage is characterized by hilly terrain leading to Valença before crossing the border into Spain. The trail follows quiet country roads and unpaved paths. Before crossing into Spain, explore the historic walled town of Valença. Upon reaching Tui, the final stop on your journey, visit the cathedral dating from 1120 and enjoy a walk along the Paseo de Calvo Sotelo. Spend the night in Tui, reflecting on your travels.

Most of this stage follows woodland paths along the scenic Louro River valley, then along the N550 to the historical center of O Porriño. Known for its pink granite, O Porriño is an industrial town intersected by major transport routes. Rather than staying overnight, return to your Tui hotel with a private transfer. Spend the night in Tui, enjoying the town's lively atmosphere.

Transfer back to O Porriño to continue your walk. Ascend through mixed forest to Monte Cornedo and the Chans das Pipas plateau before descending to the town of Redondela. Pass through tiny hamlets along a coastal inlet to reach Arcade, where you'll spend the night. Enjoy the scenic beauty of this coastal region.

Begin your day by crossing the beautiful old bridge at Pontesampaio. After a short uphill stretch on ancient stone paths, descend to the provincial capital of Pontevedra. Explore interesting sites such as the Santuario da Peregrin chapel and the Convento de San Francisco. The medieval town center, with its cobbled laneways, offers a delightful maze of tapas bars and cafes. Spend the night in Pontevedra, enjoying its vibrant atmosphere.

Today's stage takes you through woodland and countryside along gentle river valleys with minimal climbing. As you approach Caldas de Reis, the route crosses the N550. Known for its thermal waters, Caldas de Reis is a major health spa. Enjoy the botanical gardens next to the river for a peaceful respite from your walk. Spend the night in Caldas de Reis, with optional upgrades available for a more luxurious stay.

This beautiful walk takes you through the Bermana River valley and then into the Valga valley. There are two short sections of main road, leaving Caldas and entering Padron. Set on the banks of the Sar and Ulla rivers, Padron is a lovely town with St James relics at the Igrexa de Santiago. Spend the night in Padron, enjoying its historic charm and scenic beauty.

The final day of your journey takes you through pine, oak, and eucalyptus woods, with a climb to reach Santiago. As you approach the city, the route follows some sections of main road. Spend the night in Santiago de Compostela, celebrating the completion of your incredible journey along the Camino Portuguese.