Valença – Santiago | Portuguese Way to Santiago - Portuguese Camino

Start walking from Portugal’s fortress border town of Valença and cross the River Minho into Galicia, filled with traditional villages, ancient cities, stunning scenery and delicious food and wine.

Start your Portuguese Way in the border town of Valença where you can explore the old town inside the fortress and admire the views of Portugal’s Minho region before walking across the iron bridge into Spain. Valença’s former rival, Tui, offers a pleasant introduction to Galicia and its tradition of serving tapas with drinks.

Use our recommended detours to stay amid green countryside and look out for the floating mussel farms in the Ria de Vigo lagoon as you approach Redondela. More forest paths lead into the city of Pontevedra, where you can relax in one of the many squares and enjoy a tapa of seafood or Padrón peppers. In the medieval town of Padrón itself, take time to explore the strong connection with St. James before continuing your journey to Santiago de Compostela.

DURATION

8 days – 7 nights

DISTANCE

115 km in 6 stages

AVAILABILITY

March to November

INCLUDED

7 Nights of accommodation with breakfast

Luggage transfers between hotels (1 bag per person – Max. 15 kg/bag)

24/7 emergency support

Pilgrim kit: passport (credencial) and shell (vieira)

Road book of the Way with tips and information (in English)

NOT INCLUDED

International flights, arrival and departure transfers, meals (where not listed as included in the itinerary),optional additional tours or activities during free time, tips and items of a personal nature

PRICE

Per person in double bedroom: from 475 euros

EXTRAS

Supplement for single accommodation: 160 euros
Extra night in Valença: 35 euros/person in double bedroom
Extra night in Santiago: 45 euros/person in double bedroom
Half-board Supplement (5 dinners): 165 euros
Upgrade for 4, 5* Hotels and Paradores available

Notes

– We are a local company, so there are no intermediaries when booking through us. Our goal is get you the best price/quality possible and give you all the necessary local support
– The hotels in our programs are regularly inspected by our team and have been carefully selected for their location and comfort. All our handpicked hotels have en suite accommodation

Make an enquiry

Arrival

Free day in Valenca
Accommodation: 3* Hotel

Stage 1: Valença - O Porriño (19 km / 11.8 miles)

Cross the International Bridge over the River Minho into Spain and visit the medieval town of Tui. Our recommended detour cuts out O Porriño’s industrial zone, allowing you to spend most of your day amid forests and fields.
Accommodation: 3* Hotel

Stage 2: O Porriño - Arcade (22 km / 13.6 miles)

Make your way through a series of villages and up through the pine forest of Chan das Pipas. You’ll get glimpses of the Ria de Vigo estuary on the descent into Redondela, where the central and coastal routes merge. End the day in the small riverside town of Arcade, renowned for its oysters.
Accommodation: 2* Hotel

Stage 3: Arcade - Pontevedra (13 km / 8 miles)

One of the shortest and most pleasant sections on the Way takes you on ancient stone paths through the woods and along the River Tomeza, surrounded by trees and birdsong. Pontevedra’s historical city centre is a pedestrianised maze of atmospheric squares with plenty of tapas bars.
Accommodation: 3* Hotel

Stage 4: Pontevedra - Caldas de Reis (22 km / 13.6 miles)

Although fairly long, the journey to Caldas to Reis is not difficult and mostly through pleasant countryside including an attractive section of woodland. Soothe your tired feet in one of Caldas de Reis’ thermal springs.
Accommodation: 2* Hotel

Stage 5: Caldas de Reis - Padron (18 km / 11.2 miles)

The stage begins with gentle climb through a series of hamlets and the charming woodlands of Valga. You’ll see several attractive churches and stone crosses on the way to Padrón, where St. James is originally said to have been buried. Explore Padrón’s historical centre before continuing to your hotel.
Accommodation: 3* Hotel

Stage 6: Padron - Santiago (23 km / 14.3 miles)

The final leg of your Camino is mostly through rural settings with a reasonable amount of shade. The last few kilometres are the toughest but as the sign at the ancient bridge over River Sar says, “Don’t Stop Now!” Enter the medieval hub of Santiago and end your journey at the magnificent cathedral.
Accommodation: 3* Hotel