Portuguese Central last 100 Camino
You will be starting your Camino at the border between Portugal and Spain in Tui. In the heart of the Rías Baixas coastal region of Galicia, Northern Spain.
Walk through the spectacular Galician countryside.
On this Portuguese Central Camino, you will be crossing ancient stone paths as you wind your way along the river valleys. Passing through oak, pine, and eucalyptus woodlands.
Explore fascinating and richly historical towns and cities
With Medieval, Celtic, Romanesque-Gothic, and modern-day sites. Impressive Cathedrals, antiquated town centres, tombs, castles, Fortresses, and more!
Enjoy the Culture.
Certainly, you will meet with the locals as you pass through their villages. Allow them to share their culture and lives as they serve your meals and take care of your personal needs.
Galicia is a land rich in gastronomy.
You are in Spain, known for wonderful fresh produce. With veal and Seafood the specialities. Locals will tell you with great pride that their seafood is noted to be the best in the world. Don’t leave the country without experiencing some! Also, the Galician bread is particularly good. Remember to have a slice or 2 of Tarta de Santiago (almond tart) too.
Meeting Pilgrims along the way.
Well known for the diversity of Pilgrims who come from every corner of the world. Here you will greet one another with Buen Camino along the way. Sharing stories of your journey, a meal, or drinks on a terrace at the end of a long day is a part of the charm of Camino. You can be as sociable or solitary as suits you.
Arriving to Santiago de Compostela
Now let the celebrations begin. Take the time to be with friends you have met along the way. Be proud of making it to Santiago de Compostela a UNESCO World Heritage Site absolutely spectacular city with so much to offer. Unwind pick up your certificate and relish in your achievement.
Buen Camino!
Will you go all the way to “The End of The World”
For some, the legends of the past will see them wanting to finish in Fisterra. Consider continuing on our Fisterra Camino.
If you have Special Needs we offer
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: km.
- Hours: h.
Day 1: Tui
Day 1 in Tui is the starting point of your Portuguese last 100 Central Camino. Located on the bank of the Miño River, facing the Portuguese town of Valença. Take the time to explore the town while you are here.
Tui dates back to pre-historic times (20,000 BC). Boasting 2 Museums, one dedicated to archaeology and sacred art, and the other a diocesan museum. Visit the Romanic (11-13th century) Santa Maria Cathedral with Romanesque and Gothic period vestibules.
You are in the heart of the Rías Baixas coastal region of Galicia, you will find the seafood sensational make sure you try some!
Ensure that you get a good night’s rest to prepare for your first day walking the Portuguese Camino.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 16 km.
- Hours: 4.5h.
Day 2: Tui to O Porrino
On day 2 Tui to O Porrino, today there are two routes to choose from. Either on the original path taking you through the largest industrial region of Galicia, all roads and concrete. Or take the alternative route developed in 2013 that goes through the natural land of Las Gandaras.
Not long after walking through Ribadelouro, you will notice a sign on your left for the alternative route. Certainly, this is the more scenic route running along the Louro river a natural and peaceful environment.
Finally arriving in O Porino an industrial town well known for pink granite, the best bread in Galicia, and tasty mushrooms.
- Difficulty: Medium
- Length: 16 km.
- Hours: 5h.
Day 3: O Porino to Redondela
On day 3 O Porino to Redondela, you will soon pass through Mos-Rua. Look out for Santa Eulalia church and its 82 m high tower.
After Mos, you have a very steep climb to Capilla de Santiaguiño (210 m ascent). Here you have the first views of Ria de Vigo estuary on the Atlantic Ocean. From there you will ascend to Redondela where the Portuguese Coastal Camino joins the Central Camino.
Redondela is the start of the spectacular Galician seafood. Some of the tasty offerings are Centollas (spider crabs), mussels, zamburiñas (scallops), turbot, and hake. Certainly, you can’t miss the opportunity to try some of the fresh local delights.
- Difficulty: Medium
- Length: 19.5 km.
- Hours: 6h.
Day 4: Redondela to Pontevedra
On day 4 Redondela to Pontevedra, when reaching Arcade you will see oyster beds. Here the oysters are considered the best in Galicia.
Soon crossing the beautiful Pontesampaio medieval bridge. This is where Napoleon’s army suffered a great defeat (19th century).
Further on leads you to the Church of Santa Maria (12th century) with magnificent views over the Atlantic Ocean.
Finally arriving in Pontevedra. A monumental city boasting many historical delights. Some of which are Santa Maria la Mayor Basilica, Town Hall, Capella de la Verge Pelegrina, and Teucro square, they all deserve a visit.
Enjoy some famous oysters of Arcade with an Albarinho wine.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 21 km.
- Hours: 6h.
Day 5: Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis
On day 5 Pontevedra to Caldas de Rei, you will be walking mostly through chestnut, gum, and pine groves. Quite pleasant surroundings with only short sections of road.
In Lombo da Maceira there is a statue of Santiago Apostol with his stick showing the way.
Between A Portela and Briallos, you will find a slight divert to beautiful Rio Barosa Waterfalls. Only 400m off Camino on your right, worth the extra short walk.
Caldas de Reis known for its thermal healing waters has developed as quite a popular tourist location since Roman times. Here you will see there are many wonderful old spa hotels with a relaxed atmosphere.
Umia river provides trout and lamprea. Another specialty is zamburiña empanadas (pies) all appreciated when washed down with a good Albarinho wine.
- Difficulty: Medium
- Length: 18.5 km.
- Hours: 5.5h.
Day 6: Caldas de Reis to Padron
On day 6 Caldas de Reis to Padron is a beautiful stage with plenty of bush sections. Heading upward to Santa Marina de Carracedo and then down to Padron.
In Pontecesures you cross paths with the Variante Espiritual arriving by boat from Vilanova de Arousa on the Ulla river.
In Padron visit the Santiago church and 1 km further on from Padron on Camino is Iria Flavia, an icònic village where legend says the remains of the apòstol Santiago arrived on a stone ship 2000 years ago also La Real Colegiata is remarkable, the tomb of Camilo Jose Cela, Nobel Prize winner of Literature and the museum-house of Rosalia de Castro, the main Galician poet all worth a visit today if you have the energy to save time tomorrow for your final destination.
A must-try specialty of the region while in Padron “pimientos de Padron” (little green peppers) fried and sprinkled with sea salt, now appreciated all over Spain. Other popular foods are octopus, cheeses, bread, chorizos, or empanadas.
- Difficulty: Medium
- Length: 24.5 km.
- Hours: 7h.
Day 7 Padron to Santiago, your last day walking!
If you didn’t visit Iria Flavia yesterday perhaps you can make a little time to do that in the first stage of your walk today. Following on from there is mainly urban landscape. Heading up to O Milladoiro and then down again into Santiago de Compostela.
Follow the arrows to your final destination, Praza do Obradoiro. Here you will admire the Cathedral de Santiago and its Romànic Portico de la Gloria (Glory’s Gate) built in the 12th century.
A moment that is bittersweet for most. You have achieved your goal yet also you have finished your adventure.
Many pilgrims celebrate the end of their Camino with a good “mariscada” (seafood plate). However, you might prefer to head to Rua do Franco for some “tapas” finishing with “Tarta de Santiago” the popular Galician tart.
CONGRATULATIONS!!
The Botafumeiro
A Pilgrim’s Mass is held at 12.00 and 19.00 daily. If you are lucky (or someone pays the fee, around 300€) you will see the Botafumeiro (weighing 60 kg) incense burning ceremony.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: km.
- Hours: h.
Day 8: Santiago
Today you will enjoy a breakfast of Kings, your last morning with Crossroads Travel
Many of you will venture off to other parts of the world, some of you will continue your adventure to Fisterra!
Whatever it is you do from here please go safely, thank you for choosing our Crossroads Travel Camino!
We hope to see you again sometime soon.
Buen Camino!!
Dates: Flexible, set your own agenda
Inclusions Portuguese last 100 Central Camino
- 7 nights’ accommodation preferably charming/Iconic/boutique hotels and rural Casas
- Private Bathroom in all rooms
- Daily breakfast
- Luggage transfer daily (1 x 20kg bag per person)
- Maps of your accommodation locations
- Pre-trip Camino guidance and planning
- Australian and Spanish emergency phone numbers
- local support person in Spain
Welcome Pack:
- Pilgrim’s passport
- Camino shell
- Luggage tags
- Full Camino walking guidebook with maps
- Camino Journal with Pen
- Other goodies for your Camino
Not Included
- Travel and medical insurance
- Additional bags transfer (will incur additional costs)
- Single Supplement
- Any meal not specified in the Inclusions list
- Any other item not specified in the Inclusions list
- Flights/Transfers/Extra Accommodations.
Optional Services:
- Airport transfers from the start point and end destination
- Extra night accommodation at the start point and end destination
- Extra luggage transfer or storage
- Fisterra experience: Tour from Santiago to Fisterra return 2 days
- If you wish to upgrade to the Iconic Parador Hotel in Santiago de Compostela the cost is from $150 per person/per night twin share and $220 per person/per night single occupancy when booked 6 months in advance.
- Ask us about adding an extra night in Santiago, or extra rest days en route.
- For any part of your trip that falls between 31 October and 01 April, there is an ‘out-of-season luggage transfer surcharge cost of $25 per day.
Day 1: Tui
Day 1 in Tui is the starting point of your Portuguese last 100 Central Camino. Located on the bank of the Miño River, facing the Portuguese town of Valença. Take the time to explore the town while you are here.
Tui dates back to pre-historic times (20,000 BC). Boasting 2 Museums, one dedicated to archaeology and sacred art, and the other a diocesan museum. Visit the Romanic (11-13th century) Santa Maria Cathedral with Romanesque and Gothic period vestibules.
You are in the heart of the Rías Baixas coastal region of Galicia, you will find the seafood sensational make sure you try some!
Ensure that you get a good night’s rest to prepare for your first day walking the Portuguese Camino.
Day 2: Tui to O Porrino
On day 2 Tui to O Porrino, today there are two routes to choose from. Either on the original path taking you through the largest industrial region of Galicia, all roads and concrete. Or take the alternative route developed in 2013 that goes through the natural land of Las Gandaras.
Not long after walking through Ribadelouro, you will notice a sign on your left for the alternative route. Certainly, this is the more scenic route running along the Louro river a natural and peaceful environment.
Finally arriving in O Porino an industrial town well known for pink granite, the best bread in Galicia, and tasty mushrooms.
Day 3: O Porino to Redondela
On day 3 O Porino to Redondela, you will soon pass through Mos-Rua. Look out for Santa Eulalia church and its 82 m high tower.
After Mos, you have a very steep climb to Capilla de Santiaguiño (210 m ascent). Here you have the first views of Ria de Vigo estuary on the Atlantic Ocean. From there you will ascend to Redondela where the Portuguese Coastal Camino joins the Central Camino.
Redondela is the start of the spectacular Galician seafood. Some of the tasty offerings are Centollas (spider crabs), mussels, zamburiñas (scallops), turbot, and hake. Certainly, you can’t miss the opportunity to try some of the fresh local delights.
Day 4: Redondela to Pontevedra
On day 4 Redondela to Pontevedra, when reaching Arcade you will see oyster beds. Here the oysters are considered the best in Galicia.
Soon crossing the beautiful Pontesampaio medieval bridge. This is where Napoleon’s army suffered a great defeat (19th century).
Further on leads you to the Church of Santa Maria (12th century) with magnificent views over the Atlantic Ocean.
Finally arriving in Pontevedra. A monumental city boasting many historical delights. Some of which are Santa Maria la Mayor Basilica, Town Hall, Capella de la Verge Pelegrina, and Teucro square, they all deserve a visit.
Enjoy some famous oysters of Arcade with an Albarinho wine.
Day 5: Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis
On day 5 Pontevedra to Caldas de Rei, you will be walking mostly through chestnut, gum, and pine groves. Quite pleasant surroundings with only short sections of road.
In Lombo da Maceira there is a statue of Santiago Apostol with his stick showing the way.
Between A Portela and Briallos, you will find a slight divert to beautiful Rio Barosa Waterfalls. Only 400m off Camino on your right, worth the extra short walk.
Caldas de Reis known for its thermal healing waters has developed as quite a popular tourist location since Roman times. Here you will see there are many wonderful old spa hotels with a relaxed atmosphere.
Umia river provides trout and lamprea. Another specialty is zamburiña empanadas (pies) all appreciated when washed down with a good Albarinho wine.
Day 6: Caldas de Reis to Padron
On day 6 Caldas de Reis to Padron is a beautiful stage with plenty of bush sections. Heading upward to Santa Marina de Carracedo and then down to Padron.
In Pontecesures you cross paths with the Variante Espiritual arriving by boat from Vilanova de Arousa on the Ulla river.
In Padron visit the Santiago church and 1 km further on from Padron on Camino is Iria Flavia, an icònic village where legend says the remains of the apòstol Santiago arrived on a stone ship 2000 years ago also La Real Colegiata is remarkable, the tomb of Camilo Jose Cela, Nobel Prize winner of Literature and the museum-house of Rosalia de Castro, the main Galician poet all worth a visit today if you have the energy to save time tomorrow for your final destination.
A must-try specialty of the region while in Padron “pimientos de Padron” (little green peppers) fried and sprinkled with sea salt, now appreciated all over Spain. Other popular foods are octopus, cheeses, bread, chorizos, or empanadas.
Day 7 Padron to Santiago, your last day walking!
If you didn’t visit Iria Flavia yesterday perhaps you can make a little time to do that in the first stage of your walk today. Following on from there is mainly urban landscape. Heading up to O Milladoiro and then down again into Santiago de Compostela.
Follow the arrows to your final destination, Praza do Obradoiro. Here you will admire the Cathedral de Santiago and its Romànic Portico de la Gloria (Glory’s Gate) built in the 12th century.
A moment that is bittersweet for most. You have achieved your goal yet also you have finished your adventure.
Many pilgrims celebrate the end of their Camino with a good “mariscada” (seafood plate). However, you might prefer to head to Rua do Franco for some “tapas” finishing with “Tarta de Santiago” the popular Galician tart.
CONGRATULATIONS!!
The Botafumeiro
A Pilgrim’s Mass is held at 12.00 and 19.00 daily. If you are lucky (or someone pays the fee, around 300€) you will see the Botafumeiro (weighing 60 kg) incense burning ceremony.
At Crossroads Travel our focus is to ensure your comfort after a long day of walking. Hence we have carefully and extensively researched accommodation options on Camino.
Our choice is based on location.
We personally book your rooms, and for this reason, we know exactly where they are located. Being in the vibe of Camino amongst the other pilgrims, restaurants, bars, and cafes is our primary aim.
Note: There are a few extraordinary options off the Camino. We will discuss this with you when booking.
Next, we want you to be welcomed and taken care of.
Meeting regularly with the owners/management to discuss our client needs ensures your hosts have direct personal contact with us. If any need arises we can manage it immediately.
Finally, we choose accommodation preferably in charming, iconic hotels and rural Casas.
The number of stars is not our criterion. A comfortable room and a private bathroom come first. Although, yes, we do throw in a few nights with lots of stars for a bit of indulgence. After all, you deserve to have a soak in a spa. Likewise, an indoor pool doesn’t hurt.
Book 60 days in advance
Because Camino de Santiago is a very unique destination with limited quality accommodation ON Camino. Consequently, we advise booking a minimum of 60 days in advance.
Examples of our chosen accommodation.
Images below are examples of what you can expect from your booking. Tailor-made packages are available if you wish to stay 5-star all the way.
Fly directly into Porto
Porto Airport-City Centre via taxi takes approximately 20 minutes into the city and costs approximately 23€.
Porto Airport-City Centre via Metro takes 25 minutes at a cheaper rate of approximately 2.50€.
