October 2023 – Valença to Santiago
Update Jan 8th - Booked Out!
The final section of the Camino Portugués is a bit misleading in that it is nearly all in Spain! Starting from the Portuguese citadel town of Valenҫa, cross the River Minho into Spain via a bridge designed by Gustav Eiffel, finishing ups some 117km later in Santiago.
While Sarria to Santiago is the most popular way of walking the final 100km of the Camino, this route is the fastest-growing of all Camino routes.
It is a lovely blend of having enough people around you to experience the Camino “buzz” though yet not so busy that there isn’t plenty of opportunity for some peaceful walking.
Walking this section over 6 days means that the average distance per day is a little lower than usual, thus making it a very accessible week for first-time Camino experience.
This group is being led by Eoin from Camino Groups.
- October 15th - 22nd. (Sunday – Sunday)
- €795 pps (not including flight).
This group is a guided group, led by Eoin from Camino Groups.
- 7 nights’ accommodation in ensuite rooms on a B&B basis.
- Airport transfers from Santiago airport to Valença and from Santiago to Santiago airport for the return flight to Dublin.
- Bag transfer each day.
- Pilgrim Passport (Issued by Camino Society Ireland – the only official Irish pilgrim passport).
- Guide group, led by Eoin Garvey.
- Detailed walking notes and accommodation maps.
Note:
- Flights are not included in the prices. Tip – the earlier you book, the cheaper it will be.
- We recommend that you have adequate travel insurance in place for your trip. .
Sunday, October 15th, Day 1
- Fly from Dublin to Santiago. Upon arrival, you are provided with a private transfer to Valença for your overnight stay.
- Take the chance to stroll around the Fortaleza - the old town within a town, looking down over the River Minho.
Monday, October 16th, Day 2
- Walk 20 km from Valença to O Porriño.
- The first steps of your day will involve crossing over the Eiffel-designed iron bridge into Spain. From here, walk uphill to the church and old quarter of Tui.
Tuesday, October 17th, Day 3
- Walk 22 km from O Porriño to Arcade. Your day involves passing through the picturesque hamlet of Mos before reaching Redondela, a pretty place to stop for lunch.
- Arcade is the self-styled Galician home of oysters and is also a chance for you to take a beach stroll to look over the Bay of Vigo.
- We will transfer to Pontevedra for our accommodation.
Wednesday, October 18th, Day 4
- Return to Arcade to walk 13km to Pontevedra. Your day starts by crossing the beautiful Roman bridge from Arcade to Pontesampaio.
- The short day allows you plenty of time to explore the old city centre of Pontevedra, centred around the Basilica de Santa Maria in Praza Ourense.
Thursday, October 19th, Day 5
- Walk 21km from Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis. A quiet day spent mostly on minor country roads allows you the chance to relax in San Amaro on the way to Caldas.
- Caldas de Reis (“the thermal springs of the kings”) takes its name from the thermal springs that are still used today.
- Our accommodation has its own thermal swimming pool!
Friday, October 20th, Day 6
- Walk 20km to Padrón.
- Passing through possible resting points at Santa Mariña, O Pino and San Miguel, the day finishes up in Padrón, a town synonymous with Camino legend. It is here that the remains of St. James are said to have been taken ashore by his followers.
- Padrón is also home to the Pimientos de Padrón – peppers with a random hot surprise that are a local specialty worth sampling!
Saturday, October 21st, Day 7
- Walk 24km to Santiago. Today is all about reaching your journey’s end – on St. James’ Day! You pass through Escravitude, Anguira de Suso, Faramello and Milladoiro before walking the final couple of kilometres to the cathedral in Santiago.
- Collect your Camino cert, the "compostela", in Santiago before enjoying all of the delights of this stunning UNESCO-listed old city.
Sunday, October 22nd, Day 8
- Enjoy a few hours of free time in the morning before your afternoon transfer to Santiago airport for the return flight to Dublin.
