Camino Groups

Camino Portugués – Valenca/Tui to Santiago (final section)

2023 Prices: Self-guided tours

Number of days

6 days walking (with the option of 5), usually booked as a 7 night package.

Description

The final section of the Portugués is a bit misleading in that it is nearly all in Spain! You start from Valenҫa which is on the Portuguese side of the border between Spain and Portugal, crossing over to Tui.

The level of difficulty is moderate – this is one of the easier Camino sections.

Options – If you wish to free up an extra day in Santiago, it’s possible to combine days 2 and 3 into a single day. If the distance seems too great, it’s also possible to arrange taxi transfers to break up the stages.

Baiona to Santiago: A slightly different route sees you start in Baiona and walk to Vigo on Day 1. Day 2 meets the route described here – the two routes join up in Redondela before continuing to Arcade.

Remember that every trip is unique and we can tailor yours to suit you.

Padrón monastery

Interested? Get in touch

  • Groups (6+): €550 per person sharing 
  • 4-5 people: €560 pps.
  • 2-3 people: €605 pps.
  • Accommodation single supplement €220.
  • 7 nights’ accommodation in ensuite rooms on a B&B basis (typically 3* standard). We choose our accommodations to give you the best value while still maintaining high standards.
  • Private airport transfer from Santiago airport to Valença.
  • Bag transfer each day.
  • Pilgrim Passport – we use those issued by Camino Society Ireland – the only officially-recognised Irish pilgrim passport.
  • Detailed walking notes for each stage, as well as ongoing advice and 24/7 emergency phone service.
  • The security provided from booking with a licensed and bonded travel agency.
  • Flights not included. As a licensed travel agency, we can book your flights for you (€20pp fee applies, no fee for group bookings).
  • Travel insurance not included - we recommend that all customers take out adequate travel insurance.
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Day 1 – Fly from Dublin to Santiago

Upon arrival, you are provided with a private transfer to Valenҫa for your overnight stay. Take the chance to explore the forteleza in Valenҫa – the old town contained within fortress walls that date from the 13th century.

Day 2 – Walk 20km from Valenҫa to O Porriño

Your day starts by crossing over the River Minho into Spain via a bridge designed by Gustav Eiffel. Passing by the Parador of Tui, you will walk uphill through the narrow streets of Tui to collect your first stamp in Spain at Tui cathedral. Your day finishes in the small town of O Porriño, famous for its “Pink Porriño” granite stone.

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 watch the sun go down over the Bay of Vigo.

Day 4 – Walk 13km from Arcade 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.

Camino fact – Pontevedra was once a key trading port and is where the Santa Maria, Columbus’ flagship, was built.

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.

Day 6 – Walk 20km from Caldas 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!

Day 7 – Walk 24km to Santiago

Today is all about reaching your journey’s end. You pass through Escravitude, Anguira de Suso, Faramello and Milladoiro before walking the final couple of kilometres to the cathedral in Santiago. Set off early to give yourself plenty of time to explore the incredible city of Santiago, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the perfect place to get lost in meandering streets or to sit at a bar and watch the pilgrim world go by!

Day 8 – Fly back

Return to Santiago airport for your return flight to Dublin.