Everything you need for your Portuguese Way of St James.
The Portuguese Way of St James, told by people who know it step by step: routes, stages, maps and advice, shared with the largest community of pilgrims.
Four routes of the Portuguese Way of St James. We know every one of them.
Your pilgrim passport (credencial), ready for its first stamp.
It walks with you from the very first step and keeps the memory of every stage. Get it delivered home before you set off.
- Required to claim your Compostela in Santiago
- Room for every stamp of your Camino
- Sent to your home before you leave
Bringing more people to the Camino.
Every pilgrim comes to the Camino in their own way. Some set off alone with a map, others prefer everything taken care of. Some want to talk first, read a lot or walk in a group. So we created a way to help each one.Which of these pilgrims are you?
Routes, stages, maps and advice on the whole Portuguese Way, so you can walk it independently.
Explore the routes The Planner Camino essentials, before you set offAn online shop with everything your backpack needs: from the pilgrim passport to insoles and anti-blister socks.
Visit the shop The Storyteller Guides and a journal to record your journeyGuides with everything about each route, and a journal to keep your Portuguese Way in words.
See guides and journal The Talker A 45-minute session just for youWe answer all your questions about the Camino and build the right route with you, at your pace.
Book a session The Determined Training walks, side by sideWe walk the 1st stage together, 25 km from Lisbon to Alpriate, so you can prepare body and mind.
See upcoming dates The Team Leader The Camino as team buildingAn experience that brings teams together, step by step. We design the programme around your company.
Request a proposal The Easygoing We take care of everything for youAccommodation, itinerary, pilgrim passport and daily support. The Camino is yours, the planning is ours.
See Organised Caminos The Companion Guided groups, from the first step to the lastWalk with other pilgrims and a guide who knows every stage of the Camino.
See groupsWhatever your Camino, we are with you from the very first step.
Talk to usPortuguese Way of St James guides: the answers everyone is looking for
Two questions. The right route for you.
The classic first Camino: the stages that earn you the Compostela, and plenty of pilgrim life.
Stories from those who have walked it
“Walking the Camino with you felt like having one more friend a few steps ahead, always ready to help.”
“I felt there was always someone thinking ahead for me, so I could focus on simply walking.”
“One of the best choices I have made. A calm, safe Camino, knowing someone had taken care of everything.”
“I loved the support and the choice of accommodation, right on the Camino. Now I recommend it to all my friends.”
“I did not have to worry about where to stay, logistics or restaurants. The support before and during was essential.”
Your Portuguese Way of St James, organised by us. The Camino is yours, the planning is ours.
Valença to Santiago
Our most popular. Ideal for a first Camino and for anyone with a week.
Baiona to Santiago
Start by the sea, finish in Praza do Obradoiro.
Porto to Santiago
The full Camino through inland Minho and into Galicia.
2027is a Holy Year. Everything you need to know.
What changes, when to walk, how to secure accommodation. Our complete guide to the Holy Year.
- 1 Jan to 31 Deca whole year of Jubilee
- Holy Dooropen at Santiago Cathedral
- Next: 2032when 25 July falls on a Sunday
What is the Portuguese Way of St James
The Portuguese Way of St James is the pilgrimage route linking Portugal to Santiago de Compostela, in Galicia, where tradition places the tomb of the Apostle Saint James. Today it is the second most walked route to Santiago, right after the French Way, and every year it draws pilgrims from all over the world.
Pilgrims have walked it since the Middle Ages. Queen Saint Isabel of Portugal made the journey in the 14th century, and many of the bridges, churches and stone paths you will find along the way still hold that memory. Today people walk for faith, for the challenge, for rest or simply to pause. Every pilgrim brings their own reason.
The routes of the Portuguese Way of St James
There is not just one Portuguese Way. There are several ways to reach Santiago, each with its own landscape and rhythm:
- Central Portuguese Way: the most traditional. It leaves Lisbon or Porto and heads inland through Barcelos, Ponte de Lima and Valença, before entering Galicia at Tui. See the Central Way stages.
- Coastal Way: follows the northern coast from Porto, through Vila do Conde, Esposende and Viana do Castelo, to Caminha. See the Coastal Way stages.
- Senda Litoral: the variant closest to the sea, for anyone who wants the Atlantic always nearby. See the Senda Litoral.
- Spiritual Variant: between Pontevedra and Padrón, it passes Armenteira Monastery and the Route of Stone and Water, and ends with a boat trip along the Ría de Arousa and the River Ulla. See the Spiritual Variant.
How many days and kilometres is the Portuguese Way of St James?
It depends on where you start. These are the approximate distances to Santiago de Compostela, with stages of 20 to 25 km a day:
| Starting point | Approximate distance | Walking days |
|---|---|---|
| Lisbon (Central Way) | about 620 km | 25 to 30 days |
| Porto (Central Way) | 247 km | 10 to 13 days |
| Porto (Coastal Way) | 259 km | 12 to 14 days |
| Valença or Tui | about 120 km | 5 to 6 days |
To receive the Compostela, you need to walk at least the last 100 km. That is why Valença and Tui are the most popular starting points for anyone with just a week.
When to walk the Portuguese Way of St James?
Spring, from April to June, and early autumn, in September and October, are the best times: mild temperatures, green landscapes and fewer people in the accommodation. Summer brings more heat and more pilgrims, especially on the Galician stages. In winter the Camino is quieter, but expect rain and some albergues (pilgrim hostels) to be closed.
In 2027, a Jacobean Holy Year, demand is expected to be much higher than usual. If you are thinking of walking that year, plan well ahead.
The pilgrim passport and the Compostela
The pilgrim passport (credencial) is your passport on the Camino. You will get it stamped at churches, albergues, cafés and accommodation along the stages, and it is what gives you access to the pilgrim albergues. On the last 100 km you need at least two stamps a day.
When you reach Santiago, you show your pilgrim passport at the Pilgrim’s Office and receive the Compostela, the certificate that confirms your pilgrimage.
Frequently asked questions about the Portuguese Way of St James
Do I need to be very fit to walk the Camino?
No. Some preparation is enough: regular walks in the weeks before you leave, ideally with the backpack you will carry. What matters most is the right footwear and respecting your own pace. See our preparation guide.
How many kilometres do you walk per day?
Most pilgrims walk between 15 and 25 km a day. Stages can be adjusted to your pace, the time you have and how you feel along the Camino.
Can I walk the Portuguese Way alone?
Yes, and many people do. It is a safe route, well marked with yellow arrows and full of other pilgrims. Even those who set off alone rarely walk alone for long.
What is the best route for a first Camino?
If you have a week, the Central Way from Valença or Tui is the safest choice: well marked, with good services and the right distance to receive the Compostela. Compare the Central and Coastal Ways.
Do I need to book accommodation?
Public albergues do not take bookings, it is first come, first served. In high season, and especially in a Holy Year, it is best to book private accommodation in advance. If you prefer, we can handle it for you.
How much does the Portuguese Way of St James cost?
It depends on the type of accommodation you choose and how many days you walk. Public albergues, private rooms or hotels make a big difference to your budget. See how to save on the Camino.
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