The Portuguese Central Way is the most traveled route to Santiago in Portugal, second only to the French route. Its fame is well-deserved, as the beauty of the landscapes combined with adequate signposting and well-equipped infrastructures help anyone to make the kilometers to the Obradoiro square. Following the ancient cities of Portugal, which share their history with that of the route, and the villages that come alive with every pilgrim's step, we'll discover the wonderful nature of this country by the sea, its people and its roads consecrated with the spirit of Santiago.

Stage 1: Porto-Vairão

The first stage of the Portuguese central route takes us past the port and ends in the small town of Vairão. The first 15 kilometers are in urban areas, between towns and factories. However, once you reach Vila do Conde, the landscape changes. The buildings give way to houses and the roads are replaced by nature. 

Stage 2: Vairão-Barcelos

Vairão-Barcelos The second stage of the central route takes the pilgrim along more rural paths. Leaving Vairão and arriving at the bridge that crosses the River Ave is one of the most beautiful stops on the entire Camino de Santiago. The route to Barcelos is second to none.

Stage 3: Barcelos-Ponte de Lima

Barcelos-Ponte de Lima is one of the longest stages on the route. The route runs through woods, small villages and farmland without any steep inclines. However, due to the distance covered, it can be tiring. The arrival in Ponte de Lima is an occasion to celebrate. 

Stage 4: Ponte de Lima-Rubiães

Stage 4 Ponte de Lima-Rubiães divides opinion. Some consider it to be one of the most difficult, thanks to the steepness of the Labruja mountain range. Others take the opposite view because it's "only" 19 kilometers. They only agree on one point. From the top of the mountain you can see the world.   

Stage 5: Rubiães-Tuí

Rubiães-Tuí is the fifth stage and follows rural roads until we reach Valença. There we see a change in the landscape with more factories and roads. It's a simple walk to the entrance to Spain, with no inclines, to prepare for the more complicated days ahead. 

Stage 6: Tuí-Mos

The Tuí-Mos stage begins in an urban area, but we're soon back in the countryside with the forests accompanying the journey.

Stage 7: Mos-Pontevedra

The 7th stage, Mos-Pontevedra, is the hardest of the route. Divided between three hills, these descents are not helped by the saints. As they are very steep, they must be done very carefully to avoid injury. A tip: the descents should be done in zigzags. 

Stage 8: Pontevedra-Caldas de Reis

The Pontevedra-Caldas de Reis stage is quiet, divided between small forest paths and several villages. Take the opportunity to rest from the last few intense days and let yourself get lost in the small town. 

Stage 9: Caldas de Reis-Padrón

The Caldas de Reis-Padrón stage is the shortest of the route. It runs between some stretches of road, local woods and always following the river. With a few urbanizations along the way, take the opportunity to chat with people and observe the path you've already taken at the various viewpoints on this day. 

Stage 10: Padrón-Santiago de Compostela

The Padrón-Santiago de Compostela stage is made up of dirt and road. Although there are still several kilometers to walk with nature, part of the route will be along the road, so you need to be careful. The last three are in the city of Santiago de Compostela.
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