31Dec
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How to take advantage of the 2025 holidays to walk the Camino de Santiago




Planning the Camino de Santiago can seem like a challenge, especially given the lack of time, one of the main reasons why many people put off this unique experience. Taking advantage of the 2025 Bank Holidays to do the Camino is the ideal solution to overcome this challenge. But with the 2025 vacation calendar in Portugal, you have perfect opportunities to fit this pilgrimage into your plans, minimizing the use of vacation days. This article will help you plan the Camino in such a way as to optimize the holidays, so that you can finally make this dream come true.

Here, we suggest two scenarios: the Scenario Afor those who want to walk the Portuguese Way from Valença to Santiago in 5 days, and the Scenario Bideal for those who have 10 days and want to start in Porto.

Why Plan the Camino de Santiago in 2025?

Lack of time is often the main obstacle to doing the Camino de Santiago. Taking advantage of the 2025 public holidays to do the Camino helps you overcome this difficulty and make the most of every moment. With the right planning, you can take advantage of the national holidays in 2025 to walk this spiritual and cultural route without compromising your vacation too much.

5 days: Portuguese Way from Valença to Santiago

The journey between Valencia e Santiago de Compostela is one of the most popular among pilgrims. At around 120 km, it can be completed in five days, making it a great option for those who have little time but want to experience the Camino in its entirety.

Suggested steps:

  1. Valença to Redondela (27 km)
    Route across the International Bridge linking Portugal to Galicia, followed by lovely trails.
  2. Redondela to Pontevedra (20 km)
    Passing through picturesque villages and beautiful natural landscapes.
  3. Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis (23 km)
    A quiet road through vineyards and green fields.
  4. Caldas de Reis to Padrón (19 km)
    Town known for its connection to the Apostle Santiago.
  5. Padrón to Santiago de Compostela (22 km)
    The final exciting journey to the Cathedral.

Ideal dates for 2025:

  1. April 25th to 29th (Friday to Tuesday)
    • Holiday: April 25th (Freedom Day)
    • Required vacation days: 2 (April 28th and 29th)
  2. August 15th to 19th (Friday to Tuesday)
    • Holiday: August 15th (Assumption of Our Lady)
    • Required vacation days: 2 (August 18th and 19th)

10 days: Portuguese Way from Porto to Santiago (10 days)

The journey from Porto to Santiago is a more complete experience, combining vibrant cities, historic towns and stunning landscapes. At around 240 km, it's ideal for those who can dedicate 10 days to the pilgrimage.

Suggested steps:

  1. Porto to Vilarinho (27 km)
    A route that combines urban areas and rustic landscapes.
  2. Vilarinho to Barcelos (26 km)
    Passing through fields and villages typical of the Minho region.
  3. Barcelos to Ponte de Lima (33 km)
    A more challenging but rewarding stage.
  4. Ponte de Lima to Rubiães (18 km)
    Crossing the Serra da Labruja, one of the highlights of the route.
  5. Rubiães to Valença (19 km)
    Arrival at the border with Galicia.
  6. Valença to Redondela (27 km)
    The route follows picturesque trails, passing through small villages and enchanting forests.
  7. Redondela to Pontevedra (20 km)
    A pleasant route with views of the Rías Baixas and cultural stops in historic villages.
  8. Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis (23 km)
    This stretch passes through vineyards and quiet areas, ideal for moments of reflection.
  9. Caldas de Reis to Padrón (19 km)
    Towards the town of Padrón, known for its famous peppers and its connection to the Apostle Santiago.
  10. Padrón to Santiago de Compostela (22 km)
    The final stage takes you to the majestic Cathedral of Santiago, culminating in a unique experience of personal fulfillment.

Ideal dates for 2025:

  1. June 19th to 28th (Thursday to Saturday)
    • Holidays: June 19 (Corpus Christi) and June 24 (St. John, a municipal holiday in some cities)
    • Required vacation days: 6 (June 20, 23, 25, 26, 27 and 28)
  2. December 1st to 10th (Monday to Wednesday)
    • Holidays: December 1 (Restoration of Independence) and December 8 (Immaculate Conception)
    • Required vacation days: 6 (December 2, 3, 4, 5, 9 and 10)

General Tips for Pilgrims

  1. Plan ahead: Make sure you book accommodation and check the weather conditions for your chosen dates.
  2. Take the Essentials: A light backpack, suitable clothing and good shoes are indispensable. Visit our article "What to pack for the Camino de Santiago" for more useful information.
  3. Enjoy the Experience: The Way is not just about the destination, but also about the journey and the people you meet along the way.

To make your journey even more special, check out our guide "My Camino de Santiago", which includes a diary for planning and recording each stage of the pilgrimage. Ideal for those who want to do the Camino in 10 days, this guide is your perfect companion to make the most of the experience.

Plan Now and Make the Camino de Santiago Your 2025 Project

Com estas sugestões, podes viver a magia do Caminho de Santiago em 2025, aproveitando os feriados para tornar a tua experiência inesquecível! Aproveitar os Feriados de 2025 para Fazer o Caminho permite transformar o teu sonho em realidade de forma prática e eficiente. Explora mais recursos e inspira-te no nosso site Portuguese Camino de Santiago.




"A Caminho" com a Joana Rijo

Numa jornada onde cada passo é um mergulho interior, Joana encontrou no Caminho Português do Interior mais do que trilhos e paisagens deslumbrantes — descobriu-se a si mesma. Movida pela procura pela paz e foco, percorreu durante seis dias uma rota marcada por silêncios, chuva persistente e sorrisos de outros peregrinos que, com um simples “buon camino”, iluminavam o percurso. Nesta entrevista, partilha como o Caminho a ajudou a abrir a alma e o coração, curando-a através da dor e do desapego. Fala-nos das subidas íngremes, da magia dos verdes da floresta e das águas cristalinas dos riachos, e de como cada desafio reforçou a sua coragem e força interior. Para a Joana, o Caminho é pertença, liberdade, superação — uma experiência tão transformadora que planeia repeti-la, um dia, com a filha.

"A Caminho" com a Sónia Graça

Para Sónia Graça, o Caminho de Santiago revelou-se mais do que uma peregrinação; foi uma verdadeira lição sobre entrega e aceitação. Perder-se no trajeto trouxe-lhe uma das aprendizagens mais valiosas: no Caminho, como na vida, o controlo é uma ilusão. Não adianta contar quilómetros ou programar cada chegada, porque os imprevistos fazem parte da jornada – e quando aceites com o coração aberto, tudo se torna mais leve. Com esta experiência transformadora, Sónia tomou uma nova decisão: tornar-se guia e ajudar outras pessoas a viverem o Caminho de Santiago, guiando-as não apenas pelo percurso, mas também pelo significado profundo que cada passo pode trazer.

Pilgrim's Guide: What to do in Santiago de Compostela during your stay

Stage 10 of the Central Portuguese Way takes you to Santiago de Compostela, culminating a journey of faith, reflection and discovery. This city, as well as being the final destination for countless pilgrims, is a treasure trove of history, culture and spirituality. A brief history of Santiago de Compostela Santiago de Compostela emerged as one of the main centers of [...]

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