The Portuguese Camino for beginners: a guide to your first Camino de Santiago

What is the Portuguese Camino de Santiago?

It is a pilgrimage more than a thousand years old, walked every year by thousands of people. In total, the Camino de Santiago has at least 281 official routes, and three of them are Portuguese. Some people set off from Lisbon and even from Vila Real de Santo António. However, most start in Porto.

1. Central Way

First of all, it is the oldest and most walked of the Portuguese Caminos. It starts in Lisbon and passes through Coimbra and Porto on its way to Santiago. In all, it covers 620 km, that is, about 25 days on foot or 5 by bike. So it is ideal if you want to get to know rural Portugal and its stories.

In addition, it has one of the richest histories, tied to the economic and social life of Portugal and Galicia. For example, King Manuel I walked this route twice. Queen Saint Isabel also made the pilgrimage here after the death of King Dinis and, later, she was buried with a pilgrim’s staff. Find out more about the Central Way.

2. Coastal Way

It starts in Porto and follows the sea. However, it has one peculiarity: just outside Porto you can walk along the seafront or head a little inland. Then, in Caminha, there is another choice. Either you cross into Spain and carry on with sea views to Redondela, or you continue to Valença along the river Minho.

Some say this is the “true” Portuguese Camino, the one with 10 centuries of tradition. Even so, what really matters is the inner journey. Get to know the Coastal Way stage by stage.

3. Interior Way

On the other hand, this is the least known of the three. In fact, it was one of the last to be certified by the Portuguese Government, in 2021. It has 205 km in Portugal, between Viseu and Chaves, and then joins the Vía de la Plata in Spain.

However, facilities are still few. In 2022, there were only 10 albergues and few of them were open all year. So before you set off, check which albergues are open on your dates. Even so, it is a new way to discover Portugal slowly.

Which Portuguese Camino to choose: advice for beginners

After all, each Camino has its own character. So before you decide, compare the essentials side by side.

What to pack for the Portuguese Camino: a guide for beginners

Now that you have chosen your Camino, it is time to prepare the journey to Praza do Obradoiro. Let us start with the most important thing: the backpack. You will find the full list in what to pack for the Camino de Santiago, but here is the summary.

• A walking backpack with a ventilated back and room for the essentials
• A change of clothes, so you can wash one set and swap it with the one you are wearing
• A water bottle or another water container
• Your documents and pilgrim credential, always with you

Albergues only take in pilgrims whose documents are in order, for everyone’s safety. As for weight, the rule is not to go over 10% of your body weight. For example, if you weigh 70 kg, carry 7 kg at most. Even so, you can find almost anything along the way, because the facilities are good and the people even better. As pilgrims say, “the Camino gives you everything you need”.

You can buy the pilgrim credential from the associations of friends of the Camino, in churches and even in albergues. If you set off without one, it is not serious, but you may miss out on the pilgrim’s menu.

Physical preparation for beginners on the Portuguese Camino

Most people walk the route without major difficulties, even without specific training. After all, as the pilgrim Agostinho Leal writes in his book “Memórias de Peregrino” (A Pilgrim’s Memories), the rule is to stop when you are tired and eat when you are hungry. If tiredness sets in, look for the nearest albergue and rest.

If you get injured partway, contact the pilgrim support services, who will take you somewhere safe. That is why you should always carry a small first aid kit, because you never know when an accident will happen.

If you really want to train, go on regular walks with a loaded backpack to get used to the weight. You will find the full plan in how to prepare for the Camino de Santiago. And if you think walking is not for you, read the story of Francisco, who did not like walking and ended up a pilgrim.

When to walk the Portuguese Camino: tips for beginners

The poetic answer would be “whenever you like”. However, life comes with obligations, so most people walk the Camino on holiday. The trouble is that in August the albergues fill up, the heat bites and the supermarket queues grow.

So the best option is to go in the low season, in May, June or September. At that time there is company without crowds, and warmth without the burden of August. But take a good sleeping bag, because the nights can be cold.

Besides, with fewer people around, shopkeepers have more time for you. Around here, the rule is “with time, everything gets done”. On the other hand, when a large group arrives all at once, small businesses are overwhelmed and the service suffers. In short, go earlier or later and you will find albergues with room and restaurants with time.

The Portuguese Camino for beginners: in short

1. Choose your Camino. Central, Coastal or Interior, depending on the time you have and the scenery you are after.
2. Pack your backpack. Take only the essentials and do not go over 10% of your body weight.
3. Get your credential. Without it there are no albergues, no pilgrim’s menu and no Compostela.
4. Train calmly. Regular walks with a loaded backpack are enough.
5. Pick your dates well. May, June or September give you the best of both worlds.

Still have a question? See the 50 most frequently asked questions about the Camino de Santiago or ask in our Facebook group.

Frequently asked questions about the Portuguese Camino for beginners