Here you will find the stages from Porto to the capital of Galicia, which are part of the Portuguese Central Route. Although this millennial path officially begins in Lisbon, most people follow it from the Undefeated City. This way, we’ve taken the past to heart and written down everything you need to know to make the trail to Santiago de Compostela.
The Way before going through the stages.
Leaving Porto, the Santiago path has stages that can take 10 days or more. Despite this indication, the route has no written rules, other than respect for other people and nature around you (don’t throw garbage on the ground, please).
Here, walkers from all over the world join together on the trails of the Camino de Santiago. In this way, religious or secular people pursue the feeling of physical well-being, the beauty of the landscapes, and the solidarity of the pilgrims. It is a unique experience of sharing at every point along the way.
That is why there is an official document dedicated to all the pilgrims who went from Tui to Compostela, the pilgrim’s credential. This documentation comes with perks of the Way to Santiago. For example, access to public hostels and pilgrim menus. At the end, you receive an official document with the kilometers traveled. To receive it, you only need two stamps per day. Don’t worry, churches, cafes, and hostels all have a stamp for you.
The credential can be acquired in places like the Porto Cathedral or in the many public hostels in the cities. In this case, you should call the establishments beforehand to make sure they have the document available.
Try to plan your trip in detail. With 10 stages, divided in 10 days, the best time of the year to do the path is between the end of March and May, and September and October. At these times the temperatures in Portugal are already pleasant to walk without cold and the hostels are open.
On the other hand, the 10 days indicated are the ideal combination between physical and psychological challenge, giving you time to observe the path, which deserves to be seen and looked at again. However, if you want to do it in less time, that is an option. But this is a big effort and you have to know if you are physically prepared.
The Portuguese Central Way to Santiago in 10 days of stages.
As you saw above, the Portuguese Central Way to Santiago can be divided into 10 days. In this segment you can read a short description about each one. Also, you only need to click on the number of the stage to get access to lodgings.
1. Porto — Vairão.
The path begins with preparation, but the Porto Cathedral is the physical starting point. The arrows are well marked on the ground and, in case of need, you only need to ask someone. There are people who start a little beyond the urban grid. However, the Undefeated, for those who don’t know it, is worth a visit. The arrival in Vairão gives the opportunity to rest and eat, for those who want to do so. To the others, Vilarinho is right there and São pedro de Rates is 10 km away.
2. Vairão — Barcelos.
After the first night on the road, get ready to encounter nature. Vila do Conde is a hidden secret revealed only to the bravest (the pilgrims, of course). Follow the advice of Gato Fedorento and go to Café do Barbosa for a chat. When you arrive in Barcelos, don’t forget your swimsuit to refresh yourself at the river beach.
3. Barcelos — Ponte de Lima.
This is a tough one. It is one of the longest crossings on the road, but it deserves your full attention. Before you start the day, or during the day, stop by a pharmacy and buy some foot pads. This is the day when the unwanted blisters start to appear. A path without blisters is much better.
4. Ponte de Lima- Rubiães.
It is the Portuguese central road tiebreaker. Is it difficult or not? The answer depends only on you. Some say that the Serra da Labruja is the most physically demanding part, since the climb is big (it’s a mountain range, of course). Others, since the stage is short – a measly 19 km, what is that, right? – don’t feel like it’s a challenge out there. When you do it, send us a message! We look forward to hearing about it!
5. Rubiães — Tuí.
Today you arrive in Spain. With half the way on your backs, it’s time to celebrate. If you have not entered the route before, get the Compostela in the Spanish city. It is the last place where you can get it from and, at the same time, have the right to the diploma of the end of the path.
6. Tuí — Mos.
Mos is a small village on top of a mountain. It could very well be a cartoon set, such is the layout and beauty of the landscape. However, along the way you will also find the town of Porriño. A metropolis of pilgrims where every corner has a piece of history of the Way to Santiago.
7. Mós — Pontevedra.
This stage competes with Barcelos – Ponte de Lima. Why? It is long and, therefore, tiring. To make things better, both the arrival in Redondela and the arrival in Pontevedra is made between steep descents and ascents. For those who already have blisters from the previous days, this can be unpleasant. But, nothing to fear. In Redondela, you have plenty of rest and much to lunch. And in Pontevedra, the same.
8. Pontevedra — Caldas de Reis.
A few kilometers on the road. But without descents or ascents. Straight ahead, until the peaceful Caldas de Reis. It is like entering a small village where everyone knows who is who. The pilgrims already know each other, because they have spent the days walking side by side, and those who work in the cafés and restaurants are more than used to treating all the walkers as family.
9. Caldas de Reis — Padron.
Some people consider this stage to be the most beautiful of the route. And for a good reason. The woods look enchanted – as we have heard – and deserve to be appreciated. The best for the end. When you get to Padrón, don’t forget to try the peppers (some are spicy and some are not!)
10. Padron — Santiago de Compostela.
We have reached the end of the path. On the way, it even seems that there are more people than usual along the route. The entrance to the Galician capital gains dimension as you approach the cathedral. It’s further than it seems, so go ahead. You are almost there! If you see that the line is too long to get the Compostela, don’t worry. The ID is valid for 2 years.
Way to Santiago: prepare your adventure together.
If you want to know more about each of the stages, be sure to visit our website. Each of the days have personalized maps, tips to choose where to eat and sleep, and the itinerary designed by those who have already done the path and the suggestions of a community of more than 60 thousand pilgrims.
Don’t get lost planning the way!
Shall we walk?