The stage Rubiães – Tui begins at the roadside. Despite this anti-climatic start, until reaching the border with Spain, the road will be flat and through small villages. It also has one of the nicest hostels on the way.
However, right after this small calming space, we will walk on the tarmac, since this road is strongly connected to the industries of Northern Portugal and Southern Galicia. At this point, besides being important to be careful with the road, we will start to see more people and pilgrims, since many start their Way to Santiago here.
In Valença, it is worth stopping and getting something to eat before arriving in Tui, since the route to the city center – and the space in which the hostels are located – is not immediately after the border.
After crossing the international bridge, a favorite passage for taking pictures, we are still half an hour’s walk from the center of Tui. To entertain us, there are paintings and graffiti on the facades of buildings and streets in honor of the Way to Santiago.
The way out of Rubiães is made via the road. Eventually you will find an arrow to the left and you will be back at the rural road. If you missed the opportunity the day before, now it could be the chance to see São Pedro’s Church before you proceed with your journey.
It is the first town after Rubiães. You can enjoy breakfast in one of the local cafés. When you are ready to resume your way, don’t miss the place where the first arrow of the roads to Santiago in Portugal was placed.
At the exit of the rural area, or at the entrance to the urban area, there is a drinking fountain by a private house’s wall, for any pilgrim who feels thirsty or needs to refill his canteen. It is a small gesture that represents peoples’ kindness to the pilgrims on their way.
Valença is the paths’ meeting point. Many of the pilgrims start from Porto, but there is no fixed rule of where the pilgrimage starts from in Portugal. The crossing goes through the historic part of the city. Take the opportunity to observe the landscapes in Spain and glance at the unmade path. If you’re hungry, or just curious, stop by the Mineiro’s cafe, one of the most iconic coffee shops on the route.
From Valença to Tui the trip is short. You only have to cross the historic zone and arrive at the international bridge. However, to enter the town is to be welcomed by the spirit of the Way to Santiago. In the center of town, next to the cathedral of Santa Maria de Tui, is a bench dedicated to pilgrims. Navigate the alleys to the hostel and don’t miss the different graffiti and drawings that exist throughout the town referring to the way.
No. The crossing is done by foot. The physical border is the bridge connecting the two countries and there is no police.
No. All languages can travel the road to Santiago. There may be some difficulty in understanding, but with the help of google translate everything is solved. Or using “Portunhol”.
You’re already half way there! The signs should say 130 kilometers!