Portuguese Camino
Camino de Santiago

Portuguese Camino

4.956 reviews
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Tips, tricks, and trail insights - everything you need to know about multi-day walks in Camino de Santiago.

  • 30+ Years Experience
  • Pack-Free Walking
  • Flexible Itineraries
  • Comfortable Stays
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Overview

The Camino Português is the second most popular Camino route and growing fast, drawn by its beauty, its manageable terrain and its notably quieter trails. Starting from Porto's UNESCO-listed Cathedral, walkers choose between two distinct experiences: the Central Route, which follows Roman roads and medieval bridges through the vineyards and market towns of northern Portugal, or the Coastal Route, which traces the Atlantic shore through fishing villages with the ocean as a near-constant companion. Both cross into Spain's Galicia before converging on Santiago. For those seeking the spirit of the Camino without the crowds, this is the route.

Available Walks

Camino-De-Santiago
Self-Guided

Portuguese Easy Coastal Camino: Baiona to Santiago - 12 Days

Duration12 days
Walking Grade
2
From$2,520
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Pilgrim's-Scallop-Shell-on-a-Backpack-Camino
Self-Guided

Portuguese Easy Camino from Tui - 11 Days

Duration11 days
Walking Grade
2
From$1,895
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Santiago-de-Compostela-Cathedral-Vista
Self-Guided

Portuguese Coastal Camino In Style - 15 Days

Duration15 days
Walking Grade
3
From$4,195
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Portuguese Camino de Santiago In Style - 14 Days
Self-Guided

Portuguese Camino de Santiago In Style - 14 Days

Duration14 days
Walking Grade
4
From$3,695
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Coastal Camino (14)
Self-Guided

Portuguese Coastal Camino Way of St James - 15 Days

Duration15 days
Walking Grade
4
From$2,465
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Forest on the Portuguese Camino
Self-Guided

Portuguese Camino: Tui to Santiago - the Final Stage - 8 Days

Duration8 days
Walking Grade
3
From$1,475
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Santiago-de-Compostela-Cathedral-on-a-Bright-Day
Self-Guided

Portuguese Camino de Santiago - 14 Days

Duration14 days
Walking Grade
4
From$2,355
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The Oldest Camino Spain-The camino Primitivo
Self-Guided

Portuguese Camino Spiritual Variant - 9 Days

Duration9 days
Walking Grade
4
From$1,790
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Portuguese Easy Coastal Camino Way of St James - 21 Days
Self-Guided

Portuguese Easy Coastal Camino Way of St James - 21 Days

Duration21 days
Walking Grade
3
From$3,995
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Praza do Obradoiro - Santiago Compostela
Self-Guided

Portuguese Coastal Camino: Baiona to Santiago - 8 Days

Duration8 days
Walking Grade
4
From$1,475
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The Portuguese Camino Experience

Wonder
Begin in world heritage Porto beside Ribeira, Bolsa Palace and Porto Cathedral
Pass ancient forts, Romanesque churches and Dukes of Braganza Palace ruins in Barcelos
End at Santiago de Compostela’s stunning cathedral after 223 kilometres of pilgrimage
Wellness
Inn-to-inn strolls through forests and villages deliver a deep sense of achievement
Restorative slow travel being present on the Portuguese Way rediscovering the natural rhythm of life
Share warm Camino camaraderie with fellow pilgrims, then sleep soundly in private lodgings with ensuites
Nature
Trace unspoiled Atlantic coastline, rugged headlands and varied coastal tracks from A Guarda
Follow the Louro Valley through forest tracks to wetlands rich with birdlife
Walk through dense forests, rivers and valleys between medieval Portuguese and Spanish towns

What you'll eat

Seafood Plates
Atlantic fish, shellfish and octopus appear often in towns along the route
Tapas Bars
Northern Spanish bars let you graze through local delicacies in lively pilgrim towns
Loureiro Wines
Fresh Minho whites and regional pours suit long lunches and coastal evenings

Where you'll stay

Country Hotels
Quiet small-town hotels with a restorative feel after long days walking
Coastal Stays
Simple seaside nights near beaches, estuaries and old fishing communities
Pilgrim Retreats
Restful rooms in historic towns where the day ends in calm and quiet

How you'll travel

Pilgrim Footpaths
Most days unfold on foot through villages, farmland, old towns and coast
Private Transfers
Helpful road transfers smooth out selected stages and awkward urban stretches
Luggage Shuttles
Your bags go ahead each day, leaving you free to walk lightly

Portuguese Camino reviews

4.9
56 reviews
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Jeremy K
August 2026

My Portuguese Camino was well organised and supported by Auswalks. No issues or problems. The whole trip was pretty amazing, everything was a standout. Had a great time walking the Portuguese Camino with Auswalks, recommend that everyone walks the Camino at least once, and why not with Auswalks.

Amy D
July 2026

The walk itself was so beautiful. The people I meet became my family. I loved everything about it and intend to do another Camino way in the future. Everything was so easy. The accommodation was excellent! The hints and suggestions were so helpful. The walking app map was a lifesaver and I used it several times to not get lost. Thank you so much, Couldn't have been happier. - so well organized - personalized communication was excellent - instructions and guides made just for me meant that I felt super confident in doing his walk solo. - the downloaded app which gave me the map was so helpful and reassuring. - I felt so safe knowing that Auswalk was only a phone call away.

Fiona D
July 2026

Easy to deal with in head office and most enquiries dealt with promptly. The accomodation in Padron was excellent. The walk itself and associated logistics were very well organised particularly the accomodation, bag transfers and taxis. The accomodation was very good overall. We had no need to contact the onsite tour contacts at all. They contacted us once to inform of an earlier pick up which was seamless.. Overall very happy with the service received and the actual walk selected.

Kirsty R
July 2026

We had a fabulous walk and met lots of lovely people . Ate and watches soccer with the locals and loved staying in the unique Spanish accomodation . I would highly recommend the accomodation . The pass was very easy to follow . Once or twice we couldn’t get into restaurants that were recommended in the book as we walked into town for lunch . It would have been good to perhaps have the restaurant recommendations before the walk so you can pre book. The night in Caldas de Reis was really unique . All the rooms were unique and had amazing views . It was the only night we are in and we had a lovely dinner on the verandah . It was a special property.

Craig W
July 2026

Had a great time, the Camino Portugese was awesome, organisation and hotels seamless and great quality.

Gracie M
June 2026

This was for my partner more than me, and you were very helpful in making me feel comfortable with the planned itinerary. We had no hiccups during the whole process.. Best hotel was in Dodro, an old convent. Best on-site restaurant Caldas de Reis. Super organised, helped us all through the process, booklet was excellent as a guideline. Though we did find most of the kilometres advised were under what we actually did, it was good to be able to skip a section so I didn’t have to hold back my partners walking pace and could meet up at next section..

More About This Destination

There are better times than others to walk the Camino. On almost all of the Caminos spring and autumn is the best time. Mid-summer can be a little warmer. Early winter is possible but the accommodations along the route are less likely to be open.

You will have to check the weather for each destination, especially through the Pyrenees. We have provided more detailed information on the specific walk's website page for each destination.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, and it's one of the most meaningful parts of the Camino experience. Your Credencial is an official pilgrim document that gets stamped at hostels, churches, cafés, and various landmarks along the way to certify your passage. You'll need a minimum of two stamps per day to qualify for the Compostela — the official certificate awarded on completion of the final 100km into Santiago. Your Credencial and a traditional pilgrim shell are included in the Welcome Kit provided at your first accommodation.

The Compostela is the certificate awarded to pilgrims who complete at least the final 100km of the Camino on foot. To receive it, you need to present your stamped Credencial at the Pilgrim Office in Santiago. It's worth planning to arrive in Santiago in the morning and booking an extra night if possible — collecting the Compostela and taking in the cathedral at your own pace is something to savour rather than rush.

A comfortable daypack is essential. Key items include a waterproof jacket or poncho, worn-in walking boots (never use new shoes on the Camino — break them in thoroughly beforehand), at least 1.5 litres of water, snacks, sun protection, a basic first aid kit including blister plasters, your Credencial, phone, and Euros in cash. Walking poles are strongly recommended — they make a tangible difference over long daily distances, reducing fatigue and protecting your knees and joints.

The Camino is well marked throughout with yellow arrows painted on walls, pavements, trees, and posts — primarily at intersections and crossroads. When you cross into Spain, granite waymarkers and blue tiles with yellow shell or arrow motifs also appear. Your pre-departure pack includes a digital roadbook, maps, and a GPS track you can load onto your phone as a backup. Auswalk provides 24/7 emergency support throughout the walk.

Both Portugal and Spain use the Euro (€). Cards are widely accepted in towns and cities, but ATMs can be scarce on some sections of the route — don't rely on finding one when you need it. Carry a reasonable supply of cash at all times, particularly for cafés, village shops, and smaller establishments along the way. Stock up in larger towns when you have the opportunity.

Tipping is not obligatory in Portugal or Spain, but a small gesture is always appreciated for good service — rounding up the bill or leaving a few euros at a restaurant is perfectly appropriate. There are no fixed expectations, so tip at your own discretion.

The Camino passes through a great number of churches, chapels, and sacred sites. Dress modestly when entering — covered shoulders and knees are generally expected. Speak quietly and be respectful of any services or prayers taking place. The Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela in particular deserves time and reverence when you arrive — it's the spiritual heart of the entire journey.

The Camino Portugués is a varied walk — expect a mix of tarmac footpaths, cobbled roads, gravel tracks, forest trails, sandy coastal paths, and wooden boardwalks. There are some hills, but nothing extreme. The Coastal Route adds clifftop sections and beach walking to the mix. The variation keeps things interesting but also means your footwear choice matters — well-fitted, waterproof boots or trail shoes that have been properly worn in are essential.

Yes. Several itineraries offer shorter daily distances, and if you need to cut a day short a taxi can be arranged at your own cost to transfer you further along the route. Some itineraries also include built-in transfers to bypass less scenic urban sections. Rest days can be built in at towns like Ponte de Lima, Valença, or Pontevedra on the Central Route, or Viana do Castelo or Vigo on the Coastal Route — speak to the Auswalk team when planning.

Let Auswalk know of any allergies or dietary needs at the time of booking. Vegetarian options have become more available along the Camino in recent years, though rural areas can be more limited. The cuisine is largely meat, fish, and seafood-based, with bread and wine a staple of daily life. For complex dietary requirements, bring supplementary snacks to cover any gaps.

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