The Portuguese Way of St James is one of the most beautiful and least crowded of all the main Camino routes, tracing a 223-kilometre path from Porto to the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. Beginning at the coast before heading inland through forests and countryside, the route connects two UNESCO World Heritage Sites while passing vineyards, farms and some of Portugal's most significant historic landmarks along the way.
This is the Camino done in style. The route's charm and adventure remain entirely intact, while evenings are spent in 4-star and above accommodation, making it one of the most rewarding ways to experience the Portuguese Way. Porto itself is a magnificent starting point, famed as the birthplace of port wine and one of Europe's most celebrated cities.
At 223 kilometres, this is a walk of genuine ambition, one that demands commitment but delivers in equal measure, taking walkers through two countries, two cultures and some of the most scenic walking on the Iberian Peninsula.
Highlights
The challenge of walking 223km and claiming your Pilgrim's passport
Soaking up the magnificent history of north Portugal
The camaraderie of meeting fellow pilgrims along the 'way'
Wondering at ancient forts, bridges, ruins and churches
Beautiful rural villages, rivers, forests and medieval towns
Revelling in mouth-watering food and exquisite wines
The thrill of walking into Santiago de Compostela and its stunning cathedral to end your walk
Itinerary
Day 1
Porto
If you arrive early, there will be time to explore the world heritage Porto including the Ribeira area, the Bolsa Palace, and the beach or simply walk and explore this marvellous merchant city at your own leisure.
Accommodation
Hotel in Porto
Day 1: Porto
Day 1 details
What's Included
Accommodation
Hotel (13 nights)
Meals
13 breakfasts
Transfers
Luggage Transfers
Private Vehicle Transfers
Guidance & Support
Itinerary & Walk Notes
Walking App for Navigation
24/7 on-trip support
How We Rate This Walk
4
Auswalk Walking Grade
Moderate to Challenging
Rated by our team — we walk every route before we recommend it.
Regular hills and varied terrain. These walks involve more challenging sections. Regular walking beforehand is recommended.
All the accommodation on this walk is 4-star and above. Each property has been hand-picked for the comfort it offers and the Portuguese character it carries, from the quality of the beds to the warmth of the welcome at the door. After a day on the trail, you will have a hot shower, a quiet en-suite room and a proper night's sleep waiting for you. Portugal takes hospitality seriously, and every property on this route is a good example of why.
We work with several properties in each town along the route to ensure we can always deliver this standard. The accommodation pictured is an indication of what will be booked, and should any property be unavailable, any alternative will always meet the same four-star standard.
What You'll Eat
Walkers on this Camino tend to fall in love with the food and wine quickly, and it is not hard to see why. Every dish and ingredient along the way carries the story of where it comes from, and the towns on this route have been feeding travellers well for centuries.
Thirteen breakfasts are included throughout the trip, and lunch and dinner are yours to discover. There is no shortage of good eating along the way, and as the route moves north, Spanish tapas bars become part of the landscape, offering a wide spread of local delicacies all at once in a way that is particular to this part of the world.
The wine here deserves equal attention. Both Portugal and Spain have long and sophisticated wine industries, and some of what you will find along this route you are unlikely to encounter anywhere else. Please advise us of any food allergies or intolerances at the time of booking. If you have severe allergies, bringing some of your own snacks is recommended, as specialist ingredients can be harder to source along the way.
Note: Drinks and alcohol are not included with meals, with the exception of tea, coffee and juice served with breakfast.
More About This Trip
The walk starts in Porto and finishes in Santiago de Compostela.
Porto Airport (OPO) is well served with international connections across Europe. A metro line runs directly from the airport to the city centre, and bus connections are also available from outside the terminal. From Porto, trains to Valença on the Spanish border run daily from São Bento or Campanhã stations. Tickets for Portuguese trains must be purchased in advance and cannot be bought on board. Private transfers from Porto can be arranged on request.
The walk ends in Santiago de Compostela, which has its own international airport (SCQ) with connections across Europe. A regular bus links the airport to the city centre and train station, from where onward rail connections are also straightforward. Book Spanish rail tickets in advance through Renfe.
This walk is available from 1 March to 1 November, with no fixed start days.
The Portuguese Camino has a relatively mild climate throughout the season, making it one of the more forgiving routes for timing.
Spring, from March to May, is one of the finest times to walk, with mild temperatures, lush green countryside and wildflowers along the path. Early March can bring the odd cool or showery day, but conditions improve steadily as the season progresses. Late May and June are considered by many experienced walkers to offer the ideal balance of good weather, long evenings and a lively but manageable trail.
July and August are warm and sunny, with long days well-suited to early starts, though the coastal towns can be busy with summer visitors and early booking is advisable.
September and early October are among the most popular months, with warm, settled conditions, fewer crowds and some of the finest walking of the year. October brings cooler temperatures and the chance of rain as the season closes, but the trails are quieter and the light is beautiful. Pack a waterproof layer throughout the season; even the sunniest stretches can surprise you.
Moderate to challenging. The route is well-graded with relatively gentle inclines and descents, though a terrain difficulty rating of 7 out of 10 means sturdy walking boots with good ankle support are essential. Daily walks average 19 kilometres with around 482 metres of ascent and descent, with the option to explore further each evening for those who wish to cover more ground.
Build up to covering 17 to 25 kilometres comfortably in a single day and include back-to-back walking days in your preparation. Hill training is important; a treadmill, stair climber, or local grandstand works well if hills are not accessible.
The route is waymarked throughout by the iconic scallop-shell markers, and with fellow pilgrims on the trail, navigation is straightforward. Daily walk notes, maps, and GPX tracks are provided.
You must hold adequate travel insurance for your trip, including cover for personal liability and accidental injury and illness. For all trips involving international travel, your policy must also include emergency medical treatment, evacuation and repatriation cover. We strongly recommend your policy also covers trip cancellation and curtailment, and loss of or damage to luggage.
A cancellation fee usually applies if you cancel after your booking is confirmed. Travel insurance with cancellation cover will generally cover this fee, so it's worth arranging your policy at the time of booking.
A detailed information pack and itinerary will be sent to you around six weeks before departure, covering everything you need to know for a seamless experience. In the meantime, our team is always on hand to answer any questions.
Dates & Pricing
Choose Your Start Date
Pick any available date — this is your trip, your schedule
August 2026
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Prices shown are per person, twin/double share basis.
Portuguese Camino reviews
4.9
50 reviews
5 Star
46
4 Star
4
3 Star
0
2 Star
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1 Star
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Liz R
2 months ago
AusWalk has been an outstanding tour organiser for my Portuguese Camino. They delivered everything they promised, and the entire trip ran smoothly from start to finish. Their booklet was exceptionally helpful. I would not hesitate to use them again for future hiking adventures.
Maureen M
2 months ago
It was a wonderful walk. The Camino way markers were easy enough to find. Negotiating our way to our accommodation in some of the larger towns was a bit trickier but we ultimately got to where we needed to get to. All in all it was a truly memorable experience.
Cherry R
2 months ago
Hotels chosen well throughout. Walk guidance comprehensive. Suggestions for shortening the very long days very helpful.
Lanna L
2 months ago
The Portugal Camino walk organised by Auswalk was a perfect route to do the pilgrim walk but at the same time immerse yourself in the cultural experience of the local area. We chose the shorter distance walk each day to allow us the time to explore the villages and towns that we stayed. It was just wonderful to talk to locals, watch the sunset on the coastal areas and to talk to other pilgrims. It was just a beautiful experience.
Philip Ian P
3 months ago
The departure point process was comfortable and efficient. Spanish Camino walk was a blast!
Maurice T
3 months ago
The trip was well organised by AusWalks. The luggage was transported without any issues at all and always arrived early or before check in time. The information of the route was very helpful and provided additional information on the historical sites that we would be walking through. Overall a great experience.
Ian R
3 months ago
Very patient Piper in MEL was very supportive
All worked - your formula works really well
GPS took more than anticipated - surely AUSWalk can make that more seamless - should be an access code from AUSWalk and presto - logged in
Suzanne P
3 months ago
Wonderful walk and Auswalks were great communicators.
Troy S
3 months ago
The hotels in the countryside were fantastic and provided tremendous restaurant options.
The city hotels IE Porto and Santiago could be better although there locations were great.
Perry M
4 months ago
Auswalks prepared our self- guided Portuguese Camino. Everything went so smoothly. What an adventure, what a treat. Memorable.
Joanne D
4 months ago
Entire trip went extremely well. Everything worked smoothly and easily.
Deborah M
7 months ago
I have now done a couple of walks through Auswalk, here in Australia and overseas, I have been very happy with everything. Very happy to continue booking any further walks through Auswalk.
Deborah M
7 months ago
I have now done a couple of walks through Auswalk, here in Australia and overseas, I have been very happy with everything. Very happy to continue booking any further walks through Auswalk.
Suzanne V
10 months ago
Auswalk was amazing to deal with and were happy to customise our walk and build in rest days to suit what we wanted. They were very responsive and extremely helpful when one of us was injured and couldn't walk for a few days. I thoroughly recommend Auswalk as being very professional and we will happily use them again.
Suzanne V
10 months ago
Piper was amazing to deal with and were happy to customise our walk and build in rest days to suit what we wanted. They were very responsive and extremely helpful when one of us was injured and couldn't walk for a few days. I thoroughly recommend Auswalk as being very professional and we will happily use them again.
Kathryn Y
10 months ago
We booked our Camino walk through Auswalk, and they were absolutely outstanding from start to finish. Everything was perfectly organised — routes, accommodation, luggage transfers, and detailed notes. It made the experience stress-free and unforgettable. Highly recommend them to anyone dreaming of walking the Camino!
Kathryn Y
10 months ago
We booked our Camino walk through Auswalk, and they were absolutely outstanding from start to finish. Everything was perfectly organised — routes, accommodation, luggage transfers, and detailed notes. It made the experience stress-free and unforgettable. Highly recommend them to anyone dreaming of walking the Camino!
Rod F
10 months ago
We booked our first Self Guided Camino, the Portuguese Coastal Camino, through Auswalk. The entire process from initial enquiry, booking, requests for additional accommodation, and the luggage transfers was seamless and faultless. The handbook notes were generally very accurate except for a few small grey areas. With so many other pilgrims and locals assisting with direction, it was never an issue. Accommodation locations we were provided were great and they were comfy and clean. Thoroughly recommend Auswalk self-guided tours.
Rod F
10 months ago
We booked our first Self Guided Camino, the Portuguese Coastal Camino, through Auswalk. The entire process from initial enquiry, booking, requests for additional accommodation, and the luggage transfers was seamless and faultless. The handbook notes were generally very accurate except for a few small grey areas. With so many other pilgrims and locals assisting with direction, it was never an issue. Accommodation locations we were provided were great and they were comfy and clean. Thoroughly recommend Auswalk self-guided tours.
Joanne F
10 months ago
We found AusWalk’s communication and organisation for the Portuguese walk to be absolutely seamless. The written booklet and GPX tracker made navigation simple and stress-free. The accommodation throughout the walk exceeded our expectations — comfortable, well-located, and of a higher standard than anticipated. Overall, a fantastic experience. Highly recommended!
Joanne F
10 months ago
We found Auswalk's communication and organisation for the Portuguese walk to be absolutely seamless. The written booklet and GPX tracker made navigation simple and stress-free. The accommodation throughout the walk exceeded our expectations — comfortable, well-located, and of a higher standard than anticipated. Overall, a fantastic experience. Highly recommended!
Eva A
10 months ago
Great experience!!!! Could not have done it on my own!!! Thanks to the attention to detail!
Alison M
10 months ago
My experience with Auswalk to arrange our Camino Journey from first contact to on the walk was easy, very helpful and personalised. It made my experience enjoyable and hassle free. I would encourage anyone to use Auswalks. I will be again.
Anne B
11 months ago
The daily distances were less than the majority of walkers and this allowed us to spend time exploring daily destinations. Dept point process is easy to organise. Our entire walk went very well.
Audrey G
last year
All of the spots were beautiful and distances each day perfect. The dept point process is very convenient! Right on time and a lovely drive. Entire trip went extremely well.
Mara C
last year
We had an amazing first Camino booked through Auswalk. Hotels were all excellent and simple but adequate breakfast included. Luggage transfers were seamless and our luggage was always waiting for us at our hotel when we arrived. Everything went as planned and although the first few days of walking were tough the overwhelming joy of reaching Santiago De Compostela will last a lifetime. Would definitely choose Auswalk again for our next walk.
Stephanie S
last year
We just got back from our Portuguese Camino Walk with our 4 young adult/teenage children and their partners on what they dubbed "one of Mom's active holidays". it was a phenomenal way to slow down, talk to each other, eat together, drink together and just be together with no expectations or time limits. We laughed, cried, got angry and got happy often all in one day! We are all in pretty good physical shape but it was still physically and emotionally hard so you do need to train before you go. It was nice having wonderful beds with nice sheets and great breakfasts all pre-arranged along with having our bags transported and made the physical toughness easier for us. I highly recommend it and we will all go again. You just never know what you will find along The Way.
Elizabeth I
last year
Our entire trip went extremely well. Everything was seamless and the walking notes were very specific. You couldn't go wrong.
Philippa S
last year
I loved the guidebook layout and having a GPX file available. It was great having a no-fuss transfer to the start of the first official day of walking. The accommodation was mostly excellent and well located. I really enjoyed the route as recommended. Thanks to AusWalk we were able to travel from New Zealand, arrive in Europe and be confident that all arrangements were going to work.
Annabel G
last year
Trip was well organised , both the digital and the hard copy book was great ,we walked everyday unlike some other tours which means you were able to get in the groove early
Recommend this company
Belinda H
last year
Again, we felt confident that Auswalk would look after us and we were not disappointed. From clear directions, baggage transfer and accommodation choices, we felt secure and well organised.
Sophia C
last year
I loved it! A beautiful trip! My favourite walk to date. We were delighted with our decision to upgrade our accommodation.
Shu-Hwa C
last year
Many thanks for the walkers' notes/tips etc., we had a very rewarding walking holiday.
Keven R
last year
I have recently completed the Camino Walk. Having the Notes and App provided by Auswalk was a great help in both my preparation for the walk and to follow during the walk itself. The accommodation was very good and well located and the luggage delivery service worked perfectly. I had great weather and shared the walk with many other helpful and friendly people from many different countries. Great.
Rosemary and Peter S
last year
Thank you Auswalks for making our Camino experience seamless and easy to follow. Every transfer and bag drop went smoothly. The accommodation in all the towns was clean and comfortable with some little gems thrown in. The itinerary was as expected and the gps app invaluable. Loved ready the little guide book the night before to be ready for the next day's adventure. I would highly recommend this Portuguese Coastal Camino to anyone looking to do the Camino. Thanks for wonderful planning and support our Camino is complete. We will be recommending you to anyone who plans a Camino journey. BUEN CAMINO
Thanks
Rosemary and Peter S
last year
Thank you Auswalks for making our Camino experience seamless and easy to follow. Every transfer and bag drop went smoothly. The accommodation in all the towns was clean and comfortable with some little gems thrown in. The itinerary was as expected and the gps app invaluable. Loved ready the little guide book the night before to be ready for the next day's adventure. I'm glad I chose to do the walk over a longer period of time, it definitely made it an achievable goal. I would highly recommend this Portuguese Coastal Camino to anyone looking to do the Camino. Thanks for wonderful planning and support our Camino is complete. We will be recommending you to anyone who plans a Camino journey. BUEN CAMINO
Thanks
Kirsty B
last year
We were extremely happy with everything. I cannot recommend Auswalk highly enough. From my initial email to the end of the Camino Portuguese trek, the team were extremely professional, helpful and always keen to go above and beyond to provide a fantastic service. We will definitely travel with them again!!
Sonja G
last year
Yet again, Auswalk provided us with a well planned trip with attention to detail & guaranteed safe, clean & enjoyable accommodation locations with the upgrade. Thoroughly enjoyed and memorable.
Heather T
last year
The entire trip went extremely well. We were very pleased with the whole process by Auswalk.
Judith J
last year
Everything went like clock work. The entire walk went extremely well.
Vijeta U
last year
My entire experience with AusWalk was truly wonderful. From the moment I booked the Camino walk to the final day of the journey, everything was seamless and enjoyable. Even though it was a self-guided tour, I never felt alone. I highly recommend AusWalk!
Greg M
last year
It was better than I imagined and is one of the best activities I have been involved in. I loved every moment. Could not have been easier. Picked up at the arranged time and driven to the starting point. Drive could not have been more friendly. Could not have been organised better. Accommodation was terrific, luggage transfers on time and the walk itself was wonderful. I loved doing this. Thank you
Richard G
last year
I found Auswalk to be fully supportive and helpful in arranging my Camino. Everything went well. Pickups, hotel bookings, luggage transfers- all went perfectly. I couldn’t have expected any more - it was great
Kate T
last year
The AusWalk experience was extremely seamless from initial booking to pre-walk information, through the luggage transfer and hotel bookings along the way. We encountered no issues and all of the accommodation was suited to our needs, the included breakfasts made each day much easier too.
Karen K
2 years ago
Well organised and a ln outstanding guide made our walk unforgettable
Wendy A
2 years ago
Our trip went extremely well. The notes were very helpful, I really appreciated them in notebook format.
Tony
2 years ago
Auswalk and its Portuguese Supplier made this an enjoyable, safe and and amazing experience. Even before we left Australia, the assistance both companies provided was outstanding. Nothing was too much trouble.
Tony C
2 years ago
We booked the Portuguese Camino through Ian and the team at Auswalks. The original booking was completed effectively and with ease. This included several personalised requirements for our needs. 5 weeks out from commencing our Camino, I broke my leg. Ian and the team worked with us on our options, restructuring the program. They saved us anxiety, money and time. Professional but personalised. Wholeheartedly recommend this business for your holiday experience.
Catherine Powell
2 years ago
Thank you Auswalk for providing us with this life-changing experience. With great communication and support, we felt very comfortable doing the self-guided walk. We chose the 2-3 star accommodation and we are so glad we did.
It was exciting coming into the next town/village at the end of the day to find out what little gem you would be staying at. Most were family-owned businesses and you truly felt like you were part of their family. Can't wait to undertake our next walk!
Peter S
4 years ago
You do not know what you don't know. AusWalk took all the uncertainty and stress out of planning our walk. We have just completed the 14 day, 240 km Portuguese Camino. AusWalk went out of their way to provide the itinerary we wanted for our self guided walk from Porto, Portugal to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Their service providers in Portugal and Spain exceeded our expectations. The accommodations were exceptional and provided the rest and rejuvenation required each night to complete each stage of the 14 day walk. The personalised walking notes were invaluable and certainly ensured the best experiences and hassle free days as did the daily luggage relocation from one hotel to the next.
Frequently asked questions
Your main luggage is transferred between accommodations each day, so you carry only a daypack on the trail. One bag per person is included, with a strict weight limit of 20kg. If your bag exceeds this, you'll need to split the weight across two bags, which incurs an additional cost. Luggage must be left at hotel reception by 8:30 AM and will typically arrive at your next accommodation before 4:00 PM. Note that the luggage transfer service will not deliver bags to your room — ask reception staff for help if needed. Never pack valuables, medication, or important documents in your transferred bag.
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.
Want to Know More?
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
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