Portuguese Camino Highlights: Porto to Santiago - 8 Days
Camino de SantiagoPortuguese Camino

Portuguese Camino Highlights: Porto to Santiago - 8 Days

8 Days
Easy to Moderate

Portuguese Camino Highlights: Porto to Santiago - 8 Days

from $3,195 / person

Overview

This walk covers some of the finest sections and the final stage of the Portuguese Camino to Santiago de Compostela, taking in a remarkable variety of scenery along the way. Forests, fields, rivers, valleys, charming villages and medieval towns follow one another in quick succession, making for a journey that rarely delivers the same view twice.

The history of Portugal is present at every stage, a testament to the extraordinary achievements of one of Europe's smaller nations. The food and wine are another highlight, with excellent regional wines and fresh seafood featuring prominently throughout, a combination that makes the end of each day's walking something to look forward to in its own right.

Highlights

  • Soak up the magical ambience of Portugal and Spain
  • Wander through the charming streets of Porto, sampling local delicacies
  • Beautiful countryside, including dense forest, valleys and rivers
  • Auswalk along sandy beaches and historical towns like Vila do Conde
  • Discover the medieval bridge at Balugães and the scenic River Neiva
  • Picturesque hillside villages and ancient towns
  • Enjoy a relaxing boat trip along the Ulla River, connecting with Camino traditions
  • The thrill of walking into Santiago de Compostela and its stunning cathedral to end your walk

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive at Porto

Porto is a charming coastal city in northern Portugal, known for its rich maritime history, medieval architecture, and riverside charm. Wander through the UNESCO-listed old town, stroll along the Douro River, and savour fresh seafood at local eateries. Blending culture and relaxation, Porto is a must-visit destination and depending on your arrival time you should have some time to explore this wonderful city.

Accommodation

Hotel in Porto

Meals

Dinner

What's Included

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights)

Meals

7 breakfasts, and 1 dinner

Transfers

  • Luggage Transfers
  • Private Vehicle Transfers

Guidance & Support

  • Itinerary & Walk Notes
  • 24/7 on-trip support

How We Rate This Walk

2

Auswalk Walking Grade

Easy to Moderate

Rated by our team — we walk every route before we recommend it.

Mostly flat terrain with some gentle inclines. Suitable for anyone with basic fitness who enjoys walking.

View Fitness Guide

2

Days on the trail

18-20 km

Daily distance range

159-169 m

Daily ascent range

5/10

Trail difficulty

Where You'll Stay

Comfort is built into every stop on this route. Each property is three stars, chosen to give you a proper base at the end of every day on the trail, with a hot shower, a good bed, an en-suite room and the quiet you need for a proper night's sleep.

We work with several properties in each town along the route, and the accommodation pictured is an indication of what will be booked. Where any property is unavailable, any alternative will always meet the same three-star standard.

What You'll Eat

Seven breakfasts and a welcome dinner are included throughout the tri. The remaining lunches and dinners are yours to discover. The towns along the Camino are known for their authentic, traditional food, with every dish rooted in local ingredients and recipes that have been passed down for generations. As the route moves north into Spain, tapas bars are well worth seeking out, offering a wide range of local delicacies all at once.

The wine here is equally worth your attention, with both Portugal and Spain producing bottles of genuine regional character that are hard to find beyond their place of origin. 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, with connections to both São Bento and Campanhã train stations. Buses are also available from outside the terminal. Tickets for Portuguese trains must be purchased in advance and cannot be bought on board.

The walk ends in Santiago de Compostela, which has its own international airport (SCQ) with connections across Europe. For those continuing by rail, trains from Santiago reach Lisbon in around 7 hours, with connections also available to other Spanish cities. Book Spanish rail tickets in advance through Renfe.

Departure dates for this guided group walk are set for September and October, when conditions on the Portuguese Camino are at their most enjoyable.

September is one of the most popular months on this route, with warm, settled weather, long sunny days and a lively atmosphere on the trail. As the month progresses, the crowds thin and the pace becomes more relaxed.

October brings cooler temperatures and a quieter, more contemplative feel, with the Portuguese and Galician countryside taking on its first autumn colour. Temperatures in autumn are generally between 14°C and 25°C, ideal for sustained walking day after day. Rain becomes more likely as October draws on, particularly in Galicia, so a waterproof is worth packing.

Both months offer an excellent experience on this route, with the choice coming down to whether you prefer a warmer, more sociable walk or a quieter one with cooler, crisper days.

Easy to moderate. The route is well-graded with gentle inclines and descents throughout, making for comfortable walking on most days. Daily walks average 16.3 kilometres with around 225 metres of ascent and descent. The terrain is a pleasant mix of pilgrim paths and quiet rural roads, with time to explore the towns and villages along the way each evening.

The route is waymarked throughout by the iconic scallop-shell markers, and with fellow pilgrims on the trail, navigation is straightforward.

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.

Full insurance requirements are set out in our booking terms and conditions.

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.

Your luggage will be transported ahead of you each day whilst you are out walking. Please remember to identify your luggage by attaching the luggage tag provided in your Welcome Kit upon arrival. 1x piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 20kg is included. Please contact us if you have specific luggage questions and/or requirements.

Dates & Pricing

Choose Your Departure

Select a fixed group departure - places are limited

Prices shown are per person, twin/double share basis.

Portuguese Camino reviews

4.9
50 reviews
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4 Star
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3 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.

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