Camino Portugués: Full Walk: Lisbon to Santiago

The captivating capital city of Portugal is one of those cities you are sure to fall instantly in love with as you wander the old cobbled streets of the Alfama neighbourhood.  Dine out on delicious street food at the famous Time Out food market, climb to the top of the city’s famous “seven hills” for panoramic views, or visit the Castelo de Sao Jorge (St George’s Castle), with its amazing views over the Tegus River.

Following the river out of Lisbon is a pleasant way to start your Camino Portugues before taking a quiet path through green valleys to Santa Iria de Azoia. Leaving cities on foot can be quite a challenge, however, in this case leaving Lisbon is easy as you head down to the estuary of the river.

Follow the river until you reach a tranquil green valley to the highest point of today's walk, at a mere 50 metres.

Ascent: 81m (265ft)/Descent: 81m (265ft)

Following the river for most of today and along the River Tejo takes you to Vila Franca de Xira, home to an annual bull-fighting festival in July. Today's walk is relatively flat, taking you along the river and parallel to the busy N10. Be extra vigilant when heading through the industrial areas.

Ascent: 26m (85ft)/Descent: 37m (121ft)

Continue to Azambuja, mostly on paved roads today. However, if you walk during the summer the wildflowers in the hedgerows are a nice distraction. Azambuja has it's own 'running of the bulls' event during the last week in May. Walk to Azambuja, mostly on paved roads today which runs parallel to or alongside the busy N-10 and the Rio Tejo.

Ascent: 25m (82ft)/Descent: 28m (92ft)

Embark on a long walk today, taking you through the 'Garden of Portugal' and a short ascent up to Santarem.

Today's walk takes you across the flood plains and agricultural areas and you will be surrounded by crop fields and vineyards - a nice change to the more industrial previous few days. This area is known as the 'Garden of Portugal'. A final climb up a short hill takes you to Santarem, a beautiful historic city sitting on top of a fortified hilltop.

Ascent: 111m (364ft)/Descent: 9m (30ft)

Prepare for a long and flat walk today along the River Tejo. Follow quiet lanes and farm tracks alongside the River Tejo to Golega, with its pretty central square and 14th-century parish church. Golega is also known as the 'horse capital of Portugal'.

Ascent: 73m (240ft)/Descent: 80m (263ft)

Today's walk takes you into the gently rolling hills or 'Serras' and passes several small villages. Tomar is a historic templar town and offers a warm welcome to pilgrims. Be sure to explore the Templar castle, Convent of Christ and Charold overlooking the town.

Ascent: 274m (899ft)/Descent: 242m (794ft)

A slightly more strenuous day today takes you over the Sierras to the high point of Alvaiazere. You will be following roman roads and woodland paths for the most part.

The terrain varies today as you make your way out of the flat plains of Ribatejo into the province of Beira Litoral over several hills your final ascent will take you to the highest point of the walk, at 310 metres, finishing today's walk-in Alvaiazere.

Ascent: 539m (1,768ft)/Descent: 295m (968ft)

Continue through olive groves, crop fields and forested valleys, perhaps stopping for lunch in the town of Ansiao.

Set on, Alvorge insight along the undulating terrain, passing olive groves and small crop fields. Ansiao is a town which you pass through at the halfway point of your walk, which makes it an ideal location for a break.

Ascent: 323m (1,060ft)/Descent: 363m (1,191ft)

Today's highlight will be admiring the famous Roman ruins of Conimbriga

Follow part of the original Roman road today to the famous Roman ruins of Conimbriga. Conimbriga is the largest Roman settlement in Portugal and the extensive site is well worth exploring. Tonight you will overnight in Condexia - a short 25 min walk from Conimbriga

Ascent: 98m (322ft)/Descent: 286m (938ft)

If you want to visit the ruins at Conimbriga again before embarking on your walk, take a moment to enjoy the peace and quiet as the rest of your day will start to experience the hustle and bustle of city life as you make your way to Coimbra.

Ascent: 260m (853ft)/ Descent: 342m (1,122ft)

The former capital of Portugal, Coimbra, invites you to linger and enjoy its rich history and lively atmosphere. Stay an extra night and take the opportunity to visit the country's oldest university, home to an impressive Baroque library. Take a stroll through the narrow streets of the old town to discover hidden courtyards, traditional cafés, and small shops. A visit to the Sé Velha cathedral is also worthwhile, as it is an outstanding example of Romanesque architecture. In the evening, enjoy regional specialities and the melancholic sounds of Fado de Coimbra in one of the many restaurants. This traditional, cultural and charming city is the perfect place to gather new impressions and recharge your batteries for the stages ahead.

Largely flat paths take you across river valleys to Mealhada, which was a major town in Roman times and now a famous wine growing area.

Leave the university town of Coimbra as you start your walk to Mealhada. The path today is mostly flat as you make your way through the river valleys. Most of your walk today will be on asphalt with short stretches on the roman road - Calzado Romana.

Ascent: 181m (594ft)/ Descent: 144m (472ft)

Continue through river valleys before entering some vineyards and woodland before arriving in the lively town of Agueda.

Enjoy a fairly flat day's walking as you follow the path next to the Certima River Valley. Much of today's walking is on asphalt as you skirt past several industrial areas. Agueda has a wonderful colour arts festival if you are lucky enough to walk through in July, make sure you leave plenty of time to explore the village.

Ascent: 152m (499ft)/Descent: 177m (581ft)

Take a shorter walk to Albergaria a Velha, from there you will take a taxi back to Agueda as there is no accommodation in Albergaria.

A peaceful walk today takes you through pine and eucalyptus woods today and over a beautiful stone bridge across the Rio Marnel. As there is no accommodation in Albergaria you will be transferred back to Agueda.

Ascent: 194m (637ft)/Descent: 96m (315ft)

Transfer back to Albergaria before your walk takes you through gradually more urbanised areas today, passing several river valleys.

Start your day with a transfer back to Albergaria a Velha, follow a beautiful forest road to Oliveira de Azemeis. The closer you get the more nature starts to fall by the way side and urbanisation takes over.

Ascent: 315m (1,034ft)/Descent: 245m (804ft)

A short section takes you towards Porto, with a brief overnight stop at Malaposta.

Ascent: 310m (1,017ft)/Descent: 215m (705ft)

The walk today is a long one into Porto, much of it accompanied by busy roads. However, a stop at the medieval monastery of Grijo is worth it for a welcome break before continuing to Porto.

Ascent: 398m (1,306ft)/Descent: 566m (1,857ft)

Staying an extra night in Porto gives you the opportunity to explore this fascinating city on the Douro River at your leisure. Take a stroll through the historic old town of Ribeira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its colourful house façades and lively streets. Visit the imposing Sé Cathedral, or stroll across the famous Dom Luís I bridge for magnificent views of the river. A visit to one of the traditional port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, on the opposite side of the river, is almost a must. In the evening, enjoy Portuguese cuisine in one of the many small restaurants overlooking the river. 

The first stage of your hiking trip will see you leave Porto and follow the Portuguese Way of St James northwards. This route mostly follows flat paths through the city's suburbs and offers your first glimpse of rural Portugal. En route, you will pass small chapels and traditional stone houses, and observe the region's vibrant everyday life. Today's destination is the village of Vilar do Pinheiro, where the stage ends. From there, you will be transferred to the quiet village of Arcos, where you will spend the night. Use the evening to relax and prepare for the upcoming hiking days.

Ascent: 203m (666ft)/Descent: 196m (643ft)

In the morning, you will be transferred back to Vilar do Pinheiro, where today's hiking stage begins. The trail will lead you through gently rolling terrain, past small farmsteads, fields, and orchards. Time and again, you will catch glimpses of the simple rural life of northern Portugal. Following quiet paths, you will approach the village of Arcos, surrounded by vast harvest fields. Here, you can fully enjoy the rural idyll. You will spend another night in Arcos and end the day in a relaxed atmosphere.

Ascent: 201m (659f)/Descent: 232m (761ft)

Today's stage will take you through green valleys and rolling hills, passing small hamlets and traditional farms along the way. Follow the shady paths and conquer a few minor ascents and descents, all the while enjoying beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Step by step, you will approach the charming town of Barcelos. After crossing an impressive medieval bridge, you will finally arrive in the town, which is renowned for its roosters and pottery. A visit to the historic centre, with its colourful markets, churches and squares, is definitely worthwhile. Finish off the day with a stroll through the old town or in one of the cosy cafés.

Ascent: 179m (587ft)/Descent: 198m (650ft)

Gentle hills and lush greenery accompany you on your way through rural northern Portugal. Passing lovingly tended gardens and small Baroque chapels, you will climb a few gentle slopes towards Balugães – a quiet place typical of the region. Here you can feel the serenity of Portuguese country life. The route continues through wide fields and small hamlets towards the picturesque Lima River Valley. Finally, you reach Ponte de Lima, Portugal's oldest small town, whose medieval bridge and charming old town bring history to life. A stroll along the riverbank or through the cobbled streets rounds off the day in style.

Ascent: 414m (1,358ft)/Descent: 446m (1,463ft)

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, you will leave Ponte de Lima and set off towards Pecene. The initial section of the route is a steady uphill climb to Portela Grande, where you can enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding hilly landscape. You then walk a short distance along the historic Roman road, which dates back to ancient times. The path winds through green valleys and past vineyards and fields. Beautiful views of rural northern Portugal open up again and again. Finally, you reach the peaceful village of Pecene, where you can unwind and bring the day to a close.

Ascent: 502m (1,647ft)/Descent: 252m (827ft)

Today's stage will take you through increasingly hilly countryside towards the Spanish border. En route, you will pass the well-preserved fortress of Valença, which looms large above the River Minho. After walking through the historic streets for a short while, you will cross the so-called 'international bridge' – and with it, the border into Spain. On the Galician side, the charming town of Tui welcomes you with its impressive old town. The Cathedral of Santa María is particularly worth seeing, as it watches over the town like a fortress. It is a great place to experience the essence of Galicia for the first time.

Ascent: 135m (443ft)/Descent: 334m (1,096ft)

After leaving Tui, the route follows the peaceful Luoro River valley, winding through gentle, shaded forest paths. The route is mostly flat, offering relaxed hiking conditions. As you walk, you can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the Galician countryside. Your destination is the lively town of O Porriño, which you will reach after a pleasant day's walk. Upon arrival, a comfortable transfer will take you back to Tui. This gives you the chance to unwind at the end of the day and prepare for the next stage.

Ascent: 44m (144ft)/Descent: 66m(217ft)

After spending the night in Tui, we will transfer you back to your starting point in O Porriño. First, the hike takes you to Monte Cornedo, where you will be rewarded with magnificent views of the sea and the picturesque Ría de Vigo. You will then climb to Alto da Lamba, which also boasts impressive vistas. After descending, you will reach the charming town of Arcade, which is idyllically situated on the Ría de Vigo. Take the time to enjoy the tranquillity and maritime charm of this place. A varied day full of nature and impressive panoramas awaits you.

Ascent: 384m (1,260ft)/Descent: 407m (1,335ft)

Begin the day by climbing the ancient stone road of the Verea Vella da Canicouva past small fields and into a forest area. Explore the 13th century Church of Santa Marta with its panoramic views over the Bay of Vigo before arriving in Pontevedra. This bustling city has a wonderful atmosphere and some great restaurants offering fine Galician cuisine.

Ascent: 162m (532ft)/Descent: 143m (469ft)

Today, you will hike further into the green heart of Galicia, enjoying the tranquillity far from the coast. Your route will take you through meadows and fields, alongside small streams and past quaint villages, offering views of the varied landscape. Your destination today is Caldas de Reis, one of the oldest and most famous spa towns in Galicia. The Romans even used the thermal springs, which reach temperatures of up to 49 degrees, to relax. To this day, the town invites pilgrims and visitors alike to unwind and recharge in its healing waters.

Ascent: 131m (430ft)/Descent: 131m (430ft)

Say goodbye to Caldas de Reis and continue your hike through the varied landscape of the Galician countryside. Your route will take you to the area of Monte Castelo, characterised by deep forests, clear streams and old mills. Cross the river that separates the provinces of Pontevedra and A Coruña over a bridge. Your destination is Padrón, a town steeped in history and culture. Famous Galician writers such as Camilo José Cela and Rosalía de Castro worked here, and their legacy is still evident in the town today.

Ascent: 149m (489ft)/Descent: 166m (545ft)

As you approach the end of your journey, you will once again be accompanied by the scent of pine and eucalyptus forests. As you approach Santiago de Compostela, the paths gradually become busier. Finally, you will reach the impressive cathedral, a destination for countless pilgrims from all over the world. Take a moment to savour receiving your well-earned pilgrim's certificate.

We recommend staying an extra night to explore the historic old town at your leisure. Attending the Pilgrims' Mass is also an unforgettable experience. Please contact us if you would like to extend your stay or book an excursion.

Ascent: 380m (1,247ft)/Descent: 130m (427ft)

Make the most of your extra night by exploring Santiago de Compostela at your leisure. Stroll through the winding alleyways of the old town to discover hidden squares and cosy cafés. A particular highlight is visiting the impressive cathedral, which is the destination of all pilgrims on the Way of St James. In particular, you should not miss the Holy Mass. If you're lucky, you might see the impressive waving of the huge 'Botafumeiro' incense burner through the transept. A stroll through the markets or a visit to one of the many small museums is also worthwhile. This will provide a relaxing and unforgettable end to your trip.

It's time to say goodbye to Santiago de Compostela and your unforgettable walking tour. Before setting off on your journey home or onwards, enjoy another hearty breakfast at your accommodation. You could then stroll through the alleyways of the old town or treat yourself to a coffee in one of the lively squares. If you wish, you can extend your stay by an extra night and experience the city more intensely. Excursions to the surrounding area are also possible and would make a wonderful addition to your pilgrimage. Please do not hesitate to contact us.