Portuguese Way of St. James, Valença – Santiago de Compostela

Right at the beginning of your holiday you enjoy a wonderful view along the river Minho. You cross the bridge and land border into Spain, where the magnificent cathedral and chaming historic centre of Tui invite you to explore further. Further inland you hike along ancient trails through green fields and forests.

You walk past some sleepy villages before heading slightly uphill to the pine forest of Chan das Pipas. En route down to Redondela, gaze out over the blue waters of the Ria de Vigo, a bay reaching far inland. The stage ends in the riverside town of Arcade with its impressive bridge. Be sure to try the fresh seafood and oysters.

You leave Arcade and proceed on old stone paths into the hills. Through charming scenery and in the shade of the trees along the Tomeza river. Your Day Finish Pontevedra is the largest city on your route and impresses with historical buildings worth seeing and the spectacular location on the Ria de Pontevedra and the Atlantic Ocean.

Through the winding alleys of Pontevedra out into the countryside, where you soon find yourself in an idyllic forest. Across colourful fields and through the vineyards, you follow the pilgrimage path to the medieval spa town of Caldas de Reis, charmingly situated on the Umia river. The place is best known for its thermal springs, which are said to have healing properties.

Initially steadily uphill through a series of green hamlets, up to the forest of Valga. Once outside, the many intricately carved wooden crosses will show you the way to Padrón. According to legend, this is where the boat with the body of Saint James was washed ashore.  

Your final day on the Camino is largely rural, so enjoy the beauty of the Galician countryside once again before reaching the outskirts of Santiago. The last strides lead you through winding alleys and lively streets into the city centre to the Praza do Obradoiro, the main square of the old town with its impressive cathedral, destination of countless pilgrims from all over the world and at the same time the end of your picturesque hiking holiday along the Camino Portugues.