Portuguese Camino - Porto to Santiago Rambler

Set on the banks of the Douro River, Porto’s historical centre was declared a World Heritage site in 1996 and in the 12th Century it was in Porto that the country took its name and became an independent nation. Its maritime legacies and importance as a new world trading port have shaped it into the proud city it has become, with its impressive cathedral and port wine lodges. After checking in to your hotel, take the time to explore the city with its many cultural sites. Overnight Porto.

This morning a private transfer will take you from your Porto hotel to the small town of Vilar do Pinheiro, where you begin an easy walk down in part through woodland trails to the rural town of Arcos. The transfer enables you to avoid the urban sprawl of Porto, taking you directly to a rural landscape, however if you want to walk this section we recommend you do it the previous day and take a taxi or bus back to your Porto hotel. Distance 18km/11.3mi

The trail today takes you through lush valleys and towns such as Sao Pedro de Rates with its church of St Peter, and over the Monte Franqueira, before reaching Barcelos. There is an alternative route for a small section, via the ruins of the Castelo de Faria. Arriving in Barcelos you are certainly in for a treat. With its impressive medieval bridge, Barcelos is treasured for its history and legends (eg. the Barcelos cockerel). The feast of the crosses is held on 3 May each year in the octagonal shaped Baroque church. Every Thursday the Campo da Feira, or market square, becomes one of Portugal's most atmospheric marketplaces. If you are thinking of a rest day this is the place to have it. Overnight Barcelos. Distance 20km/12.4mi

The route takes you through small villages with pretty gardens and past many Baroque chapels en route to the small and quiet town of Balugães, a traditional resting point on the Camino Portuguese. Overnight Balugaes. Distance 16km/9.9mi

The route takes you gradually closer to the valley of the Lima River, where the village of Ponte da Lima is located, the oldest in Portugal. The cobble stoned streets are a delight to walk through and there are many points of interest including museums, historic houses, a prison tower (now a library) and the main square, Largo de Camoes. The medieval bridge spanning the river has Roman foundations but was rebuilt in 1368. Many festivals take place here including Vaca das Cordas in June (the day before Corpus Christi), medieval markets in August, and Feiras Novas on the third weekend in September, a party which goes on for 3 days. Overnight Ponte de Lima. Distance 17km/10.5mi

This is the first day on the trail where much of the route will be unpaved. Leaving by the Ponte de Lima, ascend to the Labruja Valley and up to a mountain ridge where you reach the Alto da Portela Grande, the highest point on the trail at 405m. The views sweeping down to the Lima valley are well worth the effort! Descending trails heading north you soon enter the town of Rubiães by its Roman road, then continue to Pecene, where you will stay overnight. Distance 22km/13.7mi

This stage is characterized by hilly terrain that gradually leads to Valença, before the border crossing into Spain. The trail is along quiet country roads and unpaved trails for the most part. Before crossing the border it is worth taking a look at the historic walled town of Valença. Later you'll reach Tui. This evening take a walk along the Paseo de Calvo Sotelo, which usually has a lively atmosphere. Overnight Tui. Option to upgrade to the parador for the two nights in Tui - supplement applies, must be requested when initially booking the trip. Distance 15km/9.3mi