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Camino Portugues Guide

Camino Portugues (or Portugues Way) is part of the network of Camino de Santiago routes. Through this trail you can reach Santiago de Compostela, walking through Portugal and visiting cities like Lisbon and Port. This is an alternative to other routes such us Camino Frances and Camino Primitivo.

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Camino Portugues or Coastal Walk

If crossing ancient bridges, trudging old Roman roads, passing through vineyards and lush woodlands, and sleeping in endearing towns are the things you’d have to contend with hiking the Camino de Santiago from Portugal for a month or more, then sign us up. Taking on the Camino Portugues, or the Portuguese Way, is a month-long walking expedition that might feel like too much of a long-term commitment if not for the rural idyll it’s set in. 

At 610 kilometres, it’s certainly one of Camino de Santiago’s longest and more challenging routes. But it’s also one of the most popular because it’s scenic and nature-filled, and opportunities to visit some of Portugal’s most beautiful places abound. It’s a great route not just for walkers on a spiritual journey, but also for discerning travellers who might appreciate spending some time cities like Lisbon and Porto.

There are two typical ways to do the Camino Portugues: the “official” way meandering from Lisbon to Santiago de Compostela, or the even more scenic Portuguese Coastal Way, a shorter alternative that starts from Porto and takes you past sparkling coastal scenes.

Camino Portugues Porto to Santiago

Camino Portugues starts in Porto (or Lisbon) and ends in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. It traverses the Western coast of the Iberian peninsula for 610 kilometres (or 379 miles), passing through cities like Santarém and Coimbra.

The highest point of the Camino is 1,335 ft (407 m).

Camino Portugues stages

The Camino Portugues stages are:

  1. Se Cathedral (Porto) - Labruge (23 km)
  2. Labruge - Rates (23 km)
  3. Rates - Barcelos (16 km)
  4. Barcelos - Ponte de Lima (34 km)
  5. Ponte de Lima - Rubiaes (20 km)
  6. Rubiaes - Valenca/Tui (20 km)
  7. Valenca/Tui - Porrino (19 km)
  8. Porrino - Redondela (17 km)
  9. Redondela - Pontevedra (20 km)
  10. Pontevedra - Caldas de Reis (17 km)
  11. Caldas de Reis - Padron (20 km)
  12. Padron - Santiago de Campostela (25 km)

Trail conditions

While the Camino Portugues ranges from unpaved and paved country roads to cobblestone streets in towns, the well-travelled trail is well-maintained with plenty of resources for pilgrims, particularly when passing through the towns and cities on the way. There are a few higher altitude sections that may have snow or rain during the winter but those can be circumnavigated by bus or taxi.


Trekking requirements

There are no trekking requirements along the Camino Portugues as the trail is comprised mostly of walking. Bring the bare essentials, shoes that can handle 30+ days of all day use, as well as sandals or flip flops when not on the trail. And remember to pack light.


Tips:
  • There is a one hour time difference between Portugal and Spain with Portugal being one hour ahead.
  • Wild camping is illegal in Portugal.
  • As the second most popular Camino, summer months can be busy so be prepared to make some friends or plan to travel off-season.
  • There are fewer albergues available in Portugal than in Spain. Plan accordingly.
  • Albergues may not be open during off-peak seasons such as the winter.
  • If you plan on cooking or eating at albergues, bring utensils with you since there’s no guarantee that they’ll provide with any.
  • Deal with blisters right away whether with band-aids, tape or some kind of dressing to avoid affecting your trip.

Pilgrims on the Way of St. James
Pilgrims on the Way of St. James
Symbol of the Way of St. James
Symbol of the Way of St. James

Camino Portugues information

Duration
30 nights / 31 days
Length
610 km (379 miles)
Difficulty
Moderate
Countries
Portugal, Spain
Starting point
Lisbon / Porto
End point
Santiago de Compostela

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Camino Portugues albergues

The Camino Portugues lasts 30 nights / 31 days, 610 km (379 miles).

STAGEALBERGUEPHONE NUMBERPRICEBEDS
Lisbon Oasis Hostel 00351 213 478 044 15€ 58 beds
Lisbon Living Lounge Hostel 00351 21 346 1078 25€ 58 beds
Parque das Nacoes Pousada de Juventude 00351 218920890 14€ 72 beds
Alhandra AHBV Alhandra Donation 10 beds
Vila Franca de Xira Hostel DP - Suites & Apartments 00351 926 070 650 13€ 16 beds
Vila Franca de Xira Hotel Xira 263 271 272 28€ 44 beds
Azambuja Abrigo do Peregrino da Sta. Casa da Misericordia 917 038 116 Donation 12 beds
Santarem Albergue Sta Casa da Misericordia 243 305 260 5€ 6 beds
Santarem Pensao de Dona Arminda 00351 243 110 079 15€ 14 beds
Azinhaga Casa de Azzancha 00351 919 187 773 20€ 5 beds
Golega Casa da Tia Guida - Albergue Solo Duro 935 640 550 10€ 10 beds
Sao Caetano Albergue Casa Sao Caetano 914 951 076 15€ 19 beds
Atalaia Casa do Patriarca 962 818 115
Tomar AHBV Tomar 00351 249 329 140 Donation 15 beds
Tomar Residencial Uniao 00351 249 323 161 30€ 60 beds
Cortica Albergaria Quinta da Cortica - Casa da Torre 926 923 994 20€ 14 beds
Alvaiazera AHBV Alvaiazera 236 650 510 Donation 20 beds
Ansiao Pensao Adega Tipica +351 236 677 364 29€ 30 beds
Alvorge Abrigo do Peregrinos 351 913 132 477 Donation 10 beds
Conimbriga Albergue Privado de Conimbriga 351 962 870 633 12€ 7 beds
Coimbra Dream on Coimbra Hostel 00351 918 676 286 16€ 19 beds
Coimbra Serenata Hostel +351 239 853 130 17€ 50 beds
Coimbra Pousada de Juventude Coimbra 00351 239 829 228 11€ 70 beds
Sernadelo Abrigo de Peregrinos Sernadelo - Hilarios 00351 914 437 715 10€ 16 beds
Agueda Abrigo de Peregrinos Santo Antonio de Agueda 00351 234 602 871 12€ 13 beds
Albergaria A Velha Abrigo de Peregrinos Rainha D. Teresa 00351 234 529 754 8€ 20 beds
Oliveira de Azemeis AHBV Oliveira de Azemeis 00351 256 682 122 Donation 10 beds
Sao Joao da Madeira Solar Sao Joao 00351 256 202 540 22€ 20 beds
Lourosa AHBV Lourosa 00351 227 443 189 Donation 100 beds
Porto TATTVA Design Hostel 00351 22 094 4622 15€ 116 beds
Porto Downtown Hostel 00351 22 201 8094 15€ 37 beds
Porto Porto Lounge Hostel (351) 222 085 196 17€
Porto Gallery Hostel 00351 22 496 4313 22€ 40 beds
Porto Antes Ville 00351 22 502 0414 13€ 30 beds
Moreira Airporto Hostel 00351 229 427 397 15€ 22 beds
Vairao Albergue de Peregrinos do Mosteiro de Vairao 00351 966 431 916 Donation 50 beds
Vilarinho Refugio Provisorio Polidesportivo 00351 252 661 610 Donation 4 beds
Vila do Conde Albergue Santa Clara 252 104 717 8€ 25 beds
Sao Pedro de Rates Albergue de Peregrinos Sao Pedro de Rates Donation 60 beds
Esposende Hostel Eleven 253 039 303 14€ 13 beds
Barcelinhos Amigos de Montanha 00351 253 830 430 5€ 16 beds
Barcelos AHBV Barcelos Donation 4 beds
Barcelos Albergue Cidade de Barcelos Donation 26 beds
Portela de Tamel Casa da Recoleta 00351 253 137 075 5€ 42 beds
Lugar do Corgo Casa da Fernanda 00351 914 589 521 Donation 9 beds
Viana do Castelo Pousada de Juventude Viana da Castelo 258 838 458 10€ 40 beds
Carreco Albergue Casa do Sardao 961 790 759 12€ 10 beds
Ponte de Lima Albergue de Peregrinos Ponte de Lima 00351 925 403 164 5€ 60 beds
Sao Roque Repouso de Peregrino 00351 251 943 692 15€ 20 beds
Rubiaes Albergue de Peregrinos Rubiaes 917 164 476 6€ 34 beds
Fontoura Pilgerpause +49 178 1848 141 13€ 14 beds
Valenca Albergue Sao Teotonio 00351 916 999 615 Donation 85 beds
Villadesuso Alojiamiento Camino Portugues OIA 986 136 906 12€ 20 beds
Tui Albergue de Peregrinos Tui 986 600 729 6€ 36 beds
Tui Albergue Tuihostel 986 627 979 15€ 20 beds
Tui Albergue Buen Camino Tui 986 604 052 15€ 20 beds
Mougas Albergue Turistico Aguncheiro 665 840 774 10€ 18 beds
Baiona Hostel Baionamar 986 138 025 15€ 18 beds
Baiona Estela do Mar 986 133 213 15€ 20 beds
O Porrina Albergue Senda Sur 886 129 569 15€ 14 beds
O Porrina Alojamiento Camino Portugues 886 133 252 12€ 46 beds
Mos Albergue Santa Baia de Mos 986 348 001 6€ 16 beds
Redondela Albergue A Conserveira 676 667 293 10€ 38 beds
Redondela A Casa da Herba de Rodendela 644 404 074 12€ 24 beds
Redondela El Camino 650 963 676 12€ 40 beds
Arcade Albergue O Recuncho do Peregrino 617 292 598 10€ 20 beds
Arcade Albergue Lamerinas 616 107 820 12€ 28 beds
Pontevedra Albergue de Peregrinos (Virgen Peregrina) 986 844 045 6€ 56 beds
Pontevedra Slow City Hostel 631 062 896 18€ 10 beds
Armenteira Albergue de Armenteira 670 757 777 6€ 32 beds
Vilanova de Arousa Albergue de Peregrinos Vilanova de Arousa 633 906 490 6€ 28 beds
Briallos Albergue de Peregrinos Briallos 986 536 194 6€ 27 beds
Caldas de Reis Albergue Timonel 986 540 840 8€ 18 beds
Caldas de Reis Hotel O Cruceiro 986 540 165 12€ 40 beds
O Pino Albergue de Peregrinos Valga 638 943 271 6€ 78 beds
Padron Albergue Camino do Sar 618 734 373 15€ 20 beds
Padron Albergue A Barca de Pedra 679 199 770 15€ 22 beds
Padron Albergue Rossol 981 810 011 18 beds
Herbon Albergue de Herbon 679 460 942 Donation 20 beds
A Escravitude Albergue de Capellania 651 132 591 12€ 18 beds
O Faramello Albergue la Calabaza del Peregrino 981 194 244 12€ 36 beds
O Milladoiro Albergue Milladoiro 981 938 382 14€ 62 beds
Santiago de Compostela Albergue Seminario Menor en Santiago de Compostela 881 031 768 12€ 199 beds
Santiago de Compostela Albergue Mundoalbergue 981 588 625 18€ 30 beds
Santiago de Compostela Albergue the Last Stamp 981 563 525 25€ 62 beds
Santiago de Compostela Km 0 604 029 410 26€ 38 beds
Santiago de Compostela Albergue Porta Real 633 610 114 15€ 24 beds
Santiago de Compostela Albergue la Estrella de Santiago 881 973 926 14€ 24 beds
Santiago de Compostela Albergue Fin del Camino 981 587 324 8€ 110 beds
Santiago de Compostela Albergue Acuario Santiago de Compostela 981 575 438 12€ 60 beds
Santiago de Compostela Albergue Meiga Backpackers 981 570 846 13€ 30 beds

Camino de Santiago tours & reviews

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Camino de Santiago Information

  • How can I get to Camino de Santiago?

    This, of course, depends on the route you’re taking. Flying to the city closest to the trailhead is certainly preferable if you’re coming in from Australia, USA and the UK. However, UK travellers may travel by bus or rail to the towns of Ferrol, Oviedo and St. Jean Pied de Port. Learn more.

  • When should I walk the Camino de Santiago?

    The absence of extreme weather changes in the area makes Camino de Santiago’s routes walkable year-round. Though June through September may be its busiest months, more than one thousand people still make the hike during the cold winter months of December, January and February. Learn more.

  • What permits, visas, vaccinations and insurance do I need?

    Though a permit isn’t necessary, you must obtain your Credencial del Peregrino or Pilgrim Passport at the start of your trip and get it stamped along the way. The stamps are proof that you walked the 100 kms necessary to obtain the completion certificate in Santiago de Compostela.

  • Do I need a guide to climb?

    While you don’t need a guide to hike any of the Camino de Santiago routes, having one will reduce the burden of planning. Going on a guided hike would give you the benefits of having experienced trip planners arrange things like accommodation, food, luggage transport and airport transfers.

  • What should I pack and what equipment do I need?

    Along the way, you'll be able to stop in towns to refuel. Carrying a day pack of your personal essentials, change of clothes, a two-litre water bottle, a first aid kit, and your passport and Pilgrim Passport will suffice. Invest in a good pair of hiking shoes and walking poles. Learn more.

  • How do I prepare for Camino de Santiago?

    Do your research to choose the best route for your skill level and study the rules and etiquette on the trail. Purchase and read a guidebook for your chosen route. Finally, train for several months prior and push yourself to hike farther every day until you’re fit to do 26- to 29-kilometre days.

Camino de Santiago Routes & Maps

  • camino portugues

    Camino Portugues

    The Portuguese Way, the second most popular route, starts in either Lisbon or Porto and takes hikers from Portugal to Spain. Considerably longer, the Lisbon hike starts at the Lisbon Cathedral and passes through Caldas da Rainha, the Alcobaca Monastery and Porto before crossing several rivers on its way north to Spain.

    Distance: 610 km (380 mi)
    Average duration: 21-30 days 
    Average difficulty/success rate: The Portuguese Way is relatively moderate. Minor elevation gains work to your advantage, though concrete and cobblestone roads, which it has its fair share of, can put a strain on the walk. The success rate is high.
     
    Read more
  • camino primitivo

    Camino Primitivo

    A few ups and downs, rocky or muddy sections and the frequency of the paved roads make Camino Primitivo one of Camino de Santiago’s most challenging routes. It is, however, worth tackling, if only for the challenge and for the fact that it’s the oldest one. You will be rewarded with breathtaking views.

    Distance: 321 km (199 mi)
    Average duration: 12-15 days
    Average difficulty/success rate: Camino Primitivo has its fair share of challenging climbs and descents as well as paved sections, making it a difficult route. Still, if you take your time, the success rate is high.
     
    Read more
  • camino de finisterre

    Camino de Finisterre

    Once you’ve reached Camino de Santiago, you might continue on to the “end of the world”. Cape Finisterrae is one of Europe’s westernmost points, thus the name. Adding 90 kilometres to the trip along an ancient route, perhaps even another 29 to Muxia, might just be an epic way to wrap up the journey.

    Distance: 90 km (55 mi), 117 km (73 mi) to Muxia
    Average duration: 2-4 days
    Average difficulty/success rate: Because it’s a shorter hike and offers spectacular views, the road to Finisterrae is a moderate route to take on. The success rate is certainly high, even if fewer people traverse it, choosing to end their trip at the cathedral.
     
    Read more
  • camino frances

    Camino Frances

    Is it a wonder why the French Way is favoured by most Camino de Santiago pilgrims? It’s not just the most traditional route, with a lot of history surrounding it. It also boasts lush landscapes, charming towns and great infrastructure along the way, taking travellers through the beautiful Iberian Peninsula for a month. 

    Distance: 772 km (480 mi)
    Average duration: 4 weeks
    Average difficulty/success rate: Due to the excellent infrastructure and facilities along the way, not only is Camino Frances an enjoyable hike, it’s also a fairly moderate hike. So long as you take a couple of days to rest along the way, you are guaranteed to make it to the end.
    Read more
  • camino del norte

    Camino del Norte

    For 827 kilometres, Camino del Norte stretches from the town of Irun in Basque Country to Santiago de Compostela, following Spain’s northern coastline. It’s not only the longest route in the network, it is also the least travelled and has fewer facilities, making it ideal for thru-hikers who prefer solitude and a challenge.

    Distance: 827 km (514 mi)
    Average duration: 36 nights
    Average difficulty/success rate: A little more than a month and a more rigid schedule could be challenging for less experienced hikers. The success rate is generally good, so long as you train beforehand and can tackle more than 21 miles a day.
  • camino ingles

    Camino Inglés

    A favourite among hikers arriving from the British Isles and northern Europe, the English Way starts from the City of Ferrol and runs straight south to Camino de Santiago. Though short, it does boast longer sections and major elevation changes, making it a challenge for the more casual walkers.

    Distance: 119 km (74 mi)
    Average duration: 6 nights
    Average difficulty/success rate: This ranks as medium to high in difficulty, though chances of completing are very good because of its short distance.
     

Camino de Santiago Weather

Here the best time to walk the Camino de Santiago

JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC
Average °C 7.7 8.3 10.2 11.2 13.6 16.8 18.6 19 17.4 13.8 10.4 8.5
Average °F 45.9 46.9 50.3 52.2 56.5 62.2 65.5 66.2 63.3 56.8 50.7 47.3
Average High °C 11.2 12.4 15 16.1 18.6 22.2 24.3 24.7 22.8 18.1 14.1 11.9
Average High °F 52.2 54.5 59 61 65.6 72 75.7 76.5 73 64.6 57.4 53.4
Average Low °C 4.1 4.1 5.3 6.2 8.6 11.3 13 13.3 11.9 9.5 6.7 5
Average Low °F 39.4 39.4 40.7 43.2 47.3 52.3 55.4 55.9 53.4 49.1 44.1 41
Rainfall mm 210 167 146 146 134 72 43 57 107 226 217 261
Rainfall >1 mm days 15.2 12.3 13.4 14.4 12.5 7.6 5.7 5.5 8.4 14 14.9 15.9