The Central Route is the preferred route of the Portuguese Camino from Porto. The Camino begins at Se Cathedral within the historic heart of Porto and finishes in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. It’s an inland route that takes pilgrims via a number of historic cities and combines forest and rural surroundings.
In line with the Pilgrim’s Reception Workplace in 2023 20% (88 716 folks) of all pilgrims who arrived in Santiago de Compostela walked the Central Route of the Portuguese Camino. It’s probably the most widespread Camino de Santiago routes.
Desk of Contents
Portuguese Camino Central Route OverviewCentral Route GPX filesInsurance on your pilgrimage stroll Portuguese Camino Central Route PDFsWhere does the Central Route begin?Locations to remain close to Sé Cathedral in PortoWhich route to decide on to stroll out of Porto?How lengthy is the Central Route of the Portuguese Camino?Is it simple to search out the best way?How troublesome is the Central Route?What’s the surroundings like?Is there quite a lot of strolling on cobbled stones?Is there quite a lot of strolling on the highway?Baggage supply service on the Central RouteHow to mix the Central Route with the Spitirual Variant?What are the highlights of the Camino?Portuguese Camino planning resourcesThe Central Route of the Camino Portuguese route mapCamino Portuguese Central Route strolling stagesStage 1. Sé Cathedral, Porto to Vilarinho, 27 km/16,7 miStage 2. Vilarinho to Barcelos, 28 km/17,3 miStage 3. Barcelos to Ponte de Lima, 34 km/21 miAlternative. Barcelos to Ponte de Lima in 2 daysStage 4. Ponte de Lima to Rubiães, 18 km/11 miStage 5. Rubiães (Portugal) to Tui (Spain), 19,5 km/12,1 mi
Portuguese Camino Central Route Overview
Distance – 240 km/149 mi
Variety of days – 10-14 days
Start line – Sé Cathedral, Porto, Portugal
Ending level – Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, Spain
Problem degree – reasonable
Gathered ascent – 4000 m over 10 days
Common price – 30 euros per individual per day if staying in albergues, from 50 euros if staying in lodges
Central Route GPX information
Insurance coverage on your pilgrimage stroll
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Yow will discover extra info on the insurance coverage for the Camino in our devoted submit.
Portuguese Camino Central Route PDFs
Locations to remain on the Central Route PDF
Strolling levels of the Central Route PDF
The place does the Central Route begin?
The Central Route of the Portuguese Camino begins at Sé Cathedral in Porto. The Portuguese Camino itself begins in Lisbon however there is just one route from Lisbon to Porto. From Porto the Camino splits into three routes; the Central Route, the Coastal Route, and the Litoral Method.
Locations to remain close to Sé Cathedral in Porto
All of the steered locations are located inside a 600 m radius of Sé Cathedral which implies you may stroll out of your resort to the Cathedral and begin strolling.
Low-end | Misplaced Inn Porto Hostel | Onefam Ribeira |
Mid-range | ORM Santana Condominium | Maria da SÉ Historic Home |
Excessive-end | Se Catedral Resort Porto, Tapestry Assortment By Hilton | HM – Ribeira São João 2D Condominium |
Which route to decide on to stroll out of Porto?
There are 3 routes of the Portuguese Camino from Porto; the Central Route, the Coastal Route, and the Litoral Method. I’ve walked all 3 of them and the Litoral Method is my favourite route out of the town. It’s the one which goes alongside the coast. The primary 7 km on the Coastal Route and the Central Route via the town are the identical.
Technically you may stroll out of Porto following the Litoral Solution to Vila do Conde and swap to the Central Camino utilizing the connecting route from Vila do Conde to Charges. It’ll add one further day to your itinerary. In my view, following the Central Route from the beginning is the best possibility.
Yow will discover extra info and maps in our 3 routes from Porto submit.
How lengthy is the Central Route of the Portuguese Camino?
The overall distance of the Central Route from Porto to Santiago de Compostela is 240 km/150 mi. It takes between 10 and 14 days on common to finish the Camino.
Is it simple to search out the best way?
Sure, the Central Route is well-marked from the begin to the tip. You don’t want GPS, a map, or a information to search out the best way. The Portuguese Camino is marked with yellow arrows and scallop shells painted on partitions, floor, rocks, and so forth. Generally in cities, it’s marked with metallic shells on the bottom.
How troublesome is the Central Route?
The Central Route has some difficult levels with lengthy and steep ascents and descents. I’d spotlight the levels from Ponte de Lima to Rubiães and Tui to Redondela. Each levels have very steep ascents with subsequent steep descents. The final day from Padrón to Santiago, significantly the final bit, has steep ascents.
There are some lengthy strolling days, over 30 km in the usual itinerary however you may simply cut up these days into two there are tows and locations to remain in between so there isn’t any must push your limits.
What’s the surroundings like?
The surroundings alongside the Central Route combines forests, fields, and cities. You get to stroll subsequent to or on the highway with vehicles sometimes however often for a short time.
My least favourite a part of the Central Route is the stretch between Tui and O Porriño when for nearly 5 km you stroll via a loud industrial space.
Is there quite a lot of strolling on cobbled stones?
Sure, within the forest half of the Central Route of the Portuguese Camino from Porto to Valença, there’s quite a lot of strolling on cobbled stones. Within the Spanish a part of the route from Tui to Santiago de Compostela, you not often stroll on cobblestones.
To provide an instance the Portuguese half (Porto to Valença) of the Camino route is 122 km/75,8 mi out of which 42,5 km/26,4 mi you stroll on cobbled stones.
Total on the Central Route, you stroll typically on onerous surfaces similar to tar, cobbled, and asphalt.
Is there quite a lot of strolling on the highway?
Right here and there you do get brief stretches the place you stroll on the highway but it surely’s often 100-300 m after which the route turns away. Within the first half of the Central Route from Porto, there are components on the highway however there are different trails which might be marked and indicated. I like to recommend taking the choice routes as they take you away from the highway. The gap is often roughly the identical but it surely’s a lot safer.
Baggage supply service on the Central Route
A number of corporations provide baggage supply companies on the Central Route. I’d spotlight 3 foremost corporations; Pilbeo, TuiTrans, and Correos (solely the half from Tui to Santiago). The typical value is 7 euros per backpack per stage.
It really works very simply they choose your baggage up at your lodging place within the morning and drop it off at your subsequent place within the afternoon. You may stroll with a daypack carrying solely necessities and valuables; the remainder of your stuff will probably be transferred every day by automotive. You don’t have to attend for them to select up your baggage you simply go away it on the reception within the morning.
mix the Central Route with the Spitirual Variant?
The Non secular Variant is an non-obligatory route of the Portuguese Camino from Pontevedra to Padron (Pontecesures). This 3-day route presents a novel expertise, together with a ship experience (Translatio) on the final day from Vila Nova de Arousa to Pontecesures. When you select to stroll the Non secular Variant ensure that to spend a while in Combarro, a small charming city.
What are the highlights of the Camino?
For me, the historic cities had been the principle attraction of the route. I’d spotlight Barcelos, Ponte de Lima, Valença, Tui, and Pontevedra. And naturally Porto and Santiago de Compostela – the beginning and the ending factors of the Portuguese Camino.
Portuguese Camino planning sources
When you’re nonetheless within the strategy of planning your Camino stroll we’ve got quite a lot of content material on the Portuguese route which is perhaps useful.
The Central Route of the Camino Portuguese route map
Camino Portuguese Central Route strolling levels
Stage 1. Sé Cathedral, Porto to Vilarinho, 27 km/16,7 mi
Distance – 27 km/16,7 mi
Time – 6 hours
Gathered ascent – 336 m
Gathered descent – 355 m
Strolling floor – 14,5 km – tar highway and asphalt, 12 km – cobblestones, 500 m – footpath
It’s a simple strolling day with numerous surroundings. You get to see the historic heart of Porto, its residential space, some forests, and small cities. The route is well-marked although the primary 2 km from the Cathedral are a bit complicated as there are too many different indicators, vehicles, and other people.
The primary 7 km from Sé Cathedral, the Central Route and the Coastal Route observe the identical path. At 7 km they cut up. The Litoral Method ( it goes alongside the river) follows a unique path from the cathedral.
Challenges
Quite a lot of strolling on cobbled stones.
A few stretches close to a busy highway and industrial areas.
Highlights
The historic heart of Porto
Lovely forest
Stage 1 of the Central Route description.
0-2,5 km/0-1,5 mi – strolling via the historic a part of Porto.
2,8 km/1,7 mi – Albergue de Peregrinos de Porto. You should purchase a Pigrim’s Passport (Credential) there. It prices 2 euros.
5-11 km/3,1-6,8 mi – the route goes via quiet neighborhoods and residential areas of Porto.
6 km/3,7 mi – a few massive supermarkets (LIDL, Continente) the place you will get a well-priced meal.
7 km/4,3 mi – the cut up into the Coastal and the Central Route (on the left facet of the road) in Padrão da Légua on the intersection of R. Nova do Seixo and R. Fonte Velha. The best route is the Central Route.
8,4 km/5,2 mi – a grocery store (ALDI)
9 km/5,6 mi – A Casa Vermelha Hostel
11-12 km/6,8-7,4 mi – strolling alongside the highway (sidewalk) via the forest
12-14,5 km/7,4-8,3 mi – strolling via cities subsequent to busy roads
14,5 km/8,3 mi – a few massive supermarkets (LIDL, Pingo Doce)
15-16 km/9,3-10 mi – strolling via an industrial space however not a really busy one
16-16,4 km/10-10,2 mi – on the highway
17 km/10,5 mi – a store and a bar
18,5 km/11,5 mi – Mosteiro, a small city with a restaurant
20 km/12,4 mi – Vilar, a small city with a restaurant and a store
21-21,5 km/13-13,3 mi – strolling on the highway
21,5 km/13,3 mi – Gião, a small city with a restaurant. You may stamp your Pilgrim’s Passport at a stand with a stamp on the left facet of the road.
22,4 km/14 mi – a small grocery store
23 km/14,3 mi – on the Doce Giao cafe there’s a route cut up. I’d advocate following the choice route that turns proper and goes via a quiet space. The left route continues on a slender highway – not a secure strolling possibility. There’s a good guesthouse Casa Mindela, 700 m from the Camino route. You may cease there as an alternative of strolling to Vilarinho. We stayed there for a few days and favored it.
24 km/15 mi – a bar and a store
25 km/15,5 mi – an ATM and a restaurant
26 km/16,1 mi – Municipal Albergue do Mosteiro do Veirão.
26,5-27 km/16,4-16,7 mi – a footpath via the forest
27 km/16,7 mi – Vilarinho, a city with a store, a restaurant, and a personal albergue/visitor home.
Stage 2. Vilarinho to Barcelos, 28 km/17,3 mi
Distance – 28 km/17,3 mi
Time – 6-7 hours (transferring time)
Gathered ascent – 423 m
Gathered descent – 455 m
Strolling floor – 11,5 km/7 mi – asphalt; 11 km/6,8 mi – cobbled; 5,5 km/3,4 mi gravel/footpath.
It’s a pleasing strolling day via small cities within the first half and a wonderful forest within the second half. If you wish to cease for lunch or espresso do it in Charges the subsequent place to cease will probably be solely at 19,5 km.
Two detours on the route are well-marked with a giant map and indicators. I’d strongly advocate following the steered detours as they take you away from harmful components of the route (strolling on slender busy roads with no sidewalks). The detours add little distance to the route.
Challenges
Strolling on a tough floor many of the day – 22,5 km/14 mi are on asphalt and cobblestones
No place to cease for meals or espresso between 12 km/7,4 mi and 19,5 km/12 mi (between Charges and Portela).
A few brief stretches of 100-200 m on the highway.
Highlights
Lovely forest surroundings within the second half of the day
The pilgrims park within the forest at 14 km/8,6 mi
The historic heart of Barcelos. The view of the city and the church from the alternative facet of the bridge is gorgeous. The middle of Barcelos has many eating places and cafes. It’s a stunning space to exit for dinner or drinks.
Stage 2 rute description
The start of the stroll is thru the city of Vilarinho.
3 km/1,8 mi (after 100 m of strolling on the highway) – detour to skip the a part of strolling on the highway
6,2 km/3,8 mi – São Mamede, a small city with a restaurant
8 km/5 mi (simply earlier than Arcos) – the connecting route from the Coastal Route from Vila do Conde merges with the Central Route.
9 km/5,6 mi – the city of Arcos; lodges, eating places
12 km/7,4 mi – São Pedro De Charges (Charges); municipal albergue, lodges, eating places, retailers
12-19 km/7,4-11,8 mi – forest
14 km/8,6 mi – a Pilgrims Park, a small space within the forest devoted to the pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago with benches, sculptures, and so forth.
18,5 km/11,4 mi – Pedra Furada, personal Albergue O Palhuço (donation)
19 km/11,8 mi – Guesthouse/Albergue Casa Maria
19,5 km/12,1 mi – restaurant
20 km/12,4 mi – bakery
22,5 km/14 mi – bar
24,5 km/15,2 mi – store
26,5 km/16,4 mi – Barcelinhos, a small city simply earlier than Barcelos
27 km/16,7 mi – Albergue
28 km/17,3 mi – the historic heart of Barcelos
Stage 3. Barcelos to Ponte de Lima, 34 km/21 mi
Distance – 34 km/21 mi
Time – 7-8 hours (transferring time)
Gathered ascent – 509 m
Gathered descent – 532 m
Strolling floor – 19 km/11,6 mi – asphalt; 9,5 km/5,9 mi – cobbled; 5,5 km/3,4 mi gravel/footpath.
It’s a really lengthy strolling stage which you’ll be able to cut up into two levels. Most individuals I met had been planning to stroll all the best way. Don’t attempt to sustain with others. Break up the stage into two and somewhat have two days of stress-free strolling than be overtired and presumably with blisters after a really lengthy day.
Challenges
A really lengthy strolling day, 34 km/21 mi.
Strolling on onerous surfaces, round 30 km on cobbled stones and asphalt which is tough in your foot
A number of ascents and descents nothing lengthy or very steep however mixed with the lengthy distance it makes the stroll more difficult
Highlights
Stage 3 route description
0-3 km/0-1,8 mi strolling via Barcelos
3 km/1,8 mi – Albergue Flora
5,5 km/3,4 mi – bakery
5,5-10 km/3,4-6,2 mi – strolling via the forest and fields
9,5 km/5,9 mi – Resort Leonchic. We stayed right here for a few nights and it was good, the meals they made was good, and the placement is correct on the Camino route.
10,3 km/6,4 mi – Portela de Tamel with a restaurant and a Municipal Albergue Casa da Recoleta (throughout the highway)
12 km/7,4 mi – Aborim, Casa de Santiago Albergue
16 km/9,9 mi – Resort Casa da Quinta da Cancela
21 km/13 mi – Resort Casa da Fernanda
22 km/13,6 mi – the city of Vitorino dos Piães, Albergue Casa Sagres, resort Estabulo de Valinhas
22,4 km/13,9 mi – restaurant
25 km/15,5 mi – resort Quinta da Albergaria
28 km/17,3 mi – Sobreiro, personal Albergue O Caminheiro
28,5 km/17,7 mi – Seara, cafe, bakery, resort Pinheiro Manso
34 km/21 mi – the middle of Ponte de Lima
Various. Barcelos to Ponte de Lima in 2 days
You may cut up the lengthy stage into two and spend an evening in Vitorino dos Piães and the subsequent day proceed to Ponta de Lima. The second day will probably be brief which implies you’ll have extra time to discover the attractive city of Ponte de Lima. The historic a part of the city, the Roman/Medieval bridge, and a wonderful park (Parque do Arnado) on the opposite facet of the river are price exploring.
Another excuse to spit the stage is the stroll from Ponte de Lima to Rubiães, it’s a comparatively brief day, 18 km however with a really steep and lengthy ascent that makes you drained.
Barcelos to Vitorino dos Piães, 22 km/13,6 mi
Distance – 22 km/13,6 mi
Time – 4-5 hours (transferring time)
Gathered ascent – 403 m
Gathered descent – 337 m
Strolling floor – 11 km/6,8 mi – asphalt, 7 km/4,3 mi – cobbled, 4,2 km/2,6 mi – footpath/gravel
Locations to remain in Vitorino dos Piães
| Casa Sagres | Casa da Fernanda | resort Estabulo de Valinhas | Casa na Quinta de Valinhas |
Vitorino dos Piães to Ponte de Lima, 12 km/7,4 mi
Distance – 12 km/7,4 mi
Time – 2-3 hours (transferring time)
Gathered ascent – 105 m
Gathered descent – 195 m
Strolling floor – 8 km/5 mi – asphalt, 2,5 km/1,5 mi – cobbled, 1,3 km/0,8 mi – footpath/gravel
Stage 4. Ponte de Lima to Rubiães, 18 km/11 mi
Distance – 18 km/11 mi
Time – 4-5 hours (transferring time)
Gathered ascent – 517 m
Gathered descent – 332 m
Strolling floor – 6 km/3,7 mi – asphalt, 3 km/1,8 mi – cobbled, 10 km/6,2 mi – gravel/footpath
Regardless of a brief distance, it was fairly a tiring day resulting from a steep and lengthy ascent and accrued tiredness after the earlier lengthy strolling day. Splitting the earlier stage into two is perhaps a very good possibility. Earlier than you begin the ascent be sure you have sufficient water, particularly throughout summer time.
Challenges
A steep and lengthy ascent that begins at 8 km. You acquire over 300 m in 5 km/3,1 mi. Essentially the most difficult half is between 10 km/6,2 mi and 13 km/8 mi.
A steep descent that begins at 13 km/8 mi. It’s not as lengthy and steep because the ascent. You go down 190 m in 5 km/3,1 mi.
No locations to cease for meals or drinks within the second half of the day so ensure that to hold sufficient water for the ascent.
Highlights
A adorned Camio wall on the Central Route across the nook from the general public albergue in Ponte de Lima.
Lovely forest and tranquil fields.
Cruz dos Franceses – a stone cross at 12,5 km/7,7 mi marks the place the place locals ambushed troopers of Napoleon’s military in the course of the invasion of 1809.
Stage 4 of the Central Route description
0-1 km/0-0,6 mi strolling via the city of Ponte de Lima
1-6 km/0,6-3,7 mi strolling via the fields and villages
3 km/1,8 mi – Oasis do Caminho tenting
4,5 km/2,7 mi – a adorned wall with collectible figurines of saints, photos, and so forth.
6-7,5 km/3,7-4,6 mi – strolling via the forest
7,7-8,5 km/4,7-5,2 mi – strolling alongside the highway
8,5 km/5,2 mi – Codeçal, a village with a bar. It’s the final place to cease for meals and relaxation earlier than the ascent. The following bar is at 15,8 km and it’s not all the time open. There will probably be no place to refill water in the course of the ascent.
8-13 km/5-8 mi – the start of the ascent via the forest.
9,4 km/5,8 mi – guesthouse Quinta da Labruja
9,7 km/6 mi – Albergue Casa da Valada
9,9 km/6,1 mi – Albergue O Comforto
10,5 km/6,5 mi – guesthouse Casa do Chafariz
10-13 km/6,2-8 mi – a steep ascent on a footpath via the forest
12,5 km/7,7 mi – Cruz dos Franceses, a stone cross within the forest
13 km/8 mi – the highest of the mountain, the start of the descent
14 km/8,6 mi – one other stone cross
15,8 km/9,8 mi – Agualonga, a bar
16,5 km/10,2 mi – homestay Casa de Lamas
16,8 km/10,4 mi – São Roque, guesthouse O Repouso do Peregrino
17 km/10,5 mi – Albergue Constantino
17,3 km/10,7 mi – guesthouse Quinta das Leiras
18 km/11 mi – municipal Albergue and a bar
Stage 5. Rubiães (Portugal) to Tui (Spain), 19,5 km/12,1 mi
Distance – 19,5 km/12,1 mi
Time – 4-5 hours (transferring time)
Gathered ascent – 306 m
Gathered descent – 437 m
Strolling floor – 8,8 km/5,4 mi – asphalt, 7 km/4,3 mi – cobbled, 3,7 km/2,3 mi – gravel/footpath
I loved this stage of the Central Route. Regardless of the comparatively brief distance, it is rather numerous. You get to stroll via the forest and fields, go to two medieval fortresses, and two nations. I’d advocate spending a while at Valença Fortress.
When you begin strolling the Central Route in Porto be ready to see considerably extra pilgrims on the Tui to Santiago route. Many individuals stroll solely the final 100 km which is a required minimal for getting a Compostela certificates.
One noticeable factor relating to the strolling floor of the Portuguese Camino is that after you cross to Spain there will probably be no extra cobbled stones on the route (perhaps right here and there within the cities however not like in Portugal). Bear in mind concerning the time distinction, Spain is 1 hour forward of Portugal.
Challenges
An ascent between 1 and 4 km, 110 m up
A steep descent between 4,5 and seven,5 km, 200 m down
Highlights
A good looking forest within the first half of the day
Valença Fortress is positioned on the highest of the hill and presents spectacular views of the city and its environment.
A metallic bridge throughout the Minho River presents stunning views of each shores and fortresses
Tui Fortress is a Spanish fortress on the alternative facet of the river.
Stage 5 route description
0-300 m – alongside the highway
900 m/0,5 mi – a small Roman/Medieval bridge
1 km/0,6 mi – a restaurant
1,7-2,2 km/1-1,3 mi – strolling alongside the highway
2,2-3,4 km/1,3-2,1 mi – strolling on the previous Roman highway
4,3 km/2,6 mi – a restaurant, resort Casa da Capela
4,5 km/2,7 mi – the start of a protracted and steep ascent
7,3 km/4,5 mi – an ATM and a public rest room
7,5 km/4,6 mi – guesthouse Casa Quinto do Cruzeiro, bar
10 km/6,2 mi – Albergue/guesthouse Quinta Estrada Romana
11 km/6,8 mi – Pedreira, guesthouse/restaurant Quinta do Caminho
13,5 km/8,3 mi – two cafes
15,5 km/9,6 mi – the city of Valença. There’s a route that connects the Coastal and the Central Route of the Portuguese Camino from Caminha to Valença. There’s a public albergue close to Continente grocery store. I can advocate Hostel Bulwarck close to the fortress.
16 km/10 mi – Public Albergue
16,5-17,5 km/10,2-10,8 mi – Valença Fortress. The Camino goes via it. There are a number of lodges and lots of eating places contained in the partitions.
17,5 km/10,8 mi – a metallic bridge throughout the Minho River. On the opposite facet of the river is Spain. Bear in mind the time distinction, Spain is 1 hour forward of Portugal.
19 km/11,8 mi – Tui. As soon as within the city the Camino route goes away from the principle avenue and takes you in the direction of the river first after which again to the principle avenue. You stroll 500 m further. If you wish to get nearer to the river you may observe the marked route in any other case simply preserve strolling alongside Avenida de Portugal until you get to the fortress.
19,5 km/12,1 mi – Tui Fortress. A public albergue in Tui is behind the Cathedral de Santa Maria de Tui.
Yow will discover the knowledge on the final 100 km from Tui to Santiago in our designated submit.
Please observe and like us:
The beautiful half of Stingy Nomads, accountable for all our land adventures (climbing, climbing, strolling the Camino) and following them write-ups. Alya loves strolling since she was a toddler, she prefers to stroll 1000 km with a backpack somewhat than to do a ten 000 km highway journey (truly any highway journey). Alya is a giant fan of Latin America, the Spanish language, and dancing. Each time we go away she desperately misses our canine Chile.
