Each year millions of pilgrims, hikers, and tourists embark on an incredible journey to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

Several ancient trails lead to this stunning city in Galicia, and the most popular is Camino Frances, but what most people ignore is Camino Portuguese, which is an incredible alternative to the popular route.

One of the main reasons to choose this one over Camino Frances is the distance, the Camino Portugues will take you 25 days while the Camino Frances takes over 35 days or more.

Camino Portugues: Highlights You’ll Find From Porto

Camino Portugues Overview

This Camino de Santiago has two main starting points, from Porto which is shorter (230 kilometers and 12 days), and Lisbon which is a lot longer (620 kilometers and 25 days).

Nowadays you can even start from Tui, which is a picturesque town in Spain and is 111 km away from Santiago de Compostela.

Along the way, you’ll find several places to stay and other amenities, as well as the iconic blue and yellow signs and the yellow shells. The trail offers unique views of the coast or the central landscapes of Portugal, as well as several villages.

From Portugal to Spain, here are some of the best highlights:

Porto

Begin your journey in Porto, Portugal’s vibrant city known for its historic architecture, port wine cellars, and the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge.

Make sure to explore the Ribeira district before setting foot on the trail.

Ponte de Lima

Cross the Roman bridge in Ponte de Lima, a charming town nestled along the Lima River, and enjoy the local cuisine, don’t forget to soak in the tranquil atmosphere.

Tui

As you cross the Minho River, you’ll enter Spain and arrive in Tui. Explore the medieval streets, visit the Tui Cathedral, and take in the views from the Mirador de San Telmo.

Don’t forget to try the local Galician cuisine, including hearty stews and freshly caught seafood.

Redondela

Redondela, nestled along the Vigo estuary, offers a mix of coastal beauty and historical landmarks. Visit the Church of Santiago and enjoy a stroll along the waterfront promenade.

Pontevedra

Pontevedra boasts a well-preserved old town, where narrow alleys lead to charming squares. Admire the Basilica of Santa María and explore the Museum of Pontevedra.

The city comes alive during festivals, so check the calendar for local celebrations.

Caldas de Reis

Relax your weary muscles in the thermal baths of Caldas de Reis.

The healing waters have been soothing pilgrims for centuries. Take time to explore the town’s gardens and historic buildings.

Padrón

Padrón is steeped in legend, claiming to be the place where the boat carrying Saint James’ body arrived.

Visit the Iglesia de Santiago and savor the famous Padrón peppers—small green peppers with a delightful kick.

Santiago de Compostela

Finally, after days of walking, you’ll reach the majestic Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

Attend the Pilgrim’s Mass, hug the Botafumeiro (the giant incense burner), and receive your Compostela certificate.