Full Camino Portugues From Lisbon to Santiago

Rate:
Price: 7 nights from €621
  • Activity Walking or Easy Walking or Cycling or Easy Cycling
  • Distance 643 km
  • Duration Up to 29 Nights
  • Difficulty Moderate +
  • Tour Type Self-Guided Caminos
  • Time To Go April to October

Full Camino Portugues from Lisbon to Santiago

The Full Camino Portugues from Lisbon to Santiago, or Caminho Portugués, is a fantastic route for pilgrims looking for a less travelled and more rural experience on the Camino de Santiago. This Camino route is the second most popular among pilgrims, after the famous Camino Frances.

If you have already completed the Full Camino Frances from St. Jean to Santiago, this route comes highly recommended as your next challenge!

The Full Camino Portugues is a month-long journey, starting in Lisbon, Portugal’s dazzling capital, and home to several UNESCO sites. If you have some time we highly recommend spending an extra night in Lisbon to soak up the Portuguese culture.

From Lisbon, the Camino Portugues takes pilgrims across stunning countryside, villages, and towns such as Santarém, one of the last Moorish bastions in Portugal; Coimbra, home to a UNESCO-listed 13th-century university; and gorgeous Porto with its colourful riverfront and home of Port wine.

Terraced fields, lush forests, vineyards, and peaceful sleepy villages await along the Camino Portugues. Once you’ve crossed the 19th-century International Bridge over the River Minho, the natural border between Portugal and Spain, you will start the last stretch of your journey. While Tui marks the traditional last 100km of the Camino de Santiago from Portugal, we offer the last 100km by the coast instead.

Towards the end of your walk, you can sample oysters in Arcade, test your luck with the famous green peppers from Padrón, and explore the cobbled streets of Pontevedra’s old town…it is all part of your special journey to Santiago de Compostela. Enjoy!

Scroll down to view the full itinerary and create your trip. Select any town on the Full Camino Portugues Coastal from Lisbon to Santiago to select your start and end. You can also walk or cycle this route.

Map of the Full Camino Portugues Central

Itinerary Of The Full Camino Portugues

Lisbon

Stage: Lisbon

You arrive in Lisbon.

23 km

Santa Iria de Azoia

Stage: Santa Iria de Azoia

Lisbon is Portugal’s bright and dazzling city. Lisbon has a privileged location, where the River Tejo and the Atlantic Ocean join, so you can relax by the seaside and soak in the famous Lisbon ‘light’. The city is also home to beautiful buildings, cobbled streets and busy squares you can explore on foot or hopping on one of the city trams. Visit the São Jorge castle and if you get a chance head to Belém to see the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Your walk on the Portuguese Way will take you out of Lisbon on the shortest stage of this section, following part of the famous Caminho de Fátima. As the trail follows the river Tejo through the Parque das Nações, it is quite an easy walk. From here you will soon enter the countryside by a lush valley. The change in landscape will make Lisbon seem like a distant memory!

26 km

Vila Franca de Xira

Stage: Vila Franca de Xira

Today you will leave Santa Iria de Azoia along an a trail gradually climbing before descending again into Póvoa de Santa Iria. From here, the Camino will take you along the River Tejo once again along a national road to beautiful Vila Franca de Xira, home to a famous bullfighting festival every year.

19 km

Azambuja

Stage: Azambuja

From Vila Franca de Xira, the Camino continues through a region famous for bullfighting and horse breeding. The River Tejo continues to guide you, as you head inland to today’s destination: Azambuja. The town is famous for its bull run, taking place in the streets of town in May every year.

32 km

Santarém

Stage: Santarém

Today’s walking day on the Camino will take yo through vineyards, orchards, groves and crop fields on your way to one of the highest points of the entire route: the town of Santarém. However at just 110 metres high this should not be too difficult. Santarém, is an old Moorish city of narrow cobbled streets. We recommend you visit the ‘Sun Gate’ (Porta do Sol), a beautiful look-out point where you can watching the sun set and soak in the magnificent views.

32 km

Golega

Stage: Golega

You will leave Santarém along tranquil country lanes by the banks of the Río Tejo, as you head North-West. You will pass beautiful little villages and farmland, as well as many horses and bulls (the region is famous for horse and bull breeding). Today’s Camino stage is quite long but quite flat so it should be a relatively easy walking day.

30 km

Tomar

Stage: Tomar

Today you will leave the pretty little town of Golegã and head towards ‘Quinta da Cardiga’, one of the most beautiful manor houses in the country. From here you will continue through peaceful villages. nestled in between rolling hills. Your finishing point for the day is the centre of the historic city of Tomar, at the wonderful Praza da República.

31 km

Alvaiazere

Stage: Alvaiazere

Today, you will enjoy a change of landscape as you travel through lovely woodland, valleys and along ancient Roman roads and farm tracks. Today’s walk is one of the most challenging on this section of the Camino however it is also very rewarding.

14 km

Ansião

Stage: Ansião

The trail from Alvaiázere begins with a sharp climb, followed by a gradual descent. The rest of the day’s walk will take you over rolling hills and through olive groves and crop fields, on the way to today’s destination of Ansião.

31 km

Condeixa A Nova

Stage: Condeixa A Nova

On your walk out of Ansião you will cross the 17th century bridge of Ponte da Cal as you make your way to Netos. There are lots of trees along today’s stage of the Camino, such as eucalyptus, pine and olive, offering plenty of opportunities for shade. Today’s stage finishes in Condeixa a Nova.

19 km

Coimbra

Stage: Coimbra

On this walking day you will pass beautiful countryside, dotted with vineyards, olive groves and forests. The final part of the stage takes you over the climb of Alto de Cruz de Mourocos, at 190m, before dropping down into Coimbra. Coimbra itself is a pretty and energetic city, with one of the oldest universities in Europe, declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in June 2013.

Coimbra is an energetic city, once the capital of Portugal. It is home to a magnificently preserved Gothic cathedral and a university from the 13th century, making it one of the oldest in the world. Coimbra’s University was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 2013. There are many things to see and do and as it is a university city, there is always some cultural events happening!

23 km

Mealhada

Stage: Mealhada

Today on the Camino Portugués takes you along valleys and also some urban areas along a relatively flat trail. There is an initial climb as you leave Coimbra up to Cioga do Monte. Throughout the day you will see remains of the old Roman road. Your stop for the night is Mealhada, located in an area famous for its vineyards and wine making.

25 km

Águeda

Stage: Águeda

Today the Camino trail takes you through more pretty vineyards on a fairly easy trail. The route will take you to the city of Avelas de Caminho, with a strong historic connection to the Camino de Santiago hence its name. Your stop for the night will be Águeda, on the banks of the Certima river.

17 km

Albergaria A Velha

Stage: Albergaria A Velha

Today’s Camino stage is relatively easy and short, with only one climb at the very end of your day. This particular section of the Camino follows the ancient Roman road known as ‘Via Romana XVI’, through eucalyptus and pine forests. You will also cross a lovely Roman bridge over the Rio Marnel on your way to Albergaria A Velha.

29 km

São João da Madeira

Stage: São João da Madeira

From Albergaria A Velha, the Camino takes you across more woodlands and gradually into more urban areas, in the northern part of the Beira Coast. You will pass the lovely historic town of Oliveira de Azeméis, where you should visit the Matriz de São Miguel church. From here the Camino trail heads across rolling hills, with the climb to São João da Madeira being the highest point of the day, at 220m.

You will pass the town of Arrifana with its distinctive blue church before making your way onto the preserved cobbled Roman road. The last stretch of the stage will take you gradually downhill by O Mosteiro de São Salvador de Grijó, dating back to the 13th century (here you will be picked up and transferred to your accommodation for the night in Porto).

33 km

Porto

Stage: Porto

In today’s stage, the Camino travels through a section of the original Roman road. You will pass the town of Arrifana with its distinctive blue church before making your way onto the preserved cobbled Roman road. The Camino will take you gradually downhill by O Mosteiro de São Salvador de Grijó, dating back to the 13th century before heading to Porto where you will enjoy the refreshing breeze of the Atlantic Ocean as you get closed to this city, known as the world capital of Port wine. You will also follow another well-preserved Via Romana in Perosinho. You will then head to Vila Nova de Gaia, across the river Douro from Porto. Cross the fantastic Ponte Luiz I into Porto, to arrive in the historic city centre.

The old city centre of Porto has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996. There is plenty to amaze you in Porto, from the colourful riverfront and the Douro river with its period Port wine boats, to the friendly locals and the tasty local cuisine. Did you know there are 365 cod dishes in Portugal? one for each day of the year.

25 km

Povoa de Varzim

Stage: Povoa de Varzim

Start your Camino de Santiago journey in gorgeous and colourful Porto, with its UNESCO-listed old town, picturesque riverfront and home to Port wine. Discover the best of Portuguese hospitality before your walk on the Portuguese Coastal Way!

Today you should take the Metro to Matosinhos to avoid the outskirts of Porto and reach the coast to start your Camino walk, this will also make your daily KM 28. Get off at the ‘Mercado’ stop. You will walk following the coastline, passing fishing villages, forts and chapels, the prehistoric castro of San Paio and of course, beautiful sandy beaches.

*If you choose to cycle the Camino, the route will start from the city center, so the distance for this stage will be 40km.

22 km

Esposende

Stage: Esposende

Enjoy a stroll along the pretty Póvoa de Varzim harbour and explore its medieval district before you continue your Camino. Walk up to the Convento de Santa Clara to discover the best views of the town and the surrounding coast. On your way to Esposende you will pass the popular seaside town of Póvoa de Varzim with its sandy beachfront and cross the Coastal Natural Park, Parque Natural do Litoral Norte.

24 km

Viana do Castelo

Stage: Viana do Castelo

Today you will continue your Camino coastal walk from Esposende, across the Coastal Natural Park, on your way to Viana do Castelo. Take the opportunity to taste the local cuisine, explore the historic center of town and take the funicular to the Basílica de Santa Luzía for great views. Legend has it that the Romans were so impressed by Viana’s beauty when they reached the town in the first century BC that they thought they had reached the paradise.

19 km

Vila Praia de Ancora

Stage: Vila Praia de Ancora

Today you will leave Viana do Castelo and continue along the beautiful Atlantic coastline heading North. Today is quite an easy day, giving you plenty of time to enjoy a relaxed pace and have enough time to make the most of the seaside villages and towns along the way. You will stay in the coastal town Vila Praia de Ancora.

13 km

A Guarda

Stage: A Guarda

From Vila Praia de Ancora you will continue on your coastal Camino towards Caminha, right by the Minho estuary, where the River meets the Atlantic. Continue straight to A Guarda or take a detour along the estuary for great coastal views (4km longer). If you have time, once you reach A Guarda, take a visit to its famous hilltop ‘castro’, celtic settlement.

30 km

Baiona

Stage: Baiona

From the fishing village of A Guarda, your path continues northwards where you will be afforded some more breathtaking views of the ocean on your left.  Tonight you will reach the busy seaside town of Baiona with its gorgeous marina.  While in Baiona, visit one of the towns attractions such as the Museo de la Carabela Pinta and the Monumento Encuentro entre dos Mundos.

26 km

Vigo

Stage: Vigo

Today you will follow the coast from Baiona to Nigrán and finally to the city of Vigo. You will enjoy fantastic views of the Bay of Vigo, with the magnificent Illas Cíes and its Natural Park in the horizon. On a hot day, stop at the blue flag beach Praia América in Nigrán for a quick swim.

23 km

Arcade

Stage: Arcade

Easy walking option. Today is your last day along the coast and quite a short walking day so you can make the most of the seaside. Stop to try the famous oysters in the fishing village of Arcade.

12 km

Pontevedra

Stage: Pontevedra

Today, you will cross the Verdugo River over Ponte Sampaio. It is in this bridge is where Napoleon’s army suffered one of its greatest defeats in Galicia. From Ponte Sampaio the Camino continues along a cobbled road taking pilgrims to the 13th century Church of Santa María, where you can enjoy magnificent views over the Bay of Vigo while walking towards Pontevedra.

22 km

Caldas de Reis

Stage: Caldas de Reis

Today, starting in the city of Pontevedra, the Camino will take you through chestnut groves and pine and eucalyptus woods. In the village of Ponte Cabras, take a minute to admire the rectory of Santa María de Alba. At Lombo da Maceira you will spot a statue of Saint James with his walking stick, showing pilgrims the way. On your way to Caldas de Reis you will pass the hamlet of Tivo with its lovely fountain and public washing area. You will be staying in the spa town of Caldas de Reis for the night.

18 km

Padrón

Stage: Padrón

From the spa town of Caldas de Reis, the Camino Portugues takes you across the river Umia and the hot springs that have given the town its name since Roman times. The Camino trail takes you once again to forests, gradually climbing to the village of Santa Mariña. After a descent you will cross the river Fontenlo before making your way through pine forests to today’s final destination: the town of Padrón, believed to be arrival point of the body of Saint James when it was brought to Santiago de Compostela by ship.

25 km

Santiago de Compostela

Stage: Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a gem of a city: small enough to be explored and be discovered on foot but always vibrant and lively. Wander the cobbled streets of its UNESCO-listed old town, go for a stroll in the Alameda Park and discover regional flavours in the local market (Mercado de Abastos) and the many restaurants and bars.

Accommodation

Country Cottages

Country Cottages or  'Casas Rurales' are beautifully restored country homes and farmhouses in the heart of peaceful rural communities. Our Country Cottages are renowned for their exceptional food, unique settings and personal touch. Rest assured when you select Country Cottage you will enjoy the full experience of our collection of beautiful Casa Rurales when and where this option is available, however, bear in mind, that sometimes due to location factors, only our choice of standard collection hotels and guesthouses may be available. All rooms are en-suite.

Country Cottages

Standard Hotels

We have hand-picked hotels and guesthouses along the Camino for their character and warm hospitality. Up to 3-stars, you will be staying in the centre of town and close to your Camino trail. All rooms are en-suite with bathroom. For our family packages, we have hand-picked establishments with outdoor space and swimming pools where possible. Where accommodation with private outdoor space is not available, we have selected comfortable hotels with spacious common areas as well as a convenient location close to recreational areas and sights. As your comfort is our priority, we try to book hotels located within walking distance of the Camino. Despite our effort, on rare occasions your accommodation can be located a few kilometers away from the trail, so we organise transportation to/from your accommodation.

Standard Hotel & Guesthouse

Superior Collection

Stay in very special hotels and unique properties along the Camino.  We have selected luxurious 4 and 5-star hotels, boutique guesthouses, relaxing country homes and stunning heritage ‘Parador’ hotels so you can feel pampered. Rest assured when you select Superior Collection, you will enjoy the full experience of our best hotels and top guesthouses when and where this option is available, however, bear in mind, that sometimes due to location factors, only our choice of standard collection hotels and guesthouses may be available. All rooms are en-suite.

Superior Collection

Access

How to Get There

Live information on Rome2Rio. We can also arrange private transfers if you prefer, just ask us.

Lisbon

Lisbon Airport 6km: From Lisbon airport to you can take the metro or bus to the city centre. See www.toandfromtheairport.com for an overview. The bus no. 9 (Aerobus) links the airport with the city centre, see www.golisbon.com

Santarem

Lisbon Airport 70km: There is a train connection from Santarém to Lisbon Oriente station, available regularly (taking approx 35min). There is also a bus connection almost every 2 hours (taking approx. 1h). See www.rede-expressos.pt for bus and www.cp.pt for train connections.From Lisbon Oriente you can get to the airport on the city bus (no. 5). The bus no. 9 (Aerobus) also connects Lisbon city centre with the airport. See www.toandfromtheairport.com

Porto Airport 255km: There is a train between Santarém and Porto-Campanha (main train station) at least every 2 hours (travel time approx. 2h30). See www.cp.pt. There are also some daily buses but the connection quality differ (travel time between 3h15 and 5h30). See www.rede-expressos.pt.
The best way to get from Porto-Campanha or city centre to Porto airport is by metro. The purple line (line E) links them, every 5-9 minutes. See: www.metrodoporto.pt.

Coimbra

Porto Airport 135km: The easiest way to get from Porto airport to Porto-Campanha station and city centre is by metro. The purple line (line E) links them every 5-9 minutes. See: www.metrodoporto.pt.
From Porto-Campanha (main train station) you can take a train to Coimbra-b, there is one nearly every hour (1h travel time approx.). See www.cp.pt. There are also regular buses (1h30 travel time approx.). See www.rede-expressos.pt.

Lisbon Airport 195km: From Lisbon airport to the city centre or Lisbon Oriente station you can either take the city bus (no. 5) or the Aerobus (no. 9). See www.toandfromtheairport.com. From Lisbon Oriente station you can take a train to Coimbra, as there is one nearly every hour (taking 1h30-2h). There is also a bus every hour (taking 2h30). See www.rede-expressos.pt for bus and www.cp.pt for train connections.

Porto

Porto Airport 12km: The easiest way to get to Porto airport from the city is taking the metro (line E), departing every 5-9 minutes. See: www.metrodoporto.pt.

Tui

Vigo Airport 25km: There are 2 daily train connections between Tui and Vigo, with a travel time of approx. 40min. See www.renfe.com. There are also buses connecting Tui and Vigo, see: http://atsahorarios.com/. From Vigo train station (Estación de Ferrocarril), you can take a bus (C9A) to the airport. See www.aena.es

Porto Airport 105km: You can take a train from Tui to Porto-Campanha (main train station) twice a day (travel time approx. 2h15). Valenca do Minho is only across the river from Tui (2km, a short taxi ride) and has regular trains to Porto. See schedule: www.cp.pt The easiest way to get to Porto airport from Porto-Campanha is by metro (purple line line E, every 5-9 minutes). See: www.metrodoporto.pt/en.

Santiago de Compostela Airport 110km: There are 2 daily train connections between Tui and Santiago, one with a change in Vigo Guixar (departing close to noon), the other one with a change in Redondela (departing in the late evening). Both of them take approx. 2h30. See www.renfe.com.
There is a direct bus to Santiago bus station from Tui (4 per day) taking approximately 2 hours. See www.alsa.es for schedule.
From Santiago train station and bus station you can take the shuttle bus to the airport in Santiago, departing every 30min. See Rome2Rio.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela Airport 11km: There is shuttle bus from Santiago city centre to the airport, departing every 30min. Bus stops are: city centre (Plaza de Galicia),  train station (Estación de Ferrocarril) and bus station (Estación de Autobuses). See: Rome2Rio.

Vigo Airport 90km: From Santiago you can take a train to Vigo Guixar (see www.renfe.com) or a bus to Travesia de Vigo (every hour). You should then take a city bus from Travesia de Vigo to Vigo Airport (every 30 min).

A Coruna Airport 70km: From Santiago you can take a train to A Coruña (30 min approximately) and then take a bus from Alfonso Molina (line 4051) to the airport (every 30 min, takes 20 min approximately). Monbus has services from Santiago to A Coruña Airport (every 3 hours), see monbus.es/en for details.

Porto Airport 210km: There is a direct bus connection between Santiago (Estación de Autobuses) and Porto airport once or twice a day (taking 4h or 6h resp.). See www.alsa.es.

Whats Included

  • Included: Selected accommodation with private bathrooms, Holiday Pack on your mobile phone (Route ebook and Google Maps) and a 24/7 support number providing assistance during your trip, for instance organising a support vehicle if needed.
  • Not included: Flights, drinks, city tax, Travel Insurance (Recommended)
  • Optional: Luggage transfers (On by default. One bag up to 20kg per person), dinners (On by default, where available), bike rental (On by default) and airport transfers, etc…

 

Note on Accommodation: We aim to book you into each of the towns listed on the itinerary, however in case of low availability we may book you 2 nights in the same town with provided transfers. If you are booking Superior collection or Country cottages, please note it is subject to availability and therefore cannot be guaranteed. Superior/Country cottage accommodation may be away from the route with included transfers. More details.

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