The Central Route of the Portuguese Camino a 2024 guide

The Central Route is the most well-liked route of the Portuguese Camino from Porto. The Camino begins at Se Cathedral within the historic middle of Porto and finishes in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. It’s an inland route that takes pilgrims by a number of historic cities and combines forest and rural surroundings.

In accordance with the Pilgrim’s Reception Workplace in 2023 20% (88 716 individuals) of all pilgrims who arrived in Santiago de Compostela walked the Central Route of the Portuguese Camino. It’s some of the in style Camino de Santiago routes.

Portuguese Camino Central Route Overview

Distance – 240 km/149 mi

Variety of days – 10-14 days

Place to begin – Sé Cathedral, Porto, Portugal

Ending level – Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, Spain

Issue degree – reasonable

Amassed ascent – 4000 m over 10 days

Common value – 30 euros per individual per day if staying in albergues, from 50 euros if staying in resorts 

Central Route GPX information

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You could find extra data 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 instructed locations are located inside a 600 m radius of Sé Cathedral which implies you possibly can stroll out of your resort to the Cathedral and begin strolling.

Low-end | Misplaced Inn Porto Hostel | Onefam Ribeira |

Mid-range | ORM Santana Residence | Maria da SÉ Historic Home |

Excessive-end | Se Catedral Lodge Porto, Tapestry Assortment By Hilton | HM – Ribeira São João 2D Residence |

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 town. It’s the one which goes alongside the coast. The primary 7 km on the Coastal Route and the Central Route by town are the identical.

Technically you possibly can stroll out of Porto following the Litoral Strategy to Vila do Conde and change 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. 

You could find extra data and maps in our 3 routes from Porto submit.

How lengthy is the Central Route of the Portuguese Camino?

The whole 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 way in which?

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 way in which. The Portuguese Camino is marked with yellow arrows and scallop shells painted on partitions, floor, rocks, and so on. Generally in cities, it’s marked with steel 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, notably the final bit, has steep ascents.

There are some lengthy strolling days, over 30 km in the usual itinerary however you possibly can simply cut up these days into two there are tows and locations to remain in between so there isn’t any have to 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 automobiles 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 by a loud industrial space. 

Is there numerous strolling on cobbled stones?

Sure, within the forest half of the Central Route of the Portuguese Camino from Porto to Valença, there may be numerous strolling on cobbled stones. Within the Spanish a part of the route from Tui to Santiago de Compostela, you hardly ever stroll on cobblestones. 

To offer 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. 

General on the Central Route, you stroll typically on exhausting surfaces equivalent to tar, cobbled, and asphalt. 

Is there numerous strolling on the highway?

Right here and there you do get quick stretches the place you stroll on the highway however it’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 various trails which can be marked and indicated. I like to recommend taking the choice routes as they take you away from the highway. The space is often roughly the identical however it’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 major corporations; Pilbeo, TuiTrans, and Correos (solely the half from Tui to Santiago). The typical worth is 7 euros per backpack per stage. 

It really works very simply they decide your baggage up at your lodging place within the morning and drop it off at your subsequent place within the afternoon. You possibly can stroll with a daypack carrying solely necessities and valuables; the remainder of your stuff might be transferred day by day by automobile. You don’t have to attend for them to select up your baggage you simply go away it on the reception within the morning.

The way to mix the Central Route with the Spitirual Variant?

The Religious Variant is an elective route of the Portuguese Camino from Pontevedra to Padron (Pontecesures). This 3-day route provides a singular expertise, together with a ship journey (Translatio) on the final day from Vila Nova de Arousa to Pontecesures. If you happen to select to stroll the Religious Variant be sure that to spend a while in Combarro, a small charming city.

What are the highlights of the Camino?

For me, the historic cities have been the primary 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

If you happen to’re nonetheless within the strategy of planning your Camino stroll we now have numerous content material on the Portuguese route which may be 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

Amassed ascent – 336 m

Amassed descent – 355 m

Strolling floor – 14,5 km – tar highway and asphalt, 12 km – cobblestones, 500 m – footpath

It’s a straightforward strolling day with various surroundings. You get to see the historic middle 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, automobiles, 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 special path from the cathedral.

Challenges

A whole lot of strolling on cobbled stones. 

A few stretches close to a busy highway and industrial areas.

Highlights

The historic middle of Porto

Lovely forest

Stage 1 of the Central Route description.

0-2,5 km/0-1,5 mi – strolling by the historic a part of Porto. 

2,8 km/1,7 mi – Albergue de Peregrinos de Porto. 

5-11 km/3,1-6,8 mi – the route goes by quiet neighborhoods and residential areas of Porto.

6 km/3,7 mi – a few large 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 precise route is the Central Route.

8,4 km/5,2 mi – a grocery store (ALDI)

11-12 km/6,8-7,4 mi – strolling alongside the highway (sidewalk) by the forest

12-14,5 km/7,4-8,3 mi – strolling by cities subsequent to busy roads

14,5 km/8,3 mi – a few large supermarkets (LIDL, Pingo Doce)

15-16 km/9,3-10 mi – strolling by 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 – Vila, 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 possibly can 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 suggest following the choice route that turns proper and goes by a quiet space. The left route continues on a busy slim highway it’s not a secure strolling possibility. There’s a very good guesthouse Casa Mindela, 700 m from the Camino route. You possibly can cease there as a substitute of strolling to Vilarinho. We stayed there for a few days and preferred 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 by the forest

27 km/16,7 mi – Vilarinho, a city with a store, a restaurant, and a non-public 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) 

Amassed ascent – 423 m

Amassed 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 nice strolling day by small cities within the first half and a lovely forest within the second half. If you wish to cease for lunch or espresso do it in Charges the following place to cease might be solely at 19,5 km. 

Two detours on the route are well-marked with a giant map and indicators. I’d strongly suggest following the instructed detours as they take you away from harmful components of the route (strolling on slim 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 quick 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 middle of Barcelos. The view of the city and the church from the other facet of the bridge is gorgeous. The middle of Barcelos has many eating places and cafes. It’s a beautiful 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 – 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; resorts, eating places

12 km/7,4 mi – São Pedro De Charges (Charges); municipal albergue, resorts, eating places, outlets 

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 on.

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 middle of Barcelos

Stage 3. Barcelos to Ponte de Lima, 34 km/21 mi

Distance – 34 km/21 mi

Time – 7-8 hours (transferring time) 

Amassed ascent – 509 m

Amassed 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 cut up into two levels. Most individuals I met have been planning to stroll all the way in which. Don’t attempt to sustain with others. Cut up the stage into two and quite have two days of enjoyable 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 exhausting surfaces, round 30 km on cobbled stones and asphalt which is difficult in your foot

A number of ascents and descents nothing lengthy or very steep however mixed with the lengthy distance it makes the stroll tougher

Highlights

Stage 3 route description

0-3 km/0-1,8 mi strolling by 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 by the forest and fields

9,5 km/5,9 mi – Lodge Leonchic. We stayed right here for a few nights and it was good, the meals they made was good, and the situation 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 – Casa de Santiago Albergue

16 km/9,9 mi – Lodge Casa da Quinta da Cancela

21 km/13 mi – Lodge 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 – personal Albergue O Caminheiro and Lodge Quinta do Sobreiro

28,5 km/17,7 mi – cafe, bakery, resort Pinheiro Manso

34 km/21 mi – the middle of Ponte de Lima 

Different. Barcelos to Ponte de Lima in 2 days

You possibly can cut up the lengthy stage into two and spend an evening in Vitorino dos Piães and the following day proceed to Ponta de Lima. The second day might be quick 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 lovely park (Parque do Arnado) on the opposite facet of the river are value exploring. 

One more reason to spit the stage is the stroll from Ponte de Lima to Rubiães, it’s a comparatively quick 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) 

Amassed ascent – 403 m

Amassed 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) 

Amassed ascent – 105 m

Amassed 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) 

Amassed ascent – 517 m

Amassed 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 attributable to a steep and lengthy ascent and gathered tiredness after the earlier lengthy strolling day. Splitting the earlier stage into two may be 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 be sure that to hold sufficient water for the ascent.

Highlights

A embellished 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 by the city of Ponte de Lima

1-6 km/0,6-3,7 mi strolling by the fields and villages

4,5 km/2,7 mi – a embellished wall with collectible figurines of saints, footage, and so on.

6-7,5 km/3,7-4,6 mi – strolling by the forest

7,7-8,5 km/4,7-5,2 mi – strolling alongside the highway

8,5 km/5,2 mi – a bar in a village. It’s the final and solely place to cease for meals and relaxation earlier than the ascent. The subsequent bar is at 15,8 km and it’s not all the time open. There might be no place to refill water in the course of the ascent.

8-13 km/5-8 mi – the start of the ascent by the forest.

9,4 km/5,8 mi – guesthouse Quinta da Labrujo

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 by 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 – a bar

16,5 km/10,2 mi – homestay Casa de Lamas

16,8 km/10,4 mi – guesthouse O Repouso do Peregrino

17 km/10,5 mi – Albergue Constantino

17,3 km/10,7 mi – guesthouses 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) 

Amassed ascent – 306 m

Amassed 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 quick distance, it is rather various. You get to stroll by the forest and fields, go to two medieval fortresses, and two international locations. I’d suggest spending a while at Valença Fortress. 

If you happen to 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 might be no extra cobbled stones on the route (perhaps right here and there within the cities however not like in Portugal). Keep in mind in regards to 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 situated on the highest of the hill and provides spectacular views of the city and its environment.

A steel bridge throughout the Minho River provides lovely views of each shores and fortresses

Tui Fortress is a Spanish fortress on the other 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 outdated Roman highway

4,3 km/2,6 mi – a restaurant, resort Casa da Capela

4,5 km/2,7 mi – the start of an extended 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 – 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 suggest 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 by it. There are a number of resorts and plenty of eating places contained in the partitions. 

17,5 km/10,8 mi – a steel bridge throughout the Minho River. On the opposite facet of the river is Spain. Keep 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 primary road and takes you in the direction of the river first after which again to the primary road. You stroll 500 m further. If you wish to get nearer to the river you possibly can observe the marked route in any other case simply maintain 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. 

A submit on the a part of the Portuguese Camino from Tui to Santiago de Compostela is coming quickly. There you’ll be capable of discover a detailed description of the final 5 levels of the Central Route.