As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.
The Portuguese inland route, also known as the Central Route is a popular way to walk the Camino from Porto to Santiago de Compostela. Although the Portuguese Camino de Santiago officially starts in Lisbon, the Central Route starts at the Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto).
Instead of following the stunning Portuguese coast, the Central Route goes inland and crosses the Minho River into Spain. Instead of beaches and boardwalks, pilgrims can expect to see charming towns, Roman bridges, vineyards, and forests as they make their way north.
The historic Camino Portugués Central Route is a treat for pilgrims who are excited to touch the history associated with the grand Camino de Santiago. While you will see plenty of Portuguese history on the Coastal Way, the Central Route takes you on some of the oldest paths in Portugal.
On your way to Santiago, you will walk on the same two-thousand-year-old roads that pilgrims have been using for over a millennium. This route has been the most popular Portuguese route for a long time: is it right for you?
Save it for later! ↓
In this detailed guide, I’ll share you:
- A clear understanding of what awaits pilgrims on the Central Route
- Google Maps for the entire route plus (every individual stage)
- Advice on if this route is right for you
- A detailed itinerary for each stage
Tie your walking shoes and buckle your backpack… it’s time for an adventure, pilgrim!
Have a question? Leave a comment at the bottom and I’ll reply right away 🙂
Route Quick Facts
Here are some quick facts about this route of the Camino Portugués starting from Porto:
- Length: 244 kilometers / 152 miles long
- Total elevation gain: 4,841 meters / 15,883 feet
- Total elevation loss: 4,664 meters / 15,302 feet
- Popularity: It’s the most popular route of the Portuguese Camino, but will probably be overtaken in popularity by the Coastal Route
Watch the route run from Porto to Santiago here:
The Central Route vs Coastal Camino
The Central path of the Camino Portugués to Santiago de Compostela is just one of 3 route options through Portugal.
Here are the Central and Coastal routes compared at a glance:
- Difficulty: Although the Camino Portuguese is considered an easier Camino, the Central path is more difficult in terms of elevation change, walking surface, and stage length.
- Landscape: The Coastal Route walks alongside the Portuguese coast, while the Central is walked through forests and rural landscapes.
- Towns: The Central Route goes through the most historic towns on the Camino Portugués.
- History: The Coastal Route is younger and therefore less historic. Although it’s rich in history, most of the historic sites on the Coastal Route are connected to the Age of Exploration instead of the pilgrimage to Santiago.
Choosing to make your way inland gives a more challenging but also more authentic pilgrim experience.
On the map below you can see that all of the routes meet in Redondela, Spain. When deciding which Camino Portuguese route to walk, you’re deciding on the first part of your journey.
Save it for later! ↓
Central Route Map
This map was generated by our walk on the Central Route. It begins at the Porto Cathedral and ends at the Santiago Cathedral.
The Central Way begins in Lisbon, but I’ve broken the maps up since most pilgrims will begin in Porto.
This route is broken up into 10 stages, which I’ve detailed below. I’ll share suggestions for breaking these stages up into shorter walking days.
Elevation Profile
Below you can see the elevation profile for the Central. The peak is Alto Da Portela, sitting at 395 meters / 1295 feet high. This climb is between Ponte de Lima and Rubiães, which is day 4 on our itinerary.
What will you see on the Portuguese Central Route?
What’s in store for pilgrims who choose the Central way? Here’s a quick highlight.
Historic Highlights
When the pilgrimage to Santiago first emerged, pilgrims traveled north using the old road network that had been there for centuries. More than any of the other routes, the Central Route follows in the footsteps of the medieval pilgrims who once walked this route.
As the most historical route on the Camino Portugués, there are many highlights awaiting pilgrims who walk this path:
- Roman roads: Tread in the footsteps of the Romans on the Via Romana XIX, across the Ponte Romano-Gótica de Ponte de Lima, and the Bermaña Bridge in Caldas de Reis.
- Stone roadside crosses: Dozens of stone crosses are placed along the Central Way, which date back centuries. These stones were placed there for pilgrims and had a “protective effect” for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela.
- Medieval architecture: Walk past beautifully well-preserved Medieval architecture like the Fortaleza de Valença, Ponte de A Veiga in Tui, and the Torre de Barcelos.
- Historic signs of pilgrimage: Take time to read educational signs and you’ll learn that certain structures became meeting points for swapping information between pilgrims, like the historic mill in Valga between Caldas de Reis and Padrón.
When you go inland, the history on display makes the route feel more like an actual pilgrimage rather than just a walk.
Scroll through the photos below and read the captions for examples of all of these historical highlights:
Charming Towns
The Portuguese towns are a true highlight of this route. Walking through the peaceful vineyards and forests in the countryside, you’ll see many characteristic towns and villages with their white-plastered walls and red-tiled roofs.
Some noteworthy gems include:
- Ponte de Lima: Charm and history oozes out of Ponte de Lima, from the the Roman and Medieval Bridge to the Igreja Matriz.
- Valença do Minho: The Camino takes you straight through the famous and well-preserved fort (Fortaleza de Valença).
- Tui: Just a 40-minute walk away from Valença, Tui has a detailed cathedral and a nice historic center.
Read the captions on the photos below for examples of these towns:
Natural Scenery
While the charming towns are a highlight, they’re not the only one! The Central Way has plenty of nature to enjoy, such as:
- Endless vineyards: The endless lush Portuguese vineyards are a defining characteristic of this route.
- Alto Da Portela: The physical highpoint of the Central Way offers lovely views of the overlapping mountains.
- Vigo Estuary and Cíes Islands: After leaving Redondela, you’ll climb and view the water and islands for the first time. The area around the Ponte Sampaio is an especially scenic stretch!
Swipe through the photos below to see examples of these natural highlights.
The Camino Experience
A walk on the Camino de Santiago isn’t a normal vacation or even a normal hike. There are quintessential experiences that make the Camino so special.
Amenities
A Camino isn’t the same as an off-grid hike where you’re responsible for packing your own food and shelter. The Camino is rich in amenities, and it goes beyond convenience: it’s also a part of the joy and cultural exposure. Buy your bread for the day alongside locals at the corner bakery and taste the local foods on offer.
Albergues
Unlike an escape into solitude that you might seek on a long hike, the Camino de Santiago is centered around the collective act of pilgrimage. One of the tangible ways that this manifests is albergues: pilgrim hostels where pilgrims sleep in bunk beds and shared rooms. Both municipal albergues and private albergues exist to host pilgrims from all over the world on their journeys north to Santiago de Compostela.
Compostela Certificate
Pilgrims walk away from a Camino with more than just the memories, blisters, and friendships to show for it: they also get a Compostela certificate. This is free to any pilgrim who walked the minimum distance of 100 kilometers. It may look like “just a piece of paper” to some people, but being handed your Compostela is an incredible feeling and it instantly becomes a treasured keepsake.
Learn more about this in my Camino Compostela guide.
Pilgrim’s Passport
How do you get access to albergues and prove that you’re a pilgrim for your Compostela certificate? You do this with a pilgrim’s passport. Don’t brush this off as just a piece of paperwork: your passport will become a sentimental souvenir, acting as a personal map showing all of the albergues, cafes, and churches you visited on your journey.
Learn more important ins and outs in my pilgrim’s passport guide.
Walking Gear
The tangible difference between a Camino and a vacation is very visible when packing. Make way for comfy clothes, multipurpose items, and quality socks! Being nervous about packing (what to pack or packing too much) is a normal part of the Camino experience. Test your walking gear before you set off to make sure that everything is comfortable and necessary.
Get a packing list and tips in my realistic packing list.
Luggage Transfer
Pilgrims aren’t required to carry their backpacks on the Camino. Luggage transfer services are popular alternatives. How it works: you pay a company (typically around €7 per bag per day) to move your luggage for you from A to B every day. This allows you to only take a day bag with you and not be weighed down by a full backpack.
Get a detailed guide here: Luggage Transfer Guide.
Central Route Stages
Many pilgrims choose the Central Route because it’s the shortest of the 3 Portuguese Camino routes. With that in mind, I created a 10-day itinerary:
- Day 1: Porto To Vairão 25.4 km / 15.8 miles
- Day 2: Vairão to Barcelos 29.3 km / 18.2 miles
- Day 3: Barcelos to Ponte de Lima 32.6 km / 20.3 miles
- Day 4: Ponte de Lima to Rubiães 18 km / 11.2 miles
- Day 5: Rubiães to Tui 20.2 km / 12.6 miles
- Day 6: Tui to Redondela 31.8 km / 19.8 miles
- Day 7: Redondela to Pontevedra 20.8 km / 12.9 miles
- Day 8: Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis 18.9 km / 11.7 miles
- Day 9: Caldas de Reis to Padrón 18.9 km / 11.7 miles
- Day 10: Padrón to Santiago 25.3 km / 15.7 miles
Do you have to walk the Central Route of the Camino following these exact stages? No — you’re welcome to break these stages up instead any distance you’d like. In the detailed itinerary guide (click the button under each stage) I’ll recommend ways to break the stages up into smaller distances.
Day 1: Porto To Vairão
Distance: 25.4 kilometers / 15.6 miles
Elevation gained: 387 meters / 1,270 feet
Elevation lost: 390 meters / 1,280 feet
This walk out of Porto (population 231,800) requires patience as you’ll spend at least 60% of the walk still within the Porto bubble. Many people skip this by taking public transport out of town — read our stage guide (button below) for more on this.
Enjoy the amenity-rich urban sprawl as much as possible before watching the town finally fade away into the Portuguese countryside. You’ll spend the latter part of the day on sidewalks and the side of the roads, but the drivers here are polite and used to pilgrims — just use good road etiquette. End the day memorably by staying in a monastery in Vairão (population 2,643) run by volunteers.
Day 2: Vairão to Barcelos
Distance: 29.3 kilometers / 18 miles
Elevation gained: 514 meters / 1,687 feet
Elevation lost: 553 meters / 1,814 feet
This stage is a welcomed difference from the first day on the Central Route. You’re rewarded for your perseverance with a peaceful pass out of the town. The middle of the walk is defined by scattered small villages, and it can sometimes offer the feeling that you can’t quite escape into nature.
When you finally do lose sight of the towns, you’re rewarded with endless green. It’s a treat after a day spent on cobblestone streets. This day concludes with a beautiful entry into Barcelos (population 117,000). This lively town celebrates embraces its medieval charm as well as its beloved chicken. There are endless amenities: good food, nice places to stay, locals who smile at you on your pilgrimage.
Day 3: Barcelos to Ponte de Lima 32.6 km
Distance: 32.6 kilometers / 20.2 miles
Elevation gained: 499 meters / 1,637 feet
Elevation lost: 528 meters / 1,732 feet
This is a long but scenic day that begins in one highlight (Barcelos) and ends in another (Ponte de Lima). You’re in for a real treat, as Ponte de Lima (population 41,164) is often hailed by pilgrims as the nicest town on Central Route. This was is much less urban that the first two days, and more elevation comes with it. Pass through farmlands, fewer villages, and fewer cobblestone paths.
Your feet will love walking on the dirt paths, which are far easier on the feet and knees. Take time to read the signs explaining the history of the region, and specifically how the Camino’s history in this region. Enjoy this day of roadside chapels and a memorable entry into the beautifully preserved Ponte de Lima.
Day 4: Ponte de Lima to Rubiães 18 km
Distance: 18 kilometers / 11.2 miles
Elevation gained: 620 meters / 2,034 feet
Elevation lost: 403 meters / 1,322 feet
The first three days of cobblestones and road walking leave many pilgrims wondering if they’ve chosen the right path. Ponte de Lima is the tipping point where you’ll begin feeling grateful for your choice.
This stage holds the biggest climb of the entire Camino, up to a small pass called Alto Da Portela (395 meters / 1,295 feet). You’ll climb through pine woods and small scenic waterfalls. In clear conditions, you’re then rewarded for your efforts with a lovely view from the top. The rest of the day feels easy after that climb, and you’ll descend into the tiny village of Rubiães (population 512).
Day 5: Rubiães to Tui 20.2 km
Distance: 20.2 kilometers / 12.6 miles
Elevation gained: 389 meters / 1,276 feet
Elevation lost: 569 meters / 1,867 feet
This day feels longer than it looks on paper, thanks to the diversity in the stage. You’ll walk past small waterfalls, woodland paths, fields, and vineyards as you watch the mountains grow larger on the horizon.
Then, you will suddenly find yourself on the outskirts of Valença do Minho (population 13,634). Embrace your journey into its historic center, as this is your final stop in Portugal before walking over the international bridge and entering Spain.
One of the joys of the Portuguese Camino is the exposure to two different countries. The 2 countries finally meet at the Minho River (Miño River). Cross the metal bridge into Spain, leaving Portugal behind.
Valença is so close to Tui (population 16,902) that you can choose to walk back across the river for dinner or one last pastel de nata. If you’re planning rest days into your itinerary, Tui/Valença is a great contender.
Day 6: Tui to Redondela 31.8 km
Distance: 31.8 kilometers / 19.8 miles
Elevation gained: 520 meters / 1,706 feet
Elevation lost: 565 meters / 1,854 feet
The first part of the stage is characterized by a mix of well-protected road walking and small towns, mixed in with bird-song-filled forests.
It’s beautifully lush, with the trail taking you past many moss-covered bridges and stone cross after cross. The mix of natural landscapes with historical gems left from the past creates an interesting walk for the engaged and interested pilgrim.
This stage passes through the lively town of O Porriño (population 7,765) and later a smaller town named Mos (population 15,196). The Camino may feel livelier today. This stretch is a popular starting point for pilgrims who are choosing to only walk the last 100 kilometers.
Entering Redondela (population 29,192) also marks an important milestone for the Camino: the Coastal Route merges with the Central. Swap stories of what the Coastal Route was like with pilgrims at the albergues or over some tapas. If you have energy left, explore this charming coastal town together.
Note: This is a long stage. When on the Camino, I always ask people why they chose the route they were on. The #1 answer for the Central Route was that it was the fastest way to Santiago. I made this itinerary to reflect that interest, but you can break this stage up in O Porriño if you have the time.
Day 7: Redondela to Pontevedra
Distance: 20.8 km / 12.9 miles
Elevation gained: 527 m / 1,729 feet
Elevation lost: 514 m / 1,690 feet
This is a diverse day with 2 small climbs, but they come with rewards. At the peak of the first climb, look to your left and see the famous Vigo Estuary. Not only is it home to the Cíes Islands, it’s rumored to be harboring treasure that was lost into the water in 1702 in the Battle of Rande.
A highlight of the day is the mid-day walk into the small town of Arcade (population 2,200). After crossing over the medieval Puente Sampayo Bridge over the Verdugo River, you’ll wind through steep historic streets that will make you feel like a time traveler.
You’ll end the day with a scenic, alternative route that hugs the Rio Tomeza instead of going through the industrial area. Pontevedra (population 83,241) will feel like a big city when entering on foot. Enjoy this amenity stop.
Day 8: Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis 20.8 km
Distance: 20.8 kilometers / 12.9 miles
Elevation gained: 527 meters / 1,729 feet
Elevation lost: 514 meters / 1,690 feet
This is a quiet, peaceful day with fewer amenities than most other stages of the Camino. The soundtrack of this day is the rivers and bird song with occasional passing cars and trains, reminding you that you’re still closely intertwined with the Spanish towns. The stewards of the Camino do an excellent job diverting you away from busy roads on this day instead of taking you through peaceful force between moss-covered trees and lush greenery.
This stage includes two alternative routes. The first alternative route adds 1 kilometer and takes you to a waterfall and a park at the Parque Natural Ría Barosa. The second takes you to the Spiritual Route, AKA the Spiritual Variant or the “Traslatio Route.”
This adds several days to your Camino. The normal stage (minus the Spiritual Variant) ends in Caldas de Reis (population 9,860), a lively small famous for its hot springs.
Day 9: Caldas de Reis to Padrón 18.9 km
Distance: 18.9 kilometers / 11.8 miles
Elevation gained: 380 meters / 1,247 feet
Elevation lost: 394 meters / 1,293 feet
This day is the calm before the symbol crash of arriving in Santiago. It’s a calm, peaceful stage with limited amenities very nice walk through rolling woodland paths. Enjoy the lush forest, bird song, and the smell of freshness in the forest (even in winter).
The typical stage ends in Padrón (population 8,386), hailed as the famous last stop on the Portuguese Camino thanks to all of its St. James lore. It’s also quite a short day, which can give you a nice evening to rest or spend time with your Camino family before arriving in Santiago. Some pilgrims will choose to overshoot Padrón and get closer to Santiago de Compostela.
Day 10: Padrón to Santiago de Compostela 25.3 km
Distance: 25.3 kilometers / 15.7 miles
Elevation gained: 625 meters / 2,047 feet
Elevation lost: 381 meters / 1,250 feet
This is a long but exciting day. You can practically feel the excitement in the air on the road as you walk out of Padrón. With good weather or high spirits, this stage passes quickly. Under less desirable circumstances, this day will feel long thanks to the urban sprawl and the steady incline. The anticipation of arriving, however, can’t be tamed.
The first half of this stage is a little light on amenities, where you’ll walk through small villages and agricultural spaces. The crowing chickens and playful goats can make you wonder if it’s possible that Santiago de Compostela (population 97,798) is really lurking so closely on the horizon.
The second half of the day is full of amenities and stops, though the butterflies will urge you to keep walking. Be present in the moment as you walk up to the Cathedral on the Plaza del Obradoiro. Arriving there for the first time is a feeling that you should soak up so you never forget it.
Arriving in Santiago de Compostela
Waiting for you in Santiago de Compostela is a feeling that’s almost impossible to describe. Satisfaction and joy in the success of your Camino; sadness and longing knowing that it’s over. Here are some tips for handling this special moment.
Learn more about planning your arrival in Santiago in my guide.
Bask on the Plaza del Obradoiro
The square surrounding the Cathedral de Santiago is called the Plaza del Obradoiro. In good weather, you’ll see dozens of satisfied pilgrims sitting on the ground next to their packs, drinking it all in. You’ll suddenly notice many more pilgrims than you saw on the trail: all of the Camino de Santiago paths end here.
You might see some boisterous celebrations from Camino Francés pilgrims (entering from the tunnel on the left-hand side of the Cathedral). Some of them have been walking for six weeks, or even longer if they began walking from their front doors.
Get Compostela Certificate at the Pilgrim Office
The Compostela certificate is a special gift waiting for you at the end of your Camino de Santiago. Get your Compostela at the pilgrim’s office, only a 3-minute walk away from the Cathedral:
Pilgrim’s Mass
Pilgrim’s mass is a special way to end the Camino experience. Sitting inside the massive and grandiose Cathedral de Santiago, it’s impossible not to feel small (in the best way) and reflect on the millions of pilgrims who have come before you.
Get tips for planning your visit to pilgrim’s mass in my guide.
Camino Portugués Central Route FAQs
Choosing the right route for your Portuguese Camino isn’t easy as you may feel like you only have one chance.
Here are some of the most common questions surrounding this route and their answers.
Buen Camino!
Is the Central Route calling to you? I’ve walked all of the routes of the Camino Portugués and would love to help you choose which route is right for you!
Ask any unanswered questions in the comments below and I’ll reply right away.
And, most importantly: buen Camino, pilgrim!!
5 Responses