Portuguese Way from Tui: initial tips for your first time

The beginning of an unforgettable journey

The Portuguese Way from Tui is one of the most beautiful and popular routes of the Camino de Santiago. With about 120 kilometers to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, this itinerary combines green landscapes, charming villages and Galician hospitality.

If it is your first time, starting in Tui is an excellent choice: a border city full of history, good signage and all the services for pilgrims. Below are some essential tips to help you enjoy your first Jacobean experience to the fullest.

➤ Plan your stages before leaving

The Portuguese Way from Tui is usually divided into 6 or 7 stages, with distances ranging between 18 and 25 km per day. If it is your first time, it is most advisable to maintain a moderate pace, avoiding excessively long days.

These are the most common stages:

• Tui → Porriño (18 km): the first contact with the Galician landscape.
• Porriño → Redondela (16 km): rural paths and lush forests.
• Redondela → Pontevedra (20 km): a stage with views of the Rías Baixas.
• Pontevedra → Caldas de Reis (22 km): among vineyards and villages.
• Caldas de Reis → Padrón (19 km): the heart of the Jacobean myth.
• Padrón → Santiago (25 km): the final stage, full of emotion and pride.

You can also add an extra night in Pontevedra or Caldas to enjoy their heritage and gastronomy.

➤ Train before starting the Camino

Although the Portuguese Way is not especially demanding, a basic physical preparation is recommended. Walking for several consecutive days requires endurance, especially in the first stages.

Take weekly walks of 8 to 10 km before the trip and use the footwear you will wear during the Camino. Avoid wearing new shoes, since blisters are one of the most common problems among first-time pilgrims.

• Walk at least 3 or 4 days a week during the month prior.
• Include sections with gentle climbs and descents.
• Do a 20 km walk before the trip to test your endurance.

➤ What to pack: less is more

One of the most frequent mistakes among beginners is carrying too much weight. The ideal backpack should not exceed 10% of your body weight. Prioritize comfort and lightness: on the Camino, every gram counts.

• Comfortable and already tested footwear.
• Light, quick-drying clothing.
• Rain jacket or waterproof poncho.
• Basic first-aid kit with band-aids, petroleum jelly and foot cream.
• Documentation, money and pilgrim credential.
• A cap, sunglasses and sunscreen.

If you prefer to walk without weight, you can hire a backpack transport service between stages. It is affordable, reliable and very popular among first-time pilgrims.

➤ Galician weather: be prepared for everything

In Galicia, the weather can change several times in the same day. Although the Portuguese Way from Tui usually has mild temperatures, rain can appear in any season. Therefore, it is important to wear layered clothing and always have a waterproof jacket on hand.

• Spring and autumn: the most recommended seasons (mild weather, green landscapes).
• Summer: longer days, but more people and higher temperatures.
• Winter: fewer pilgrims, but risk of frequent rain.

Choose the time of year according to your preferences: tranquility, weather or social atmosphere.

➤ Accommodation and rest

The stretch from Tui has a wide variety of accommodations: hostels, guesthouses, inns, rural hotels and charming houses. Most towns have options for all budgets, so you will have no problems resting well every night.

In high season (April–September), it is advisable to book in advance, especially in highly demanded places such as Pontevedra or Padrón.

• Public hostels: affordable, with a pilgrim atmosphere.
• Inns and guesthouses: more privacy and comfort.
• Rural houses: charming rest and local gastronomy.

➤ Tips for your first Jacobean experience

Your first Camino will be unforgettable. Here are some tips to fully enjoy it:

• Do not obsess over the pace: the Camino is not a race. Walk at your own pace and enjoy each landscape.
• Start early: walking in the morning will allow you to avoid the heat and arrive with enough time to rest.
• Stay well hydrated: always carry water with you and replenish fluids during the day.
• Stamp your credential: you need at least two stamps per day to obtain the Compostela.
• Enjoy the gastronomy: try the octopus, seafood, albariño wines and Galician pies.
• Always greet with “¡Buen Camino!”: one of the most beautiful traditions of the journey.

➤ Arrival in Santiago: emotion and reward

After days of effort and joy, reaching the Cathedral of Santiago is an emotional experience for any pilgrim. From Monte do Gozo, you will be able to see for the first time the towers that announce the end of the route. It is the moment to be grateful for the path traveled, collect the Compostela and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the Plaza del Obradoiro.

For many, the end is not a closure, but the beginning of something new: the certainty of having lived something that leaves a mark forever.

The Portuguese Way from Tui is the perfect gateway to begin your Jacobean experience. With planning, enthusiasm and an open mind, you will discover that each step toward Santiago is also a step toward yourself.