Portuguese Way from Tui: the stages you can’t miss
Starting the Portuguese Way from Tui is an experience that combines nature, culture and spirituality. This Galician section, with about 120 kilometers to the Cathedral of Santiago, allows you to obtain the Compostela and enjoy some of the most beautiful landscapes of the Camino de Santiago.
From the first step in Tui to the arrival in Santiago, each day offers something unique: medieval bridges, lush forests, stone villages, albariño wine and the warmth of the Galician people. Below, we go through the most special stages you should not miss.
➤ Stage 1: Tui → Porriño (18 km)The Camino begins in the border city of Tui, on the banks of the Miño River, the natural border between Spain and Portugal. It is a perfect stage to acclimate to the pilgrim’s rhythm. The route crosses eucalyptus forests, small villages and rural paths that introduce the walker to the Galician essence.
The Cathedral of Santa María de Tui, Romanesque in style, marks the ideal starting point. The day ends in Porriño, a town with a pilgrim atmosphere and a good gastronomic offer.
- Best of: the view of the Miño and the historic atmosphere of Tui’s old town.
- Tip: start early to avoid the heat on asphalt sections.
A short but charming stage. The Portuguese Way from Tui crosses rural areas and small Galician villages, with gentle hills and a peaceful atmosphere. In Redondela, known as the “town of the viaducts”, the pilgrim reconnects with the sea upon seeing the Rías Baixas for the first time.
It is an ideal stretch to enjoy the calm and the first conversations with other walkers. Many pilgrims agree that this is where the magic of the Camino begins.
- Best of: the Galician rural landscape and views of the Vigo estuary.
- Tip: take the opportunity to rest in Redondela and enjoy its coastal atmosphere.
Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful stages of the Portuguese Way. Forest paths, gentle climbs and views of the Vigo estuary accompany the pilgrim on a day full of contrasts. The arrival in Pontevedra, a monumental and pedestrian city, is one of the most rewarding moments of the Camino.
The Church of the Peregrina, a symbol of the city, welcomes walkers with its unique scallop-shaped layout. Strolling through its cobblestone streets and dining on its terraces is a reward after a full day.
- Best of: the combination of sea, mountains and historic city.
- Tip: spend an extra night discovering Pontevedra: it is worth it.
A stage that summarizes the essence of the Portuguese Way: paths among vineyards, water mills, medieval bridges and the constant sound of the river. Caldas de Reis is known for its thermal waters, so a relaxing bath at the end of the day is almost a tradition among pilgrims.
The atmosphere in this town is peaceful, ideal for resting and enjoying Galician hospitality.
- Best of: rural landscapes, vineyards and natural hot springs.
- Tip: don’t forget to try the albariño wines of the area.
A day with deep historical and symbolic value. According to tradition, it was in Padrón where the boat carrying the body of the Apostle James arrived, giving origin to the Camino. The route crosses forests, bridges and charming villages until reaching the place where the Jacobean legend began.
In addition, Padrón is the land of poets (such as Rosalía de Castro) and famous cuisine: Padrón peppers, “some are hot and others not”.
- Best of: the spiritual atmosphere and the town’s historical heritage.
- Tip: visit the Church of Santiago and the Pedrón, the sacred stone that gives the town its name.
The last stage of the Portuguese Way from Tui is full of emotion. Rural landscapes give way to the urban environment of Santiago, while the anticipation of seeing the Cathedral towers grows. The final ascent to Monte do Gozo marks a symbolic point: from there, the goal is seen for the first time.
The moment of entering the Plaza del Obradoiro is indescribable: tiredness dissolves into smiles, tears and hugs. It is the end of a journey… and the beginning of something new.
- Best of: the emotion of arriving in Santiago.
- Tip: spend an extra day enjoying the city and collecting your Compostela.
If you have more time, the Portuguese Way from Tui offers complementary routes such as the Coastal Portuguese Way (which passes through Vigo) or small rural variants with less asphalt. You can also visit the International Bridge of Tui, designed by Gustave Eiffel, or enjoy the natural surroundings of Monte Aloia, the first natural park in Galicia.
- Coastal Way: a more scenic alternative along the Atlantic.
- Monte Aloia: spectacular views of the Miño and Portugal.
- Pontevedra: an essential stop for its art and architecture.