The Central Route is the most well-liked route of the Portuguese Camino from Porto. The Camino begins at Se Cathedral within the historic heart of Porto and finishes in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. It’s an inland route that takes pilgrims via a number of historic cities and combines forest and rural surroundings.
In response to 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 one of the crucial common Camino de Santiago routes.
Desk of Contents
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
- Problem stage – reasonable
- Collected ascent – 4000 m over 10 days
- Common price – 30 euros per individual per day if staying in albergues, from 50 euros if staying in inns
Central Route GPX recordsdata
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Portuguese Camino Central Route PDFs
Locations to remain on the Central Route PDF
Strolling phases 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 recommended locations are located inside a 600 m radius of Sé Cathedral which suggests you’ll be able to stroll out of your lodge to the Cathedral and begin strolling.
Low-end | Misplaced Inn Porto Hostel | Onefam Ribeira |
Mid-range | ORM Santana Condominium | Maria da SÉ Historic Home |
Excessive-end | Se Catedral Lodge Porto, Tapestry Assortment By Hilton | HM – Ribeira São João 2D Condominium |
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 via town are the identical.
Technically you’ll be able to stroll out of Porto following the Litoral Approach to Vila do Conde and swap to the Central Camino utilizing the connecting route from Vila do Conde to Charges. It’ll add one further day to your itinerary. For my part, following the Central Route from the beginning is the best possibility.
Yow will discover 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 seek out the best way?
Sure, the Central Route is well-marked from the begin to the top. You don’t want GPS, a map, or a information to seek out the best way. 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 metallic shells on the bottom.
How tough is the Central Route?
The Central Route has some difficult phases with lengthy and steep ascents and descents. I’d spotlight the phases from Ponte de Lima to Rubiães and Tui to Redondela. Each phases have very steep ascents with subsequent steep descents. The final day from Padrón to Santiago, significantly the final bit, has steep ascents.
There are some lengthy strolling days, over 30 km in the usual itinerary however you’ll be able to simply break up these days into two there are tows and locations to remain in between so there isn’t any must 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 street with automobiles sometimes however normally 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 via 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’s 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 provide 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 usually on laborious surfaces corresponding to tar, cobbled, and asphalt.
Is there numerous strolling on the street?
Right here and there you do get brief stretches the place you stroll on the street however it’s normally 100-300 m after which the route turns away. Within the first half of the Central Route from Porto, there are components on the street however there are different trails which are marked and indicated. I like to recommend taking the choice routes as they take you away from the street. The gap is normally kind of the identical however it’s a lot safer.
Baggage supply service on the Central Route
A number of corporations provide baggage supply providers on the Central Route. I’d spotlight 3 primary 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 may stroll with a daypack carrying solely necessities and valuables; the remainder of your stuff will likely be transferred every day by automobile. You don’t have to attend for them to choose up your baggage you simply go away it on the reception within the morning.
Methods to mix the Central Route with the Spitirual Variant?
The Non secular Variant is an elective route of the Portuguese Camino from Pontevedra to Padron (Pontecesures). This 3-day route affords a novel expertise, together with a ship experience (Translatio) on the final day from Vila Nova de Arousa to Pontecesures. When you select to stroll the Non secular Variant be sure 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 principle 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
When you’re nonetheless within the strategy of planning your Camino stroll we have now numerous content material on the Portuguese route which is perhaps useful.
The Central Route of the Camino Portuguese route map
Camino Portuguese Central Route strolling phases
Stage 1. Sé Cathedral, Porto to Vilarinho, 27 km/16,7 mi
- Distance – 27 km/16,7 mi
- Time – 6 hours
- Collected ascent – 336 m
- Collected descent – 355 m
- Strolling floor – 14,5 km – tar street and asphalt, 12 km – cobblestones, 500 m – footpath
It’s a simple strolling day with numerous surroundings. You get to see the historic heart 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 folks.
The primary 7 km from Sé Cathedral, the Central Route and the Coastal Route comply with the identical path. At 7 km they break up. The Litoral Method ( it goes alongside the river) follows a distinct path from the cathedral.
Challenges
- Lots of strolling on cobbled stones.
- A few stretches close to a busy street and industrial areas.
Highlights
- The historic heart of Porto
- Lovely forest
Stage 1 of the Central Route description.
0-2,5 km/0-1,5 mi – strolling via the historic a part of Porto.
2,8 km/1,7 mi – Albergue de Peregrinos de Porto. You should purchase a Pigrim’s Passport (Credential) there. It prices 2 euros.
5-11 km/3,1-6,8 mi – the route goes via quiet neighborhoods and residential areas of Porto.
6 km/3,7 mi – a few huge supermarkets (LIDL, Continente) the place you may get a well-priced meal.
7 km/4,3 mi – the break up into the Coastal and the Central Route (on the left aspect of the road) in Padrão da Légua on the intersection of R. Nova do Seixo and R. Fonte Velha. The correct route is the Central Route.
8,4 km/5,2 mi – a grocery store (ALDI)
9 km/5,6 mi – A Casa Vermelha Hostel
11-12 km/6,8-7,4 mi – strolling alongside the street (sidewalk) via the forest
12-14,5 km/7,4-8,3 mi – strolling via cities subsequent to busy roads
14,5 km/8,3 mi – a few huge supermarkets (LIDL, Pingo Doce)
15-16 km/9,3-10 mi – strolling via an industrial space however not a really busy one
16-16,4 km/10-10,2 mi – on the street
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 – Vilar, a small city with a restaurant and a store
21-21,5 km/13-13,3 mi – strolling on the street
21,5 km/13,3 mi – Gião, a small city with a restaurant. You may stamp your Pilgrim’s Passport at a stand with a stamp on the left aspect 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 break up. I’d suggest following the choice route that turns proper and goes via a quiet space. The left route continues on a slim street – not a secure strolling possibility. There’s a good guesthouse Casa Mindela, 700 m from the Camino route. You may 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 via the forest
27 km/16,7 mi – Vilarinho, a city with a store, a restaurant, and a personal 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)
- Collected ascent – 423 m
- Collected 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 pleasing strolling day via 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 subsequent place to cease will likely 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 recommended 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 a lot 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 brief stretches of 100-200 m on the street.
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 heart of Barcelos. The view of the city and the church from the other aspect of the bridge is gorgeous. The middle of Barcelos has many eating places and cafes. It’s a stunning 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 street) – detour to skip the a part of strolling on the street
6,2 km/3,8 mi – São Mamede, 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; inns, eating places
12 km/7,4 mi – São Pedro De Charges (Charges); municipal albergue, inns, eating places, retailers
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, non-public 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 heart of Barcelos
Stage 3. Barcelos to Ponte de Lima, 34 km/21 mi
- Distance – 34 km/21 mi
- Time – 7-8 hours (transferring time)
- Collected ascent – 509 m
- Collected 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 break up into two phases. Most individuals I met have been planning to stroll all the best way. Don’t attempt to sustain with others. Cut up the stage into two and relatively have two days of stress-free strolling than be overtired and probably with blisters after a really lengthy day.
Challenges
- A really lengthy strolling day, 34 km/21 mi.
- Strolling on laborious 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 via 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 via 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 placement is true 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 street)
12 km/7,4 mi – Aborim, 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, lodge Estabulo de Valinhas
22,4 km/13,9 mi – restaurant
25 km/15,5 mi – lodge Quinta da Albergaria
28 km/17,3 mi – Sobreiro, non-public Albergue O Caminheiro
28,5 km/17,7 mi – Seara, cafe, bakery, lodge Pinheiro Manso
34 km/21 mi – the middle of Ponte de Lima
Various. Barcelos to Ponte de Lima in 2 days
You may break up the lengthy stage into two and spend an evening in Vitorino dos Piães and the subsequent day proceed to Ponta de Lima. The second day will likely be brief which suggests 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 aspect of the river are price exploring.
Another excuse to spit the stage is the stroll from Ponte de Lima to Rubiães, it’s a comparatively brief 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)
- Collected ascent – 403 m
- Collected 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 | lodge 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)
- Collected ascent – 105 m
- Collected 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)
- Collected ascent – 517 m
- Collected 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 collected tiredness after the earlier lengthy strolling day. Splitting the earlier stage into two is perhaps a very good possibility. Earlier than you begin the ascent be sure to 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 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 through the invasion of 1809.
Stage 4 of the Central Route description
0-1 km/0-0,6 mi strolling via the city of Ponte de Lima
1-6 km/0,6-3,7 mi strolling via the fields and villages
3 km/1,8 mi – Oasis do Caminho tenting
4,5 km/2,7 mi – a embellished wall with collectible figurines of saints, photos, and so on.
6-7,5 km/3,7-4,6 mi – strolling via the forest
7,7-8,5 km/4,7-5,2 mi – strolling alongside the street
8,5 km/5,2 mi – Codeçal, a village with a bar. It’s the final 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 will likely be no place to refill water through the ascent.
8-13 km/5-8 mi – the start of the ascent via the forest.
9,4 km/5,8 mi – guesthouse Quinta da Labruja
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 via 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 – Agualonga, a bar
16,5 km/10,2 mi – homestay Casa de Lamas
16,8 km/10,4 mi – São Roque, guesthouse O Repouso do Peregrino
17 km/10,5 mi – Albergue Constantino
17,3 km/10,7 mi – guesthouse 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)
- Collected ascent – 306 m
- Collected 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 brief distance, it is vitally numerous. You get to stroll via the forest and fields, go to two medieval fortresses, and two international locations. I’d suggest spending a while at Valença Fortress.
When you 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 concerning the strolling floor of the Portuguese Camino is that after you cross to Spain there will likely 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 affords spectacular views of the city and its environment.
- A metallic bridge throughout the Minho River affords lovely views of each shores and fortresses
- Tui Fortress is a Spanish fortress on the other aspect of the river.
Stage 5 route description
0-300 m – alongside the street
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 street
2,2-3,4 km/1,3-2,1 mi – strolling on the outdated Roman street
4,3 km/2,6 mi – a restaurant, lodge Casa da Capela
4,5 km/2,7 mi – the start of a protracted 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 – Pedreira, 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 via it. There are a number of inns and lots of eating places contained in the partitions.
17,5 km/10,8 mi – a metallic bridge throughout the Minho River. On the opposite aspect 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 principle road and takes you in the direction of the river first after which again to the principle road. You stroll 500 m further. If you wish to get nearer to the river you’ll be able to comply with 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.
Yow will discover the knowledge on the final 100 km from Tui to Santiago in our designated submit.
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The gorgeous half of Stingy Nomads, accountable for all our land adventures (climbing, climbing, strolling the Camino) and following them write-ups. Alya loves strolling since she was a toddler, she prefers to stroll 1000 km with a backpack relatively than to do a ten 000 km street journey (really any street journey). Alya is a giant fan of Latin America, the Spanish language, and dancing. Each time we go away she desperately misses our canine Chile.