Portuguese Camino from Tui in Paradores · 7 Nights to Santiago

The first stage of the Portuguese Central Way in Galicia is a short and mostly flat journey. The starting point is the historic city of Tui, whose imposing Cathedral of Saint Mary dominates the landscape over the Miño River. After exploring its charming old town, the pilgrim embarks on the march north.

Traditionally, this stage was one of the least attractive parts of the Camino due to a long and monotonous stretch through the As Gándaras industrial area. However, in recent years, an official alternative route has been marked that has completely transformed the experience. This new route, highly recommended, deviates to follow a pleasant river path that runs along the Louro River, through a natural space of great beauty.

This detour converts a tarmac stage into a beautiful walk through nature, with riverbank woods, wooden bridges, and an atmosphere of complete tranquility. Both routes, the industrial and the natural, converge before arriving at O Porriño.

The arrival in O Porriño, a village with a significant granite industry, brings the pilgrim back to an urban environment. The locality, with its unique town hall architecture and lively life, offers a full range of services, making for a comfortable and practical final stage to rest and replenish energy.

The 15 km stage from O Porriño to Redondela is short but intense, and of great strategic importance. The main difficulty of the day is the climb up Inxertado Hill, an ascent of about 200 meters with considerable ramps that demands a good effort.

The road leaves O Porriño and passes through the town of Mos. From here on, the climb begins, which partly follows a beautifully paved path. From the top, a descent starts that takes the pilgrim through a landscape of forests and valleys. An interesting point on the route is the Vilar de Infesta Milestone, an ancient Roman column that indicated the distance along the road.

The final part of the stage is a pleasant walk that approaches the Ria de Vigo. The arrival in Redondela is unmistakable, as the town is dominated by the presence of two large railway viaducts from the 19th century that cross it at great height.

Redondela is a key point, where pilgrims arriving on the Central Portuguese Way meet those who have chosen the Coastal Variant. This convergence doubles the number of pilgrims and creates a lively atmosphere. The town, with its old quarter and public albergue in the historic "Casa da Torre", is a welcoming and perfectly equipped place for rest.

The journey that connects Redondela to Pontevedra is one of the most rewarding on the Portuguese Way. The route is filled with history and scenic landscape. The departure from Redondela takes the pilgrim towards Arcade, a famous village known for its oysters. The highlight of the first part is crossing the Verdugo River over the historic Pontesampaio bridge, a long stone bridge of ten arches, famous for being the scene of a decisive battle in the War of Independence. Immediately after the bridge, the most difficult part of the stage begins: a strong climb up an ancient cobblestone road that winds through the forest. Once this demanding ascent is overcome, the rest of the path is much smoother. The route runs through a pleasant rural landscape, with sections for "corredoiras" and small villages. Arrival in Pontevedra is the big prize. The city welcomes the pilgrim to the Capilla de la Virgen Peregrina, patroness of the city and the way. Its old town, completely pedestrianized, is a delight to stroll around. Its squares (da Leña, da Ferrería), the Basilica of Santa María la Mayor and its lively atmosphere of terraces and tapas make Pontevedra an obligatory stop and one of the most appreciated final stages.

The stage between Pontevedra and Caldas de Reis is a pleasant journey that allows the pilgrim to enjoy the essence of rural Galicia. The path leaves Pontevedra by crossing the Lérez River over the historic Puente do Burgo and enters a landscape of gentle hills. The profile is undulating, but without any notable difficulty. The route runs on dirt paths and trails that cross oak and eucalyptus forests, as well as wine-growing areas of the D.O. Rías Baixas. It's a very pleasant stage for walking, with numerous streams and an atmosphere of great tranquility. You pass through the small village of San Amaro, a good place to take a break. The arrival in Caldas de Reis, by the river Umia, is an invitation to relax. This town is famous for its thermal waters, which flow at more than 40 degrees. The pilgrim can immerse their tired feet in the public hot water fountain of As Burgas, a comforting and free experience. Additionally, the town has spas, a beautiful botanical garden, and interesting heritage. It's a perfect final stage for rest and body care.

The route that unites Caldas de Reis with Padrón is a comfortable and symbolic stage. The profile is gentle, with light undulations, and flows through a beautiful rural landscape. The path leaves Caldas and enters an environment of forests and agricultural fields, passing by small villages such as Santa Mariña de Carracedo. It's an enjoyable walk that allows the pilgrim to mentally prepare for arrival in Santiago. The destination is Padrón, a village that is the heart of the Jacobean legend. According to tradition, it was in Iria Flavia (the current Padrón) where the disciples of Saint James fastened the boat carrying his body from Palestine. The anchor stone, "O Pedrón", is preserved under the main altar of the parish church of Santiago and its visit is a moment of great emotion. Besides its religious significance, Padrón is famous for its peppers ("uns pican e outros non") and for being the birthplace of great figures in Spanish literature such as Rosalía de Castro and Nobel Prize Camilo José Cela. Visiting their museums-homes is an excellent cultural activity for the afternoon.

The final stage of the Portuguese Way is a journey of raw emotions. Starting from Padrón, cradle of Jacobean tradition, the pilgrim undertakes the last kilometers towards the Apostle's tomb. The profile of the stage is a gentle but constant ascent, symbolizing the last spiritual ascent to the goal. The route runs through a landscape that changes, from the rural surroundings of the early hours to the progressive urbanization as it approaches Santiago. It passes by localities such as A Esclavitude, with its baroque sanctuary, and through a succession of small villages. The entrance into Santiago de Compostela is made from the south side of the city. The pilgrim traverses the new neighborhoods before entering the labyrinthine streets of the historic center's cobblestone alleys. Each turn, each square, increases anticipation. Finally, after passing by the Praza de Praterías, with its beautiful fountain and Romanesque portico, the pilgrim enters the majestic Praza do Obradoiro. The moment to stand before the imposing façade of the Cathedral, accompanied by the sound of bagpipes in the background, is the culmination of all effort, an instant of joy, relief, and deep emotion that will remain forever in memory.