A Scenic Pilgrimage From Lisbon to Santiago de Compostela
The original Portuguese Saint James pilgrimage—the Central Camino—begins in Lisbon, Portugal before journeying north to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. On this extraordinary, goal-oriented hike, trek along serene pathways and through lush forests, visiting historic Portuguese and Galician villages and passing the longest river on the Iberian Peninsula. As you reach the wild beaches and scenic lighthouses of Galicia, inhale the scents of the Atlantic Ocean. Your journey culminates in your arrival in beautiful Santiago de Compostela. Along the way, take time to enjoy the traditional cuisine, while admiring stunning architecture and varied landscapes dotted with vineyards, olive groves, and Roman roads.
The original Portuguese Saint James pilgrimage—the Central Camino—begins in Lisbon, Portugal before journeying north to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. On this extraordinary, goal-oriented hike, trek along serene pathways and through lush forests, visiting historic Portuguese and Galician villages and passing the longest river on the Iberian Peninsula. As you reach the wild beaches and scenic lighthouses of Galicia, inhale the scents of the Atlantic Ocean. Your journey culminates in your arrival in beautiful Santiago de Compostela. Along the way, take time to enjoy the traditional cuisine, while admiring stunning architecture and varied landscapes dotted with vineyards, olive groves, and Roman roads.
Hike on a less-traveled and more rural Camino route with stops at three UNESCO World Heritage cities - Lisbon, Porto, and Santiago de Compostela
[Description] => Hike on a less-traveled and more rural Camino route with stops at three UNESCO World Heritage cities - Lisbon, Porto, and Santiago de Compostela
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Savor a traditional local dinner over sounds of fado in Porto, Portugal's foodie capital, and explore the Douro Port wine region
[Description] => Savor a traditional local dinner over sounds of fado in Porto, Portugal's foodie capital, and explore the Douro Port wine region
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Discover beautiful and historic villages on the way, including Ponte de Lima, Portugal's oldest village
Arrive in Lisbon in the afternoon, and transfer from the airport to the hotel. Relax and refresh, then meet your guides and group in the lobby for introductions. Venture out to the city's historic district. Roam the maze of alleyways in the ancient quarter of Alfama, see the cathedral, and discover the elegant Chiado neighborhood. Marvel at the 12th-century Saint George's Castle, and take in the city panoramas from the iconic Santa Justa elevator. Return to the hotel for a welcome dinner.
Accommodation: The One Palacio da Anunciada
Activity: City walking tour
Meals: Dinner
Asseiceira and the Templar City of Tomar
Day 2
Enjoy a scenic bus ride from Lisbon, heading north. Reach the sleepy Atalaia, a town with a rich farming history that sits between two rivers, Targus and Almonda. Visit the Igreja Matriz de Atalaia, then start your day's hike from this charming village. Along the way, enjoy spotting colorful wildflowers and marvel at eucalyptus plantations planted where oak forests used to be. Stop for lunch in Asseiceira, then transfer to Tomar, the city that grew out of the 12th-century Templar stronghold, and home to the Convent of Christ which today towers over the town. Stroll through the town with your guides, from the Castle of Tomar to various monuments, arriving at the Praca da Republica and our hotel for the night.
Accommodation: Hotel Republica
Activity: 5 hours/8 miles hiking with 650' elevation gain and 600' elevation loss
Transportation: 1.5-hours private transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take in the Conimbriga Roman Ruins
Day 3
After a bus ride to Algorve, start off hiking through forests and small villages to the town of Conimbriga. Founded by the Celts, the town flourished in the 2nd century under Roman rule. Explore the wonderfully preserved Conimbriga Roman Ruins, including the fascinating villas and splendidly kept floor mosaics. Transfer from there to the historic university city of Coimbra.
Accommodation: Hotel Quinta das Lagrimas
Activity: 6-7 hours/12.5 miles hiking with 620' elevation gain and 1,180' elevation loss
Transportation: 1-hour private transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
University of Coimbra, the Land of Port, and Fado Music
Day 4
Visit Coimbra's landmark UNESCO-listed university, the oldest in Portugal, founded in 1290. Afterwards, transfer to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Porto, capital of port wine and beloved by foodies for its wine, cheese, croquettes, and cod. Today's urban hike will include the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar and its magnificent view of the Douro River, a walk along the river, a visit to a wine bodega, the Ponte Luis I bridge, the cathedral, Sao Bento station, the Clerigos Tower, and the Lello bookshop. After a rest at the hotel, enjoy dinner in a traditional restaurant accompanied by fado music.
Accommodation: InterContinental Porto Palacio das Cardosas
Activity: 4 hours/5 miles hiking with 590' elevation gain and 580' elevation loss
Transportation: 1.15-hours private transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continue on to Beautiful Braga
Day 5
After breakfast, transfer to Sao Pedro de Rates, a wonderful Roman-style church, for a visit before starting your hike from there. Trek between small villages along quiet pathways and sections of peaceful roads. Take time for lunch on the trail, then end the day in Barcelinhos and its gorgeous church, Igreja Matriz de Santa Maria Maior. From here, transfer to elegant Braga, famous for it religious festivals and Barqoue churches.
Accommodation: Vila Gale Collection Braga
Activity: 6-7 hours/12 miles hiking with 660' elevation gain and 985' elevation loss
Transportation: 55-minute private transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel to Ponte de Lima
Day 6
Travel to Balugaes, the starting point of your hike to Ponte de Lima. As you walk this seven-mile section made up of dirt tracks, cobbled paths, and the occasional paved road, take in the vine-covered landscapes and small shrines along the way. On Rio Lima, you'll find the pretty Ponte de Lima, one of the oldest villages in the country with medieval houses, lovely flower gardens, pretty squares, and many ancient religious buildings.
Accommodation: Carmo’s Boutique Hotel Accommodation: Calheiros Manor
Activity: 6-7 hours/12 miles hiking with 660' feet elevation gain and 985' elevation loss
Transportation: 40-minute private transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike the "Queen Stage"
Day 7
Start today's hike from Ponte de Lima, crossing the bridge over the Lima River. This is one of the most beautiful portions of the Portuguese Camino - the “Queen's Stage” - during which you will cross the hill of “the Witch” and hike up to Pilgrims Cross. Descend to the bus and transfer to Tui for two nights.
Accommodation: Parador de Tui Accommodation: Hotel Minho
Activity: 7-8 hours/11 miles hiking with 1,800' feet elevation gain and 820' elevation loss
Transportation: 20-minute private transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Venture on to the Final Portuguese City, Valenca
Day 8
Transfer back to Rubiaes, where you ended yesterday's hike and start walking along an old Roman road, between forest and small villages. After lunch and more urban terrain, arrive in Valenca, the last Portuguese city on the route, with a wonderful citadel overlooking the Mino River, the natural border between Portugal and Spain. Once in Galicia in Spain, you will reach the hotel, where you will spend your second night. If time and energy allow, visit the 12th-century Santa María Cathedral in the Old City of Tui.
Accommodation: Parador de Tui Accommodation: Hotel Minho
Activity: 7 hours/13 miles hiking with 1,575' feet elevation gain and 1,050' elevation loss
Transportation: 20-minute private transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cross the Verdugo River
Day 9
In the morning, transfer to Arcade, where you begin your hike across the Verdugo River via the Pontesampaio Bridge. Walk through narrow streets and beautiful forest along the way. Prepare to be amazed by your arrival into Pontevedra and its old town.
Accommodation: Parador de Pontevedra
Activity: 6 hours/9.5 miles hiking with 985' feet elevation gain and 1,150' elevation loss
Transportation: 40-minute private transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel Through Galicia to the Ultimate Goal, Santiago
Day 10
Transfer to Escravitude, near Padron, famous for Padron peppers, which you'll have opportunity to taste along the way, as well as for being the former Roman city where apostle Santiago's remains were brought from Jerusalem. As you hike along, notice the horreos, granaries built of wood or stone in Galicia and raised from the ground to keep out rodents. Finally, at long last, arrive in Santiago and visit the Cathedral in the wonderful town square. Spend the night in one of Spain's oldest hotels, the Parador de Santiago de Compostela.
Accommodation: Parador de Santiago de Compostela-Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Activity: 7 hours/13 miles hiking with 1,575' feet elevation gain and 1,050' elevation loss
Transportation: 35-minute private transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Bid Farewell to El Camino Portuguese
Day 11
With your Camino passport stamped, and your heart full, bid farewell to your fellow travelers and tour leaders. After breakfast, transfer to the airport in Santiago de Compostela for departures home.
MT Sobek has been leading journeys in Europe for more than 50 years and has decades of experience on Camino pilgrimage routes.
This 11-day adventure blends hiking and history, plus it includes delicious cuisine and elegant accommodations along the way. There is also back-up vehicle support for those who need it.
Guided by a top-notch team of local experts, hikers enjoy historical and cultural tours in ancient towns on the way from Lisbon to Santiago de Compostela.
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Leo S.
Leo was born in the mountains of Spain’s Basque Country and made his home in Jaca, in the heart of the Pyrenees, where he spends his winters on backcountry skis. He has been guiding in the Pyrenees for many years, as well as in Nepal, Morocco, Tanzania, Peru, Chile, Venezuela, Pakistan, India, and the French Alps. He has also taught skiing in Colorado. He is an International Certified Mountain Guide (UIAGM) and a professional ski instructor (ISIA). Leo is fluent in English, French, and Basque.
Fernando G.
Fernando is a IFMGA Mountain Guide with an extensive backgrouond in mountaneering and guiding. He has hiked the Great Himlayan Trail from India, Sikkim, Buthan, Nepal and Pakistán over a period of 6 months. Fernando was the first man to ever climb to the peak of Cho Oyu (26,906') solo and in Winter. He holds the world record of permanence in altitude, remaining at the summit of Aconcagua (22,841') for 66 days; and he has climbed Aconcagua 40 times. Fernando has been guiding in the Alpes, Andes, Himalaya and Pyrenees and other Mountains in Spain for more than 40 years.
David S.
David was born in Lisbon and is an expert walking guide and outdoor enthusiast. Having an academic background in anthropology, he's equally interested in the local history and rural culture of the region, where he has his family roots. David has also spent the last few years immersed in the study of the geography and flora of Northern Portugal. Married and father of three, David and his family now live between Barcelos and Ponte de Lima, right along the Portuguese Camino de Santiago.
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Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 4. Moderate hikes of up to 12 miles per day on well-marked trails and country roads with bus transfers to help shorten the hikes. Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 1
City walking tour
Day 2
5 hours/8 miles hiking with 650' elevation gain and 600' elevation loss
Day 3
6-7 hours/12.5 miles hiking with 620' elevation gain and 1,180' elevation loss
Day 4
4 hours/5 miles hiking with 590' elevation gain and 580' elevation loss
Day 5
6-7 hours/12 miles hiking with 660' elevation gain and 985' elevation loss
Day 6
6-7 hours/12 miles hiking with 660' feet elevation gain and 985' elevation loss
Day 7
7-8 hours/11 miles hiking with 1,800' feet elevation gain and 820' elevation loss
Day 8
7 hours/13 miles hiking with 1,575' feet elevation gain and 1,050' elevation loss
Day 9
6 hours/9.5 miles hiking with 985' feet elevation gain and 1,150' elevation loss
Day 10
7 hours/13 miles hiking with 1,575' feet elevation gain and 1,050' elevation loss
Accommodations
Comfortable and luxury historic hotels with modern conveniences, restaurants, and ideal locations.
Parador de Santiago de Compostela-Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Travel back in history with a stay in this grand hotel — originally a royal hospital built in the 15th century — in the center of Obradoiro Square. Four-poster beds, brocade linens, warm woods, and rich velvets adorn the comfortable rooms. The restaurant serves a delicious menu of Galician-style food, although endless culinary delights await outside the hotel.
Designed and built entirely by Portuguese companies, this five-star boutique hotel oozes local vibes. Its 19 rooms come complete with many comforts, from marble bathrooms with walk-in showers to plush bathrobes. Right in the heart of town, the hotel places you perfectly for easy exploration of Tomar and its sights.
This elegant, five-star, city center hotel was created from the 18th-century Palacio das Cardosas and boasts an enviable view of the emblematic Avenida dos Aliados and the Belle Epoque-era Praca da Liberdade. Surround yourself in old-world luxury, beneath crystal chandeliers and in the English library-esque bar, with its grand piano and extensive selection of local port wines. Rooms are surprisingly spacious with a contemporary feel and period accents, from the detailed crown molding to the ceiling-height mirrors.
A replica of a traditional Galician country house, Parador de Tui enjoys a central position in Tui, surrounded by mountains and overlooking the river. Its airy rooms feature traditional decor, and come complete with WiFi, minibars, and flat-screen TVs. The hotel's restaurant serves regional specialties, while its outdoors facilities include a lush garden, a tennis court, and a seasonal pool.
Occupying a beautiful 16th-century Renaissance palace, this four-star hotel bedazzles with elegant details like the marble staircase in the lobby and the exposed beams in the bar. The rooms feature vintage furnishings, flat-screen TVs, and mini refrigerators. The ambiance pairs perfectly with the convenient location, just minutes away from Basílica de Santa María a Maior.
With its peaceful garden and indoor and outdoor swimming pools, Vila Gale Collection Braga feels reminiscent of a regal estate. The former Sao Marcos hospital, which dates back to 1508, now offers comfortable guest rooms with modern amenities such as free WiFi, room service, and available spa treatments. It's all conveniently close to Braga's dining, shops, and attractions, including the notable Braga Cathedral.
Located in the heart of historic Lisbon, The One Palacio da Anunciada is a 5-star hotel within easy walking distance of Avenida da Liberdade and Praca dos Restauradores. The hotel's 83 rooms feature sophisticated interiors crafted from high-quality materials and decorated with hand-painted ceramics. Award-winning designer Jaime Beriestain combined the original 16th century building with the modern comforts of a top-notch hotel including a striking swimming pool and soothing spa.
Carmo's Boutique Hotel is a countryside gem surrounded by lush gardens in northern Portugal. Listed as a Small Luxury Hotel, the property makes an excellent base to explore nearby UNESCO-listed heritage sites. Eighteen spacious rooms and suites feature canopy beds, soaking tubs and wide windows to let in the light. Taste traditional dishes at the onsite restaurant, relax at the spa, or explore vintages at the wine atelier.
Perched on the hills above the Lima River Valley in northern Portugal, family owned Paco de Calheiros is housed in an 8th century manor house surrounded by vineyards and spectacular views. Rooms are decorated with antique furniture with traditional elegance and modern amenities. Sample the estate's vinho verde, relax in the spa or pool, or play a game on the tennis courts.
The historic Quinta das Lagrimas is said to be the site of a 14th-century prince's forbidden love affair. Surrounded by botanical gardens, the grand palace exterior is complemented by charming modern rooms with a nod to the site's history. The garden spa includes indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a Turkish bath and steam room. The restaurants focus on fresh ingredients, locally sourced, sometimes from the hotel's own garden.
Located in the heart of Alto Minho, in Vila Nova de Cerveira, where narrow streets are lined with 17th and 18th century mansions, Hotel Minho is a modern haven with an inviting outdoor swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers and shade umbrellas, and full spa including indoor pool, Jacuzzi, Turkish bath, sauna, massage, and other treatments. Relax in comfortable rooms with balconies or terraces after a meal of traditional Portuguese dishes accompanied by regional wines in the adjacent restaurant and wine bar.
Weather
Spring and fall mornings are cool but warm up to 70F at midday, cooling back down to about 50F in late afternoon.
May
Sep
Lisbon
High
Low
High
Low
Lisbon
72
57
80
63
Porto
High
Low
High
Low
Porto
68
53
75
58
Santiago de Compostela
High
Low
High
Low
Santiago de Compostela
66
48
74
54
FAQs
Which one of your Camino de Santiago trips should I do?
Both! Our Camino Portugués trip links nicely with some departures of our Camino Frances. Call for details!
Do I have to walk every step of the way?
No! We will provide ample vehicle support, so you can shorten your walks if you need to.
Will I receive the Pilgrimage Certificate at the end of this Camino?
No. The certificate of accomplishment is given to pilgrims upon completing at least the final 62 miles of the Way of St James. We will each get a Pilgrims Passport.
What is the cuisine of Portugal?
Northern Portugal is famous for its Bacalhau (cod) dishes, fresh shellfish, and Petiscos (Portuguese version of tapas.)
What type of scenery will we hike through?
Vineyards, rolling hills, olive groves, cobblestone streets, ancient bridges, old Roman roads, stunning coastal views, and historic hilltop villages!
I did your Camino Frances trip already. Will this Camino be similar?
Yes! We've designed our Camino Portugués to invite a return with the same team of lead guides, the same level of service, same standard of accommodations, and same level of challange.
What is the minimum age for this trip?
The standard minimum age for this trip is 18, but check out our private trip options for families and groups with younger guests.
How difficult is El Camino Portugues?
The difficulty of the El Camino Portugues can vary depending on the route and individual fitness levels. Generally, it is considered to be of moderate difficulty, with well-marked paths and a mix of flat stretches and inclines, making it accessible to a wide range of hikers. Mountain Travel Sobek's Camino Portugues is rated Level 4, which is moderate to challenging.
Is the Camino Portugues an official pilgrimage route?
Yes, the Camino Portugués is recognized as an official pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. It holds the same status as other popular routes like the Camino Frances and is part of the broader network of Caminos leading to the shrine of St. James in Spain.
The Camino was the best trip, and we have been on many. The guides are OUTSTANDING and provide talks each evening. The scenery in the country and villages is gorgeous, and the commaraderie with your fellow Pilgrims made it all a wonderful experience.
Erik B. MT Sobek Guest, Spain El Camino de Santiago Hiking
"After 35 years of overseas travel, I would rate Mt. Sobek's Camino trip as one of the best that we have ever experienced."
Larry A. MT Sobek Guest, Spain El Camino de Santiago Hiking