Tui to Santiago - Portuguese Central Way

Tui, a charming town in Galicia, Spain, has traditionally been a key stop along the Portuguese Camino Central Way. Nestled on the banks of the Miño River which forms the natural border with Portugal, Tui boasts a rich history and a captivating ‘Old Town’.

After settling into your hotel we recommend taking time to explore. A highlight is Tui’s Santa Maria Cathedral with its blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture that dominates the skyline. Wander through Tui’s cobbled streets and discover the medieval walls, traditional square, the Alameda de Tui lookout, and if time permits a visit to one of the town’s museums is also recommended. There are plenty of eating and drinking options, especially in the old quarter, which becomes lively into the evening.

Meals: n/a

Today’s hike on the Portuguese Camino Central Way takes you from the historic town of Tui to the bustling town of O Porriño. Starting in Tui, you’ll leave behind its charming medieval streets and the iconic Tui Cathedral, following the Camino trail through the Galician countryside. The route today offers a mix of shaded forest paths, quiet rural tracks, and small villages, providing a peaceful and scenic walking experience.

As you approach O Porriño, the landscape shifts and stretches of industrial areas blend into the town’s surroundings, although much of the industrial areas can be skirted by the marked newer alternative route. After your walk O Porriño’s central square, with local cafés and shops, is an enjoyable place to relax and explore. 

Overnight: O Porriño

Meals: B

Today you will hike from bustling O Porriño to the charming coastal town of Redondela. The route begins with a mix of urban paths and countryside trails, gradually transitioning into peaceful rural landscapes. Along the way you’ll pass through villages, rolling hills, and shaded woods – a refreshing contrast to busier sections of the Camino.

The highlight of the day is Chan das Pipas – after an enjoyable and steady climb through the forest you will be rewarded with views of the Ría de Vigo, a picturesque coastal inlet. 

Arrive in Redondela, a welcoming town known for its historical bridges and vibrant local culture. Redondela, known as the ‘Village of Viaducts’, is where this ‘Central Portuguese Way’ route joins with the Portuguese Coastal Caminos to continue on to Santiago de Compostela. The town’s relaxed atmosphere and coastal charm make it a pleasant stop, with opportunities to enjoy local cuisine and reflect on your journey. 

Overnight: Redondela

Meals: B

Today is a beautiful day of walking, and you can expect to meet other pilgrims who had previously been hiking along the Portuguese Coastal Camino route, as both routes have now converged. 

Several kilometres out of Redondela the trail leads up to the Alto de Lomba through the forest after which there is a short section on the busy N-550 to the village of Arcade famous for the best oysters in Galicia. Cross the long medieval bridge of Ponte Sampaio over the River Verdugo where Napoleon’s army was defeated by the Spanish in 1809 during the War of Independence. Then walk up through the forest and enjoy one of the most beautiful stretches of the Camino following the ancient narrow stone paths as they climb up the slope.

The path widens among fields and vineyards, arriving at Pontevedra with its pretty historic centre, 13th-century church of Santa Maria, and the famous Pilgrim Virgin’s church (Santuario da Peregrina), which although appears round, is actually in the shape of a scallop shell.

An alternative scenic and peaceful way to enter the town is via the Rio Gafos, turn left shortly after the chapel da Santa Marta and before a play area, not waymarked.

Pontevedra has a wonderful atmosphere to soak up and enjoy with its pedestrianised streets and plazas.

Overnight: Pontevedra

Meals: B

Today the Camino Portuguese will take you over the Rio Lerez via the pretty stone Ponte do Burgo bridge decorated with scallop shells and through chestnut groves and pine and eucalyptus trees to the village of San Amaro. 

Emerging from the woods near Valbon, at the Cruceiro de Amonisa, a statue of Saint James with his walking stick points the way to Santiago. You will pass the pretty village of Tivo with its lovely fountain and public washing area. 

Continue on through rural fields and vineyards to the Roman-influenced town of Caldas de Reis, known otherwise as ‘the hot waters of the Kings’, where you will find the thermal springs after crossing the river Umia around to the left outside the Hotel Davila. You may wish to soak your feet in the hot thermal water upon your arrival into the town.

Overnight: Caldas de Reis

Meals: B

Today’s walk is one of the most beautiful of the whole route. The path once again takes you through pine forests and rural areas through the Bermana and Verga valleys to today’s destination across the Ulla River, the town of Padrón. 

Padrón, the starting point for Saint James ministry in the Iberian peninsular, was also said to be where his body first reached land when it returned by boat after being martyred in Jerusalem. The parish church has the legendary Pedron, the stone where St James’ boat was moored. You can find the Pedron under the altar in the Igrexia de Santiago with a replica Pedron over the bridge on the west bank of the Rio Sar.

Overnight: Padrón

Meals: B

Your final walking day on the Camino Portuguese will provide some variety through woodlands and on increasingly busy roads. You will pass through a number of small villages and the suburbs of Santiago de Compostela. After making your way to the historic sanctuary of A Escravitude, continue to Faramello and the Chapel of San Martino where you can see one of the oldest wayside crosses (cruceiro) in Galicia. 

After passing through Milladoiro and the tiny town of Agro dos Monteiros, but before passing under the motorway, pilgrims now for the first time will have a view of the spires of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

After crossing the Sar River, take the left way marked option and continue through the streets of the city via Rua de Porto Faxeira, the old entrance of the Portuguese Way into Santiago de Compostela. Make your way via Rua Franco to Praza do Obradoiro and the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

Overnight: Santiago de Compostela

Meals: B

Today is at leisure, so you can spend the whole day exploring the historical city of Santiago de Compostela. Dine at one of the many cafes or restaurants and reflect on your Camino experience. Attend the pilgrim’s midday mass and spend some time exploring the famous Cathedral or sit and watch the steady flow of pilgrims arriving into the square finishing their epic journey. 

Overnight: Santiago de Compostela

Meals: B

You are free to check out of your hotel any time before 10am. If you would have an afternoon or evening scheduled departure you are able to leave your bags with reception. 

Meals: B

• Accommodation in hotels or casa rurales with private facilities
• 1 night complimentary upgrade to the Parador in Tui (subject to availability)
• Daily continental breakfast
• Luggage transfer each day from hotel to hotel (1 x 20kg bag per person), on days when walking
• Use of RAW Travel navigation APP with maps of your hotel locations and emergency contact numbers
• Pre-trip guidance and planning for your Camino trip

• Single supplement (AUS$750)
• Lunches and dinners 
• Flights
• Train tickets
• Buses, local taxis and transfers 
• Travel insurance

For an extra indulgence, upgrade your hotel in Pontevedra to a Parador from $50 per person/per night twin share and $75 per person/per night single occupancy, when booked 6 months in advance (subject to availability).

For an extra indulgence, upgrade your hotel in Santiago to a Parador from $180 per person/per night twin share and $280 per person/per night single occupancy, when booked 6 months in advance (subject to availability).

For any part of your trip that falls between 31 October and 31 March there is an ‘out of season’ luggage transfer surcharge cost of $30 per person per day.

You may also like to tailor the itinerary by adding extra nights in Santiago or a rest day in Pontevedra.