Portugal & The Camino de Santiago

06.03.23

First, what is the Camino de Santiago? 

The Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St. James, is a network of pilgrimage routes that lead to the shrine of the apostle St. James the Great in the city of Santiago de Compostela, Spain. The most popular route, known as the Camino Francés, starts in the French town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and spans over 800 kilometres to Santiago de Compostela. The Camino de Santiago has been a popular pilgrimage route for over a thousand years and attracts thousands of people from all over the world every year, who undertake the journey for spiritual, cultural, or personal reasons.

LEREZ RIVER, portuguese way

And, what is the Camino de Santiago, PORTUGAL?

As mentioned above, the Camino de Santiago is a network or route with many different starting points. One of the most beautiful and scenic routes is Portugal Camino de Santiago – aka the Portuguese Way, which starts in Portugal and crosses into Spain before reaching Santiago de Compostela.

 

The Portuguese Way is a great option for those who want to experience the Camino in a slightly different way. The full route begins in Lisbon, Portugal, and winds its way through the country’s beautiful countryside, passing by historic towns and cities, including the storybook town of Porto, along the way. After crossing the border into Spain, the route continues through Galicia before finally arriving in Santiago de Compostela.

 

One of the great things about the Portuguese Way is that it offers a mix of different landscapes and cultural experiences. Starting in Lisbon, pilgrims can experience the city’s vibrant culture, historic architecture, and delicious food. As they make their way north, they will pass through quaint villages and stunning countryside, with rolling hills and vineyards stretching out in all directions.

 

Along the way, there are plenty of historic sites to see, including the medieval town of Coimbra, the fortified town of Valença do Minho, and the charming city of Pontevedra. Pilgrims can also visit the stunning Baroque pilgrimage church of Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga, which is one of Portugal’s most famous landmarks.

 

As the route crosses into Spain, the landscape changes, with lush green forests and rolling hills giving way to the rugged coastline of Galicia. The final stretch of the route follows the Camino’s classic path, passing through historic towns like Padron before arriving in Santiago de Compostela.

 

Walking the Portuguese Way is a truly unique experience that offers a mix of different cultures, landscapes, and historic sites. It’s a great option for those who want to experience the Camino in a slightly different way, while still enjoying all the traditions and history that make the Camino such a special journey.

 

If you’re considering walking the Camino de Santiago, the Portuguese Way is definitely worth considering. With its beautiful landscapes, historic sites, and vibrant culture, it’s a journey you’ll never forget. Start planning your trip today and discover the magic of the Camino de Santiago in Portugal!

Vila Nova de Gaía, porto

Does Insider’s Travel have a scheduled tour on the Portuguese Camino?

Yes, we do!

As the full Portuguese Way would take you some time, we have created a hosted & scheduled tour to do a portion of The Portuguese Way over 10 days.

Our “Portuguese Camino”, is a hosted & scheduled tour, that takes place this September 23-October 3, 2023 and begins further north than Lisbon, in the town of Porto, Portugal. 

We stay in beautiful hotels, have gourmet meals, try delicious wines & sample all that the Camino has to offer.

 Join us! 

team member santiago travel

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