Camino de Santiago from Lisbon
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85 km
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The Way of St. James from Lisbon to Santarém is the first stage of the Portuguese Way: The Portuguese Way is the Way of St. James that goes from the beautiful city of Lisbon, capital of Portugal, to the city of Santiago de Compostela.
The first part of the trail runs through a relatively urban area but gradually we will enter farmland known as “The Garden of Portugal”.
Along this first section of the Portuguese Way we will walk along the valley of the Tagus River coinciding with part of the Fatima Way, famous for its pilgrimage to Fatima.
Lisbon is the bright and dazzling capital of Portugal situated in a privileged area, due to it being located where the River Tagus and the Atlantic Ocean meet, meaning that we will have the opportunity to relax by the sea and enjoy Portugal’s ‘City of Light’.
Lisbon has many beautiful buildings, cobbled streets and squares. We will be able to visit the city on foot or take one of the many trams that cross the city. It is recommended that in Lisbon you visit the Castle of Sao Jorge and, if possible, we should make our way over to Belem to see the Jeronimos Monastery and the Belem Tower, both declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
Overnight: Lisbon
Once we leave Lisbon, our journey will meet up with the famous Camino de Fatima. This route is quite easy to walk as the trail follows the River Tagus through the Park of Nations. We will continue walking until reaching the small town of Santa Iria de Azoia.
Length: 19 km
Overnight: Santa Iria de Azoia
We will leave Santa Iria de Azoia walking on a trail over a small hill before starting to head downhill once again in Povoa de Santa Iria. From here, we will follow our trail that borders the River Tagus. We will walk until reaching the beautiful city of VilaFranca de Xira, famous for its annual running of the bulls festival.
Length: 22 km
Overnight: Vila Franca de Xira
As we leave Vila Franca de Xira, we will continue our route heading towards Azambuja where we will cross a region famous for bull runs and horse breeding. We will continue on the path next to the River Tagus, which will be with us until we arrive at Azambuja. Azambuja is famous for its running of the bulls, which takes place every year through the town’s streets.
Length: 20 km
Overnight: Azambuja
Once we leave Azambuja, we will continue our journey to Santarem, our final destination for this first section of the Camino Portgues. Santarem is located 360 feet above sea level and, before reaching the small town, you will get the opportunity to enjoy walking among vineyards, orchards, groves and farmlands.
Length: 32 km
Overnight: Santarem
In Santarem we can enjoy the feeling of the ancient Arab city with its narrow and cobbled streets. Here we recommend visiting the Portas de Sol gardens, a beautiful lookout from where we can watch the sunset and take in some incredible views.
End of our services.
All the rooms you book with Santiago Ways to do the Camino de Santiago have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure your best comfort.
Our team checks on site the quality of all the accommodation offered in order for pilgrims to have a comfortable and unforgettable experience on the Camino de Santiago.
When working with quality accommodation with limited capacity, the exact name of the accommodation will be provided 30 days before the start of the Camino.
All accommodation on the Camino de Santiago is subject to availability. In case we can’t offer any of them due to lack of capacity, we’ll accommodate you in one of equal or better quality.
Single rooms are subject to availability. Reservations must be made in advance and come at an additional cost.
All our accommodation has been selected to ensure tranquillity, rest and enjoyment during your Camino de Santiago:
Accommodation in Hotels and Country Cottages.
Rooms with private bathroom.
Meal plan of your choice.
Baggage transport between stages.
24 hours Telephone assistance on route.
Travel navigation app made for each traveler.
Complete route itinerary.
Assistance vehicle in case of emergency.
Information pack for the Camino de Santiago.
VAT.
Additional single room
Extra night in Santarem
Transfer from Lisbon (includes airport) to Santarem
Travel assistance insurance
Cancellation insurance
In order to resolve pilgrims’ doubts, here we answer the questions that are most frequently asked when we receive your enquiries.
If you have any other questions, you can contact us and we will be happy to help you resolve all your queries.
The Camino de Santiago can be started on any day of the year, always taking into account the weather and the season in which you want to travel, so that your clothes are the right ones.
The best way to get to the starting point of your Camino de Santiago is to arrive at the airport, train station or bus station nearest to the town from where you will start walking.
Once you confirm your Camino, you will send us the arrival information for your flight, train or bus and, from there, we organize a private transfer to the town where you should start your Camino.
Yes, you can. All the routes on the Camino de Santiago are suitable for pilgrims to travel solo.
Also, whether you are travelling alone, or travelling accompanied but want to sleep in a single room, Santiago Ways offer this option to you.
We can book all your nights of accommodation in single rooms at an additional cost. We suggest you book well in advance since they are usually in high demand.
On the Camino de Santiago, you will find hundreds of pilgrims walking on their own. Many of them may have come to the Camino alone; others have probably moved away from their fellow travellers for a few hours because of the difference in speed when walking.
In any case, all the routes on the Camino are very well signposted, so you will have no problem if you go on your own.
Most routes on the Camino de Santiago are done in a self-guided mode. Thus, each traveller has the opportunity to advance on their own and at their own pace along the routes marked on the complete itinerary of the route, which is sent one month before starting the Camino.
The complete route itinerary of the route is a guide that we prepare for you with information about the maps, route profiles and places of interest, kilometre by kilometre on each of the stages that you will go through on the Camino de Santiago.
The travel distances and travel times indicated for each route on both the website and the itinerary we send you are based on reference values. It depends on each pilgrim exactly how they carry out these times and distances, according to the speed at which they progress.
You will receive it by email one month before starting your Camino along with all the documentation for the trip: accommodation reservations, baggage transfers, among others.
In Santiago Ways, we adapt each stage to the needs of our pilgrims, so that they can travel according to their physical capability and the number of days available.
On average, a stage of the Camino de Santiago has 15 to 20 km. On most routes, however, we can organize your Camino so that you walk fewer kilometres, dividing some stages into two parts, depending on what is most comfortable for you.
We will talk to you now about following the first section of the Camino Portugues de Santiago. This route runs between the city of Lisbon and the town of Santarém. It does so through an idyllic environment that is precisely what we want to talk about in this introduction.
We will tell you what are the main reasons to do this route and at the same time, we will give you all the necessary information to complete it.
1.- The landscape: One of the most important incentives to do the Camino Portugues de Santiago from Lisbon to Santarém is the surroundings. This particular section covers the interior of Portugal and runs along the banks of the River Tagus (in Portuguese, Tejo).
The whole landscape is very colourful and green most of the year round due to the oceanic climate that exists in the neighbouring country. It has abundant vegetation and the sound of the accompanying waters along the entire route.
2.-Little overcrowding: Compared with other alternatives of the Camino de Santiago, the Camino Portugues is not so crowded. This allows us to complete the route more easily without finding some overcrowding. So, the completion of the route with us in Santiago Ways would not be in itself a problem.
3.-Infrastructure: The Camino Portugues has experienced in recent years an increase in the quantity and quality of its infrastructures. Although it is true that the Camino Frances was superior a few years ago regarding this point, the Portuguese government’s commitment has revitalized it, making it advance in quality with good signage and good roads, as well as enough supply points for all the pilgrims’ needs.
4.-Ideal for those who start: Another reason to choose the Camino Portugues from Lisbon to Santarém is the low level of difficulty on their journey. It is therefore especially recommended for those who do the Camino de Santiago for the first time.
As it runs close to the River Tagus on its final stretch, the route will be close to level zero (sea level), so there is no difficulty.
The Camino de Santiago from Lisbon to Santarem is the first stage on the so-called Camino Portugues. It starts from the Portuguese capital and ends its journey in the beautiful town of Santarem. Along the route, we accompany the River Tagus against the current and the places we cross are the most beautiful in Portugal.
It is possible to continue until Santiago de Compostela, always with the help of Santiago Ways. The magnificent balance on this route makes it a path that takes place in harmony between the urban and the rural, earning the nickname the area of the “Garden of Portugal “.
Part of the Camino Portugues coincides with the one that is made as a pilgrimage to visit the Virgin of Fatima, so we will be able to find pilgrims who revive the most ancestral spirit of the route.
We want to talk now about two other alternatives within the Camino Portugues de Santiago. In particular, two of the most popular within this alternative. We will explain at the same time why they are so crowded and the reasons for this.
The Camino Portugues from Oporto has a length of 120 kilometres divided into 8 stages with 7 nights. With Santiago Ways, you can spend them all in the best hotels on the route. It forms the fourth section of the Camino Portugues and reaches the town of Tui.
The biggest claim it has is to travel much of its length alongside the coast, so the weather is good and beneficial for us. It is also an excellent opportunity to get to know the beautiful city of Porto and the forests that we will find along the way.
The other more popular alternative on the Camino Portugues is the one that starts from the town of Tui. It is a medieval villa of impressive beauty and starts a route of 120 kilometres spread over 8 stages with 7 nights.
It is the last part of the Camino Portugues and ends in the town of Tui, which marks the border between Spain and Portugal, with a border formed by the River Mino . To move from one country to another we will cross the International Bridge.
Over the course of the tour, you will also cross deciduous Atlantic forests that are especially beautiful during the autumn. We also pass through growing areas of magnificent exuberance. We can even enjoy the Oyster Festival in the town of Arcade or visit the wonderful city of Pontevedra.
To follow, we attach maps of the Camino Portugues de Santiago from Lisbon to Santarem so you can have all the information you need for your pilgrimage.
Lisbon – Santa Iria de Azoia
Stage map from Lisbon to Santa Iria de Azoia
Santa Iria de Azoia – Vila Franca de Xira
Stage map from Santa Iria de Azoia to Vila Franca de Xira
Vila Franca de Xira – Azambuja
Stage map from Vila Franca de Xira to Azambuja
Azambuja – Santarem
Stage map from Azambuja to Santarem
In this section, we will talk about the profile of the Camino Portugues de Santiago from Lisbon to Santarém. We will show its altitude for each of the sections, so you can get an idea of the difficulty along this route.
Now, we anticipate that it is not a difficult route and that, in fact, passing through areas near the river does not have much of a slope; it’s close to its mouth. There are few climbs and it is at a low level, so the Camino Portugues is ideal for those who want to start this adventure.
Lisbon – Santa Iria de Azoia
Stage profile from Lisbon to Santa Iria de Azoia
Santa Iria de Azoia – Vila Franca de Xira
Stage profile from Santa Iria de Azoia to Vila Franca de Xira
Vila Franca de Xira – Azambuja
Stage profile from Vila Franca de Xira to Azambuja
Azambuja – Santarem
Stage profile from Azambuja to Santarem
We now show you below the stages that you can choose for the pilgrimage by foot on the Camino Portugues from Lisbon to Santarem, so that you know where we are going to travel and what environments you will get to know.
Stage from Lisbon to Santa Iria de Azoia.
Stage from Santa Iria de Azoia to Vila Franca de Xira.
Stage from Vila Franca de Xira to Azambuja.
Stage from Azambuja to Santarém.
The length of this route is relatively short. But in general, the time it takes to complete your Camino will depend on you . It has a length of 85 kilometres divided into 6 stages with 5 corresponding nights. If you do it with Santiago Ways , you will spend them in the best hotels.
In the event that you travel the Camino by bike, to answer the question of how long the Camino Portugues from Lisbon to Santarem takes, we will tell you that, normally, it takes half of the walking time. Between 2 to 3 stages in effect. This makes this way a good alternative to being able to carry it out during a long weekend or, in general, when we have a short amount of time available.
Although it is true that the best time to do the Camino de Santiago, in general, depends on the tastes of each pilgrim, it must be added that some months are better than others in some respects. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages and is precisely what we will tell you below.
The month of January is usually cold in almost the entire peninsula. But this is not usually the case for Portugal because almost all of its territory is under the influence of the Atlantic Ocean. This means that in January it will also be a mild winter.
In February the temperatures rise a little but also the risk of precipitation is increased. To avoid its possible influence, nothing is better than good planning and go well equipped to complete our route.
In the month of March spring arrives and the temperature becomes more pleasant. In the Atlantic areas that we are going through, there is always the risk of rain. Again, good planning will be our great ally.
One of the reasons for choosing the month of April is that Easter is celebrated. In fact, there are enough days normally to be able to complete the Camino Portugues from Lisbon to Santarém.
In the month of May, there is still a risk of precipitation. However, the temperature will be milder and there will be a burst of colours around us thanks to the abundant vegetation and the effects of spring.
In June the weather is excellent thanks to the beginning of summer. Whoever can take an early holiday must think about this month as an alternative.
During the month of July, the festivities of Santiago de Compostela are celebrated. In particular, between the 15th and the 31st of July. So it is a good idea to start the Camino Portugues from Lisbon to Santarem and, if you want to, you can continue the route to arrive in time to Santiago for those dates.
It is the preferred month for most pilgrims. This means that in other versions of the Camino de Santiago, crowding can occur. This drawback does not exist on the Camino Portugues, and much less with Santiago Ways.
As we have said, there is abundant vegetation along this road. The leaves begin to fall from the month of September, so this month is a good time to enjoy its colourful symphony.
The month of October continues with this symphony and can give us unforgettable memories in places of great beauty along our route in this section of the Camino Portugues de Santiago.
In November, the risk of precipitation is at its peak. Despite everything, temperatures will be mild.
More and more pilgrims choose this month as a result of wanting to live their Christmas away from home and in environments like those offered on the Camino Portugues from Lisbon to Santarém.
Next, we want to talk about some places of interest on this route. Among them are some cultural, patrimonial and artistic places of interest, as well as others where we can enjoy the best of the gastronomy of the area. Also, we will talk about the hotels where you will stay with Santiago Ways, the best on the whole route.
The city from which we start is by itself a very important place. In it, we can admire all its historical heritage with jewels from different eras, from the Middle Ages to the Baroque and up to the contemporary age. We would suggest the Monastery of the Jeronimos in Belem, the Castle of St. George or the famous tower of Belem. You can’t miss them.
Fortunately, the River Tagus will accompany us along along much of the way. As we have said previously, on this Camino Portugues from Lisbon to Santarém encountering natural environments are more good reasons to walk this route. That is why we recommend you not to miss any nature that you will find.
The town of Santarem is one of the most beautiful in Portugal. It has a clean light and a very attractive old town centre that evokes other eras. It is a great location to get lost in once we have completed our route.
With Santiago Ways, you can have the peace of mind that you will be staying in the best hotels available along the route of the Camino Portugues de Santiago. We make sure that you have the rest you deserve and so you can enjoy the most of your experience.
A Venda Lusitana: It is a very elegant restaurant located in the city of Lisbon. It is an excellent occasion to taste Portuguese specialities and, at the same time, to enjoy a romantic evening if we are not going to complete the road alone. It has affordable prices and service is excellent.
Tabernas do Quinzena: This tavern in Santarem is in the purest Portuguese style. It is adorned with wood and is certainly evocative. The staff are very friendly and at the same time, they can offer us all the specialities of the region’s gastronomy and local products.
The Camino Portugues finds its origin in the Portuguese pilgrims who wanted to visit the tomb of the Apostle Santiago from the Middle Ages. Gained in popularity since the Queen of Portugal, Santa Isabel de Aragon began the pilgrimage.
At the same time, it was used as a commercial route and as a cultural and historical connection between the two countries which form the Iberian Peninsula. Although at first it could only be completed through Tui, which was the only place that had a bridge as a crossing point, the emergence of infrastructures began to make it possible for the whole territory.
And to know first-hand what other pilgrims who have done the Camino de Santiago think of our service, we leave here some of their opinions to help you decide.
Finally, we want to share with you some pictures and videos of the Camino so that you get an idea of everything that awaits you throughout this adventure.
Here you can see all the stages of the Camino de Santiago.