What is the Camino Portugués from Tui route like and how is it organised?

The stretch of the Camino Portugués from Tui is one of the most popular options for those who want to reach Santiago fulfilling the minimum distance necessary to obtain the Compostela. Therefore, many people are looking for clear information about the stages of the Camino Portugués from Tui, how many days are needed and how to organize the route comfortably.
Tui, on the border between Portugal and Galicia, is one of the most common starting points of this route. From here, the Camino offers a very attractive combination of heritage, nature, charming villages and a good infrastructure for pilgrims.

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Before starting your Camino de Santiago from Tui, check out our complete guide with stages, distances, and practical tips to plan your route.

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How many stages does the Camino Portugués from Tui have?

The most common is to divide the tour into 5 stages, although it can also be done in 6 or even fewer days, depending on the pace of each person and the type of trip you want to do.
The classic layout allows you to walk calmly and enjoy the environment without rushing. It is also a highly recommended option for those who are walking the Camino for the first time or prefer a more comfortable experience.

Stages of the Camino Portugués from Tui to Santiago

These are the most common stages of the Camino de Santiago from Tui:

Stage 1: Tui – O Porriño

The first stage of the Camino Portugués from Tui is an easy and enjoyable walk, ideal for starting your journey on the right foot. Over its 16 km, the route combines urban sections as you leave Tui with pleasant woodland paths and trails alongside the Louro River.

Before setting off, it’s well worth crossing the International Bridge to visit Valença do Minho, one of the best-preserved fortresses on the Portuguese border.

The route is comfortable and well signposted, with no major elevation changes, making it a perfect stage to get used to the rhythm of the Camino.

16 km
distance
Easy
difficulty
+150 m aprox.
elevation gain

map of the tui to o porriño stage on the portuguese camino showing villages and key points along the route

Stage 2: O Porriño – Arcade

At Santiago Ways, this second stage is extended to Arcade instead of ending in Redondela, as in the traditional Camino Portugués itinerary.

This adjustment allows for better-balanced stages and a more relaxed experience in the following days, especially on the way to Pontevedra.

The route combines urban sections as you leave O Porriño with quieter rural areas, and offers the first views of the Vigo estuary as you approach Arcade.

Arcade is well known for its gastronomy, especially its oysters, and is a great place to rest before continuing your Camino.

22 km
distance
Moderate
difficulty
+300 m approx.
elevation gain

map of the o porriño to arcade stage on the portuguese camino showing villages and key points along the route

Stage 3: Arcade– Pontevedra

After one of the longest stages of the journey, the walk from Arcade to Pontevedra is shorter and more relaxed, making it ideal for recovery. Over its 12 km, the Camino runs largely alongside the Vigo estuary, offering some of the most pleasant scenery of the route.

The path alternates between rural areas and small villages, and crosses the historic Ponte Sampaio bridge, one of the most iconic points of the Camino Portugués.

Arriving in Pontevedra means reaching one of the most charming cities in Galicia, with a beautifully preserved old town and a strong pilgrim atmosphere.

12 km
distance
Easy
difficulty
+150 m approx.
elevation gain

map of the arcade to pontevedra stage on the portuguese camino showing villages and key points along the route

Stage 4: Pontevedra – Caldas de Reis

The stage between Pontevedra and Caldas de Reis is one of the most enjoyable sections of the Camino Portugués from Tui. Over its 21 km, the route passes through numerous villages, woodland areas and rural paths that offer a peaceful and authentic experience.

One of the highlights of this stage is the option to visit the waterfalls at the Barosa River Nature Park, a short but highly recommended detour.

The stage ends in Caldas de Reis, a town famous for its thermal waters, where many pilgrims take the opportunity to relax after the day’s walk.

21 km
distance
Moderate
difficulty
+218 m approx.
elevation gain

map of the pontevedra to caldas de reis stage on the portuguese camino showing villages and key points along the route

Stage 5: Caldas de Reis – Padrón

This stage stands out for its beautiful landscapes, with plenty of woodland paths, rural tracks and traditional Galician villages. The 19 km between Caldas de Reis and Padrón offer a varied and enjoyable route.

The terrain includes some gentle elevation changes, but nothing too demanding, allowing for a steady pace throughout the day.

Arriving in Padrón has special significance, as tradition says that this is where the boat carrying the remains of the Apostle Saint James first arrived.

19 km
distance
Moderate
difficulty
+260 m approx.
elevation gain

map of the caldas de reis to padrón stage on the portuguese camino showing villages and key points along the route

Stage 6: Padrón – Santiago de Compostela

The final stage of the Camino Portugués from Tui is also the longest, covering 24 km to Santiago de Compostela. It is a very special day, marked by the excitement of reaching your destination.

The route alternates between rural paths, small villages and more urban sections, passing through places such as Iria Flavia and the Sanctuary of A Escravitude.

As you get closer to Santiago, the pilgrim atmosphere intensifies, culminating in your arrival at the Obradoiro Square, in front of the Cathedral.

Completing this stage means reaching one of the most rewarding moments of the Camino: arriving in Santiago after several days of walking.

25 km
distance
Moderate
difficulty
+300 m approx.
elevation gain

map of the padrón to santiago de compostela stage on the portuguese camino showing villages and key points along the route

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    How many kilometers from Tui

    The complete route from Tui to Santiago is approximately 120 kilometers, so it exceeds the minimum distance required to obtain the Compostela if you do the Camino on foot.
    Precisely for this reason, this route is one of the favorites for those who have a week, want a complete experience and are looking for a well-marked option with good infrastructure.

    What is the best way to organize the stages?

    The best way to organize the stages of the Portuguese Way from Tui depends on several factors:
    • your walking experience
    • the time available
    • the type of accommodation you prefer
    • if you want to walk at a leisurely pace or go for longer days
    Although the classic division into 5 or 6 stages works very well, many people prefer to adapt the route to walk more comfortably, sleep in better locations or include extra nights.

    Doing the Camino from Tui in comfort

    If you want to enjoy the Camino without worrying about logistics, the most convenient way is to have the stages organized in advance. Having accommodation booked, luggage transport included and assistance along the route allows you to focus on walking and enjoying the experience.
    This is especially useful on a route as popular as this one, where availability may be reduced in high season.
    two pilgrims walking along a trail on the portuguese camino surrounded by flowers and nature

    Conclusion

    The stages of the Camino Portugués from Tui are an excellent option for those who want to experience the Camino de Santiago in a few days, but without giving up an authentic and complete experience.
    With about 120 kilometers to Santiago, good signage and very accessible stages, this stretch has become a favorite for both first-time pilgrims and repeat pilgrims.
    If you are thinking of doing the Portuguese Way from Tui, planning well the stages will be key to enjoy it much more.

    Want to plan your Camino from Tui step by step?

    If you’re thinking about walking the Camino de Santiago from Tui , our complete guide includes all the stages, distances, maps, and practical tips you need to plan your route.

    View complete Camino from Tui guide