Camino Portugues: Last 100km from Tui

Welcome to the Galician town of Tui and the start of the last 100 km of the Portuguese Way Camino to Santiago de Compostela. Sitting just north of the Miño River, the natural border between Portugal and Spain, settle into your accommodation followed by an afternoon of cultural exploration and preparations for your pending pilgrimage.

Before embarking on the Camino Portugues toward O Porriño, be sure to visit the Tui Cathedral in San Fernando Square as well as the International Bridge, often thought to be designed by Gustave Eiffel.

Today’s walk on the Camino Portugues has moderate challenges from the ascents, yet the breathtaking vistas from higher vantage points make the exertion worthwhile. Upon reaching the enchanting city of Mos, the initial climb to Alto de Inxertado awaits. Once conquered, a gradual descent toward Redondela awaits you.

The Portuguese Way merges with the Portuguese Coastal Way (an alternative route along the coast) at Redondela, so it may come as no surprise that you’ll share the road with an increased number of peregrinos. Break up the 11-km day with a couple of highlights. It’s worth checking out the Roman bridge in Ponte Sampaio as well as making the ascent to A Canicouva.

Once in Pontevedra, be sure to visit La Peregrina Church, and dedicate a little time to wandering the historical quarter.

Leaving Pontevedra behind, the Portuguese Way leads you into the rural countryside of Galicia amid fragrant woods and bubbling streams. Along the way, consider stopping in Barro to see the numerous centuries-old mills and cascading waterfalls of the Natural Park of the Barosa River before finally arriving in Caldas de Reis. Known for its thermal spring waters, take advantage of the spa resorts available and soak tired feet and muscles in a spa treatment.

Today the Camino takes you through quiet villages and alongside solitary homes interspersed along the road until you reach Padrón. Considered the first place on land spotted by the boat that carried the remains of St. James the Apostle, Padrón is also the birthplace of exceptional authors like Rosalía de Castro and Camilo José Cela.

Rise with the sun this morning to complete the last—and longest—stage, noting the changing landscape from charming pastoral terrain to built-up urban city. Upon finally reaching famous Santiago de Compostela, enjoy an afternoon in celebration of your accomplishment and using your Pilgrim Passport, collect your much-deserved Compostela (Pilgrim certificate of completion) at the Pilgrim’s Office.

Check out from your hotel this morning, but not before taking one last stroll through Santiago de Compostela’s historic quarter and potentially picking up a few last-minute souvenirs.