Portuguese Camino to Santiago – Last 100km

Welcome to the Galician town of Tui and the start of the last 100 km of the Portuguese Way. 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 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 stage offers more of a challenge with a couple of steep climbs, the first of which opens to a rewarding view of the sea before leading you downhill to Redondela.

As Redondela is quite small, accommodation is limited, so it’s best to carry on a short distance (7 km) further to Arcade, saving the legs for a shorter walk tomorrow.

From this point to Santiago de Compostela, the Camino merges with the Portuguese Coastal Way (an alternative route along the coast), so you may see more peregrinos on the road.

Next, stop in the village of Ponte Sampaio for insight into the historical events that took place here, and then cross the Roman bridge over the Verdugo River to end the stage in Pontevedra. One of the most beautiful Spanish towns, Pontevedra is famous for its well-preserved historic centre complete with stunning stone architecture from centuries past.

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.