Camino Portugués: Stage 4: Porto to Tui
- Experience a route rich in cultural and archaeological heritage
- Walking into Spain across the International bridge across the Minho
- The charming market town of Ponte da Lima
- Sipping ruby port in the UNESCO heritage city of Porto
- Meeting fellow pilgrims and sharing your tales
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Porto & OvernightYour journey begins in Porto, a charming cultural metropolis in northern Portugal. Take a stroll through the historic streets, visit the famous port wine cellars, and explore the numerous museums. Be sure to spend at least one day here, savouring the special atmosphere.

The Ribeira Porto Hotel is located in a historic building that has been completely renovated while maintaining the traditional architecture. Located directly on the Douro River, the property offers comfortable rooms.

Hotel da Musica is located in the refurbished part of the historical Mercado do Bom Sucesso. The new design incorporates a Market with several contemporary stalls, various different commercial and office areas, and the cutting-edge Hotel da Música.

This hotel offers modern and comfortable rooms and has its own restaurant with traditional cuisine. The reception is open 24 hours. And there is a garden at the hotel, to relax after a busy day.
The first stage of your hiking trip will see you leave Porto and follow the Portuguese Way of St James northwards. This route mostly follows flat paths through the city's suburbs and offers your first glimpse of rural Portugal. En route, you will pass small chapels and traditional stone houses, and observe the region's vibrant everyday life. Today's destination is the village of Vilar do Pinheiro, where the stage ends. From there, you will be transferred to the quiet village of Arcos, where you will spend the night. Use the evening to relax and prepare for the upcoming hiking days.
Ascent: 203m (666ft)/Descent: 196m (643ft)

This accommodation is found in a magnificent rustic house dating from the 18th century. In the summer there is an outdoor pool to cool off in, and there is also an indoor spa. The hotel offers free Wifi and also laundry service for pilgrims.

Hotel Villa D'Arcos is a rural accommodation, offering free WiFi throughout the building, as well as air conditioning, a garden, and an outdoor pool. Massages and other treatments are also available at an extra charge.
In the morning, you will be transferred back to Vilar do Pinheiro, where today's hiking stage begins. The trail will lead you through gently rolling terrain, past small farmsteads, fields, and orchards. Time and again, you will catch glimpses of the simple rural life of northern Portugal. Following quiet paths, you will approach the village of Arcos, surrounded by vast harvest fields. Here, you can fully enjoy the rural idyll. You will spend another night in Arcos and end the day in a relaxed atmosphere.
Ascent: 201m (659f)/Descent: 232m (761ft)

This accommodation is found in a magnificent rustic house dating from the 18th century. In the summer there is an outdoor pool to cool off in, and there is also an indoor spa. The hotel offers free Wifi and also laundry service for pilgrims.

Hotel Villa D'Arcos is a rural accommodation, offering free WiFi throughout the building, as well as air conditioning, a garden, and an outdoor pool. Massages and other treatments are also available at an extra charge.
Today's stage will take you through green valleys and rolling hills, passing small hamlets and traditional farms along the way. Follow the shady paths and conquer a few minor ascents and descents, all the while enjoying beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Step by step, you will approach the charming town of Barcelos. After crossing an impressive medieval bridge, you will finally arrive in the town, which is renowned for its roosters and pottery. A visit to the historic centre, with its colourful markets, churches and squares, is definitely worthwhile. Finish off the day with a stroll through the old town or in one of the cosy cafés.
Ascent: 179m (587ft)/Descent: 198m (650ft)

The Bagoeira Hotel is located in the historic centre, in a building classed as having a municipal heritage. There is a 24-hr reception, parking, laundry service. Rooms have air conditioning, safety deposit box, mini bar, internet and telephone. The restaurant serves traditional Portuguese food.
Gentle hills and lush greenery accompany you on your way through rural northern Portugal. Passing lovingly tended gardens and small Baroque chapels, you will climb a few gentle slopes towards Balugães – a quiet place typical of the region. Here you can feel the serenity of Portuguese country life. The route continues through wide fields and small hamlets towards the picturesque Lima River Valley. Finally, you reach Ponte de Lima, Portugal's oldest small town, whose medieval bridge and charming old town bring history to life. A stroll along the riverbank or through the cobbled streets rounds off the day in style.
Ascent: 414m (1,358ft)/Descent: 446m (1,463ft)

This B&B offers well-equipped rooms with air-conditioned, TV, free WIFI access, iPod docking station and a private bathroom with shower and free toiletries. It is located at the Roman Bridge close to many restaurants where to taste the local cuisine.

A 4-star hotel located by the historical centre of Ponte de Lima. The property features a spa area with massage services, and a lush garden to relax in. Rooms have a private balcony overlooking the river. The Hotel & Spa offers you a rich breakfast buffet with sweet and savory dishes with seasonal ingredients.

The hotel is located in one of the village's historic commercial buildings. It offers 6 individually furnished rooms with modern bathrooms. It also has a living room and kitchen for all guests. All rooms offer free Wi-Fi and large windows overlooking the historic district. Soft colors and wooden floors are part of the modern, country-house style furnishings. All rooms are equipped with heating and a flat-screen TV.
After enjoying a hearty breakfast, you will leave Ponte de Lima and set off towards Pecene. The initial section of the route is a steady uphill climb to Portela Grande, where you can enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding hilly landscape. You then walk a short distance along the historic Roman road, which dates back to ancient times. The path winds through green valleys and past vineyards and fields. Beautiful views of rural northern Portugal open up again and again. Finally, you reach the peaceful village of Pecene, where you can unwind and bring the day to a close.
Ascent: 502m (1,647ft)/Descent: 252m (827ft)

The Casa da Capela is a house from bygone times, which has retained its charm after renovation and restoration. Guests can relax in the garden, by the outdoor pool, on the sun terrace or in the communal lounge.

This pleasant house offers a family atmosphere with rustic, practical and functional furnishings.
Today's stage will take you through increasingly hilly countryside towards the Spanish border. En route, you will pass the well-preserved fortress of Valença, which looms large above the River Minho. After walking through the historic streets for a short while, you will cross the so-called 'international bridge' – and with it, the border into Spain. On the Galician side, the charming town of Tui welcomes you with its impressive old town. The Cathedral of Santa María is particularly worth seeing, as it watches over the town like a fortress. It is a great place to experience the essence of Galicia for the first time.
Ascent: 135m (443ft)/Descent: 334m (1,096ft)

Hotel Villa Blanca is located in the heart of the Tui Historic-Artistic Site, on the border between Galicia and Portugal on the way to Santiago. A fresh, simple and cozy atmosphere has been created inside, after renovation and furnishing works that have respected the original architecture of the building.

It is located in the heart of Tui and all its rooms have a private bathroom , air conditioning, Smart TV and free Wi-Fi.
It is a charming hostel that has a large terrace, garden, large lounge, library and breakfast area.
The establishment serves a quality continental breakfast, included in the price.
The property was the family home of the owners and has been completely renovated , while maintaining its essence. We focus on customer service and our goal is to make you feel comfortable during your stay, as if you were at home.

In the center of the city of Tui and in the middle of the road to Santiago, the hotel "A Torre do Xudeu" is located on Tide street. A large eighteenth-century house, popularly known as "The Black House", has been transformed into a cozy hotel steeped in history, as evidenced by the coat of arms of the Ciceron and Centeno family on its facade.
After seven eventful days on the Portuguese Way of St. James, your hiking trip ends in the charming border town of Tui. Enjoy a final breakfast at your accommodation before departing individually or continuing your journey. You may wish to stroll through the historic old town or visit the impressive cathedral. It is also possible to extend your stay. Please contact us if you require assistance with planning.
This trip has a carbon score of 10kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 10kg is equivalent to 18 lattes. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?The Camino Portugués is a fantastic alternative to the well known Camino Frances, and is perfect if you want a route rich in culture as it passes through many villages, towns and historical cities. Much of the route follows the original Roman military road so you can expect some road walking but there are alternative routes which can be taken to avoid some of this.
Pilgrimages | For those looking to follow a path of self-discovery. Our Pilgrimage and Camino routes take you on a journey through diverse landscapes and local flavours, while meeting like-minded adventurers along the way.
Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.
Solo Travellers, Families with Teens
The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years
This walk is graded easy-moderate overall and includes daily walks of 16-34km. You will follow a mixture of farm/dirt tracks, woodland paths, minor roads and close to the bigger towns and cities, some busier roads. It should be noted that on the section out of Porto there is a busy road network but there are some alternatives to avoid some of this. The walk is well way-marked and you will also be supplied with turn by turn route notes and detailed maps so you will have no problem following the route each day.
The accommodation is a mixture of 3-4 star hotels and family-run guesthouses . All with private rooms and en-suite bathrooms and all offer a warm welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and delicious local food. We do recommend that you book this trip early as the area is always popular and the hotels and inns do fill up early.
Solo Walkers & Single Rooms
The Camino is available to solo walkers at a supplement. Single rooms are available although a single supplement is payable.
Meals
A local breakfast is included each morning which usually consists of a coffee and bread with jams. Lunch and dinner are not included as standard so you are free to choose from the available options.
Additional Nights
There is so much to see and do along the route that many of our clients choose to add extra nights along the walk either as a rest day or simply to do some extra sightseeing. If you are walking the whole route solo try not to add too many extra nights along the way as you will lose touch with those you have met.
Fewer Nights
It is possible to walk the Camino in less time but we would not recommend this.
The route is marked with yellow painted arrows but please take care at intersections where there may be a choice of several different alternative routes. Navigation can become trickier when leaving the busier cities and towns such as Porto and Tui and you will need to pay close attention to your route notes for these sections. There are usually other walkers around in case you are looking for help. We also provide a guidebook which can be very helpful to use at confusing intersections. A detailed information pack including route notes, local information and maps will be waiting for you at your first accommodation. This tour also has access to the Macs Adventure Navigation Smartphone App - we highly recommend using it, or at least having it on your phone ready to use should you ever be in any doubt about your direction.
- Accommodation in small rural hotels, twin/double rooms with en-suite W/C
- Daily Breakfasts (unless specified otherwise)
- Daily Baggage Transfers
- Transfers required as per itinerary (if applicable)
- Pilgrim Passport and shell
- A detailed information pack, route notes, maps, GPX tracks and access to the Macs Adventure Navigation Smartphone App
- Emergency support from our local and UK offices in the event of a problem
- Return travel to Spain/Portugal.
- Lunches, dinners, snacks or drinks.
- Travel Insurance.
- Personal Equipment.
- Taxi transfers or public transport should you need to skip a stage
- Additional nights accommodation along the way.
This trip is available to start on any day from the beginning of March to the end of October. Option & extension prices will be displayed as part of the booking process.
The best time to walk the Camino depends on your personal preference!
Spring (April to June) is a fantastic choice. Expect pleasant temperatures, blooming landscapes, and fewer crowds than summer. Be prepared for the potential of spring showers.
Summer (July and August) brings sweltering heat to much of Spain, but the northern regions remain refreshingly mild thanks to their coastal climates. If you're a social butterfly, this is your season! The trails are buzzing with fellow pilgrims, creating an unbeatable atmosphere for meeting people, local festivals, and sharing stories.
Autumn (September to early November) is another excellent time to go. You'll enjoy milder temperatures, stunning autumn colors, and quieter trails as the summer crowds dwindle. But, much like spring, there's still a chance of rain—because nature loves keeping us on our toes!
For this section of the Camino Portugués, you are best to fly in and out of Porto. This city is accessible directly from London and Manchester with Ryanair, Easyjet and TAP.
To get back to Porto from Tui, you can take a taxi to Valenca, across the international bridge and then take a bus with Rede Expressos which takes around two and a half hours.
Baggage transfers are included (max 18kg per person). Your main bag will be transferred each day between your overnight accommodation so that you only need to walk with a day pack. There is a supplement applicable for solo walkers on baggage transfers due to the fact that the transfer costs are usually shared.
At Macs Adventure, we work in partnership with many luggage transfer providers who set a limit on how many bags/suitcases they will transfer per person, and also the weight of the bag/suitcase. Your booking includes transfer of 1 bag per person. It is very important that you read the luggage information specific to your tour before departure. If you do not adhere to these limits, there is a great possibility that you will be charged locally both for extra bags or if they are too heavy. This limitation can be a challenge, especially as airlines generally have limits that are higher. However, our luggage providers have reasons for these limits (usually due to the Health and Safety of their employees), which we must respect.
Pilgrim Passport & Compostela
Your Pilgrim Passport (Credencial del Peregrino) and scallop shell will be waiting at your first accommodation. The Passport isn’t just practical—it’s a beautiful record of your Camino journey, officially issued by the Church of St. James. Along the route, you'll collect stamps (sellos) from albergues, churches, cafes, and more. Each stamp is a colorful reminder of your journey. To earn your Compostela Certificate in Santiago, you must walk at least the final 100 km, with your stamps serving as proof of this accomplishment.
The average daily distance of the Portugués Camino is between 12 and 33 kilometers and you can expect to walk for between four and eight hours each day. You should do as much walking as possible prior to your walk as this will simply add to your enjoyment. That said if you are not at peak fitness you will find you will soon walk yourself fit.
Baggage transfers are included. Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation. The maximum weight for a piece of luggage is 20kg.
Yes, some people prefer to walk carrying their own bags as a true pilgrim would have. You can select the option for removing the baggage transfers in Step 2 of the Booking Engine.
Public transport and taxis are available, if you are need of support our local partner in Portugal/Spain will be more that happy to help.
Unfortunately we are unable to change your accommodation bookings and itinerary once you start walking as alternative accommodation is generally not available at such short notice.
Good news! Your Pilgrim Passport (“Credencial del Peregrino”) and shell will be waiting for you at your first accommodation on Day 1. Think of the Pilgrim Passport as a record of your incredible journey along the Camino, issued by the Church of St. James. The Scallop Shell (or "Concha de Vieira") is an iconic symbol of the Camino and is like a badge of honor. You'll see fellow pilgrims proudly displaying theirs on backpacks or hanging them from walking sticks as a sign of their trek to Santiago.
But here’s where it gets fun—you’ll collect stamps (called "sellos") on your Passport at albergues, churches, cafes, and other stops along the route. To receive your Compostela Certificate at the end of your pilgrimage in Santiago, you need to walk at least the final 100km of the Camino. For other sections of the trail, the Passport serves as a stunning keepsake featuring all the colorful stamps you collect along the way.
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