The Sé Cathedral is your true stating point of this pilgrimage toward Santiago de Compostela. Overlooking the Douro and the Ribeira quarter this XIIIc. Church is a symbol of your hike start. Your first steps are into the UNESCO world heritage old Porto, down to the river and across the old medieval town. As you go along the Douro towards its river mouth, to the Atlantic, the city gets younger but always linked to the river and sea toward. Matosinhos is well known for the fishing port but also for the Scallop that represents the Pilgrim, it is here that the legend of the Scallop started. By the beach of Matosinhos 2 millenniums ago…..

The crossing of the level bridge leads you to the gentle stroll of the day. Along the sea and following the well define path over the dunes, small beach and villages. Leça is just across the bridge and is just the day start. Other like Angeira beach town and his little fishing port or the iron settlement of São Paio near labruge are places of history, from before the romans to the second world war plane crashes… You’ll also cross protected areas of dunes, that are a bird sanctuary, along the well kept footpath. And to finish the day, Vila do Conde the former shipyard of the XVc. Caravels….

Vila do Conde once an important port of northern Portugal, have a lot to visit, from the sea museum and the Caravel and the Santa Clara convent. Take your time as you continue north to Povoa de Varzim fishing port. The path goes along the coast, some more rugged some more sandy along the Atlantic. On the way the Litoral Norte Natural reserve, area where man and conservationism are hand to hand. The little parcels of farmland, growing vegetable, onions, potatoes and a lot more are also dedicated to preservation of this sandy soil, and dunes. A resting place for so many species… The Cávado Estuary is your ending for the day, as Espsende sits on its margins in a wonderful place to have a rest between sea and river...

This day will leave the waves and goes a little more inland to get back to the sea at the end of your day. Cobbled surface is the standard of your day as you passing villages along the way. It follow the ancient way and one river cross will be the best image of that, over the Neiva River, and not far ahead the Benedictine Monastery of São Romão do Neiva. As the day approach to end the Lima river estuary offer us wonderful sights of Viana and the surroundings. Eye catching is the Zimborio on top of the hill overlooking Viana do Castelo. The train passes over the same bridge we enter the city, one of the Eiffel works in Portugal. Viana, is one amazing melt of mountain, river and sea, along with one of the best preserved old town centers of the Minho.

Across the old town center of Viana to reach the sea front by the old XVIIc. Fortress time to enjoy this typical architecture of Portugal’s Minho Region. The granite stone, the narrow buildings with huge their white windows so characteristic of these towns…. The wave sound will be present all day as the path is meters away from them, make sure the day is not stormy!! Sea is always nearby, the Montedor lighthouse is a remind of the long fate histories of these sea as you reach your destination.

An easy day following both the sea and river Minho. The Ocean will be your companion almost to the town of Caminha. Another Minho´s Medieval well preserved town on the river mouth of the river Minho. Right at the border with Galician land across the river. Caminha is the perfect place to find lunch and visit or even rest a little. The way now follows the river and finds along the way little villages end as you approach Vila Nova de Cerveira a beautifull path that leads you to Vina Nova de Cerveira while hiking along the shores and enjoying the scenery. Vila Nova de Cerveira is another charming town belonging to Portugal and overlooking Galicia already in Spain….

This is the day that takes you to the pass into Spain, the one that connect you to the Portuguese Path in Valença. Easy day while following the path along river Minho. The path today is less urban and arrive to an amazing town. Valença do Minho and its fortress overlooking Tuy and Galicia. Take time and enjoy the town center. Tomorrow while following other pilgrims you’ll cross the bridge and enter the Portuguese Camino toward Santiago

Hiking along small fortresses, passing under old doors, travel in medieval streets and crossing over ancient bridges, today you might feel like a middle age pilgrimage. The times has changed but the atmosphere, the landscape or the people lifestyle do not. On the way you might enjoy the town of Tuy and spend some time in the center, the Cathedral is a must see. Very soon you arrive in Galiza, Spain and after a beautiful walk along the river, you find your accomodation in Porriño.

The challenge for today goes towards Redondela still the Saint James path, part following close to the national road. Up to the hill the hiking will be rewarding because at 250 meter high you can see the horizon, feel the wind and take some great photos over Redondela and Ria de Vigo. Until the town you way go down where you have opportunity to pass in some rural villages full of streams and local spirit. You will sleep in the town, but before enjoying the monuments in the center or have a beer while the sun goes down.

Back to the forest track just out of the logging, toward one of the smallest days of your entire journey and Pontevedra! Up the hill to Arcade, along forest to reach the end of the Ria and cross the Sampaio Bridge at Arcade, one from the XVIc. It is here to help you getting over Verdugo River to one of the oldest part of this Saint James way, the roman way. This part of the way was the Vía XIX that came all the way from Braga (Pt) to Lugo and Astorga. This part goes up thru forest and rural countryside. A peaceful part of the Camino that end up in the 80000 inhabitants of Pontevedra. Pontevedra is a magnificent place to hang out by the end of this small day, a lot of history is present in the old centre, from churches to monasteries and narrow streets...

After your breakfast feeling full energized you will start one of the longest day. The experience goes through old railways, rural paths and wetlands. Place of hundreds of species and biodiversity, you will be surrounded by some of the most beautiful and natural landscapes. Perfect to explore with all of your senses step by step you get closer to Caldas dos Reis, the final destination of the day. A few kilometers from Caldas de Reis there is the waterfall and the watermills system of Barrosa river, take a look before check in your hotel.

Now at you 14th day, you begins with nice walk along agriculture fields, in this fertile land with thermal waters. Toward Valga the path goes into a very scenic scenery by the river and dark forest. Out of this forest and along little roads you reach Pontecesures a place full of religious architecture. Crossing the river reach Padrón your last stop before Santiago de Compostela, this town is has beautiful gardens and monuments all around. Look for typical food and delight with great dinner.

Today is your last day of hiking adventure! Santiago awaits you just 25km ahead. The day to reach Santiago de Compostela is probably the longest one, not about the kilometres but mindset. The path leaves the town of Padrón going up north to the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria la Mayor, episcopal centre before its transfer to Santiago de Compostela. Soon you reach the outskirts of Santiago. On the afternoon feel free to explore Santiago, the old quarter and the rest there is a lot to see.

On this departure day a transfer will take you to the airport or other departure place you have in mind.