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The Central Route is the most well-liked route of the Portuguese Camino from Porto. The Camino begins at Se Cathedral within the historic middle of Porto and finishes in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. It’s an inland route that takes pilgrims by a number of historic cities and combines forest and rural surroundings.

In response to the Pilgrim’s Reception Workplace in 2023 20% (88 716 folks) of all pilgrims who arrived in Santiago de Compostela walked the Central Route of the Portuguese Camino. It’s some of the standard Camino de Santiago routes.

Ponte de Lima is without doubt one of the most stunning cities on the Central Route

Portuguese Camino Central Route Overview

Distance – 240 km/149 mi
Variety of days – 10-14 days
Start line – Sé Cathedral, Porto, Portugal
Ending level – Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, Spain
Issue degree – average
Accrued ascent – 4000 m over 10 days
Common price – 30 euros per individual per day if staying in albergues, from 50 euros if staying in lodges 

Central Route GPX information

Insurance coverage in your pilgrimage stroll

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Yow will discover extra info on the insurance coverage for the Camino in our devoted publish.

Portuguese Camino Central Route PDFs

Locations to remain on the Central Route PDF

Strolling levels of the Central Route PDF

The place does the Central Route begin?

The Central Route of the Portuguese Camino begins at Sé Cathedral in Porto. The Portuguese Camino itself begins in Lisbon however there is just one route from Lisbon to Porto. From Porto the Camino splits into three routes; the Central Route, the Coastal Route, and the Litoral Method. 

Locations to remain close to Sé Cathedral in Porto

All of the steered locations are located inside a 600 m radius of Sé Cathedral which implies you’ll be able to stroll out of your resort to the Cathedral and begin strolling.

Low-end | Misplaced Inn Porto Hostel | Onefam Ribeira |

Mid-range | ORM Santana Condo | Maria da SÉ Historic Home |

Excessive-end | Se Catedral Resort Porto, Tapestry Assortment By Hilton | HM – Ribeira São João 2D Condo |

Which route to decide on to stroll out of Porto?

There are 3 routes of the Portuguese Camino from Porto; the Central Route, the Coastal Route, and the Litoral Method. I’ve walked all 3 of them and the Litoral Method is my favourite route out of the town. It’s the one which goes alongside the coast. The primary 7 km on the Coastal Route and the Central Route by the town are the identical.

Technically you’ll be able to stroll out of Porto following the Litoral Technique to Vila do Conde and change to the Central Camino utilizing the connecting route from Vila do Conde to Charges. It’ll add one further day to your itinerary. In my view, following the Central Route from the beginning is the best choice. 

Yow will discover extra info and maps in our 3 routes from Porto publish.

How lengthy is the Central Route of the Portuguese Camino?

The overall distance of the Central Route from Porto to Santiago de Compostela is 240 km/150 mi. It takes between 10 and 14 days on common to finish the Camino. 

Is it simple to seek out the way in which?

Sure, the Central Route is well-marked from the begin to the tip. You don’t want GPS, a map, or a information to seek out the way in which. The Portuguese Camino is marked with yellow arrows and scallop shells painted on partitions, floor, rocks, and many others. Typically in cities, it’s marked with metallic shells on the bottom.

A Camino signal within the forest on the Central Route.

How tough is the Central Route?

The Central Route has some difficult levels with lengthy and steep ascents and descents. I might spotlight the levels from Ponte de Lima to Rubiães and Tui to Redondela. Each levels have very steep ascents with subsequent steep descents. The final day from Padrón to Santiago, significantly the final bit, has steep ascents.

There are some lengthy strolling days, over 30 km in the usual itinerary however you’ll be able to simply break up these days into two there are tows and locations to remain in between so there is no such thing as a must push your limits.

What’s the surroundings like?

The surroundings alongside the Central Route combines forests, fields, and cities. You get to stroll subsequent to or on the street with automobiles often however normally for a short time. 

My least favourite a part of the Central Route is the stretch between Tui and O Porriño when for nearly 5 km you stroll by a loud industrial space. 

Is there a variety of strolling on cobbled stones?

Sure, within the forest half of the Central Route of the Portuguese Camino from Porto to Valença, there’s a variety of strolling on cobbled stones. Within the Spanish a part of the route from Tui to Santiago de Compostela, you not often stroll on cobblestones. 

To present an instance the Portuguese half (Porto to Valença) of the Camino route is 122 km/75,8 mi out of which 42,5 km/26,4 mi you stroll on cobbled stones. 

General on the Central Route, you stroll typically on laborious surfaces similar to tar, cobbled, and asphalt. 

Within the Portuguese a part of the Central Route you stroll on cobbled stones even within the forest

Is there a variety of strolling on the street?

Right here and there you do get brief stretches the place you stroll on the street but it surely’s normally 100-300 m after which the route turns away. Within the first half of the Central Route from Porto, there are elements on the street however there are various trails which are marked and indicated. I like to recommend taking the choice routes as they take you away from the street. The gap is normally roughly the identical but it surely’s a lot safer. 

Baggage supply service on the Central Route

A number of firms supply baggage supply providers on the Central Route. I’d spotlight 3 major firms; Pilbeo, TuiTrans, and Correos (solely the half from Tui to Santiago). The common worth is 7 euros per backpack per stage. 

It really works very simply they decide your baggage up at your lodging place within the morning and drop it off at your subsequent place within the afternoon. You’ll be able to stroll with a daypack carrying solely necessities and valuables; the remainder of your stuff shall be transferred every day by automotive. You don’t have to attend for them to select up your baggage you simply depart it on the reception within the morning.

The way to mix the Central Route with the Spitirual Variant?

The Non secular Variant is an non-obligatory route of the Portuguese Camino from Pontevedra to Padron (Pontecesures). This 3-day route provides a singular expertise, together with a ship experience (Translatio) on the final day from Vila Nova de Arousa to Pontecesures. In the event you select to stroll the Non secular Variant make certain to spend a while in Combarro, a small charming city.

Pontevedra is the city on the Central route the place the Camino splits

What are the highlights of the Camino?

For me, the historic cities had been the primary attraction of the route. I’d spotlight Barcelos, Ponte de Lima, Valença, Tui, and Pontevedra. And naturally Porto and Santiago de Compostela – the beginning and the ending factors of the Portuguese Camino. 

Portuguese Camino planning sources

In the event you’re nonetheless within the means of planning your Camino stroll now we have a variety of content material on the Portuguese route which is likely to be useful.

The Central Route of the Camino Portuguese route map

A map with strolling levels of the Central Route of the Portuguese Camino

Camino Portuguese Central Route strolling levels

Stage 1. Sé Cathedral, Porto to Vilarinho, 27 km/16,7 mi

Distance – 27 km/16,7 mi
Time – 6 hours
Accrued ascent – 336 m
Accrued descent – 355 m
Strolling floor – 14,5 km – tar street and asphalt, 12 km – cobblestones, 500 m – footpath

It’s a simple strolling day with numerous surroundings. You get to see the historic middle of Porto, its residential space, some forests, and small cities. The route is well-marked although the primary 2 km from the Cathedral are a bit complicated as there are too many different indicators, automobiles, and folks. 

The primary 7 km from Sé Cathedral, the Central Route and the Coastal Route observe the identical path. At 7 km they break up. The Litoral Method ( it goes alongside the river) follows a special path from the cathedral.

Elevation profile of the primary day on the Central Route from Porto to Vilarinho. The primary day is sort of flat and straightforward

Challenges

Numerous strolling on cobbled stones. 
A few stretches close to a busy street and industrial areas.

Highlights

The historic middle of Porto
Lovely forest

Stage 1 of the Central Route description.

0-2,5 km/0-1,5 mi – strolling by the historic a part of Porto. 

2,8 km/1,7 mi – Albergue de Peregrinos de Porto. 

5-11 km/3,1-6,8 mi – the route goes by quiet neighborhoods and residential areas of Porto.

6 km/3,7 mi – a few large supermarkets (LIDL, Continente) the place you may get a well-priced meal.

7 km/4,3 mi – the break up into the Coastal and the Central Route (on the left facet of the road) in Padrão da Légua on the intersection of R. Nova do Seixo and R. Fonte Velha. The precise route is the Central Route.

8,4 km/5,2 mi – a grocery store (ALDI)

11-12 km/6,8-7,4 mi – strolling alongside the street (sidewalk) by the forest

12-14,5 km/7,4-8,3 mi – strolling by cities subsequent to busy roads

14,5 km/8,3 mi – a few large supermarkets (LIDL, Pingo Doce)

15-16 km/9,3-10 mi – strolling by an industrial space however not a really busy one

16-16,4 km/10-10,2 mi – on the street

17 km/10,5 mi – a store and a bar

18,5 km/11,5 mi – Mosteiro, a small city with a restaurant

20 km/12,4 mi – Vila, a small city with a restaurant and a store

21-21,5 km/13-13,3 mi – strolling on the street

21,5 km/13,3 mi – Gião, a small city with a restaurant. You’ll be able to stamp your Pilgrim’s Passport at a stand with a stamp on the left facet of the road.

22,4 km/14 mi – a small grocery store

23 km/14,3 mi – on the Doce Giao cafe there’s a route break up. I’d suggest following the choice route that turns proper and goes by a quiet space. The left route continues on a busy slender street it’s not a protected strolling choice. There’s a very good guesthouse Casa Mindela, 700 m from the Camino route. You’ll be able to cease there as an alternative of strolling to Vilarinho. We stayed there for a few days and favored it.

24 km/15 mi – a bar and a store

25 km/15,5 mi – an ATM and a restaurant

26 km/16,1 mi – Municipal Albergue do Mosteiro do Veirão.

26,5-27 km/16,4-16,7 mi – a footpath by the forest

27 km/16,7 mi – Vilarinho, a city with a store, a restaurant, and a non-public albergue/visitor home.

Sé Cathedral in Porto is the start of the Central Route of the Portuguese Camino

Stage 2. Vilarinho to Barcelos, 28 km/17,3 mi

Distance – 28 km/17,3 mi
Time – 6-7 hours (transferring time) 
Accrued ascent – 423 m
Accrued descent – 455 m
Strolling floor – 11,5 km/7 mi – asphalt; 11 km/6,8 mi – cobbled; 5,5 km/3,4 mi gravel/footpath.

It’s a pleasing strolling day by small cities within the first half and a phenomenal forest within the second half. If you wish to cease for lunch or espresso do it in Charges the following place to cease shall be solely at 19,5 km. 

Two detours on the route are well-marked with a giant map and indicators. I might strongly suggest following the steered detours as they take you away from harmful elements of the route (strolling on slender busy roads with no sidewalks). The detours add little distance to the route.

Elevation profile of the second stage of the Central Route

Challenges

Strolling on a tough floor many of the day – 22,5 km/14 mi are on asphalt and cobblestones
No place to cease for meals or espresso between 12 km/7,4 mi and 19,5 km/12 mi (between Charges and Portela).
A few brief stretches of 100-200 m on the street.

Highlights

Lovely forest surroundings within the second half of the day
The pilgrims park within the forest at 14 km/8,6 mi
The historic middle of Barcelos. The view of the city and the church from the other facet of the bridge is gorgeous. The middle of Barcelos has many eating places and cafes. It’s a stunning space to exit for dinner or drinks. 

Stage 2 rute description

The start of the stroll is thru the city of Vilarinho. 

3 km/1,8 mi (after 100 m of strolling on the street) – detour to skip the a part of strolling on the street

6,2 km/3,8 mi – a small city with a restaurant

8 km/5 mi (simply earlier than Arcos) – the connecting route from the Coastal Route from Vila do Conde merges with the Central Route.

9 km/5,6 mi – the city of Arcos; lodges, eating places

12 km/7,4 mi – São Pedro De Charges (Charges); municipal albergue, lodges, eating places, retailers 

12-19 km/7,4-11,8 mi – forest

14 km/8,6 mi – a Pilgrims Park, a small space within the forest devoted to the pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago with benches, sculptures, and many others.

A statue of the normal Portuguese rooster within the Pilgrims Park on the Central Route close to Barcelos

18,5 km/11,4 mi – Pedra Furada, personal Albergue O Palhuço (donation)

19 km/11,8 mi – Guesthouse/Albergue Casa Maria

19,5 km/12,1 mi – restaurant

20 km/12,4 mi – bakery

22,5 km/14 mi – bar

24,5 km/15,2 mi – store

26,5 km/16,4 mi – Barcelinhos, a small city simply earlier than Barcelos

27 km/16,7 mi – Albergue

28 km/17,3 mi – the historic middle of Barcelos

The historic middle of Barcelos

Stage 3. Barcelos to Ponte de Lima, 34 km/21 mi

Distance – 34 km/21 mi
Time – 7-8 hours (transferring time) 
Accrued ascent – 509 m
Accrued descent – 532 m
Strolling floor – 19 km/11,6 mi – asphalt; 9,5 km/5,9 mi – cobbled; 5,5 km/3,4 mi gravel/footpath.

It’s a really lengthy strolling stage which you’ll break up into two levels. Most individuals I met had been planning to stroll all the way in which. Don’t attempt to sustain with others. Break up the stage into two and fairly have two days of stress-free strolling than be overtired and presumably with blisters after a really lengthy day. 

Elevation profile of the third stage from Barcelos to Ponte de Lima

Challenges

A really lengthy strolling day, 34 km/21 mi. 
Strolling on laborious surfaces, round 30 km on cobbled stones and asphalt which is tough in your foot
A number of ascents and descents nothing lengthy or very steep however mixed with the lengthy distance it makes the stroll tougher

Highlights

Stage 3 route description

0-3 km/0-1,8 mi strolling by Barcelos

3 km/1,8 mi – Albergue Flora

5,5 km/3,4 mi – bakery

5,5-10 km/3,4-6,2 mi – strolling by the forest and fields

9,5 km/5,9 mi – Resort Leonchic. We stayed right here for a few nights and it was good, the meals they made was good, and the placement is true on the Camino route.

10,3 km/6,4 mi – Portela de Tamel with a restaurant and a Municipal Albergue Casa da Recoleta (throughout the street)

12 km/7,4 mi – Casa de Santiago Albergue

16 km/9,9 mi – Resort Casa da Quinta da Cancela

21 km/13 mi – Resort Casa da Fernanda

22 km/13,6 mi – the city of Vitorino dos Piães, Albergue Casa Sagres, resort Estabulo de Valinhas

22,4 km/13,9 mi – restaurant

25 km/15,5 mi – resort Quinta da Albergaria

28 km/17,3 mi – personal Albergue O Caminheiro and Resort Quinta do Sobreiro

28,5 km/17,7 mi – cafe, bakery, resort Pinheiro Manso

34 km/21 mi – the middle of Ponte de Lima 

The gorgeous Roman/Medieval Bridge in Ponte de Lima

Different. Barcelos to Ponte de Lima in 2 days

You’ll be able to break up the lengthy stage into two and spend an evening in Vitorino dos Piães and the following day proceed to Ponta de Lima. The second day shall be brief which implies you’ll have extra time to discover the attractive city of Ponte de Lima. The historic a part of the city, the Roman/Medieval bridge, and a phenomenal park (Parque do Arnado) on the opposite facet of the river are value exploring. 

One more reason to spit the stage is the stroll from Ponte de Lima to Rubiães, it’s a comparatively brief day, 18 km however with a really steep and lengthy ascent that makes you drained. 

Barcelos to Vitorino dos Piães, 22 km/13,6 mi

Distance – 22 km/13,6 mi
Time – 4-5 hours (transferring time) 
Accrued ascent – 403 m
Accrued descent – 337 m
Strolling floor – 11 km/6,8 mi – asphalt, 7 km/4,3 mi – cobbled, 4,2 km/2,6 mi – footpath/gravel

Locations to remain in Vitorino dos Piães

| Casa Sagres | Casa da Fernanda | resort Estabulo de Valinhas | Casa na Quinta de Valinhas |

Vitorino dos Piães to Ponte de Lima, 12 km/7,4 mi

Distance – 12 km/7,4 mi
Time – 2-3 hours (transferring time) 
Accrued ascent – 105 m
Accrued descent – 195 m
Strolling floor – 8 km/5 mi – asphalt, 2,5 km/1,5 mi – cobbled, 1,3 km/0,8 mi – footpath/gravel

A small church in Virotino dos Piães on the Central Route

Stage 4. Ponte de Lima to Rubiães, 18 km/11 mi

Distance – 18 km/11 mi
Time – 4-5 hours (transferring time) 
Accrued ascent – 517 m
Accrued descent – 332 m
Strolling floor – 6 km/3,7 mi – asphalt, 3 km/1,8 mi – cobbled,  10 km/6,2 mi – gravel/footpath

Regardless of a brief distance, it was fairly a tiring day as a consequence of a steep and lengthy ascent and amassed tiredness after the earlier lengthy strolling day. Splitting the earlier stage into two is likely to be a very good choice. Earlier than you begin the ascent be sure to have sufficient water, particularly throughout summer time.

Elevation graph of the fourth stage of the Central Route of the Portuguese Camino

Challenges

A steep and lengthy ascent that begins at 8 km. You achieve over 300 m in 5 km/3,1 mi. Essentially the most difficult half is between 10 km/6,2 mi and 13 km/8 mi.
A steep descent that begins at 13 km/8 mi. It’s not as lengthy and steep because the ascent. You go down 190 m in 5 km/3,1 mi.
No locations to cease for meals or drinks within the second half of the day so make certain to hold sufficient water for the ascent.

Highlights

A embellished Camio wall on the Central Route across the nook from the general public albergue in Ponte de Lima.
Lovely forest and tranquil fields.
Cruz dos Franceses – a stone cross at 12,5 km/7,7 mi marks the place the place locals ambushed troopers of Napoleon’s military in the course of the invasion of 1809. 

Stage 4 of the Central Route description

0-1 km/0-0,6 mi strolling by the city of Ponte de Lima

1-6 km/0,6-3,7 mi strolling by the fields and villages

4,5 km/2,7 mi – a embellished wall with collectible figurines of saints, footage, and many others.

6-7,5 km/3,7-4,6 mi – strolling by the forest

7,7-8,5 km/4,7-5,2 mi – strolling alongside the street

8,5 km/5,2 mi – a bar in a village. It’s the final and solely place to cease for meals and relaxation earlier than the ascent. The subsequent bar is at 15,8 km and it’s not at all times open. There shall be no place to refill water in the course of the ascent.

8-13 km/5-8 mi – the start of the ascent by the forest.

9,4 km/5,8 mi – guesthouse Quinta da Labrujo

9,7 km/6 mi – Albergue Casa da Valada

9,9 km/6,1 mi – Albergue O Comforto

10,5 km/6,5 mi – guesthouse Casa do Chafariz

10-13 km/6,2-8 mi – a steep ascent on a footpath by the forest

12,5 km/7,7 mi – Cruz dos Franceses, a stone cross within the forest

13 km/8 mi – the highest of the mountain, the start of the descent

14 km/8,6 mi – one other stone cross

15,8 km/9,8 mi – a bar

16,5 km/10,2 mi – homestay Casa de Lamas

16,8 km/10,4 mi – guesthouse O Repouso do Peregrino

17 km/10,5 mi – Albergue Constantino

17,3 km/10,7 mi – guesthouses Quinta das Leiras

18 km/11 mi – municipal Albergue and a bar

Lovely surroundings on the fourth day of the Central Route

Stage 5. Rubiães (Portugal) to Tui (Spain), 19,5 km/12,1 mi

Distance – 19,5 km/12,1 mi
Time – 4-5 hours (transferring time) 
Accrued ascent – 306 m
Accrued descent – 437 m
Strolling floor – 8,8 km/5,4 mi – asphalt, 7 km/4,3 mi – cobbled, 3,7 km/2,3 mi – gravel/footpath

I loved this stage of the Central Route. Regardless of the comparatively brief distance, it is extremely numerous. You get to stroll by the forest and fields, go to two medieval fortresses, and two nations. I might suggest spending a while at Valença Fortress. 

In the event you begin strolling the Central Route in Porto be ready to see considerably extra pilgrims on the Tui to Santiago route. Many individuals stroll solely the final 100 km which is a required minimal for getting a Compostela certificates. 

One noticeable factor concerning the strolling floor of the Portuguese Camino is that after you cross to Spain there shall be no extra cobbled stones on the route (perhaps right here and there within the cities however not like in Portugal). Keep in mind in regards to the time distinction, Spain is 1 hour forward of Portugal.

Elevation profile of the fifth stage from Rubiães to Tui

Challenges

An ascent between 1 and 4 km, 110 m up
A steep descent between 4,5 and seven,5 km, 200 m down

Highlights

An attractive forest within the first half of the day
Valença Fortress is situated on the highest of the hill and provides spectacular views of the city and its environment.
A metallic bridge throughout the Minho River provides stunning views of each shores and fortresses
Tui Fortress is a Spanish fortress on the other facet of the river.

A view of Tui from a bridge over the Minho River.

Stage 5 route description

0-300 m – alongside the street

900 m/0,5 mi – a small Roman/Medieval bridge

1 km/0,6 mi – a restaurant

1,7-2,2 km/1-1,3 mi – strolling alongside the street

2,2-3,4 km/1,3-2,1 mi – strolling on the previous Roman street

4,3 km/2,6 mi – a restaurant, resort Casa da Capela

4,5 km/2,7 mi – the start of a protracted and steep ascent

7,3 km/4,5 mi – an ATM and a public rest room

7,5 km/4,6 mi – guesthouse Casa Quinto do Cruzeiro, bar

10 km/6,2 mi – Albergue/guesthouse Quinta Estrada Romana

11 km/6,8 mi – guesthouse/restaurant Quinta do Caminho 

13,5 km/8,3 mi – two cafes

15,5 km/9,6 mi – the city of Valença. There’s a route that connects the Coastal and the Central Route of the Portuguese Camino from Caminha to Valença. There’s a public albergue close to Continente grocery store. I can suggest Hostel Bulwarck close to the fortress.

16 km/10 mi – Public Albergue

16,5-17,5 km/10,2-10,8 mi – Valença Fortress. The Camino goes by it. There are a number of lodges and plenty of eating places contained in the partitions. 

17,5 km/10,8 mi – a metallic bridge throughout the Minho River. On the opposite facet of the river is Spain. Keep in mind the time distinction, Spain is 1 hour forward of Portugal. 

19 km/11,8 mi – Tui. As soon as within the city the Camino route goes away from the primary avenue and takes you in direction of the river first after which again to the primary avenue. You stroll 500 m further. If you wish to get nearer to the river you’ll be able to observe the marked route in any other case simply maintain strolling alongside Avenida de Portugal until you get to the fortress.

19,5 km/12,1 mi – Tui Fortress. A public albergue in Tui is behind the Cathedral de Santa Maria de Tui. 

A publish on the a part of the Portuguese Camino from Tui to Santiago de Compostela is coming quickly. There you’ll be capable of discover a detailed description of the final 5 levels of the Central Route.