The Portuguese Way is the second most popular route, and its Galician section crosses landscapes steeped in history and charm. The route begins in Tui, a border town with Portugal, where the Cathedral of Santa María dominates the old town with its blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles.
From Tui, the route follows the course of the Miño River and enters lush forests until reaching O Porrinho, known for its modernist architecture and as a key hub for the granite industry.
The next stop is Redondela, where the Way approaches the Vigo estuary and offers spectacular views of the Atlantic. From here, the landscape combines the blue of the sea with the green of the forests until reaching Pontevedra, one of the most beautiful cities in Galicia. Its old town, entirely pedestrianized, invites you to lose yourself among charming squares and bars where you can sample fresh seafood.
The route continues to Caldas de Reis, a small thermal paradise, where pilgrims can soak their feet in the hot waters before continuing to Padrón, the place where, according to tradition, the body of the Apostle Saint James arrived in a stone boat.
Finally, after a final push, you reach Santiago de Compostela, where the Praza do Obradoiro awaits with its unmistakable energy.
👉 Unique experience: Relax in the hot springs of Caldas de Reis and try authentic Padrón peppers.
STAGES:
1️⃣ Tui → O Porriño (18 km)
The Portuguese Way begins in Galicia in the historic city of Tui, on the border with Portugal. The journey starts by crossing the Miño River and continues along a route through forests and cobbled paths, passing through villages with a special charm. Highlights include the Tui Cathedral and the beautiful natural landscapes of the Louro River valley before reaching O Porriño, famous for its granite and pilgrim atmosphere.
2️⃣ O Porriño → Redondela (16 km)
This stage is a combination of urban and natural sections. The climb to Alto da Lomba offers panoramic views, followed by a descent through eucalyptus and oak forests to Redondela. This town, known for its railway viaducts, is an important crossroads as pilgrims coming from the coastal variant of the Portuguese Way converge here.
3️⃣ Redondela → Pontevedra (19 km)
The route enters dense forests and crosses small streams. Halfway, you pass through Arcade, a town famous for its oysters. The final stretch leads to Pontevedra, a city with a charming pedestrian historic center, where the Basilica of Santa Maria and the Plaza de la Peregrina, with its unique shell-shaped church, stand out.
4️⃣ Pontevedra → Caldas de Reis (21 km)
A tranquil stage between vineyards and Galician villages, where the landscape changes to a more rustic setting. The route follows rivers and forests until reaching Caldas de Reis, a spa town with sulfurous waters that have been used since Roman times for relaxation and healing.
5️⃣ Caldas de Reis → Padrón (19 km)
The path continues through gentle hills and shaded trails. Crossing the Ulla River, you reach Padrón, an iconic place in the history of the Apostle James. It is said that the boat carrying his remains arrived here. The town is also famous for its peppers and its literary tradition.
6️⃣ Padrón → Santiago de Compostela (24 km)
The final stage is mostly urban, passing through villages with historic churches and centuries-old crosses. The excitement increases as you approach Santiago, where the sound of bagpipes accompanies pilgrims to the long-awaited arrival at the Plaza del Obradoiro.
