The Camino Portuguese is not a single, fixed path but a network of pilgrimage routes leading to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The total length of the journey depends entirely on the chosen starting point, which can range from the full historical route beginning in Portugal’s capital to the shortest distance required for an official certificate. This variety allows pilgrims to select a journey that aligns with their available time, fitness level, and desired cultural experience. The distances vary significantly, offering options from a month-long trek to a focused week of walking.
The Full Route From Lisbon
The longest official starting point for the Camino Portuguese begins in Lisbon. This full route covers approximately 610 to 650 kilometers (380 to 400 miles) to Santiago de Compostela. Completing this distance typically requires an estimated walking time of 25 to 30 days, not including any rest days.
This initial section from Lisbon to Porto is the least traveled part of the Portuguese Way, meaning infrastructure, such as pilgrim hostels, is less developed than the northern sections. The journey passes through historical cities like Santarém, Tomar, and Coimbra, providing a deep immersion into Portuguese history and culture. The length and logistical challenges make it a less common choice than starting further north.
The Most Popular Options From Porto
Porto serves as the starting point for the most popular sections of the Camino Portuguese, offering two distinct routes to Santiago. The Central Route is the more traditional and slightly shorter option, covering approximately 240 to 243 kilometers (149 to 151 miles). This inland path generally takes pilgrims between 10 and 13 days to complete, moving through historic towns and rural countryside. The terrain includes more hills and significant walking on cobblestones and asphalt.
The Coastal Route, or Caminho da Costa, presents a scenic alternative, measuring about 270 to 274 kilometers (168 to 170 miles). This route typically requires 12 to 15 days of walking, offering expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean. The path is generally flatter and includes sections of wooden boardwalks along the coast, though it weaves inland at times. Both the Central and Coastal routes eventually merge near the Spanish town of Redondela for the final stretch into Santiago.
The Minimum Distance For a Compostela
For pilgrims with limited time, the minimum distance required to receive the Compostela is 100 kilometers. This distance must cover the final 100 kilometers leading directly into Santiago de Compostela. To prove this, pilgrims must collect at least two stamps, or sellos, per day in their Pilgrim’s Credential during this final segment.
The most common starting point on the Central Route to meet this minimum is the Spanish border town of Tui, which is approximately 117 kilometers from Santiago. On the Coastal Route, the city of Vigo is a popular starting point, offering a distance of around 100 to 120 kilometers. Walking this minimum distance typically takes between five and seven days, making it a manageable option for a shorter vacation.
Key Factors That Change Your Walking Time
While fixed distances provide a baseline, the actual time spent walking the Camino Portuguese is highly variable. A pilgrim’s daily walking pace and desired distance significantly impact the total duration of the journey. For example, a person aiming for 20 kilometers per day will take longer than one consistently walking 30 kilometers, even on the same route.
Incorporating rest days extends the total time, but these days are often necessary for recovery and sightseeing. The Spiritual Variant, or Variante Espiritual, also offers an alternative that affects the schedule near the end of the journey. This detour from the Central Route near Pontevedra includes a maritime stage, where pilgrims take a boat ride up the Ulla River. This alternative path adds an extra one to two days to the overall walking time compared to staying on the traditional Central Route.