FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What city should I fly into?/ How do I get to the Portuguese Camino starting point?
The official starting point of the Portuguese Camino is Guimarães, Portugal, about an hour and a half north of Porto. The easiest way to get to Guimarães is by flying to Porto. From Porto airport, there are direct buses to Guimarães approximately every hour. You can also take a taxi from Porto airport. It takes around 40 minutes and costs €40-50.
From Porto city center or Lisbon, there are regular buses and trains to Guimarães. Here are some sample timetables, to give you an idea of times and prices.
Flixbus – Porto to Guimarães & Lisbon to Guimarães
CP Train – Porto to Guimarães & Lisbon to Guimarães
How can I purchase my bus or train tickets beforehand?
From Porto Airport to Guimarães, you can purchase tickets in advance with Get Bus.
From Porto or Lisbon city center to Guimarães, you can purchase bus tickets either with Flixbus or Alsa. You can also purchase train tickets in advance from both cities to Guimarães with CP – the Portuguese train company.
How do I get from Santiago de Compostela (where the pilgrimage ends) to Lisbon and other cities?
You can take a bus from Santiago to Porto or Lisbon. For a sample timetable and prices, please see:
ALSA Bus – Santiago to Lisbon
ALSA Bus – Santiago to Porto
You can also fly from Santiago to Lisbon or Porto. Keep in mind that there are NO direct flights to either city. If traveling home via Madrid, there are several fast trains a day from Santiago to Madrid (approximately 3-4hours). Traveling by train is very convenient, especially if you are planning to do some sightseeing in Madrid, as it takes you straight to the city center. If you are looking to fly, there are multiple domestic flights a day from Santiago to Madrid.
On the Road
What is the weather like on the Portuguese Camino?
The Portuguese Camino covers about 104.39 miles/168 km of the Camino in northern Portugal & the northwest Spanish region of Galicia. This is a temperate climate than other parts of the Camino de Santiago in Spain.
Visit these links for average monthly temperatures for Porto and Santiago de Compostela.
What is a typical day like on the Portuguese Camino?
After breakfast, we lace up, open with a poem to walk with, inspirational reading, reminder of your intention, and start moving. After walking for a couple of hours, we do a checkpoint to make sure that everything is OK. Then, we continue along the Camino for another 1-2 hours, before indulging in a gourmet picnic prepared with the freshest local ingredients. On some days, we walk 1-2 more hours after lunch to burn off dessert.
In the afternoon, we go to our hotels, where we take a shower, have a siesta, and just relax! Some evenings, we will reflect on the insights in large and small group discussion. We finish our day with a feast of the local gastronomy. We then retire for the night and get ready to do it again! On some afternoons, we have planned excursions, such as a visit to Celtic ruins or perhaps a massage!
Does the group stop for breaks on the Portuguese Camino?
The great thing about the Camino is that it is very well-marked, and we encourage people to walk at a pace that is comfortable for them – this is not a race! We like to stop with for a coffee or fresh squeezed orange juice along the way, to enjoy the journey and take everything in!
What is the terrain like on the Portuguese Camino?
In Portugal and Galicia, the regions where we walk, the terrain is rolling green hills – there are neither steep climbs nor treacherous descents. The trail itself is a combination of well–maintained compact dirt, stone footpaths, and small country roads.
What is the change in elevation on the Portuguese Camino?
We will be walking from Vitorino de Piães (after a short transfer from Guimarães) to Santiago de Compostela, the last 104.39 miles/168 km of the Camino de Santiago Portugués. For more information on the distances between towns along the Camino and their respective altitudes, please click here.
How many kilometers are walked each day on the Portuguese Camino?
The number of kilometers scheduled for each day varies from 15 to 25 km (9 to 15.5 miles). This pilgrimage has been designed to include the last 100 km stretch to Santiago, which is required by the Catholic Church if you are going to ask for the Compostela Certificate. However, the walks are accompanied by a support vehicle and options for less (or more!) km’s a day are possible. We tailor the Camino to suit your needs!
Will I be able to do laundry on the Portuguese Camino?
Some hotels offer laundry services on the premises or you can use local laundromats. We also recommend that you bring quick-drying clothes that you can handwash and dry overnight at the hotel if all else fails!
Before You Go / Preparing
How do I purchase travel insurance?
Once you book your pilgrimage, we strongly advise you purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation / interruption. Even the best adventure deserves a backup plan! We suggest using TravelInsurance.com, which allows you to compare and assess top insurance provider policies and their different coverage plans. Keep in mind that some travel insurance policies must be purchased within a specific time frame – often within a few weeks of booking your tour.
*In accordance with Spanish law and for the duration pilgrimage, you are covered by a very basic insurance provided by Intermundial.
What type of shoes do I need to walk the Portuguese Camino?
Footwear is a very personal question – depending on how active you are and how much support you need. Since we will be walking the Camino de Santiago every day, comfort is key – you do not want to get blisters. You probably won’t need a full high-cut boot that covers your ankle (unless you need this support), but rather light trail walkers or even running shoes if you are used to walking. Keep in mind that there may be mud and water along the trail. Most importantly: Make sure that your shoes are well broken in! Please check the Camino Comprehensive Guide, Resources, and Training Schedule for more details.
What sort of conditioning do I need to undertake before the Portuguese Camino?
We encourage you to start walking before you arrive, so that you can enjoy your experience more fully. However, this is your vacation and not boot camp! During your walk, one of the two guides will be on the trail with the group to ensure that everyone is safe and well. Additionally, we have planned checkpoints along the way with our support van to offer you water, a change of shoes, or a much-needed break. In most cases, you will see the van at least every couple of hours.
Hotel Options Portugal & Spain
Porto
Carris Porto Ribeira: located in the historical center of Porto, with stunning views of the Douro River.
Oporto Airport & Business Hotel: located a mere 3 minutes away from the Porto Airport, this hotel offers free shuttle service, a swimming pool and restaurant, among other services.
Porto Trinidade Hotel: this 4-star hotel is located in the heart of Porto and is close to several tourist destinations in the city.
Tryp Porto Centro: located close to the historic center and easily accessible via public transportation.
LISBON
Fenicius Charme Hotel: located a short walk from Rossio Square and the Bairro Alto neighborhood.
Gat Rossio Hotel: located in the city center, in the Barrio de la Baixa area. It is close to public transportation, which allows you to visit other parts of Lisbon, such as Chiado, Barrio Alto or Alfama.
Brown’s Central Hotel: centrally located in Lisbon, this hotel offers several services including a restaurant, airport transfer (for an additional cost), unique rooms and a delicious breakfast, among other things.
Madrid
Santiago de Compostela
. This is a list of hotels that you might wish to reserve for the days AFTER the pilgrimage ends. In most cases, the last day of our pilgrimage includes an orientation walking tour of Santiago de Compostela. All of the hotels listed embody old-world charm and are uniquely quaint and are located in the heart of Santiago, close to everything!
· Hotel Monumento San Francisco, a beautiful historic hotel that was once a convent http://www.sanfranciscohm.com/2015/
· San Martin Pinario, a beautifully restored monastery in the heart of Santiago http://www.hsanmartinpinario.com
· Altair Hotel, old world charm, boutique hotel on a quiet side street, centrally located https://www.altairhotel.net/en
· Hotel Carris Casa de la Troya, a delightful three-star boutique stonemade hotel close to the Santiago Cathedral http://www.carrishoteles.com/hoteles/hotel-carris-casa-de-la-troya-santiago-de-compostela/
Madrid
Hotel Europa on Plaza del SOL (or simply SOL), this mid-range hotel is centrally http://www.hoteleuropa.eu/en/
Hotel Carlos, this Best Western three-star hotel is centrally located http://hotel-carlos-v-madrid.hoteles-madrid.net/en/These hotels may be booked through Booking.com. Also, www.airbnb.com is another resource for booking a room in either Madrid or Santiago.
Pre-and Post Camino Excursions
Pre-Camino Options
PORTUGAL
Douro Valley Tour – Full Day
Price: 159€ / person as of 2026
Explore one of the most emblematic wine regions of the world: the Douro Valley. Includes:
• Pick-up at hotel (Oporto)
• Visit of the charming village of Amarante
• Wine tasting, Port tasting, Olive oil and honey tasting
• Traditional regional lunch included
• 1-hour boat ride on the Douro River in the Pinhão area
• Return to hotel
Sintra & Atlantic Coast – Full Day
Price: 159€ / person as of 2026
Discover Sintra’s romanticism and the charm of the Portuguese Atlantic coast. Includes:
• Pick-up at hotel (Lisbon)
• Ticket & guided visit at Palacio da Pena
• Ticket & guided visit to Quinta da Regaleira
• Stop at Cabo da Roca – the westernmost point in Europe
• Free time in the picturesque village of Cascais
• Return to hotel
Porto City Tour – Half Day
Price: 79€ / person as of 2026
Discover the heart of historic Oporto, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Includes:
• Guided visit of the main sights in the old quarter, such as the Oporto Cathedral (Sé)
• Discover the majestic tiles of the São Bento Station
• Ticket and tasting in a prestigious Port winery, with tasting of 3 varieties
.
Optional Pre-Camino Tour (Price is available upon request.):
Day 1 – Porto | Guimarães | Amarante | Peso da Régua
Departure from Porto towards Guimarães, known as the birthplace of Portugal.
Visit to the Castle of Guimarães, a symbol of the country’s foundation, and the Paço dos Duques de Bragança, an impressive 15th-century palace representing medieval nobility.
Walking tour through the Historic Centre of Guimarães, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring medieval streets, charming squares and well-preserved architecture.
Wine lunch at a Vinho Verde estate in the Guimarães region, including wine tasting and pairing.
Continuation to Amarante.
Short visit to this charming town on the banks of the Tâmega River, highlights include the São Gonçalo Bridge, the convent of the same name, and the picturesque historic center.
Departure to Peso da Régua, in the heart of the Douro Valley.
Hotel check-in and free time.
Day 2 – Douro Valley | Coimbra
Full-day tour in the Douro Valley, the world’s oldest demarcated wine region and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Panoramic drive through the Douro Demarcated Region, with terraced vineyards.
Visit to a Port Wine estate with guided wine tasting.
Boat cruise along the Douro River, enjoying the scenic vineyards and riverside villages.
Wine lunch at a local wine estate, featuring regional cuisine with wine pairing.
End of day options:
- Option 1: Return to the hotel in Peso da Régua.
- Option 2: Transfer to Coimbra and hotel check-in.
Day 3 – Coimbra | Fátima
Guided visit to Coimbra, former capital of Portugal and an important academic and cultural center.
Possibility to visit the Old Cathedral (Sé Velha) and the Joanina Library, one of Europe’s most beautiful Baroque libraries, located at the University of Coimbra (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Lunch in Coimbra.
Transfer to Fátima.
Visit to the Shepherds’ Houses in Aljustrel, where Lúcia, Francisco and Jacinta lived.
Hotel check-in in Fátima.
Free time to visit the Sanctuary of Fátima, one of the most important Marian pilgrimage sites in the world.
Day 4 – Fátima | Lisbon
Option 1
Transfer from Fátima to Lisbon, hotel check-in and end of services.
Option 2
Check-out in Fátima.
Visit to the Alcobaça Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and masterpiece of Cistercian architecture, famous for the love story of King Pedro and Inês de Castro.
Continuation to Óbidos, a charming medieval walled village with cobbled streets, white houses and a romantic atmosphere.
Transfer to Lisbon and end of services.
Option 3
Transfer from Fátima to Lisbon, followed by a panoramic city tour, passing through historic districts and main landmarks.
Hotel check-in in Lisbon and end of services.
Customized Multi-Day Tours of Portugal:
Portugal North and Center multi-day tour from Lisbon
Multi-Day Private Tours – Portugal Magik
Private Tours & Tailor-Made Travel Experiences In Portugal | Your Tours Portugal
.
Post-Camino Options:
Spain
Ribeira Sacra Tour from Santiago de Compostela (11h)
Overview
Meeting point: Santiago de Compostela
Departure point: Capilla del Pilar, Alameda de Santiago
Departure time: 08:00 am
What’s included
Specialized guide throughout the entire excursion.
Private round-trip transportation.
Catamaran ride on the Sil River.
Entrance to the Monastery of San Pedro de Rocas.
Mandatory insurance.
Itinerary
Monastery of San Pedro de Rocas
Step into an ancient monastery carved into the rock, where history and spirituality blend in a unique natural setting.
Catamaran ride through the Sil Canyons
Sail the waters of the Sil River between impressive rocky cliffs and lush vegetation on one of Galicia’s most spectacular journeys.
Allariz, tradition and charm
Explore this picturesque medieval village, stroll through its cobbled streets, and enjoy authentic Galician cuisine.
Viewpoints of the Miño and Sil Canyons
End the day with unforgettable panoramic views from the best viewpoints of the Ribeira Sacra.
Rías Baixas, A Toxa, Winery, and Boat Ride Tour from Santiago (9h)
Overview
Meeting point: Santiago de Compostela
Departure point: Capilla del Pilar, Alameda de Santiago
Departure time: 10:00 am
What’s included
Transportation
Professional Guide
Mandatory Insurance
Boat ride with tasting included
Winery
Guided Tour
Catamaran
Boat Trip
Winery Entrance with Wine Tasting
Itinerary
1st Stop – Winery and Albariño Tasting
Start the day with a visit to a winery, discover the Albariño wine-making process, and enjoy an exclusive tasting.
2nd Stop – Combarro
Explore this charming fishing village with its cobbled streets, traditional hórreos, and stunning views of the Ría de Pontevedra.
3rd Stop – A Toxa Island
Admire the natural beauty of this island and visit the Chapel of San Caralampio, a 12th-century architectural gem.
4th Stop – Catamaran Trip and Mussel Tasting
Sail through the Rías Baixas and enjoy fresh mussels while observing the floating mussel farms.
5th Stop – O Grove and Seafood Lunch
Delight in a Galician lunch full of fresh seafood.
6th Stop – A Lanzada Beach and Chapel
End the day with panoramic views and a visit to the historic and spiritual Chapel of A Lanzada.
BUEN CAMINO!
—Valerie Brown
