Map of the Camino de Santiago route from Porto to Santiago de Compostela, highlighting key towns and points of interest along the way.

Camino Portugués – Central Route

The Camino Portugués Central Route is a historic pilgrimage path that has been walked by pilgrims for over a millennium. This route begins in Porto, Portugal, and stretches to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, passing through charming towns and serene landscapes. In 2024, it attracted 95,453 pilgrims, making it the second most popular route after the Camino Francés. The Central Route offers a blend of cultural heritage, spiritual reflection, and natural beauty, providing pilgrims with a profound journey through centuries of tradition.

Blue sign with yellow arrow pointing upward and a yellow sunburst symbol, with the words 'CAMINHO CENTRAL' underneath, on a concrete post.
A river with calm water reflecting a row of trees and buildings on its bank under a blue sky with some clouds.
Close-up of ripening dark purple and red grapes hanging from vine with green and yellow leaves, blue sky in background.
A small tree in the foreground with the sun setting behind it. The scene includes a grassy area and an open field with trees in the distance under a blue sky with wispy clouds.
A church building with a bell tower, clock, and cross, accessed by a staircase, under a clear blue sky.
A dirt hiking trail surrounded by tall trees and foliage under a clear blue sky.
Street mural featuring two hikers with backpacks walking along a trail during sunset, with clouds in the sky. The mural has a pink and orange background, a yellow arrow pointing left, and the artist's signature 'Rakele Cavallo' in the bottom left cor
Stone wall with green vine growing over it, a wooden green door, cobblestone street in front, blue sky with a few clouds.
A wooden trail sign attached to a tree indicating the direction to Santiago and Barcelos, 14 km away, with various stickers on the post, in a forested area.
Large sign spelling 'BARCELOS' on a grassy area at sunset with a woman standing next to the letter 'B', some trees, buildings, and construction cranes in the background.
Small stone church with red tile roof and wooden door, surrounded by grass and trees, with crosses on top and a bell tower.
Man walking on a metal bridge over a body of water, carrying a large backpack and wearing hiking gear.
A painted scallop shell sculpture with blue and yellow stripes, placed on a stone stairway. In front of the sculpture, a sign reads 'O PORRÍO' with additional text about friendship, solidarity, and culture. The background shows trees, buildings, and
Small stone and wooden house with a red tile roof, two chimney structures with moss, in a grassy field with rocks and plants in the foreground, trees and hills in the background, under a partly cloudy sky.

Why Walk the Central Route?

The Central Route is the heart of the Portuguese Camino, the same path that countless pilgrims have walked since the 12th century. It follows the ancient Roman roads that connected Lisbon and Porto to Santiago, embodying a true spiritual and cultural journey through Portugal’s rural landscapes and northern Spanish villages. It’s perfect for those seeking authenticity, tradition, and the rhythm of local life as they follow the footsteps of medieval pilgrims.

Highlights of the Central Route

This route takes you through a tapestry of vineyards, cobbled villages, and historical towns such as Barcelos, Ponte de Lima, and Tui. You’ll cross medieval bridges, visit centuries-old churches, and be warmly welcomed by locals along the way. The beauty of this route lies in its balance, a mix of peaceful countryside, small towns, and cultural heritage that make each day unique and meaningful.

Duration and Difficulty

Starting from Porto to Santiago de Compostela, the Central Route covers approximately 240 km (150 miles). Most pilgrims complete it in 10–14 days, depending on pace and rest days. The terrain is moderately challenging, with rolling hills, cobblestone paths, and occasional steep climbs, especially as you cross into Spain. It’s suitable for most walkers with reasonable fitness, offering a rewarding blend of physical effort and spiritual reflection.