Camino walk from Tui to Santiago

What makes the Camino de Santiago from Tui so special? You will only be able to understand it when you decide to explore it, feel it and let it fall in love with you.

The Portuguese Camino de Santiago from Tui is the second most important route of all after the French Way from Sarria. This final section, which begins in the city of Tui, is one of the favorite routes of the Camino de Santiago among pilgrims. And, as it is the last 100 km of the Portuguese Way, when you arrive in Santiago you will be able to get your Compostela.

The Portuguese Way from Tui to Santiago de Compostela covers a total distance of just over 115 km. This journey is typically completed in 5 or 6 stages or days, with pilgrims walking an average of 20 to 25 km per day. However, each pilgrim has the freedom to adjust the stages according to their preferences and abilities.

Choose the date for your Camino and decide how many stages you want to divide it into. With your mind already set on the Camino, don’t forget to start with a bit of light physical preparation to get your body accustomed to the effort. The route’s profile and terrain are very manageable for people of all ages and fitness levels, making it easy to walk—though not without some effort, which will be well rewarded upon reaching Santiago de Compostela.

This route is full of services, which allow the pilgrim to stop and rest, as well as enjoy beautiful landscapes. Furthermore, when touring the Galician Rías Baixas, you will always be close to the sea, and you will cross the typical vineyards of the D.O. Rías Baixas.

And remember, you can always choose how to do this Camino:

• Solo, if you want a trip of reflection and only for you.
• As a family, as a couple or with friends, if you want to strengthen ties in a special way.

The Camino de Santiago from Tui is very popular for several reasons:

• It is the final route of the Portuguese Way, and following it you will reach Santiago de Compostela.
• With its 115 km to Santiago de Compostela, it allows you to obtain the Compostela, the certificate of having completed the pilgrimage.
• You can also get the Pedronía in Padrón, another very special Jacobean certificate.
• It is very well signposted, and it also follows the old 19th Roman road.
• It is a very safe route.
• You will be able to enjoy coastal and inland Galicia at the same time.
• The large number of accommodations and services on this route will make your Camino from Tui very comfortable and bearable.

Tui is a city and capital of a municipality located in the south of the province of Pontevedra. Historic Galician city on the border with Portugal, presiding over the Miño River with its Gothic cathedral, unique in Galicia.

With all the necessary services, Tui has good connections by road and train. The way to get there will vary depending on your starting point and means of transportation. The easiest option is to travel from Vigo, since Tui is linked to this city by bus and train.

Another option is to fly to Santiago de Compostela airport and travel to Tui by train or bus. Of course, you can also arrive directly with your car. And if you are traveling from another point or simply want to know more, we will tell you everything in our Blog entry on how to get to Tui.

We offer Private Transfers to Tui from various points, such as Santiago de Compostela Airport, the cities of Santiago or Vigo and many other places. Whether you plan to do the Camino from Tui alone or with family or friends, our service is ideal for you. If you want to know more, visit our page dedicated to Transfers to Tui.

On the other hand, if you arrive in Tui in your own vehicle, we offer you an exclusive vehicle transfer service from Tui to Santiago de Compostela. This way, when you finish your Camino and arrive in Santiago, your car will be waiting for you in a safe place. For more information, visit our page on Transfer of Your Own Vehicle.

Once in Tui, it is time to explore the city and discover what to see and do in Tui, appreciating its rich historical heritage, as well as its natural and landscape environment. We suggest you visit the old town of Tui and enjoy the River Walk next to the Miño River.

The Cathedral of Santa María de Tui, begun in Romanesque style and finished in Gothic, stands out for its robust structure, its well-preserved cloister and the largest Romanesque chapter house in Galicia. Declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1931, it is open to the public and there you can stamp your Credential.

The Tui International Bridge connects the Portuguese and Galician banks of the Miño River. This iron structure offers stunning views and is the entry point to Tui for those starting the Portuguese Way in Portugal.

Known as “Las Encerradas” for being a cloistered convent founded in the 16th century, its bells mark the hours punctually in this Galician town. It is famous for its small tunnel, which connects the old walled town with the upper part of the old town.

Admiring the Miño River from this beautiful walk is a good idea to warm up for your Camino. You will also be able to see the old city walls up close. There is even a service that offers boat rides, if you prefer to have a panoramic view of Tui from the river.

Beautiful church that has preserved elements from the 11th century, and where there are usually masses at 7 or 8 p.m., depending on the season of the year. Opposite, a beautiful example of a Galician cruzeiro with a lot of figuration.

It is not in Tui, but it is very close. If you dare to walk 3 km and cross the border with Portugal, you will find an impressive military construction that invites you to walk around it, both its walls and the inner city it houses, with beautiful churches, shops and restaurants. And if you don’t want to walk, in Tui there is a tourist train that will take you here.

On the Camino route from Tui you will find an endless number of services: bars, restaurants, food and souvenir shops occur during all the stages, where you can stop to rest, have a drink, eat or buy a souvenir and everything you need in your trip.

There are many options for pilgrims to eat in Tui, and most of them are concentrated in the historic center. Given the proximity, it is also a good idea to go to Valença do Minho to taste Portuguese cuisine.

There are also many options for breakfast in Tui. Being one of the preferred route starts for most pilgrims, from the early hours of the morning you will find open cafes where you can have breakfast. We recommend doing it in one of the cafes in the historic center, a very beautiful environment and where you will also already be on the route.

The Camino de Santiago from Tui covers approximately 115 km through the province of Pontevedra and the south of A Coruña, in Galicia. With varied landscapes of estuaries, rivers, forests and vineyards, it passes through villages, towns and even large cities.

Along this route of the Portuguese Way from Tui, the pilgrim passes through historical enclaves such as Mos or Pontesampaio, large cities such as Pontevedra and mythical places of Jacobean tradition such as Padrón. Also, highlight the vineyard landscape, the Barosa waterfalls or the hot springs of Caldas de Reis.

The profile and relief of these stages is more than affordable for anyone, regardless of age and condition. They are very easy to walk, since there are no large slopes nor do you travel through high mountains, when traveling through the Galician countryside and hills. The maximum altitude will be 254 meters above sea level in Santiago de Compostela, while the minimum altitude will be sea level in Pontevedra. In total, the positive accumulated difference will be about 1700 m, while the negative one will be about 1500 m.

Most pilgrims who travel the Portuguese Camino de Santiago from Tui to Santiago de Compostela divide the section into 6 stages. These stages are distributed as follows:

Keep in mind that we can customize the route of the Camino de Santiago from Tui, adjusting it in more or fewer stages. If you are considering how to do the Camino from Tui, this is a decision that you should make based on your time and preferences.

Stage 1: Tui – O Porriño (18.7 km)

The Portuguese Way begins in Tui with a gentle 18.7 km stage. Start in the historic old town, with its impressive cathedral as the highlight. After passing through the tunnel of the Encerradas convent, you’ll leave the city alongside the Miño River and enter lush trails through the natural area of the Gándaras de Budiño. Before reaching O Porriño, you can choose between taking the main road or following the longer, more scenic, and shaded Louro River path. O Porriño offers all essential services and is an excellent place to rest.

Stage 2: O Porriño – Arcade (23 km)

Today’s 23 km stage takes you to Arcade. Along the way, you’ll encounter some rewarding climbs, leading to the historic area of Mos and the chapel of Santiaguiño de Antas. Walk along the ancient Roman road XIX, where Roman milestones remind you of its historical significance. Descend into Redondela and then ascend again to enjoy breathtaking views of the Vigo estuary and coastal landscapes. The day ends in Arcade, renowned as the oyster capital, where you can savor this delicacy with a glass of fine wine.

Stage 3: Arcade – Pontevedra (12 km)

This short 12 km stage leads you to Pontevedra. Begin by crossing the historic Ponte Sampaio, a key site in the Peninsular War. A beautiful cobblestone path through forests takes you to the chapel of Santa Marta. From there, you can either follow the main road or opt for the Tomeza River trail. The latter offers a pleasant walk along the river’s meanders. Once in Pontevedra, you’ll have time to explore one of Galicia’s most beautiful cities, filled with heritage sites like the Peregrina church and the ruins of Santo Domingo.

Stage 4: Pontevedra – Caldas de Reis (21 km)

Leaving Pontevedra, this picturesque 21 km stage takes you to Caldas de Reis. You’ll pass through the Alba marshes and admire stunning manor houses (pazos), chapels, and stone crosses (cruceiros). The landscape transitions to vineyards of the Rías Baixas region. Before reaching Caldas de Reis, take a short detour near Briallos to visit the spectacular Barosa River waterfalls, a must-see spot. In Caldas de Reis, known for its thermal waters, treat yourself to a relaxing soak—a true reward for your feet and legs.

Stage 5: Caldas de Reis – Padrón (18.6 km)

This 18.6 km stage leads to Padrón. Walk through lush forest paths and past beautiful churches like Santa María de Carracedo and San Miguel de Valga. Gradually, you’ll reach Pontecesures and cross the Ulla River to enter Padrón. This town, steeped in Jacobean tradition, is linked to the legend of Saint James. Visit the Santiago Church to learn about this history and obtain your Pedronía, another Jacobean certificate. Don’t miss tasting the famous Padrón peppers, and if it’s a Sunday, enjoy the town’s lively market.

Stage 6: Padrón – Santiago de Compostela (24.3 km)

The final 24.3 km stretch to Santiago de Compostela passes through Iria Flavia, the former seat of Bishop Teodomiro II, who played a key role in the discovery of the Apostle’s tomb. Along the way, you’ll visit landmarks like the sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de A Escravitude, Pazo de Faramellos, and Rúa de Francos, surrounded by beautiful forests. After passing Milladoiro, you’ll have just 8 km left to Santiago, with your first glimpse of the cathedral. Cross the ruins of A Rocha Forte Castle, then choose the Santa Marta route for a shorter and more direct approach to the Plaza del Obradoiro.

Congratulations! You’ve arrived in Santiago, where you can celebrate completing this incredible Camino filled with history, nature, and culture. Collect your Compostela certificate and enjoy an unforgettable day exploring the charming Galician capital.

The Camino de Santiago from Tui is open all year round, although the best times to walk it are usually between spring and autumn. In winter, you have to consider the cold and rain.

Thus, the Camino de Santiago has a high season and a low season; Below, we explain the advantages of visiting each of them:

• High season: From March to October, with favorable weather in spring and summer, although there may be hot days or occasional rain. During these months, the influx of pilgrims is greater, which provides more opportunities to socialize and make friends.
• Low season: From November to February, when the weather is colder and rainier, reducing the number of pilgrims. This allows you to enjoy a more solitary experience and makes it easier to find accommodation without the need for advance reservation.

Most pilgrims prefer good weather and lots of company, which is why they walk the Camino de Santiago in the high season months. This can cause complications or difficulties when finding accommodation, since those who decide to embark on the adventure without prior reservation may face problems in this regard.

The same goes for the transportation of luggage and other necessary services along the Camino. Although the range of accommodation and services is wide on the route from Tui, the large number of pilgrims in summer makes it highly advisable to book in advance to fully enjoy this ancient experience.

For this, Viajes Camino de Santiago is the best option to do the Portuguese Way from Tui. With this specialized agency, you will be guaranteed a unique experience, with all the comfort and security of being in the best hands.

We have already resolved the what, the when and the how; The only thing left is the why, a unique and personal reason that each one carries inside. Let your pilgrim spirit guide you and embark on this unforgettable adventure on the Camino de Santiago from Tui, with the help of Viajes Camino de Santiago.

This is how our pilgrims see the Camino de Santiago from Tui. Thanks for sharing your photos!

• Tui City Council
• Tui Tourism
• Tui on Wikipedia