FROM TUI TO SANTIAGO: 5 STAGES (120km)

Tui – Redondela

Medum-High 6-7h31,6 Km

This first stage is the longest and hardest stage of the entire route. We advise you to start early in order to be able to make several rest stops throughout the day, in which to offer the dog rest. This Portuguese Way with your dog will begin by leaving the town of Tui through the natural area of As Gándaras and the Louro River in the parish of Ribadelouro. We recommend you to take into account to make this section of the way until O Porriño by the natural route of the Louro, since the other option runs by an industrial estate. Later, you will cross the municipality of O Porriño to arrive to the chapel of Santiaguiño in Mos and to continue the route until the end of the stage, Redondela.

Redondela is a place of very old population, surrounded by spaces full of history, magic and symbolism. From deposits belonging to the Bronze Age, to remains of castrexa occupation, as Castro da Peneda or Castro de Negros, to places loaded with thousands of experiences and historical facts as the Island of San Simón and the Strait of Rande. Already in the city itself, the church of Santiago Apóstol, dated from the 12th century, and the Pazo de Agrelo, built in the 18th century, stand out. But without a doubt, two iconic things about this town are its viaducts, which cross the city, and its famous summer carnival, known throughout Galicia.

Redondela – Pontevedra

Low 4h19,6 Km

You will leave Redondela behind and begin the stage by entering the Arcade through the parish of Cesantes and its beautiful Camiño Real. You will leave the Arcade by crossing one of the most important bridges in Galicia, Ponte Sampaio. It is a colossal stone bridge which crosses the Verdugo River and on which, during the War of Independence, a battle was fought which led to the withdrawal of the French troops from Galicia. After crossing the bridge, the path will run through villages, pazos, hórreos and cruceiros until it reaches the Brea Vella da Canicouva, an evocative path of large slabs along which the XIX Roman road ran.

Pontevedra is for many one of the most beautiful cities of Galicia, and it is not for less. A walk through its cobbled streets and squares is enough to realize the special charm that it hides. After Santiago de Compostela, Pontevedra is the place on this route with the most heritage elements. You will be able to visit, among other things, the Ruins of Santo Domingo in the Provincial Museum of Pontevedra, the Royal Basilica of Santa María la Mayor, and the symbol of the city: the church of La Peregrina.

Pontevedra – Caldas de Reis

Low 4h 40′22 Km

After crossing the River Lérez, the Way leaves Pontevedra along Rúa da Santiña, from where you will reach the Marismas de Alba observatory, a large wetland of 80 hectares that is home to hundreds of plant species and 123 different bird species. The route runs along roads where a multitude of crossroads and level crossings converge, so you should exercise extreme caution. Once you arrive at Briallos, we recommend that you make a half-kilometre detour to visit the Barosa Waterfalls, a natural site of extraordinary beauty, with a beautiful sixty-metre waterfall and fourteen mills arranged along the waterfalls. At the end of your stage, Caldas de Reis, the water will still be the protagonist as it is one of the most important thermal villages in Galicia.

A place that dates back to prehistoric times, Caldas de Reis is currently a widely visited place due to the medical properties of its thermal waters. In fact, one of the main attractions of the city is the water route, a 9 km long circular route where you can see waterfalls and natural spaces bathed by water. As far as its architectural heritage is concerned, the churches of Santa María de Caldas, Santo Tomás and San Andrés de César are worth mentioning. And of course, a visit to the Botanical Garden-Park, declared a Picturesque Site and Historical Garden, is a must.

Caldas de Reis – Padrón

Low 4h 30′18,5 Km

After leaving the thermal village of Caldas, you will enter the valley of Bermaña following the route through its forests of centennial trees, oak groves, cornfields and crossroads. After a gentle climb you will arrive at Santa Mariña de Carracedo, a village composed of a church, a rectory and a hórreo. You will continue your journey towards Padrón passing through deep forests with water mills and leaving behind small villages until you reach Pontecesures. After saving the bridge of Roman origin, a few kilometres you will find the end of the stage, Padrón, where the nave that carried the body of the Apostle Santiago stopped and a town famous throughout Spain for its delicious peppers.

In Padrón, you should stop to visit the famous Pedrón in the Church of Santiago, which according to legend was used to moor the boat that transported the Apostle upriver to the place.

Padrón – Santiago de Compostela

Low 6-6h’24,5 Km

Last stage of the Portuguese Way from Tui, so we recommend leaving early to enjoy the day in Santiago with your dog. Today you will find a great density of urbanized areas, which confirm that you are reaching the goal. The most outstanding feature of this stage, apart from the Cathedral of Santiago, is the beautiful collegiate church of Iria Flavia, considered the first cathedral of Galicia in its early days and which currently holds the title of second cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. In its cemetery, under an olive tree, you will find the humble tomb of Camilo José Cela. The route continues through the municipalities of Teo and Ames until the entrance to Santiago de Compostela in the southern part of the city and the arrival at the longed-for Plaza del Obradoiro.

You are in Santiago de Compostela, the city where rain is art. After having sealed your credentials in each stage, you will be able to pick up your deserved Compostelas. For your dog friend, there is also the canine Compostela!

We hope you will enjoy walking around the historical center, enjoying a fresh beer accompanied by a delicious tapa, dancing and singing in a foliada, or trying some of their traditional liquors, among other thousand and one things that this small but great city offers.

We’re here! Find out more about Santiago de Compostela in this post!

Santiago de Compostela

Road completed. Once you have enjoyed your last day as pilgrims, it is time to pack up, go home and take stock of the journey. A road that has made you see things in a different way, from which you will take your backpack loaded with new friendships and wonderful and unforgettable moments with your dog, creating with him an unbreakable bond. We are sure that your travel companion is also happy to have shared this trip with you

**After leaving the accommodation our services will be finished.

You did it! Congratulations pilgrims!