The Camino Portugués offers routes through the interior and along the coast. This guide compares both alternatives to help you choose based on the landscape, the stages, and the type of experience you are looking for.
Currently, the Camino Portugués is the second most popular route to Santiago but it is not a recent route. King Manuel I, possibly the most powerful Portuguese monarch, made the Portuguese way in 1506, for example. The Camino Portugués evolved thanks to the support of individuals and also various monarchs and clerical authorities who built bridges, roads, hospitals… So, if you are thinking about doing the Camino Portugués let me help you choose where to start and if the best option for you is the interior route or the coastal one.
Portuguese way: interior or coastal?
It is said that there is a route for every pilgrim. That is true, but especially this occurred throughout the Middle Ages when people began to pilgrimage from their homes, without another starting point. This led to the emergence of different itineraries. Currently, in addition to others, there are two main routes from Portugal: the inland one and the one that goes along the coast.
The three main starting points
Lisbon, Porto or Tui/Baiona?
The Portuguese Way officially begins in Lisbon, which involves walking 613 km (381 miles). It will take you about a month to reach Santiago; of course, it will depend on your pace and endurance.
From Porto, however, you will take two weeks and cover 248 km (154 miles) to complete your Camino. It is from Porto where you must decide which route to take, as the Coastal Portuguese Way begins here.
In the last 100 years, Baiona (coast) or Tui (interior) also became common starting points for pilgrims. These two routes converge in Redondela, and continue together to Santiago de Compostela.
Pros and cons
Each route has its advantages and disadvantages. Let’s analyze them to help you make the best choice for you between these two paths. First, remember that the Coastal Way starts in Porto and connects with the Interior in Redondela, although there are additional connections.
Take paper and pencil and keep these facts in mind:
DURATION: the coastal route is one day longer, with 23 km (14.3 miles) more.
ALTITUDE: The highest point of the Portuguese Interior Way is Alto de Portela, which rises 400 m, located on the route from Ponte da Lima to Rubiães, on the Portuguese side.
On the Coastal Path, however, the elevation does not exceed 150 m. In general, the development of the Coastal Path is easier than that of the Interior.
SIGNAGE: on the Interior Path, the indications are more precise although on the Portuguese side and in the vicinity of Porriño and Vigo, already on the Spanish side, there are not enough indications, which increases the chances of getting lost.
ENVIRONMENT: the sea is truly fascinating and exciting but we must take certain precautions. Walking alongside it can be difficult in summer due to sun exposure and in winter due to the wind. On the other hand, the coast may feel less wild and rural due to the abundance of wooden walkways, but the interior path has freshwater rivers and lush forests to provide you with the necessary shade and shelter.
Where to start the last 100 km
The choice is more important if you start in Porto, as the route is longer. But if you start in Baiona (coastal route), you will find the interior path immediately.
According to my experience, people who live inland prefer to have contact with the coast. Depending on the season, this path and the surroundings may be a bit crowded. If you are one of those sea lovers, let me suggest that you start in A Guarda or Oia, if you have a couple more days. You will thank me 😉
As for the interior path, I prefer to start in Valença (Portuguese border town) instead of Tui, as you can cross the International Bridge. I like to cross it at dawn, and it’s one of my favorite moments on this route.
And that’s all, dear friends. I hope I helped you choose between the Portuguese interior path or the coastal one. If you have any doubts, leave them in the comments. But before I finish, let me tell you that the most important thing is not which path you choose! What really matters is to keep walking!
Good Way!