Cabecera de la ruta Portuguese Way del Camino de Santiago
Camino route

Portuguese Way

619 km 25 stages Difficulty Medium 120 places

Route map

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The Portuguese Way starts from Lisbon and covers 619 km through Portugal from south to north before crossing into Galicia and reaching Santiago de Compostela. With 25 stages, it is the second most popular route after the French Way.

From Lisbon pilgrims cross varied landscapes: the hills of the Alentejo, the vineyards of Ribatejo, the historic university city of Coimbra, and the vibrant city of Porto. After crossing the Miño river at Tui, they enter Galicia for the final stages.

Many pilgrims start from Porto (241 km), a popular option that still qualifies for the Compostela. The route has good hostel infrastructure and signage, especially on the Portuguese stretch.

It is ideal for pilgrims seeking an international experience, combining Portuguese and Galician culture, excellent gastronomy and a mild climate throughout most of the year.

Frequently asked questions about the Portuguese Way

How many kilometres is the Portuguese Way?

The Portuguese Way is 619 km long, divided into 25 stages, from Lisboa to Santiago de Compostela.

How many days does the Portuguese Way take?

The classic division is 25 stages, one per day, averaging 24.8 km daily. At a brisk pace stages can be combined; at a gentler pace, split up.

Where does the Portuguese Way start and end?

It starts in Lisboa and ends in Santiago de Compostela.

Which is the hardest stage of the Portuguese Way?

Stage 6 (Tomar → Alvaiázere), with 446 m of accumulated ascent.

How many hostels are there on the Portuguese Way?

Peregrinia has 350 pilgrim hostels mapped along the Portuguese Way, listed stage by stage with their exact kilometre point.

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