CPor ROUTE 1. Porto to Tui

This section between Porto and Arcos has a particularity. To avoid hiking through the outskirts of a large city like Porto, a taxi will take us directly to Maia (Mosteiró), and from there, we will begin our walk for 25 kilometers until we reach the village of Arcos.

The route from Mosteiró begins by heading through scenic countryside roads and pathways, passing through quiet villages and fertile farmland. As we walk, we will encounter rolling hills, vast fields, and orchards, offering a serene atmosphere perfect for contemplation and enjoying the natural surroundings. It is a beautiful and scenic route that takes us through the picturesque landscapes of northern Portugal.

Continuing along the Camino, the landscape gradually transitions, with more wooded areas and the occasional view of distant mountains as we approach Arcos.

The final approach to Arcos itself is marked by the sight of the picturesque town nestled along the banks of a river. Arcos is smaller and less touristy compared to other towns on the Camino, but it has a quiet charm with its traditional stone houses and narrow streets. It is an ideal spot to rest and reflect after a day of walking, offering us a peaceful environment to relax before continuing our journey.

This leg of the journey from Arcos to Barcelos offers a mix of peaceful countryside, small villages, and scenic rural roads, making it an enjoyable and moderate walk for us heading north along the Portuguese Camino.

The terrain is relatively flat, with gentle slopes, allowing for a comfortable pace. Along the way, we will pass through several smaller towns and villages, each offering a glimpse into traditional Portuguese life.

As we approach Barcelos, the path becomes more urbanized, but still retains much of the rural character. Barcelos is a town steeped in history, and it is famous for being the home of the iconic Galo de Barcelos (the Barcelos rooster), a symbol of good luck and prosperity in Portuguese culture.

The town is also known for its vibrant weekly market, where we can experience local food, crafts, and traditions. We can stop here to rest, reflect, and explore the town’s historical sites, such as the Church of Bom Jesus da Cruz, a beautiful 18th-century church that attracts visitors for both its religious significance and its stunning baroque architecture.

The Medieval Bridge that spans the Cávado River, originally built in the medieval period, offers a picturesque view of the river and is often photographed by pilgrims making their way.

The Torre de Barcelos (Barcelos Tower), an ancient fortress dating back to the 14th century, is another noteworthy landmark. Though the tower itself is in ruins, it is still an important symbol of the town's medieval heritage.

Overall, Barcelos is a town rich in history, culture, and charming traditions, making it a fascinating stop for us hiking to the northern region of Portugal.

As we leave the town center, the path gradually leads us along peaceful country roads and dirt trails, flanked by fields, farms, and vineyards. The route between Barcelos and Balugães is dotted with small rural villages, where we can experience the tranquil pace of life in northern Portugal.

Balugães, the destination of this section, is a small and peaceful village, perfect for a quiet rest on our Camino journey. It is known for its agricultural surroundings, with plenty of green fields and traditional stone houses. Upon reaching Balugães, we can find local cafes or small shops to rest and enjoy a light meal or snack before continuing our journey.

The village is home to beautiful stone houses with tiled roofs, typical of the region’s rural architecture. Walking through the narrow streets, we will feel as though we have stepped back in time, with old buildings and well-maintained properties that reflect the area's rich cultural heritage.

One of the key religious sites in Balugães is the Igreja de São Martinho, a quaint church dedicated to Saint Martin. While the church itself is modest, it is an important local landmark and adds to the spiritual and historical character of the village. Churches like São Martinho are common in small Portuguese towns and offer a chance to reflect on the region's religious heritage and connection to the Camino de Santiago.

As with much of the Portuguese Camino, this section is an excellent opportunity to connect with the natural beauty of the region and to reflect on the journey ahead. 

Starting in Balugães, the route begins on quiet country roads, winding through green fields and small rural settlements. The first part of the journey is relatively easy, with gentle rolling hills and wide, open vistas, offering a serene atmosphere for us.

The landscape along this stretch is predominantly rural, with fields of crops, orchards, and lush greenery. The peaceful nature of the route makes it a perfect time for reflection, allowing us to disconnect from the modern world and immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of northern Portugal.

Occasionally, the path will take us along small forested areas, where the sound of birds and the rustling of leaves add to the calm atmosphere. As we approach Ponte de Lima, the landscape begins to change. We will start to see the first signs of the town's historical architecture as we approach its outskirts. 

Ponte de Lima is one of the oldest towns in Portugal, with a rich history that dates back to Roman times. The town is known for its Medieval Bridge, which crosses the Lima River, and its well-preserved historic center. The bridge, which gives the town its name, is an iconic symbol of the area and offers great photo opportunities, with its arches spanning over the river and the surrounding landscape.

Ponte de Lima itself is a delightful town to explore, with charming streets, quaint cafés, and historical landmarks. Moreover, the town offers many spots to rest and enjoy some of the region’s traditional cuisine, including the famous Arroz de Sarrabulho (a hearty rice dish) and Lima’s famous green wine, Vinho Verde.

Our journey begins in the historic town of Ponte de Lima. After crossing the bridge, the path immediately enters a peaceful rural landscape. We will leave behind the town's historic streets and head out into the countryside, following well-marked trails that take us along quiet roads, through fields, and past traditional stone houses.

The walk begins gently, with the route leading through farmland and open landscapes. The path is lined with trees and hedgerows, offering occasional glimpses of the rolling hills and lush green valleys.

As we continue, the route becomes more immersed in nature. The path will often take us through lush woods and alongside small streams, making the scenery even more idyllic. We will cross fields of corn, vineyards, and orchards, all of which are typical of the region’s agricultural landscape.

Rubiães is known for its traditional stone buildings and quiet, welcoming atmosphere. One of the highlights of Rubiães is the Igreja de São Pedro, a small but charming church in the village that serves as a reminder of the region’s religious history. The church is often a place for pilgrims to pause and reflect, especially after a fulfilling walk through the countryside.

The village offers a great place to rest and recharge, offering a few cafes and small shops where we can enjoy local food and take a moment to relax before continuing our pilgrimage.

The stage from Rubiães to Tui is a rewarding and varied section of the Camino Portugués, offering a mix of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and the excitement of crossing into Spain.

The journey begins in Rubiães, a small village located near the Serra d'Arga mountain range. After leaving the village, the path immediately begins to climb slightly, offering us stunning views of the surrounding valleys and the distant mountains. As we walk, we will pass through charming rural areas, with fields of crops and orchards typical of the region. The landscape is verdant and rolling, with the occasional stream or river crossing the path.

The last part of the route involves crossing the Minho River, which forms the natural border between Portugal and Spain. We will reach the border crossing near Valença do Minho, a historic town located just south of the river. From here, it is a short walk to the Spanish town of Tui.

The Minho River is one of the most scenic parts of this stage, with the water shimmering in the sunlight and the surrounding hills providing a beautiful backdrop. There are several places along the river where we can stop to take in the views or reflect on the journey so far.

Upon reaching Tui, we will be greeted by the sight of the town’s impressive medieval architecture, including its cathedral and old city walls. Tui is an important pilgrimage town and marks the official entry into Spain for those walking the Camino Portugués. The town is known for its Iglesia de Santa María de Tui, a beautiful Romanesque church that dates back to the 12th century, and the Ponte Internacional, the bridge that spans the Minho River and connects Portugal with Spain.

Tui is a charming town with narrow, winding streets and a quiet, historic atmosphere. As we cross into Spain, we will feel a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for the next stages of the journey. There are plenty of opportunities to rest, explore the town’s charming streets, and reflect on the significant milestone of crossing the border.

This is the final day of our stage, although it is highly recommended to spend a day in this medieval town. Tui, located on the border between Portugal and Spain, is a charming town with rich historical and cultural significance, making it a notable stop on the Camino Portugués. As one of the first towns in Spain that we encounter on our journey, Tui offers a blend of medieval architecture, scenic views, and a tranquil atmosphere, making it a perfect place to rest and explore.

The Tui Cathedral is the town’s most prominent landmark and an important spiritual site. This beautiful Romanesque and Gothic cathedral, dating back to the 12th century, is located in the heart of the old town. Its impressive façade and bell tower can be seen from various parts of Tui. Inside, we will find intricate stone carvings, a beautiful altar, and serene chapels, making it a peaceful place for reflection and prayer.

The Ponte Internacional is another significant landmark in Tui. This historic bridge spans the Minho River, connecting Tui to the Portuguese town of Valença. The bridge has been an important crossing point for centuries, and its modern structure still reflects the historical significance of the route between Portugal and Spain. Walking across the bridge offers stunning views of the river and surrounding landscapes, and it marks the official entry into Spain for those walking the Camino de Santiago.

Tui’s old town is a delightful maze of narrow streets, cobblestone alleys, and charming squares. The town walls and gates, which date back to medieval times, add to the charm and history of Tui, reminding us of the town’s ancient past.

Tui also offers us the chance to taste traditional Galician cuisine, which is known for its fresh seafood, hearty stews, and delicious wines. Some popular dishes to try include pulpo a la gallega (octopus), empanada gallega (Galician pie), and tarta de Santiago (a traditional almond cake). There are many local restaurants and tapas bars where we can enjoy these regional specialties, often with a glass of Albariño or a local Galician wine.

Now that we have crossed the border and are stepping onto Galician soil, we cannot forget the final destination, Santiago de Compostela. Closer than ever, we are now just 100 kilometers from the goal, the necessary distance to obtain the Compostela, if that is our wish. The following stages are filled with treasures to be discovered at least once in a lifetime.