In this article I will show you a list and table of all Camino Portugues stages.
At the moment in 2025 the Camino Portugues is the second most popular of the routes of the Camino Santiago in Europe.
The special thing about the Portuguese Way of St. James is that it has two variants. However, both are similar in length – between 250 and 280 km – and have a beginner-friendly stage profile with few meters in altitude.
For most pilgrims, both routes of the Camino Portugues can therefore be completed in 12 to 14 stages of 10 to 34 kilometers each in two weeks.
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Camino Portugues Stages: Traditional path or coastal route?
As this route has two well-known variants, I will introduce you to both in turn:
- The inland variant, Camino Portugues Central
- The coastal route, Camino Portugues de la Costa
You can choose which of the two routes you want to take. Both start in Porto and end in Santiago de Compostela.
Camino Portugues de la Costa Stages:
Let us start with the increasingly popular coastal route in Portugal, the Camino Portugues de la Costa stages:
| Stage Number | Starting Point | Destination | Kilometers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Porto | Vila do Conde | 24,9 km |
| 2 | Vila do Conde | Esposende | 23,8 km |
| 3 | Esposende | Viana do Castelo | 22,3 km |
| 4 | Viana do Castelo | Vila Praia de Ancora | 19,4 km |
| 5 | Vila Praia de Ancora | Caminha | 14,4 km |
| 6 | Caminha | Guarda | 11,5 km |
| 7 | Guarda | Mougas | 17,9 km |
| 8 | Mougas | Ramallosa | 20,9 km |
| 9 | Ramallosa | Vigo | 19,7 km |
| 10 | Vigo | Redondela | 15,5 km |
| 11 | Redondela | Pontevedra | 18 km |
| 12 | Pontevedra | Caldas de Reis | 23 km |
| 13 | Caldas de Reis | Padrón | 19 km |
| 14 | Padrón | Santiago de Compostela | 25 km |
Stage profile of the Camino Portugues de la Costa
The Camino Portugues de la Costa, also known as the The Portuguese Way Coastal Route, is a trending and attractive alternative to the traditional Camino Portugues. This path begins in the lively city of Porto and leads pilgrims along the stunning coastline of northern Portugal to Santiago de Compostela. The coastal path is particularly popular with those who want to enjoy the proximity to the sea and the fresh sea breeze that comes with it as well as the beaches.
The route comprises a total of 14 stages and covers a distance of around 280 kilometers until it meets the central Camino Portugues in Redondela. From there, the paths share the same route to Santiago. The first half of the coastal path passes through characteristic coastal towns and villages, including Vila do Conde, Esposende, Viana do Castelo and Caminha. These towns offer pilgrims ample opportunity to experience the local culture and cuisine, as well as to explore historical sights such as old churches, fortresses and bridges.
After crossing the Spanish border at Caminha, the route continues along the wilder and less built-up countryside of Galicia, with stages through Guarda, Mougas and Ramallosa, before reaching the larger city of Vigo. The route stays close to the coast with spectacular views of the sea, crossing picturesque landscapes characterized by rural tranquillity and natural beauty.
Camino Portugues Central Stages:
I finish with the traditional variant, the Camino Portugues Central stages:
| Stage Number | Starting Point | Destination | Kilometers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Porto | Matosinhos | 10 km |
| 2 | Matosinhos | Vila do Conde | 19 km |
| 3 | Vila do Conde | Barcelos | 25 km |
| 4 | Barcelos | Ponte de Lima | 34 km |
| 5 | Ponte de Lima | Rubiães | 18 km |
| 6 | Rubiães | Tui | 19 km |
| 7 | Tui | Porriño | 16 km |
| 8 | Porriño | Redondela | 16 km |
| 9 | Redondela | Pontevedra | 20 km |
| 10 | Pontevedra | Caldas de Reis | 21 km |
| 11 | Caldas de Reis | Padrón | 18 km |
| 12 | Padrón | Santiago de Compostela | 25 km |
Stage profile of the Camino Portugues Central
The Camino Portugues Central, also known as the central route or inland variant of the Portuguese Way of St. James, leads pilgrims from Porto in Portugal to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. This traditional route is rich in cultural and historical sights and offers an impressive mix of urban flair and rural idyll.
Starting in the charming city of Porto, a city known for its architectural beauty and port wine cellars, the route first leads through Matosinhos and then along the coast to Vila do Conde. This first stage is relatively easy and offers pilgrims the opportunity to slowly prepare themselves for the challenges ahead.
From Vila do Conde, the route leads inland to historic towns such as Barcelos, known for its weekly market and legendary cock miracle, and Ponte de Lima, one of the oldest towns in Portugal with its impressive Roman bridge. These stages are characterized by rolling hills and lead through lush landscapes and past vineyards.
The challenge of the route increases when pilgrims leave Ponte de Lima and set off on the demanding climb to Rubiães. This stage is both physically and visually rewarding, with spectacular views and rich natural beauty. After crossing the border into Spain at Tui, the landscape changes slightly and the route passes through smaller Galician villages to Redondela, where the coastal route and the central route meet.
The final stages from Redondela to Santiago pass through Pontevedra and Caldas de Reis, offering picturesque river landscapes and passing through Padrón before ending in Santiago de Compostela. Entering Santiago, the destination of the pilgrimage, is a moving moment that rewards the efforts of the last few days.
Camino Portugues map with elevation / altitude profile
Plan the first steps for your own journey now:
-> To the overview article Camino Portugues
-> To the eBook “Camino Portugues for beginners” to prepare for the route
-> To the packing list for the Camino de Santiago
-> To the store for the official pilgrim’s pass for the Camino de Santiago