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- Portuguese Central Camino: Stage 2

Portuguese Central Camino: Stage 2
- 8 Days
- Distance: 128 km
- Challenging
- Closest Airport: Aeroporto Sá Carneiro
- Min Age: 16
Portuguese Central Camino: Stage 2
The old and original route to Santiago de Compostela
The Portuguese Central Camino is perfect for those who enjoy a good hiking and those who want to try a combination between Portuguese and Spanish history, culture and gastronomy flavors and also the adventure of arriving to Santiago and visit the catacombs. This journey will be made between rural and urban villages and cities, majorly in paved roads. In Portugal, take your time to discover the fortress in Valença do Minho and the history behind it, as you enjoy the typical gastronomy of the North and the “verde” wine. Crossing the border and entering Spain, be amazed by the viaducts and the thermal baths along the way, as you reach the Sanctuary of Santiago de Compostela.
Route description:
- On this route all kind of terrains are to be expected. The route has some long and difficult climbs.
- Paved streets in rural and urban areas; 35 % of the walk will be in the forest.
- The main roads are avoided for the majority of the time and as such every kind of terrain is used during this walk
Itinerary:
- Day 1: Valença do Minho
- Day 2: Valença do Minho – Porrinõ: 20 km
- Day 3: Porrinõ – Redondela: 23 km
- Day 4: Redondela – Pontevedra: 21 km
- Day 5: Pontevedra – Caldas de reis: 25 km
- Day 6: Caldas de Reis – Padrón: 14 km
- Day 7: Padrón – Santiago de Compostela: 25 Km
- Day 8: Departure
Map
Itinerary
Day 1: Valença do Minho
Hotel 4*: Pousadas de Valença
Day 2: Valença do Minho → Porrinõ: 20 km
This is the day where Spain is one step forward and where Portugal will be well remained by the last city known by the green landscape, the historical monuments and the cobblestone. The 20 km of walking it going to be fetl in 110 m of highest point and 140 m of lowest point. The last remarkable moment will be crossing the border and enjoy the Minho river in the oldest Europe border, the international bridge of Valença, an modern masterpiece build in 1885. Arriving to the Spain territory, a medieval city named, Tui, welcome the walkers with a new environment in the presence of the “Monte Aloia” considered since 1978 as a natural park. In this city it’s, also, well-known the presence of the roman bridges, the churches and the cathedral of Tui with a gothic influence. Hiking to the last destination of this day, Porriño will bring you the feeling of an urban city with the church and the historical center. The city, it’s also known by the manufacture of granite production, the Rosa Porriño or the Pink Porriño.
Hotel 1*: Hotel Azul
Day 3: Porrinõ → Redondela: 23 km
Walking between Porriño and Redondela the road follow in paved and asphalt pathways with the highest point at 260m and the lowest at 250m. Near to the city of Redondela the nature will follow 331 meters of the landscape in unpaved roads of the forest section. Walking in the last city of this day will give you the chance to visit the famous church of Santa Baia de Mos, a baroque church form the XVI century. The city of Redondela it’s also known by its viaducts from the XIX century and due to that the city it’s known as viaducts village.
Hotel: Pazo de Agrelo
Day 4: Redondela → Pontevedra: 21 km
Near to the ocean coast but inserted in a rural city this day will require some effort due to the 320 m of uphill insert in 156m at the highest point, although the lowest point is 6m. The major parts of the roads, in direction to Pontevedra, are pavement, however in the middle of the way the walkers are going to be embrace by the forest and nature. The name of the city remits to the roman times where the major part of the bridges were built, and due to that, we can translate the name of the city to the old bridge. The most famous bridge that the way leads to, is the bridge of Sampaio. Never the last, in Pontevedra the walkers can feel the breeze in the famous Tomaza river and be embrace by the chapel of Virgem Peregrina, built in 1778, in honor to the saint of the Santiago path.
Hotel 4*: Parador Pontevedra
Day 5: Pontevedra → Caldas de reis: 25 km
The path departs from Pontevedra towards Caldas de reis. In this hiking day, the walkers almost can throwback to the roman times with the presence of the thermal baths and spas. The major part of the pathway is flat and crosses paved road and asphalt with the highest point at 137m. Some of the areas that might spark your interest during hiking to Caldas de reis are: the walking in the bridge of Corrrentes where the beautiful landscape of the river of Lérez will surround you; the river Gandara that provide a feeling of hiking in the florest; the church of Santa Maria; the river of Umía where they nature thermals are indicated for respiratory diseases and skin infections, is the place that will lead you to the final destination. Also, take the opportunity to be embrace by the Market of Abastos where you will be inspired by the cultural gastronomy.
House: Torre do Rio
Day 6: Caldas de Reis → Padrón: 14 km
Continuing the journey near by the river of Umía, this day will start in Caldas de Reis and will lead to the new destination, Padrón. In the beginning of the day, the city will be well remained by the thermal baths in its last fountain, Burgas, with a temperature between 64 and 68ºC. As well as the medieval bridge in the river of Bermaña, that will bring the final description of what the city represent. During the journey the highest point is at 161m and the lowest at 4 m, represented, in paved and asphalt roads but also embrace by forests well present in Monte Gandarón for example. Along the hiking to the city of Padrón, the way will bring the chance to visit the Chapel of San Roque, the church of Santa Mariña de Carracedo and the church of San Miguel de Valga as the walkers pass by the river of Ulla. The river of Ulla registered the large number of artifacts dating from the time of the Neolithic. The day will be finished in Padrón, the city that according to the legend, the stone ship with the apostle´s body was moored. The stone it’s now-a-days in Padrón and due to the symbol present in the stone the city start to be known as Padrón.
Hotel 4*: Pazo de Lestrove
Day 7: Padrón → Santiago de Compostela: 25 km
The way between Padrón and the expected final destination is 25 km forward. The day will be felt in the highest point at 259m, the lowest point at 6m and the emotion of arriving to the promise land of this journey: Santiago de Compostela. The pathway is majorly walked in unpaved, gravel and pavement roads. Heading north to the final destination, the walkers will find what is considered to be the second cathedral of Compostela: the church of Santa Maria de Ira Flávia. According to legend, was in this territory that the first speech was made by apostle Santiago during his stay in Hispania and where the winning of the Nobel award, Camilo José Cela, was born. Continuing on the walk, you will reach the sanctuary of Nossa Señora da Escravitute and its park where the nature will surround you. After crossing the Sar River, the yellow arrows related to the Camino of Santiago will be more present. The lasts 3 km will be made with the Cathedral inside the walkers eyes. In the final destination, the place will embrace you with the catacombs of the Santiago, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ and the vibration of arriving to the famous Cathedral, that inspired main of us, will be felt.
Hotel4 *: Hotel Compostela
Day 8: Departure
Price
What's included
Season:
- LS - Low season: Nov 01 to Mar 25
- RS - Regular season: Mar 26 to 25 Jun and Set 26 to 31 Oct
- HS - High Season: Set 01 to 25 Set
- SS - Summer Season: Jun 26 to August 30
Observations:
- Prices are based for 2 people sharing the same room;
- Sea view (when available) or premium rooms, price on request;
- Prices can suffer updates due high season, holidays or weekends
- Beverages are not included at lunch and dinner when included in the package
- If in a triple room with parents Children up to 10 years old - 35% discount. Children from 11 to 14 years old - 20% discount. Children from 15 to 17 years old - 15% discount.
Extras
- Solo traveler: 200 €
- Single supplement: LS: 300€, RS: 329€, HS: 360€, SS.390€
- Extra nights: on request
- Private group price on request
- City taxes is not included in the price package (approximately 2€ per person per night - payable on site - in Lisbon city tax is 4€ per person per night)
- Ferry (boat) in river / lake crossing is not included in price package (approximately 2€ to 10€ per person)
Photos
Faq
How do we ensure customer welfare during the tours?
How do we ensure customer welfare during the tours?
We provide special attention to the welfare of our customers by maintaining an appropriate pace during guided tours, allowing you to enjoy the scenery and the way of life of the Portuguese.
What is the daily schedule like on your tours?
What is the daily schedule like on your tours?
Each day's ride ends in the afternoon, giving you time to relax before the next gastronomic experience, where you can taste regional flavors. We aim to provide an exceptional adventure with a little extra spice.
What types of walking tours do you offer in Portugal?
What types of walking tours do you offer in Portugal?
We offer the following types of walking tours: Self-Guided Tour Guided Tours Guided Tour Plus
What is included in the Self-Guided Tour?
What is included in the Self-Guided Tour?
The Self-Guided Tour includes: airport transfers Hotel bookings with breakfast included GPS with route Light picnics Daily luggage transfer to the next hotel Transfer from the destination back to the start point
What is included in the Guided Tours?
What is included in the Guided Tours?
The Guided Tours include: includes everything described in the self –Guided tours Guide and support van for the walking tour Water, snacks, and transport for any dropouts Organized lunches and dinners for the group
What additional benefits are included in the Guided Tour Plus?
What additional benefits are included in the Guided Tour Plus?
The Guided Tour Plus includes everything described in the Guided Tours, plus daily lunches and dinners featuring typical dishes of the Portuguese regions.
How do you classify the routes?
How do you classify the routes?
Our route classifications are as follows: Easy (1/5): Mostly flat terrain with daily distances up to 15 km. Easy to Moderate (2/5): Mostly flat terrain with daily distances between 15 km and 25 km, with short climbs up to 20% of the route. Suitable for inexperienced hikers with some fitness preparation. Moderate (3/5): Terrain can be dirt roads or trails, mostly flat with daily distances between 15 km and 25 km, with some climbs up to 40% of the route. Suitable for walkers with fitness preparation. Moderate to Hard (4/5): Terrain can be dirt roads or trails, with daily distances between 15 km and 25 km and moderate climbs up to 60% of the route. Suitable for hikers with fitness preparation who want to challenge themselves. Hard (5/5): Terrain can be dirt roads or trails, with daily distances between 15 km and 30 km and strong climbs up to 60% of the route. Suitable for experienced hikers.
In which languages are guided tours available?
In which languages are guided tours available?
Guided tours are available in Portuguese, and English.
Is insurance included in the tours?
Is insurance included in the tours?
Liability insurance and personal accident insurance are included only in guided tours. We recommend all participants to ensure their Travel Insurance has adequate coverage for Cancellation and Refund, Luggage, Medical Expenses and Repatriation, Death and Permanent Disability.
What should I pack for each hiking holiday?
What should I pack for each hiking holiday?
To ensure you're well-prepared for a hiking experience, we recommend the following gear and clothing. Note that we provide a cycling jersey and bib shorts for all our guests. General Clothing: Bathing suit and sandals Walking shoes/sandals Evening and casual wear Walking Gear: Walking sticks (available upon request) Different pairs of walking socks Walking backpack (available upon request) Walking shoes
How do I book a tour with Top Walking Tours Portugal?
How do I book a tour with Top Walking Tours Portugal?
Booking a tour with Top Wlaking Tours Portugal is simple and straightforward. Start by visiting our website and browsing through our diverse range of tour packages. Once you've selected the perfect tour for you, reach out to us directly via our contact form or email. Our team is ready to provide you with all the information you need and assist you in finalizing your booking.
How long is a proposal valid?
How long is a proposal valid?
The proposal is valid for 30 days.
Are city taxes included in the tour price?
Are city taxes included in the tour price?
No, city taxes are not included and are payable on site. The approximate cost is €1 or €2 per person per night. In Lisbon, the city tax is €4 per person per night, and in Porto, it is €3 per person per night.
Is the proposal a confirmed booking?
Is the proposal a confirmed booking?
No, with a proposal, nothing is confirmed until accommodations are reserved and a deposit is requested.
Are transfers included if I book extra nights at the beginning of the tour?
Are transfers included if I book extra nights at the beginning of the tour?
Yes, transfers are included for extra nights booked at the beginning of the tour, as long as the nights are booked through us.
Are transfers included if I book extra nights at the end of the tour?
Are transfers included if I book extra nights at the end of the tour?
No, transfers are not included for extra nights booked at the end of the tour.
How many bags are included in the luggage transfer?
How many bags are included in the luggage transfer?
Each person is entitled to one bag for luggage transfer. If you need to transfer additional bags, an extra charge of approximately €100 per bag will apply, depending on the specific bicycle tour you choose.
What happens after I confirm the proposal?
What happens after I confirm the proposal?
After confirming the proposal, accommodations will be reserved. Once all accommodations are reserved, the tour will be confirmed, and a deposit will be requested.
Are unused services refundable?
Are unused services refundable?
No, services not used are not refunded.
How will I be picked up at Porto airport?
How will I be picked up at Porto airport?
Someone will be at Porto airport with a card displaying the "Top Bike Tours Portugal" logo and/or your name.
How will I be picked up at Lisbon airport?
How will I be picked up at Lisbon airport?
For tours starting in Figueira da Foz, Lisbon, or Évora, look for meeting point 3 at Lisbon airport. There will be a card with your name for your transfer.
Can I postpone a tour? What is your flexibility?
Can I postpone a tour? What is your flexibility?
Yes, you can postpone a tour with Top Walking Tours Portugal. We offer flexibility in our booking policies, allowing you to postpone your walking tour free of charge up to 30 days before the start date, no questions asked. This provides you with the convenience to adjust your plans if needed. Click our full cancellation policy.
What payment methods do you accept?
What payment methods do you accept?
At Top Walking Tours Portugal, we offer a variety of payment methods to ensure a convenient and secure booking experience for our customers. We accept the following payment methods: Bank Transfers: Direct bank transfers are accepted, and no fees will be charged. Flywire: We are pleased to offer Flywire as a payment option, providing secure and convenient international payments. Please note that a 2% fee applies for this option. The payment link will be provided once Top Walking Tours Portugal confirms your tour.
