Camino De Santiago - Portugese Way 2025

Camino De Santiago - Portuguese Route

This summer, we embarked on a life-changing adventure: the Camino de Santiago. Andy & I are very grateful that we're at the point where we can take a month off from our business to travel. The Camino was something that we recently started researching. Our friend from Terlingua did the French route, and as we watched his journey, we were hooked (and booked).

The trip began with an overnight flight from Dallas to Madrid. We then caught a flight to Porto (Portugal) and then hired a driver to take us to the charming town of Viana do Castelo, where we began our Camino adventure. Our walk covered 127 miles over the course of ten days, including a much-needed rest day in Vigo.

Day 1: Viana de Castelo to Caminha

After traveling from Dallas to Madrid, then Porto, and finally to Viana do Castelo, we were ready to begin our journey. Viana de Castelo was the perfect starting point for our adventure. For those who are wondering why we started here, it was due to time. Although looking back, I wish we had used a couple of our days for walking additional miles.

This little town was stunning! Right alongside the river, the views were incredible, which made the start of the trip even more exciting. We ended up walking over 19 miles on our first day, which was brutal. We walked on boardwalks, sand, pavement, cobblestone.. You name it. In hindsight, I wish we hadn't started off so strong because it set the pace for sore muscles for the next couple of days.

Our stay in Caminha was at an albergue called Bom Caminha. The owner was lovely and the place was nice. I prefer not to share a room with strangers, so we booked a private room but used a shared bathroom. I highly recommend if you're looking for a shared experience with other pilgrims.

Day 2: Caminha to Oia

We started our second day on the Camino with sore muscles but a strong determination to see how far we could go. This stretch was nearly 14 miles, from Caminha to Oia, and began with a small boat ride across the river into Spain.

I grew up on the water, so starting the day by crossing into a new country by boat felt special. The coastal views were stunning, and I loved soaking in the oceanside scenery and experiencing the Spanish culture along the way.

The hardest part for me was adjusting to my backpack, and honestly, I never did. By the end of the day, a pinched nerve in my hip had me limping into Oia, exhausted but proud to have made it.

Andy booked us an incredible apartment which was one of my favorite stays of the whole trip. The owners were amazing! They picked us up in town and drove us up the hill to their home, where their family also lives. They went above and beyond, letting us wash and dry our clothes, stocking the fridge, and even driving Andy to the grocery store. And the views? Absolutely unreal.

Although I didn't get any sleep because there was a town party that went on until 6:30 in the morning, the apartment was stunning. I will never forget that sunset!

Day 3: Oia to Sabaris

We started our third day on the Camino before sunrise. After a restless night and a sharp pain running down my hip, I couldn’t help but question what we were doing out here. My attitude wasn’t great. But once the pain eased, my spirits lifted.

That day, the Camino seemed to gift me every animal possible, dogs, cats, cows, and horses, which instantly made me happy. The views were breathtaking from start to finish, and by the time we reached our stop, we’d covered just under 14 miles.

Day 4 & 5: Sabaris to Vigo ( & Rest Day)

Days four and five took us into Vigo which is a vibrant, busy city I never imagined I’d be backpacking into. The steep slopes were no joke, and it quickly became clear why everyone here was so fit. This day ended up being 14.5 miles.

I couldn’t stop admiring the Spanish fashion where people were effortlessly stylish at all times. I felt like I had just crawled out of a dumpster in clothing I've been wearing and sweating in for the last four days. But, it was all part of the great adventure.

We spent our rest day exploring, enjoying long naps, and soaking sore muscles in hot baths. The food was incredible, and the energy of the city was contagious. By the time we packed up to head to our next town, my hip and shoulders had finally started to ease, and for the first time in days, I felt genuinely ready for the miles ahead.

Day 6: Vigo to Redondela

This route was our shortest day which ended up only being just over ten miles. We were well-rested so this was a pretty easy day. This route was a lot of hills, but the views made the climb worth it.

For some reason, I could never quite get used to my backpack, and about three miles in my shoulders were already aching. If you’re planning this journey, I can’t stress enough how important it is to invest in a high-quality pack. It will make all the difference.

The weather was hot, but we had prosciutto and fresh bread in our bags, and our spirits were high. The scenery that day was unforgettable, breathtaking landscapes that will live in my mind rent-free forever. There weren't many stops on this day, so I was glad we came prepared with food and water.

Our apartment for the night was my favorite the entire trip. It reminded me of the French Quarter in New Orleans. I sat for hours looking out the window onto the streets. It was beautiful! The apartment is linked below.

Day 7: Redondela to Pontevedra

From Redondela to Pontevedra, we had one of the most memorable days of the Camino. The route was just under 13 miles, and along the way we passed through a mix of breathtaking landscapes and historic landmarks.

One of the highlights was crossing a bridge built in the 800s. Standing on stones that had carried travelers for over a thousand years was surreal. The view from the bridge was absolutely stunning, and it’s a moment I’ll never forget.

Day 8: Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis

Thankfully, we all slept well the night before because we had a 15.5-mile journey ahead. The path took us through sunlit vineyards, charming neighborhoods, and past so many animals along the way.

By the time we arrived, we were tired but still had laundry to tackle. Laundry is an every day occurrence on the Camino because you have to pack light.

We made a quick trip to the grocery store, and Andy cooked dinner. I’ve always loved the nights when we had access to a kitchen. Nothing beats a simple pasta and protein after a long day on the trail, followed by a chance to truly rest.

Day 9: Caldas de Reis to Padron

Our walk this day ended up being just under 12 miles, which was a welcomed break after the long push the day before. We knew we needed the lighter day because we had to prepare for our final stretch, which everyone warned us would be the hardest. And yes… they were absolutely right.

This walk was absolutely beautiful, lined with vineyards, historic old churches, and charming parks. Every step offered something new to see and experience, and by this point in the journey, I had completely fallen in love with Spain.

Day 10: Padron to Santiago (FINAL DAY!)

The final leg (17 miles) of our journey took us from Padron to Santiago, where we completed our Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. I couldn’t believe this was our final day, and wow, was it tough. From the mileage to the relentless hills, every muscle in my body ached. We wound our way through vineyards and neighborhoods, each step bringing us closer to Santiago. I’ll never forget the moment the cathedral first appeared on the skyline.

The city was alive with pilgrims, locals, and visitors who were celebrating, crying, praying, all here for one shared reason. When we finally stood before the cathedral up close, I had tears streaming down my face.

It was beautiful, powerful, and life-changing all at once.

This trip was the most magical experience of my life. The memories will stay with me forever.

Accommodation Highlights

Andy did an incredible job planning our entire trip and choosing our accommodations. A lot of people have asked where we stayed, so I put together a list of each place by town. I was genuinely happy with every stop along the way and would recommend them all.

Everywhere we stayed was a private room. The only hostel/Albergue was the Bom Caminha.

Viana De Castelo : Rua Grande Hotel

Caminha: Bom Caminha

Oia: Alojamiento Chavella

Sabaris: Hotel Vasco Da Gama

Vigo (2 nights): U Hotel Ogalia Vigo

Redondela: Casa Sensa Apartamento

Pontevedra: Peregrino

Caldas de Reis: O Balcon do Rio

Padron: Piso do Espolon

Reflections on the Camino

Walking the Camino de Santiago was more than just a physical journey. It was an opportunity for deep reflection, connection, and personal growth. Every step, every town, and every mile brought us closer to the heart of this remarkable pilgrimage.

The journey was not only about reaching Santiago; it was about the lessons we learned along the way.

The Camino taught us patience, perseverance, and the importance of slowing down. It gave us the space to reflect, rejuvenate, and reconnect with nature. While the miles were long, the experience was beyond rewarding. We are already thinking about when we can return to the Camino for another unforgettable journey. STAY TUNED!

-M