Caminho Português de Santiago
Portuguese Way of St. James
The place
pilgrimage route
Why go
Coimbra and its medieval university (UNESCO). Porto and the Ribeira district (UNESCO). The Ponte Internacional do Minho bridge between Portugal and Spain. Monte Santa Trega (Galicia). The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela and the Praça do Obradoiro as a moving point of arrival.
A bit of history
The Caminho Português is as old as the apostolic cult of Santiago itself. D. Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, made a pilgrimage to Compostela in 1129 after the Battle of Ourique. In the Middle Ages, Lisbon was the departure point for English and northern European pilgrims arriving by sea. The Central Route (Lisbon–Porto) and the Coastal Route (Costa do Minho) have been certified by the Council of Europe as a Cultural Route.
Getting there
Lisbon: international airport (flights from all over Europe). Santiago de Compostela: international airport, trains from Madrid (6h) or Porto (3h). The entire route is served by public transport.
Recommended gear
Trekking or comfortable walking shoes. 25–35 L backpack. Lightweight sleeping bag (hostels provide mattresses). Pilgrim's credential. Sunscreen.
Best season
From March to October. Summer is very hot inland. Spring brings spectacular blossoms. Autumn brings golden vineyards. Winter is cold but with fewer crowds.