The Three Gems of the Portuguese Camino: Central Way, Coastal Way, and Spiritual Variant

The Camino Portuguese

The Camino Portuguese is a captivating tapestry, each route a colourful thread woven deep into the fabric of your pilgrimage experience. But which one to choose? Feeling overwhelmed by the choices? Fear not, I’m here to sift through the unique features of the three main routes, along with a special detour, so that you find the perfect path for your personal pilgrimage. While the Portuguese Camino starts from Lisbon, many pilgrims including myself began our adventure in Porto, where we set out from the imposing Se Catedral that towers over the city and Douro river. Unlike the Camino de Invierno, it offers route variations — this was exciting for us!

One Camino Many Ways

The Central Way is the quintessential pilgrimage route, a moderate distance of approximately 260 kilometers, winds its way from the vibrant city of Porto to the historic Santiago de Compostela. Lush green fields and rolling hills with patches of forest lie before you, dotted with charming villages that echo Portugal’s rich past. Immerse yourself in the cultural tapestry of these timeless towns, where captivating landmarks stand as testaments to a bygone era.