Welcome to Galicia. You’ve undoubtedly heard about the independence movements of the Catalans and the Basques, along with their fierce pride in a culture that they see as distinct from the rest of Spain, but there is another region with its own language and historical independence that we rarely hear about.
Tucked into the Northwest, sitting above Portugal, Galicia is a land of mountains, snake-like estuaries known as Rias, and enough gloriously rugged coastline to last a lifetime. While there may be more noise about independence from Catalonia and the Basque Country, Galicia was once its own country by right and still retains a cultural identity utterly different from other parts of Spain.
Walking the second stage of the Camino Portugués takes you from the border with Portugal through the historical town of Redondela and Pontevedra, capital of the province of the same name, passing charming villages and over peaceful estuaries, through thick forests, before finally arriving at the hallowed gates of the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. This is, quite simply, a walk you won’t forget anytime soon.
Stage 2 at a Glance
Our Stage 2 trip on the central route covers about 102 km over five walking days, with 7 nights of B&B accommodation and a free day in Santiago at the end. A short private transfer on Day 2 takes you from Tui to O Porriño, so you skip the industrial outskirts and start walking in quieter country.
| Day | Route | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Tui | No walking |
| 2 | O Porriño to Redondela | 16 km |
| 3 | Redondela to Pontevedra | 20 km |
| 4 | Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis | 23 km |
| 5 | Caldas de Reis to Padrón | 19 km |
| 6 | Padrón to Santiago de Compostela | 24 km |
| 7 | Free day in Santiago | No walking |
| 8 | Depart Santiago | No walking |
Distances are estimates from town to town, so your day may vary a little depending on where your hotel sits. Your trip includes breakfast each day, daily luggage transfers, walking notes, route maps, your Pilgrim Passport, and our 24/7 emergency support line.
Flights, airport transfers, lunches, and dinners are not included, and travel insurance is compulsory. See the Stage 2 trip page for current prices and details. We also run a coastal version from Baiona, which you will find on our Camino Portugués page.
Camino Portugués Stage 2, Day by Day
Here’s what each day looks like, from the border at Tui to the cathedral in Santiago.
Day 1: Arrive in Tui
With the route starting in Tui, on the border with Spain and Portugal, it’s a toss-up which way is easiest to arrive. Vigo, in Galicia, and Porto are the most convenient airports.
Considering you’ll be spending at least five days in Galicia, it might be a nice idea to spend a couple of days in Porto’s delightful city before heading up to Tui. We can arrange a private transfer from either airport if you would like one.
After arriving in Tui, you’ll have the rest of the day to relax and take in your new Galician surroundings. While you’re here, why not pop over to Portugal (a short walk over the bridge) and visit Valença, with its large citadel overlooking the River Miño.
Tui city on the banks of the River Miño.
Day 2: O Porriño to Redondela (16 km)
The first day of walking begins with a short private transfer from Tui to O Porriño, which skips the industrial outskirts, where the walking starts. From there, the route winds north, passing small villages with charming chapels before arriving at Vigo Bay – which appeared in Jules Verne’s Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas and was where Captain Nemo was able to salvage gold lost during the Battle of Vigo in 1702.
If you would like to visit El Mejor Banco Del Mundo De Redondela (the best bench in the world), allow extra time and check the route before leaving the marked Camino. The viewpoint overlooks the Vigo estuary, Rande Bridge, and Cíes Islands. And yes, it just might be the best bench in the world.
The first evening on the road will be spent in either Redondela or Cesantes, next door to each other. Redondela is a small town with a charming old quarter, while Cesantes is much smaller but does have a beach close by.
Day 3: Redondela to Pontevedra (20 km)
The next day involves a 20 km walk from Redondela to Pontevedra, one of the most popular sections to walk as the route winds around the Ria de Vigo, with jaw-dropping landscapes around you.
Just as the water peters out, the path crosses the medieval bridge at Pontesampaio and heads directly north through open rolling land, pocked with vineyards, small villages, and plenty of stone granaries known as Hórreo which are unique to Galicia and Northern Portugal.
Pontevedra may not be the biggest city in Galicia, but it is a provincial capital and simply oozes charm. Drop your bags and head out to wander the old stone streets and enjoy some food in one of the many beautiful squares.
Bench of Redondela, (Pontevedra, Spain).
Day 4: Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis (23 km)
Heading out of Pontevedra the next day, you’ll quickly be embraced by the eucalyptus and pine forests that Galicia is known for. There is something deeply mythical, almost magical, about this part of the country.
As well as the many Horreos, you’ll pass countless cruceiros, stone crosses that go much further than your standard Christian crosses. These are often placed on roads, crossroads, squares, or near shrines or burial places. They were said to protect from spells and the dreaded Santa Compaña, a procession of the dead wearing white, hooded cloaks that appear in the countryside on some nights. Don’t worry, you should be fine as long as you’re not out on the country trails around midnight….
It is a hugely enjoyable 23 km walk from Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis, where you’ll spend the evening.
Day 5: Caldas de Reis to Padrón (19 km)
Your penultimate day walking links Caldas de Reis with the small town of Padrón. If you’re wondering why that name sounds a little familiar, it is where the world-famous Padrón pepper (pimientos de Padrón) takes its name. With that in mind, it would be rude not to indulge in some local delicacies in this historic location after you arrive.
But first, you have some walking to do. The 19 km takes you through the small village of Santa Marina de Carracedo, with its small but delightful church, and through yet more forests and land that, on several occasions, shares more than a striking resemblance to Ireland.
Your final act of the day is to cross the River Ulla and into Padrón, where, as the story goes, the stone boat carrying the body of St James stopped, with his disciples transporting it overland to the city just to the north. Santiago de Compostela now beckons.
Padrón
Day 6: Padrón to Santiago de Compostela (24 km)
If you don’t have plenty of excitement on your last day when you wake up, it’s sure to kick in when you see Santiago’s famed spires appear on the horizon for the first time. On the way, you’ll pass through the villages of A Escravitude, Faramello and Milladoiro as you draw towards the famous city hundreds of thousands have walked to for over a millennium.
It can be emotional for many as they step into Obradoiro Square and turn to face the towering cathedral. This is the end of the road, but take your time here. Sit down and watch other pilgrims enter the square, some of whom have walked for hundreds of miles. There is a wonderful, intoxicating sense of achievement – quite unlike anywhere in the world.
Once you’re done, head to the Pilgrim’s Office to collect your Compostela. The certificate asks you to walk at least the last 100 km into Santiago, and this stage covers about 102 km. Get your Pilgrim Passport stamped at the start and finish of every walking stage, with the dates recorded. After that, Santiago is your oyster. Enjoy the many bars and restaurants – and toast your success. You made it.
Practical Tips for Stage 2
A few things worth sorting before you fly out.
Which Airports to Use
Vigo and Porto are the handiest airports for reaching Tui. For the trip home, Santiago de Compostela Airport is about 20 minutes from the city. Airport transfers are not part of the standard trip, but we can arrange private transfers from Santiago, Vigo, or Porto airports on request.
Luggage and Your Daypack
Leave your bag at reception by 8 am each morning, and it will be at your next hotel by early afternoon. We move one bag per person, up to 20 kg. In your daypack, carry around 1.5 litres of water, snacks, a waterproof, a light layer, sun protection, basic first aid, your Pilgrim Passport, and some cash for small cafés.
Finding Your Way
The route through Galicia is well marked with yellow arrows and scallop shells on stone markers, and your walking notes and route maps cover every day.
Taking It Slower
If you would like a gentler week, we can add an extra night in Pontevedra or split the 24 km final day with a stop in Teo or Milladoiro. Just ask when you book.
Where next?
Your trip already includes a free day in Santiago, and we’d recommend adding an extra night if you can. It’s a beautiful city, small enough to walk around, yet with so much to see. You won’t want to be rushing off.
When it is time to head home, Santiago serves connections to Ireland, making the trip home nice and easy. And as that plane soars into the sky, crane your neck back, and you can make out the vague direction you have just come from, which took you five days of walking to complete. Then nestle into your seat with a huge sense of satisfaction. A job well done.
Starting further south? Our Stage 1 trip walks from Porto to Tui, and you can book both stages as one 14-day walk to Santiago.
