The rising popularity of the Camino Portugues Coastal Route, the Spiritual Variant, and the final 100 km itinerary from Tui/Valença has shifted attention away from the traditional Central Route of the Camino Portugues. In this article, we make the case for walking the traditional route, which stretches from Lisbon through Coimbra and Porto to Santiago de Compostela.
History of the Camino in Portugal
When you walk the Camino de Santiago in Portugal, you get a real sense of its origins as an ancient Roman road. During the Roman era, Lusitania (modern-day Portugal) was a key region for trade and transport for the empire. Old waymarkers along the route and landmarks such as the Roman aqueduct near Coimbra are reminders that you are walking a path travelled by generations before you.
The devotion of the Portuguese royal family through the centuries also helped shape the pilgrimage routes walked today. However, the monastery at Rates and the ancient Romanesque church Igreja Românica de São Pedro de Rates are considered a spiritual and historical heart of the Camino in Portugal. The former monastery and church were founded by Saint Peter of Rates, the first bishop of Braga and a disciple of Saint James. Both the church and museum are worth a visit while walking the Camino.
The Camino Portugues Traditional Route Overview
The Camino Portugues Traditional Route (also referred to as the Central Route) officially starts in Lisbon at Igreja de Santiago (Church of Saint James) in the Alfama district. However, many pilgrims begin at Sé de Lisboa (Lisbon Cathedral).
The Traditional Route stretches more than 600 kilometres from Lisbon, or approximately 240 kilometres when starting in Porto. In 2025, more than 100,800 pilgrims registered with the Pilgrim Reception Office in Santiago de Compostela as having walked the Camino Portugues Traditional Route. In comparison, more than 89,500 pilgrims registered as having walked the Coastal Route, which begins in Porto and covers roughly 274 kilometres.
The Traditional Route winds through some of Portugal’s most beautiful agricultural regions, including cork forests and rural communities known for producing fresh local products. It passes through charming towns such as Golegã, famous for horse breeding and training, the historic city of Tomar, the medieval university town of Coimbra, and of course the beautiful cities of Lisbon and Porto.
The traditional route does have some drawbacks, including stretches through urban and industrial areas near Lisbon and Porto, as well as the potential for forest fires during the summer months. However, urban walking in both Lisbon and Porto can often be avoided by using Portugal’s well-developed public transportation network.
Like the Camino Francés, the Camino Portugues Traditional/Central Route can also be completed in sections. Many pilgrims choose to divide the route into two parts by first walking from Lisbon to Porto and then returning later to continue from Porto to Santiago. The route can also be joined at several points, including Coimbra and Valença/Tui (for those interested in a last 100km itinerary).
The Camino Portugues Coastal Route – Why Is It So Popular?
The popularity of the Coastal Route can be explained in several ways. First, it is a manageable distance for those with limited time, as it can typically be completed in about two weeks from Porto. In addition, the beauty of Portugal’s Atlantic coastline and the relatively flat terrain are major attractions for many walkers.
The regular occurrence of wildfires in Portugal’s inland forests during summer has also increased the popularity of the Coastal Route during peak fire season.
However, like all Camino routes, the Portuguese Coastal Route has its drawbacks. There are long stretches of walking alongside beaches on tarmac roads or wooden boardwalks with little shade. Cost can also be a factor, since the route follows Portugal’s tourism-focused coastal areas, where accommodation and food prices are often higher, particularly during summer.
Camino Portugues Traditional Route Recommendations
Thinking of walking the Camino de Santiago in Portugal? The traditional route is well worth your time and consideration. It is generally quieter, especially between Lisbon and Porto, and offers an opportunity to experience Portugal’s culture, traditions, and less-travelled regions at a slower pace.
Similar to walking in Spain, the Camino becomes a form of slow travel that gives you a unique perspective on your surroundings. Unlike the Coastal Route, much of the traditional route feels removed from the rhythms of Portugal’s busy tourism zones.
Some highlights of the Camino Portugues Traditional Route include:
- Starting in Portugal’s capital city of Lisbon, full of culture, food, and history.
- The charming towns of Santarém and Golegã, both known for strong food and wine traditions. Santarém also features architectural styles ranging from Roman influences to Gothic churches.
- The beautiful riverside city of Tomar, known as the Templar City, situated along the Nabão River.
- The university city of Coimbra, with its ancient centre full of narrow streets and remarkable buildings.
- The opportunity to spend time in Porto, famous for its riverfront, food culture, and wine traditions.
- The town of Barcelos and its connection to the famous Rooster of Barcelos legend associated with the Camino.
- The experience of crossing from Portugal into Spain via the bridge between Valença and Tui.
One of the defining features of the Camino Portugues Traditional Route is the frequent presence of Roman roads and forested trails, many lined with eucalyptus trees. Although the cobblestones of the old Roman roads can be hard on the feet, ancient waymarkers and landmarks such as the aqueduct outside Coimbra create the feeling of walking directly through history.
Another unique feature of this route is the blue arrows pointing south toward the shrine of Fátima. Located just 65 kilometres north of Lisbon, the Fátima Shrine welcomed more than 6 million visitors in 2025. Built near the site where three children reportedly witnessed visions of the Virgin Mary in 1917, it remains one of the holiest Catholic pilgrimage sites in Europe.
As you walk north toward Santiago following the Camino’s yellow arrows, you will frequently see blue arrows marking the Via Sacra (Way of the Cross) leading pilgrims toward Fátima.
Choosing the Camino Portugues Traditional Route
The Portuguese Way (Camino Portugues) is one of the best-known routes of the Camino de Santiago. Although many pilgrims choose to start in Porto, those who have the time to begin in Lisbon or Coimbra are often rewarded with a deeper and more varied experience of Portugal.
Bom Caminho!
Frequently Asked Questions – Camino Portugues
What is the difference between different Camino routes in Portugal?
There are 2 main routes (the Traditional or Central route and the Coastal Route) in Portugal. The difference between the two is distance and terrain. The Traditional – or Central – Route officially starts in Lisbon and walks through the central regions of the country past agricultural lands and through national forests. The Coastal route begins in Porto and for the first week or so follows Portugal’s Atlantic coast. The entire Traditional route is 600 kilometers whereas the entire Coastal route is about 274 kilometers. Both routes end in Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
Why is the Coastal Camino in Portugal so popular?
There are a number of reasons why people seeking to walk a route of the Camino de Santiago choose the Coastal Route in Portugal. Often people choose this route because it affords the opportunity to start in the beautiful city of Porto and also to experience Portugal’s famous coastline. The entire route is 274 kilometers, making it one of the shorter routes of the Camino de Santiago. Walking the coastal route in Portugal in summer also allows walkers to avoid the risk of wildfires – which have become prevelant in the forests of the central/traditional route.
Why Choose the Camino Portugues Traditional Route?
The Camino Portugues Traditional or Central Route is one of the oldest routes of the Camino de Santiago. It finds it origins as an ancient Roman road that later developed as one of the principal routes of the Camino in midevil times. It offers a chance for deep immersion in Portugal’s culture, history and food. It also provides access to Spain’s great cities of Lison and Porto as well as lesser known places like Golega and Coimbra. the Camino Portugues Traditional Route can also be completed in sections. Many pilgrims choose to divide the route into two parts by first walking from Lisbon to Porto and then returning later to continue from Porto to Santiago. The route can also be joined at several points, including Coimbra and Valença/Tui (for those interested in a last 100km itinerary).
Why Walk the Camino de Santiago in Portugal vs. Spain?
The country you choose to start your Camino walk is a personal choice. Portugal has the advantage of being a small country with two international airport hubs (Lisbon and Porto). Camino de Santiago routes in Portugal are shorter than in Spain. The routes in Portugal also do not feature any mountain crossings – which is a plus for some walkers. Regardless of where you choose to start your walk – all routes end at the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
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