Camino Portugués Central Medal

The starting point of the Central Portuguese Way. With its historic districts, colourful trams and spectacular viewpoints, Lisbon offers a vibrant and memorable beginning to the pilgrimage. Before setting off, pilgrims can also visit the Pilgrim Office in Lisbon, an important place to get information and begin their Camino experience.

A historic town perched high above the Tagus, offering beautiful views across the river valley and surrounding plains. Known as the u201cGothic capitalu201d of Portugal, Santaru00e9m is home to an impressive collection of medieval churches and monuments.

Known as the u201cTemplar Cityu201d, Tomar is home to the impressive Convent of Christ, a former Templar stronghold and monastery complex inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. For pilgrims, it is one of the great cultural highlights of the Portuguese Way.

The historic university city of Coimbra breathes history. Founded in 1290, its university is the oldest in Portugal and one of the oldest in Europe. Perched above the Mondego River, the UNESCO-listed university and historic centre make Coimbra a memorable stop for pilgrims.

For many pilgrims, Porto is the starting point of their Camino. The city is world-famous for its Port wine, colourful riverside houses along the Douro and atmospheric historic streets. With its UNESCO-listed historic centre, Porto is a memorable place to begin the journey north towards Santiago. Pilgrims can also visit the new Pilgrim Office near Porto Cathedral for information, support and their pilgrim credential before setting off.

This charming town is deeply connected to the Portuguese pilgrimage tradition. Barcelos is famous for the legendary u201cGalo de Barcelosu201d, a colourful rooster linked to the story of a pilgrim on his way to Santiago. Today, the rooster is one of Portugalu2019s most recognisable cultural symbols.

Known as the oldest town in Portugal, Ponte de Lima is a historic stop along the Camino. Its iconic bridge over the Lima River combines Roman and medieval sections and has been an important crossing point for travellers and pilgrims for centuries. Ponte de Lima is also featured on the Camino Portuguese medal, making the iconic bridge a lasting symbol of this special stage of the journey.

Just before the Spanish border lies Valenu00e7a, an impressive fortress town surrounded by massive defensive walls. Perched above the River Minho, its historic fortifications offer magnificent views towards Spain and the town of Tui. For pilgrims, Valenu00e7a marks the final Portuguese stop before crossing into Galicia and continuing towards Santiago.

After crossing the border, pilgrims arrive in the Spanish town of Tui, the gateway to Galicia on the Portuguese Way. Its impressive cathedral and beautifully preserved historic centre mark the beginning of the final stretch to Santiago. With just over 100 kilometres remaining, Tui is also a popular starting point for pilgrims aiming to earn the Compostela.

This atmospheric Galician city is known for its beautifully preserved, largely car-free historic centre, welcoming squares and impressive churches. As a key stop on the Portuguese Way, Pontevedra offers pilgrims a chance to slow down and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the old town.

A popular stop on the Portuguese Way, known for its thermal springs and centuries-old bathing tradition. After a long day of walking, pilgrims can enjoy the warm mineral waters and take a well-deserved moment to relax.

According to Jacobean tradition, this is where the boat carrying the remains of the Apostle Saint James arrived in Galicia. The boat was said to have been moored to the Pedru00f3n, an ancient Roman altar stone preserved beneath the main altar of the Church of Santiago. For this reason, Padru00f3n holds a special place in the history and traditions of the Camino.

After days or weeks of walking, pilgrims finally reach the impressive Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Here, the Portuguese Way comes to its symbolic end, as pilgrims arrive at the heart of one of Europeu2019s most historic pilgrimage destinations. For many, reaching the cathedral and the Praza do Obradoiro is the emotional highlight of the entire journey.