Sing The Camino Portuguese
April 27 - May 9, 2020
Sing the Camino Portuguese is a Camino far less travelled, with about one fifth as many pilgrims than the popular Camino Frances. We gather 60km north of Porto in Barcelos, the riverside town festooned with ornate gardens and sculptures of the iconic Barcelos rooster, emblematic of the Portuguese nation. The path guides you through countryside abundant with vineyards, cornfields and fruit trees of incredible variety, lush forests shaded with oaks, pines and eucalypts, some truly beautiful villages, a wonderfully preserved medieval city and even a fortress. On Day 5 of the 203km walk, the Caminho Portugués crosses the Rio Minho into Spain at the border towns of Valença and Tui, takes you through the grand historic city of Pontevedra, and, like all of the many Caminos from around Europe, arrives in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain. Portuguese people are renowned for their sweet and generous hospitality, their wonderful food and wine, and their rich tradition of fado, one of the world’s most beautifully melodic and emotive genres of song.
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Day 1 Barcelos
We meet in the charming town of Barcelos, nestled alongside the Rio Cávado. Make sure you spend the morning perusing the bustling provincial market before meeting the group in the afternoon and sampling our first vinho verde. We’ll be serenaded by traditional Fado musicians followed by sumptuous Portuguese fare in locals’ favourite restaurant Bagoeira. Day 2 Barcelos to Balugâes Take your first steps onto the picturesque Camino Portuguese. After passing the villages of Lijó and Tamel you may feel inspired to dip your toes in at serene Ponte Das Taboas before making your way to quaint Balugâes. Enjoy singing in the garden followed by savouring local specialty Barraida - roast suckling pig, Portuguese style! |
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Day 3 Balugâes to Ponte De Lima
While the morning away winding through villages and abundant farmland, perhaps snacking on the local grapes for a sweet boost before breaking for lunch. The walk alongside the Rio Lima into Ponte De Lima is divine, with great stands of century old platanos trees flanking your final stretch into the elegant town. Day 4 Ponte De Lima to Rubiaes Take your time and enjoy the fragrant pine aroma as you ascend through tranquil forest. Allow yourself to soak up the vista as you cross the pass Cruz Dos Franceses before making your way down into Rubiaes. |
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Day 5 Rubiaes to Tui Amongst today’s highlights is exploring the old town of Valença on the Portuguese border. Perched above the Rio Minho the old fortress buzzes with colourful cafes, shops and visitors. When you’re done with the hustle and bustle, cross the river into España, perhaps relaxing with an apperative in the salon at the Parador de Tui before we gather to sing and celebrate walking all the way to Spain! |
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Day 6 Tui to Porriño
Pass villages and babbling brooks as you meander towards Porriño today. Pay special attention to your track notes and take the new route through country roads and forested areas, avoiding the busy roads that once hampered this section. Meet at the quirky café festooned with the giant scallop shell and be whisked away to our special off-track rest day location.
Pass villages and babbling brooks as you meander towards Porriño today. Pay special attention to your track notes and take the new route through country roads and forested areas, avoiding the busy roads that once hampered this section. Meet at the quirky café festooned with the giant scallop shell and be whisked away to our special off-track rest day location.
Day 7 rest day
Today you can put your feet up and enjoy a well-earned rest! We’ll be staying at a balneario (spa) in Mondariz. Float around to your heart’s content in the waters of Mondariz, which are renowned for their soothing properties.
Today you can put your feet up and enjoy a well-earned rest! We’ll be staying at a balneario (spa) in Mondariz. Float around to your heart’s content in the waters of Mondariz, which are renowned for their soothing properties.
Day 8 Porriño to Redondela
This morning sees you back on the track. Fuel up with a morning coffee in the charming village of Moss. Enjoy views towards Rio de Vigo as you descend into Redondela, from where you’ll be taken to tonight’s stunning accommodation. Make some time before singing to wander the manicured gardens or perhaps pick your own fresh afternoon snack in the orchard.
This morning sees you back on the track. Fuel up with a morning coffee in the charming village of Moss. Enjoy views towards Rio de Vigo as you descend into Redondela, from where you’ll be taken to tonight’s stunning accommodation. Make some time before singing to wander the manicured gardens or perhaps pick your own fresh afternoon snack in the orchard.
Day 9 Redondela to Pontevedra
Head towards Arcade, nuzzled alongside the Rio de Vigo, where you might like to enjoy an early lunch overlooking the impressive Roman bridge Ponte Sampaio, or if the tide’s right, cool off with a refreshing dip. Continue towards the beautiful city of Pontevedra. Wander through the medieval old town to find the Parador, our hotel for tonight.
Day 10 Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis
Much of today’s walk passes through beautiful forested areas towards San Amaro, then weaves through farmland and vineyards. Our destination, Caldas de Reis, is known for its medicinal thermal springs and many a pilgrim has been known to soak their feet in its waters. Our off-track accommodation today is stunning. Surrounded by the Rio Umia, a magical combination of luxury and natural beauty make it a night to remember.
Much of today’s walk passes through beautiful forested areas towards San Amaro, then weaves through farmland and vineyards. Our destination, Caldas de Reis, is known for its medicinal thermal springs and many a pilgrim has been known to soak their feet in its waters. Our off-track accommodation today is stunning. Surrounded by the Rio Umia, a magical combination of luxury and natural beauty make it a night to remember.
Day 11 Caldas de Reis to Padrón
Enjoy walking through mossy Galician forest and quiet country roads today on your way to Padrón. Padrón is an excellent place to sample Pimientos de Padrón, the local specialty grown exclusively in nearby Herbón. The deliciously sweet and salty peppers are extra special as about 1 in 20 are hot but you’ll never guess which ones! Our deluxe casa ruralhas beautiful gardens where we can relax and sing before our private cocineraserves up a spectacular meal sourced from the local Padrón market, which is the biggest and freshest in the region – yum!
Enjoy walking through mossy Galician forest and quiet country roads today on your way to Padrón. Padrón is an excellent place to sample Pimientos de Padrón, the local specialty grown exclusively in nearby Herbón. The deliciously sweet and salty peppers are extra special as about 1 in 20 are hot but you’ll never guess which ones! Our deluxe casa ruralhas beautiful gardens where we can relax and sing before our private cocineraserves up a spectacular meal sourced from the local Padrón market, which is the biggest and freshest in the region – yum!
Day 12 Padron To Santiago de Compostela
There’ll be a spring in your step today as you begin your final day of walking towards Santiago de Compostela. Near the Rio Tinto in Teo, take the time to appreciate the Cruceiro do Francos. The 14thC wayside cross is one of the oldest in Galicia, marking the way for pilgrims like you for centuries. Join quiet country lanes and woodland paths on your way to Milladoiro after which you’ll catch your first glimpses of the Cathedral in the distance. Take your final steps to the Cathedral down the visual feast of Rua Franco and take in the towering spires from Plaza Obradoiro. Tonight we celebrate our achievement with wonderful local music and a sumptuous feast!
Day 13 Santiago de Compostela
Sleep in! Enjoy a delicious leisurely breakfast. Visit the Pilgrims’ Office and receive your Compostela certificate. Farewell the group and enjoy your time exploring Santiago de Compostela.