Long before road trips and rail lines, there was a path—winding through quiet forests, stone villages, and rolling hills—that connected pilgrims across Europe.
The Camino de Santiago isn’t just a trail, it’s one of the world’s oldest and most meaningful journeys.
Once walked by kings and commoners facing danger and discovery, it’s now a route for reflection, friendship, and a deeper connection to history.
Join me as we trace Portugal’s ancient roads to Santiago—from the vineyards and rivers of the Minho to seaside villages and hidden mountain towns—and uncover the stories, flavors, and legends that still guide modern pilgrims today.
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Kat Kalashian,
Editor LIOS Confidential
Video Transcript
What Is the Camino de Santiago?
Hi, I’m Kat Kalashian for Live and Invest Overseas, and today I want to talk a little about the Camino de Santiago. Have you heard of it before?
It’s a pilgrimage route that leads to Spain’s famous town dedicated to Saint James, Santiago de Compostela. That’s why it’s called the Camino, the trail or pathway to Compostela.
It’s high on my bucket list, and I can’t wait to do it myself. I’m actually planning to take on part of the route in a few years, possibly starting from Paris, on foot and maybe even partly on horseback or by bike. I’m even hoping to include my kids for the first few days.
There are many different paths through Europe that lead to Santiago de Compostela. The Camino has been a vital part of Europe’s cultural and spiritual identity for centuries. It shaped religious devotion, cultural exchange, and economic growth along the route.
Kings and commoners alike have walked this trail. Traditionally, at least the final steps toward the cathedral were approached on one’s knees, and some pilgrims still continue this practice today. It has long been seen as a humbling and deeply meaningful journey.
Of course, the route used to be much more dangerous. In the past, pilgrims had to contend with illness, theft, and other very real risks. Today, the Camino is far safer and much more accessible.
People now walk the Camino for many different reasons. Some still do it for religious purposes, while others take it on as a personal challenge, a historical adventure, or a journey of self-discovery. Many who have done it describe it as transformative.
The History
According to legend, the apostle James preached in Iberia, then returned to Jerusalem, where he was executed. His followers are said to have brought his remains to what is now Galicia in Spain, where they were buried and eventually forgotten.
Centuries later, in the ninth century, a hermit followed a field of stars and discovered the burial site. The tomb was excavated, and it was eventually believed to be the resting place of Saint James.
Over time, the Camino de Santiago became one of Europe’s most important religious and cultural routes. Cities along the Camino prospered as travelers passed through, and the road became a meeting point for people of many different languages and cultures.
That exchange of ideas and traditions still happens today, as pilgrims from all over the world walk the route together.
Many historians also point to the Camino as the setting for what may be the world’s first travel guide: the 12th-century Codex Calixtinus. This anthology offered pilgrims practical advice, history, and information about Saint James, along with descriptions of local customs and artworks seen along the way.
For centuries, the goal of walking the Camino as a pilgrimage was to gain absolution from sin. To qualify for the traditional Compostela certificate today, a pilgrim must walk at least 100 kilometers on foot or horseback, or at least 200 kilometers by bicycle.
The journey is documented through a pilgrim’s passport, called the Credencial del Peregrino, which gets stamped at albergues, churches, and checkpoints along the route.
There are several starting points for the Camino. Many begin in France, some in Spain, and others in Portugal—which is the route I want to focus on today.
Symbols of the Camino
If you walk the Camino, you’ll notice several important symbols along the way. The most iconic is the scallop shell. It identifies pilgrims and places that serve them, and it has long symbolized the journey itself.
The scallop shell also carries practical significance. Historically, it could be used as a spoon, a cup, or even a simple cutting tool. Because of that, it became closely associated with pilgrims over the centuries.
Another important symbol is the yellow arrow, a more modern guide introduced in the late 20th century to help pilgrims stay on course.
The pilgrim’s passport, or Credencial, is another central symbol. It documents your route and often provides access to pilgrim lodging and discounts.
You’ll also see the Cross of Santiago, a red cross with fleur-de-lys-style arms, which represents the religious order of Santiago. Along the route, there are also many wayside crosses and chapels that historically served as places of spiritual protection and refuge.
If you choose a route from Portugal, it’s important to understand the options available. Santiago de Compostela sits in the northwestern corner of Spain, just above Portugal, so all of the Portuguese routes travel north.
When choosing a route, consider how much time you have and your level of fitness. That said, the Camino welcomes people of all ages and ability levels. This is not like training for Everest. Much of it is relatively accessible, especially compared with more demanding mountain hikes.
The 3 Main Routes of the Portuguese Camino
There are three main routes of the Portuguese Camino: the Central Route, the Coastal Route, and the Interior Route.
The Central Route is the most established path in Portugal and the second most popular Camino overall after the French Way.
The Central Route
The Central Route officially begins in Lisbon, though many pilgrims choose to start in Porto. It is an inland route that passes through historical towns, villages, vineyards, woodlands, rivers, medieval bridges, and even sections of Roman road.
Highlights on the Portuguese side include Barcelos, known for its architecture and ceramics; Ponte de Lima, with its riverside setting and mountain views; and Valença do Minho, whose fortress overlooks Spain.
When walking the Camino, rest days are just as important as the walking days. They help preserve both your strength and your motivation, and they’re best planned into your route rather than taken spontaneously.
Two of the best places for a rest stop on this route are Ponte de Lima and Valença do Minho, often referred to simply as Valença.
Ponte de Lima is the oldest town in Portugal and an ideal place to recharge before tackling the climb over the Serra da Labruja. Although much of the Camino is relatively flat, there are still a few more demanding sections.
While in Ponte de Lima, you can stroll across the town’s famous medieval bridge over the Lima River. Nearby, you’ll find references to a local legend involving Roman soldiers who believed the river to be the mythological Lethe, the river of forgetfulness. According to the story, they were afraid to cross until their consul went first and called them by name from the other side, proving he had not lost his memory.
The Largo de Camões, the town’s central plaza, is another great place to stop for a drink or snack and watch the world go by. Other sites of interest include the Gothic church, the 14th-century prison tower, a late 17th-century fountain, and several small museums, including a toy museum, a military museum, a Vinho Verde museum, and a Franciscan museum of religious art.
Valença do Minho, just before the crossing into Spain, is another excellent rest stop. Set on a hilltop inside a 13th-century fortress, it offers sweeping views and a maze of narrow cobbled streets lined with traditional houses, shops, churches, cafés, and restaurants.
As for food, this route offers some memorable local flavors. A few highlights include broa de milho, a traditional cornbread; fresh vinho verde; and caldo verde, a comforting Portuguese soup made with finely shredded cabbage and slices of smoked sausage.
Cod dishes, or bacalhau, are a staple, and more adventurous eaters may want to try arroz de sarrabulho, a rich rice dish made with pork, spices, and blood. For dessert, Minho is known for its leite creme, similar to crème brûlée but flavored with lemon and cinnamon.
The Coastal Route
The Coastal Route is one of the most enticing options for many pilgrims because of its seaside scenery. It also starts in Porto and follows part of Portugal’s Atlantic coastline, passing through fishing villages, historic paths, boardwalks, and beach towns before eventually merging with the Central Route in Spain.
This route offers beautiful ocean views, sandy beaches, and abundant seafood. It’s a different way to experience Portugal’s coastline beyond the more familiar beach-and-cliff postcard images.
It is slightly longer than the Central Route and more exposed to coastal winds, which can make it feel colder. On the other hand, it is usually less crowded.
Recommended rest stops on the Coastal Route include Viana do Castelo and Caminha.
Viana do Castelo sits at the mouth of the Lima River and is one of the Minho region’s most beloved towns. Its Praça da República is well worth a visit, with its 16th-century fountain, town hall, and Mannerist hospital building—an architectural style that is relatively rare in Portugal.
The town is also famous for its gold filigree jewelry and traditional costumes, which are showcased in the Costume Museum. Other points of interest include the decorative arts museum, the Gil Eannes hospital ship, and the Santa Luzia Basilica, which sits on a hill above the town with spectacular views.
In mid-August, Viana hosts the festival of Nossa Senhora da Agonia, the patron saint of fishermen. It draws large crowds and lasts several days, so it’s worth considering the timing if you plan to stop there.
Caminha is Portugal’s northernmost town and sits just across the river from Spain. Its older quarter is still enclosed by medieval walls. It’s a wonderful place to relax in the central square, enjoy the cafés, and visit the 15th-century Igreja da Misericórdia, known for its richly decorated baroque and rococo interior.
The 12th-century clock tower is another local landmark and can be climbed for views over the town and river.
Because this is a coastal region, fresh fish and seafood play a much bigger role in the local cuisine here. Octopus is especially popular. One regional specialty worth trying is chorinha, a fish soup from Viana made with tomatoes, peppers, and fresh coriander.
The Interior Route
The Interior Route stretches from Viseu to Chaves and connects with a branch of the Spanish Via de la Plata. It follows rural trails, eco-paths, paved roads, streams, and rivers, offering many opportunities to cool off along the way.
This is the least popular of the three Portuguese Camino routes, which makes it especially appealing to those looking for a quieter, more intimate experience. It offers a stronger connection with nature and with communities that see relatively few foreign visitors.
Along the way, pilgrims can enjoy vineyard landscapes in the Alto Douro region, the historic cities of Viseu and Chaves, and the rugged beauty of areas like Alto Tâmega and Peso da Régua.
If you’re planning rest days on this route, the landscapes themselves are one of the greatest rewards. The Alto Douro wine region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its terraced vineyards, is an excellent place to pause and recharge.
Another interesting stop is the Pedras Salgadas Thermal Park. With the exception of three winter months, it remains open year-round, and visitors can swim or drink the warm mineral-rich water directly from the source.
As you pass through villages on the Interior Route, don’t be surprised if locals offer you fruit, water, a glass of wine, or simply a friendly conversation. This part of Portugal is less visited, and the hospitality can be especially memorable.
Lamego is worth seeing, and Vila Real is another strong option. Its cathedral is considered one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the region. Another iconic site is the Casa de Mateus Palace, whose façade is famous from the label of Mateus Rosé wine.
Built in the first half of the 18th century in the Baroque style, the palace is surrounded by gardens and is now home to a cultural and educational foundation. Visitors can also enjoy tastings of local wines, olive oils, jams, and craft beers.
Chaves, near the Spanish border, is known for the Roman Trajan Bridge, one of Portugal’s finest surviving structures from antiquity. It also features a medieval castle, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maior, and the Nadir Afonso Contemporary Art Museum.
The city’s thermal baths have been famous since Roman times for their healing waters. Today, visitors can experience both a modern thermal spa and the Museum of the Roman Baths, where archaeological remains reveal the long history of the site.
On this inland route, meat tends to take center stage more than seafood. Local specialties include goat, veal—especially from the Maronesa breed—and hearty dishes such as feijoada à transmontana, a bean stew somewhat comparable to a rich American chili.
Smoked pork, sausages, trout, and the ever-present cod also appear on local menus. Savory pastries such as covilhetes and pastéis de Chaves, both made with minced beef, are especially worth seeking out.
For dessert, try cristas de galo, delicate half-moon pastries filled with almond and egg cream.
The best times of year to walk this route are spring and autumn, when temperatures are milder, rain is more manageable, and the trails are less crowded.
