Starting The Camino Portuguese From Porto? A Complete Pilgrim Guide

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Are you starting your Camino Portuguese From Porto? Lucky you!

Porto is a fantastic city with an international airport, excellent transport links and countless attractions to explore before your pilgrimage begins.  And it’s the gateway to three Camino :

The Portuguese Camino, more than any other, are deeply connected to St. James, passing through historic Padron and Iria Flavia, where he is said to have lived and preached. While the Camino Frances remains the most popular, 95,453 pilgrims walked the Camino Portuguese routes in 2024; almost 50,000 of them starting in Porto.

I’ve been walking the Camino Portuguese since 2017 and visiting Porto almost every year since. With no official pilgrim office in the city, this post is your mini-directory, offering essential tips and resources to help you start your Camino Portuguese with confidence.

Potted History of the Camino Portuguese

The Camino Portugués, like many other pilgrimage routes, began as a Roman road. Over time, it transformed into a spiritual path following the discovery of the remains of St. James in Santiago de Compostela. Supported by kings and queens, the Camino Portugués became a prominent route for pilgrims seeking to reach the tomb of the Apostle.

The route is 620 km long to Santiago and while the full route begins in Lisbon, most modern pilgrims choose to start the journey in either Porto, Vigo, or Tui.

What sets the Camino Portugués apart is its deep connection to Saint James, passing through both Padron and Iria Flavia where he lived and preached. And where it is said, his body journeyed to its final resting place in Santiago.

The Three Different Camino Portuguese Routes

Unlike other Camino routes, the Portuguese Camino splits into three distinct paths at Porto, each marked by yellow arrows pointing in different directions. To add to the complexity, the Fatima Pilgrimage Route also passes through Porto, marked with blue arrows.

1. Central Route : Caminho Portuguese Central

The Central Route is the traditional inland path of the Portuguese Camino. Historically, it begins in Lisbon, but most modern pilgrims start their journey in Porto or Tui.

2. Coastal Route : Caminho Da Costa

The Coastal Route offers a scenic alternative to the rural Central Route while still holding historical significance. During medieval times, pilgrims often arrived at Portuguese coastal ports to begin their journey to Santiago.

3. Litoral Route : Senda Litoral

The Litoral Route, also known as the Senda Litoral, hugs the coastline and offers beachside walking and boardwalks. This route often merges with the Coastal Route, sharing many of the same daily end stages.

Arriving in Porto : Travelling from the Airport to the City

Porto International Airport (OPO) is a great option for your arrival in to Portugal at the start of the Camino Portuguese. Indeed some folks start walking right from the airport but I recommend allowing one or two days to explore Porto first; it’s a fabulous city!

Top Tip : Looking to fly into Porto?  FlightsFrom.com is a great tool to help plan your journey into Porto and learn which flights fly into the city.

There are four easy ways to travel from the airport to the city center:

Take a look at my full guide to Getting Around Porto for everything you need to know about navigating this beautiful city.

Where to Stay in Porto : Pilgrim Albergue and Hostels

Porto has accommodation to suit every pocket, which is good news as most pilgrims spend a day or two exploring the city before starting their Camino. If that’s your plan, I recommend staying in the Historic Centre near the Sé Cathedral.

While Porto has a variety of hostels, many cater to travellers and not just pilgrims. If you’re expecting an early night and lights-out by 10 p.m., city centre hostels may not meet your needs.  But there are some excellent hostels worth exploring.  Here are my top recommendations for pilgrim-friendly stays:

Pilgrim Albergue

Hostels for Travellers and Pilgrims

If you prefer a more social atmosphere or are looking for private rooms within a budget, consider one of these great hostels.  Any of these would be my first pick for a pilgrim stay in Porto :

My Favourite Comfort Stay In Porto

If you want a more comfortable stay before starting your Camino there are so many choices but this is one of my most favourite stays; just along the road from Café Majestic.  

Porto Se Cathedral : The Start of The Camino Portuguese From Porto

Porto Cathedral, known as Sé do Porto, is one of the city’s oldest and most significant monuments. The site has been a bishopric seat since the 5th–6th centuries, with a pre-Romanesque church first mentioned in 1147. Construction of the current building began in the 12th century, blending Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles.

Over the centuries, the Sé has witnessed many key events, including the 1387 marriage of King John I of Portugal and English Princess Philippa of Lancaster. This union strengthened the Anglo-Portuguese alliance, which is now the oldest diplomatic alliance in the world.

The Cathedral Pilgrim Office

Porto lacks a dedicated Pilgrim Office, but the cathedral is a key stopping point for pilgrims starting the Camino Portuguese in the city. Whilst there is no office, at the entrance to the Cathedral Museum and Cloister, you can collect your first official sello. 

They do also sell Credenciales (pilgrim passports) here in the shop. The entrance to the Museum and Cloisters are located just to the right of the main church entrance.

The Terreiro da Sé, the square surrounding the cathedral, is often busy with visitors and can feel crowded; you’ll find it quieter earlier in the morning before day-trippers and coach tours arrive. But the cathedral is well worth visiting, both for its history and its architecture.

Cathedral Tourist Office

There are a few tourist offices in the city, but if you’re visiting the Cathedral you can also visit the Tourist Office in the Torre de D. Pedro Pitões, just opposite the cathedral’s main entrance.

Purchasing a Credencial in Porto

Your Pilgrim Credential (often called a pilgrim passport) is essential for your Camino journey. It grants access to pilgrim accommodations and serves as proof of your pilgrimage when you reach Santiago, allowing you to receive your Compostela.

With no dedicated pilgrim office in Porto, there are two main points where you can purchase credencial:

To avoid the hassle of finding your credencial upon arrival, I recommend, and always purchase ahead of time.  I use Casa Ivar but you could also find your local Pilgrim Association and order from them

Top Tip: Ensure you get your Credencial stamped at least twice daily during your journey to qualify for the Compostela in Santiago.  And Add your contact details in case your Credencial gets lost. (If you plan to frame it later, consider writing in pencil or placing details discreetly.)

Leaving Porto : Confusing Yellow Arrows and Why They Are Different

Starting the Camino from Porto often begins with an early morning photo in front of the Cathedral; either in front of the enormous doors or the granite Camino marker. If the starting point of the Camino Portuguese is clear, the arrows however, from this point quickly become confusing.

At the Cathedral, you’ll see yellow arrows pointing in different directions because Porto Cathedral serves as the junction for the different routes:

Top Tip : I say traditional Coastal Camino, because these days most pilgrims walk the Senda Litoral but call it the coastal.

Walking Out Of Porto On the Senda Litoral

If you plan to follow the Senda Litoral out of Porto to Matosinhos, ignore the yellow arrows and instead head downhill in front of the Cathedral. Pass the Tourist Office, then weave through the narrow streets of the old town to the Ribeira and the Douro River waterfront.

From here, the route is simple: keep the river on your left and follow it all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. The walk is flat, scenic, and straightforward.

You’ll pass beneath one of Porto’s famous six bridges, don’t forget to look back at Porto in the morning sunlight, and you’ll walk by suburban parks, through the estuary bird sanctuary and eventually reach Foz do Douro, where the river meets the sea

This is my preferred route. It’s glorious, the views are amazing and it’s a delightful way to leave the city. It’s a glorious walk.

Central and Traditional Coastal Route

For pilgrims walking the Central Route or the traditional Coastal Route, the experience is less glorious. Both routes lead away from the river and into the city’s busy streets.

When I first walked the Central Route, I chose to visit the Cathedral the day before. I walked to the Pilgrim Albergue spent the night here and avoided the need to retrace my steps in the morning. I’ve since followed this route again in 2024, but in all honesty, it’s not a stage I plan to repeat. The busy roads and urban sprawl make it a less appealing start compared to the glorious alternative.

Navigating the Arrows

Friends of the Camino Portuguese: Pilgrim Associations and Resources

Although Porto doesn’t have a dedicated pilgrim office, it is home to an active Pilgrim Association and a wealth of resources to help you on your journey. Whether you’re looking for local advice, support, or guidance while walking the Camino Portuguese, here are some helpful contacts and communities:

Last Minute Shopping : Sports Shops In Porto

Preparation is key for every Camino, but sometimes you need to pick up extra gear before you start; especially if you’ve flown and trimmed your pack to meet airline restrictions, like hiking poles!

If you’re looking to add to your gear or need specific items, here are my top recommendations for sports and outdoor shops in Porto:

Camping Shop Porto

Decathlon Porto

El Corte Inglés Porto

Camino Portuguese Guidebooks, Apps, and Useful Websites

Planning and navigating the Camino Portuguese is made easier with the right tools. Here are my top recommendations for guidebooks, apps, and websites: 

SIM Cards and Wifi : Staying Connected on the Camino

Staying connected during your Camino isn’t essential and many pilgrims do choose to disconnect.  But if you prefer to stay online there are a few options available.  

Porto has a city-wide free WiFi network also available on the metro, and many public spaces . There are numerous free hotspots so just search for a connection and you’re good to go.  It does work although you can’t always guarantee a fast or secure connection.

Top Tip : Porto airport also has it’s own free WiFi network.

Using Your Current Mobile Provider

Before buying a new SIM or data package, check if your current service provider offers international roaming options. Sometimes, adding a travel plan to your existing package can be the most cost-effective way to stay connected. On a recent trip to Canada, this worked perfectly for us and was the easiest and cheapest way to stay connected during our two month visit.

e-SIM

If your phone supports e-SIM (check your device compatibility) then this is a very easy way to stay connected. Airalo is an excellent option for global travellers and we’ve used it in India, Vietnam, Africa, and even while walking the Kumano Kodo in Japan.

It’s reliable, cost-effective, and easy to use and you can set everything up in advance before leaving home; which is always a huge bonus for me.

If you are walking the Camino beyond Portugal look at their European regional package or even the Worldwide 365 days deal. We’ve used this ourselves on longer trips and it’s great value when you travel extensively. Turn it off when you are home then and on again at your next new destination.

How It Works:

Top Tip: Turn off roaming on your home SIM before your plane leaves your home country. I once forgot to do this and incurred hefty roaming charges in Zurich, Switzerland!

Physical SIM Cards in Portugal

If you prefer a physical SIM card, they’re widely available at the airport or in Porto’s city center. Physical SIMs often offer competitive packages for data, calls, and SMS, so check out the terms before purchasing.  And make sure you find a secure home for your own SIM if it needs to be removed from your phone.

Making Calls

Some packages don’t allow calls.  If you need to make phone calls use apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or eFon. WhatsApp is widely used in Europe and especially albergues or smaler accommodation. It’s also great for groups keeping in touch whilst walking.

Luggage Transport Services on the Camino Portuguese

For pilgrims who prefer to walk without carrying a pack on their back, a few popular companies offer luggage transport services from Porto. Having your bag moved forward is a great idea, especially if you want to avoid investing in expensive, specialist lightweight gear and backpacks.

Prices vary, with discounts available for transporting multiple bags or booking across several stages.  And while these services are convenient, it’s important to follow some rules to help things run more easily :

The following companies are all highly rated on the Camino Portuguese; I’ve used CaminoFacil for my groups across Spain and Portugal for several years :

FAQ : A Few More Questions About Your Camino Portguese

Is there a Pilgrim Office?

Not in Porto, but the Sé Cathedral and Vía Lusitana provide pilgrim services. You can purchase your credential either at the Cathedral or the Pilgrim Albergue (on the Central route).

Where Do You Find Your First Sello or Stamp?

Many pilgrims obtain their first sello at the Sé Cathedral but you can also choose your accommodation or the tourist information office.

Do Pilgrims Need to Register in Porto?

Registration is not required as there is no official Pilgrim Office.

Is There a Pilgrim’s Blessing or Mass?

The Sé Cathedral offers a daily mass. It’s not Pilgrim Specific as in St Jean Pied de Port or Roncesvalles but there is a daily mass.

Discover Even More About Porto and the Portuguese Camino

I’ve walked the Portuguese Camino many times since my first journey in 2017.  Then I fell in love with Porto, and have returned many many times since.  It’s not just a fabulous city through, it is of course the gateway to some of the most popular Caminos.

Whether you’re walking the Central Route, the Coastal Route, or the Litoral Route, starting your Camino from Porto offers a glorious experience. From the wild coastlines to the ancient history, I know that I’ll be walking again. 

If you are planning your Camino I have plenty of resources to help including :

For even more tips and inspiration, join my wonderful Camino Facebook Community and connect with like-minded pilgrims, share stories, and get advice for your upcoming journey.