PORTUGUESE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO – FROM LISBON TO SANTIAGO

The Portuguese Way of Saint James, also called ¨Camino de Santiago¨, is a different way to experience this pilgrimage route to Santiago. Start your route in Lisbon, Portugal and discover the nature, the tranquility, and the culture of this inspiring route. This route is important because it crosses the border of Portugal and Spain, a border that cannot stop pilgrims from completing their route. A wonderful example of the strong spiritual and cultural bonds the Way of Saint James possesses and why it is so important. And if you love Portugal, this is the perfect way to take part in The Way of Saint James.

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The Way begins in Lisbon

Performing the Portuguese Way of Saint James in any way you like, is a great excuse to visit Lisbon! This is the starting point of the route to Santiago and you should definitely get to know the city when you are here. Wander through its narrow streets and discover its history. Visit the Plaza de Rossio in La Baixa, the Plaça do Comércio, the Castillo de San Jorge, the Barrio Alto or the Torre de Belém. While you stay in Lisbon, there are two Rusticae Hotels available for you! Both As Janelas Verdes and Casa Amora are great options to start your trips off with.

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Essential stop in Porto

Advancing towards the North of Portugal the next essential stop is Porto. The city embraces the important Douro River, which creates a picturesque setting. Porto actually deserves an exclusive visit, but if, as in this case, if you are passing through, you should not miss the Don Luis I iron bridge, stroll through the cobbled streets of the Medieval Quarter, the famous Lello bookstore, the Gothic Church of San Francisco with its Baroque interior or the Clérigos Tower. Porto is also known for its Port wines, so if you have time you should not miss a visit to any of its wineries. For your stay, just 30 minutes from the city is the Rusticae Solar Egas Moniz, in a house built in the late nineteenth century. A comfortable and relaxing stay for those who wish to enjoy nature and historical heritage.

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From Porto to Ponte de Lima

On our route to Santiago, Ponte de Lima is our next stop. Located in the district of Viana do Castelo, its rustic and medieval architecture inspire to visit its churches and monuments. We emphasize its famous medieval bridge over the Lima river that gives its name to the town, and above all, the old quarter to walk and experience the atmosphere of the city. Ponte de Lima is also famous for its gardens, ideal to visit especially between May and October when its International Garden Festival is held. On the banks of the Lima River, 7 km from the Portuguese town of Ponte de Lima, surrounded by a unique natural environment we can find the Rusticae Paço de Vitorino, a manor house with a lot of history. Rest, but above all, let yourself be surprised!

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We visit Tui on the border

On our route, just 30 km away before reaching Tui, is the Rusticae Rinoterra Minho Hotel, almost at the mouth of the Miño in a spectacular area full of natural beauty. It is also a perfect hotel to rest and recover strength before entering Galicia as we are almost at Portuguese-Spanish border. Very close to the hotel is Tui, Spain. Tui is connected with the Portuguese town of Valença by a bridge that crossed the river, and therefore the border. Tui has a lot of historical heritage, like the impressive cathedral, a late-Romanesque and Gothic-style Roman Catholic Church. Tui is a key point on the pilgrim route; this is where the passage to Galicia begins.

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En route: From Tui to Caldas de Reis

In Galicia, the road continues from Tui, passing through towns in the province of Pontevedra like Porriño, Redondela, Arcade and even the city of Pontevedra. Crossing the fertile valleys of the Salnés Valley, very close to the Rías Baixas, the next stop is Caldas del Reis. A famous town since the Roman era for its thermal waters. For your stay in Caldas de Reis, there is nothing better than Rusticae Torre do Río, a hotel located in a former textile complex of the 18th century, next to a meander of the Umia River. It has a fantastic 10,000 square meter estate where you can enjoy the best Galician landscape. Do not miss their spectacular breakfasts, which will help you to gain strength before continuing the route.

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Next stop: Padrón

On the route from Caldas to Padrón, cradle of the Jacobean tradition, we enter the province of A Coruña. According to the tradition, in Pontecesures, just a few kilometers from Padrón, is where the body of the Apostle arrived by boat. Padrón is also the town of writers such as Rosalía de Castro and Camilo José Cela. In Padrón you´ll find the Rusticae Casa Antiga do Monte. Relax and get your strength back for the last stage of the journey.

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Finally Santiago!

The most anticipated moment since the 600 km route began in Lisbon:Santiago de Compostela! The route that consists of 24 stages and passed through Portuguese and Galician lands end here. Surely you will be excited by all the effort made and because of all the things you experienced. In the Plaza del Obradoiro, next to the Cathedral you will find hundreds of people who have experienced the same emotions as you. It is the perfect opportunity to enjoy everything that Santiago offers: culture, art, history, gastronomy, and also the fantastic atmosphere of its streets. A magical place, surrounded by 7 hills just like Rome itself, is where all the roads lead to. And ultimately, the perfect boutique hotel to reflect on the Saint James way and enjoy the best Galician hospitality: the Rusticae Altaïr and Moure hotels.

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