Reasons to Opt for the Portuguese Way on Your Camino de Santiago

Nearly two years since I completed it, I often find myself reminiscing about my journey along the Portuguese Way of the Camino de Santiago.

As you prepare for your adventure, be assured that this experience will be unforgettable.

A legendary and memorable path

The Camino de Santiago is a pilgrimage to what is thought to be the final resting place of St. James the Apostle in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. For centuries, pilgrims have traversed the Way of St. James seeking spiritual fulfillment. Nowadays, people embark on this extensive journey for various reasons, ranging from weight loss to a desire to slow down and embrace mindfulness.

There are numerous routes to reach Santiago. I chose the 260km (161-mile) journey from Porto to Santiago, which allowed me to experience charming villages in both Portugal and Spain along the way.

Whenever I reflect on my remarkable journey as a solo traveler, I’m overwhelmed by a rush of emotions. I remember the joy of waking up each day with the simple goal of walking to the next beautiful town and soaking in the views, from the breathtaking Portuguese coastline to ancient Roman bridges. I can still hear the choir singing as I strolled through one stretch of vineyards on the Camino.

Then there were the incredible people I encountered on my journey. The three brothers from Colorado who kept me laughing during the first half of the trek, celebrating the middle brother’s 60th birthday. The Australian family with whom I shared a delightful bottle of wine and a steak dinner on a patio in Pontevedra during our rest day. I’ll never forget turning a corner to find a retired couple from the UK, whom I had met at a guesthouse, enjoying coffee on a terrace, and thinking, Well, where else do I need to be? before joining them.

Suddenly, the sound of bagpipes fills the air along one of the trails. I feel a wave of emotion as I recall the stunning charm of towns like Ponte de Lima and Valença, which have carved a special place in my heart. I remember the joy of buying cookies from cloistered nuns in Tui and the pride I felt capturing a photo of my feet straddling the border between Spain and Portugal—reflecting on how far I had traveled and how much more lay ahead.

For two weeks, my mind entered a meditative state, unburdened by the usual anxiety that buzzes through my thoughts. This journey was one of the toughest challenges I've ever faced, yet it brought me a profound sense of peace that I long to experience again. When nostalgia hits me, a new question lingers in my mind.

Should I embark on this journey once more?

Reasons to Choose the Portuguese Way

You’ve likely come across this while checking out the 2024 Best in Travel and are contemplating whether you should take the plunge as well.

This year, over 337,000 pilgrims have traversed the Camino, with more than 100,000 opting for the Portuguese Way. The French Way, which you might recognize from films like The Way starring Martin Sheen, is the longer and more popular route, stretching nearly 800km (500 miles).

I’m excited that the second-most-popular (and less crowded) route has been chosen for Dinogo Planet’s 2024 Best in Travel list, highlighting its sustainability.

Here’s my concise argument for why the Portuguese Way is the ideal choice for your Camino adventure.

First, the journey from Porto to Santiago de Compostela typically takes about two weeks, give or take a few days based on your walking speed. This makes the entire distance manageable within a single vacation. In contrast, the French Way requires a commitment of over a month, although many people join the trail midway to reduce their time and distance. Ultimately, it’s your Camino, and the only requirement for earning the Compostela is to complete the last 100km on foot.

Second, the Portuguese Way allows you to experience life away from urban areas, spanning two different countries. While this route sees fewer crowds, you'll still encounter a lively community of pilgrims heading to Santiago, enabling you to enjoy the well-known sense of camaraderie without feeling crowded.

This historic route has been sustainable long before it became a trend. You’ll be traveling on foot (or by bike) the whole time, and as you pass through quaint towns along the way, you’ll be supporting communities that have seen population declines as residents migrate to larger cities.

In addition to being environmentally sustainable, supporting small businesses makes the trip easier on your budget. My two-week journey cost me just over $1230, excluding my flight.

Finally, I can’t stress enough the positive impact this trip will have on your mind. Yes, it’s physically challenging, but it’s also mentally rewarding as you take the time to slow down and truly savor the experience.

Interested in exploring a different route? Discover which Camino suits you best.

Preparing for my return to the Camino

As I began to map out my next journey (which you can read more about here), I was amazed to see how many people chose to revisit the challenging trek two, three, or even four times. Before embarking on my own adventure, that notion seemed quite crazy to me.

Now I completely understand.

I recently caught up with several friends who have just completed their Caminos, including Joe Sills (who wrote about the Variante Espiritual section of the Portuguese Way). Each of them had their own treasured memories from the journey, and I was surprised to hear how many were also contemplating when and how they might embark on this adventure again.

If you decide to take the plunge, you’ll undoubtedly remember your leisurely stroll along the cobblestone paths, the delightful food and wine you’ll savor, and the wonderful people you’ll encounter. Before long, you’ll find yourself dreaming of experiencing it all again.

You've been warned.