7 Worthwhile Alternative Routes on the Camino Portugues

The Camino de Santiago is one of the most trekked pilgrimage routes in the world. Pilgrims follow the yellow shell signboards for days, weeks, and months to reach the final destination of the stunning Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela Spain.

There are numerous Camino de Santiago routes found throughout Spain, Portugal, France, and beyond. The second most trekked Camino de Santiago route is the Camino Portugués with over 30% of pilgrims that arrive at Santiago de Compostela walking one of the Camino Portuguese routes.

The official Caminho Portugués begins in Lisbon, but many pilgrims start their Camino journey from Porto Portugal.

From Porto, pilgrims have opportunities to walk alternative routes on the Camino Portugués. There is the Caminho da Costa which follows the coast along boardwalks, and fishing villages and moves inland from time to time. Another option, the Caminho Central cuts through vineyards, ancient villages, and the rolling hillsides.

There are alternative paths that also connect the coastal route to the central route.

I opted to walk the Camino Portugués Central Way from Porto to Santiago. While the route is beautiful and relatively quiet, I found myself taking as many detours as possible. These alternative routes on the Camino Portugués include hilltop churches, scenic forest trails, charming seaside villages, and a variant route that includes a memorable boat ride.

In general, taking an alternative route offers a more quiet and reflective time of walking.

Here are 7 worthwhile alternative routes on the Camino Portugués from Porto to Santiago.

Table of Contents

• Overview of Alternative Routes on the Camino Portugués Porto to Santiago
• 7 Awesome Alternative Routes on the Camino Portugues
• Bonus | Add-On the Camino Finisterre Muxia
• Conclusion | Worthwhile Alternative Routes on the Camino Portugues & Detours

Overview of Alternative Routes on the Camino Portugués | Porto to Santiago

These alternative routes on the Camino Portuguese are found between Porto to Santiago de Compostela on the Central Way.

I had walked the Camino Frances less than a year ago and fallen in love with the magic of the Camino and just the overall spirit of the way. My Camino Frances route from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port was filled with alternative paths and little trekked paths.

The Camino Frances detours became a highlight of my journey, so when I chose to walk the Camino Portuguese, I took this mindset and added as many alternative routes whenever I had a chance. Again, these detours on the Portuguese Central Way are found between Porto to Santiago, as that’s the path I followed.

Pilgrims starting in Lisbon will undoubtedly have the option to take the biggest detour of the entire route to Fatima. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima is the most important pilgrimage site in Portugal. Even past Porto, you will see the blue arrows that can deviate pilgrims off the way to Santiago and on to Fatima.

Camino de Santiago Resources & Apps

Here are some great resources and Camino de Santiago Apps that come in handy when walking the Camino de Santiago. It’s best to use these resources, especially if planning on taking detours on any Camino route.

 John Brierley A Pilgrim’s Guide to the Camino Portugués is an amazing resource and guidebook. It’s an essential item for pilgrims who love alternative routes and detours.

• Gronze is a popular Spanish Camino website with tons of useful information for multiple Camino de Santiago routes.
• Join the Private Camino de Santiago 2023/2024 Facebook Group for the most up-to-date information. Camino de Santiago All Routes is another Facebook Group packed with useful tips on tons of different Camino routes. Make sure to check the search tab if you have specific questions.
• Camino Ninja App is a Free Camino App
• Wise Pilgrim Camino Portugués is another popular Camino App ($4.99)
• Booking.com is an excellent resource for securing private albergues, casa rural, pensions, and accommodations along all of the Camino routes
• Maps.me is my go-to offline map and helped me navigate the alternative routes on the Camino Portugués
• I record all my routes with Wikiloc and thousands of hikers have recorded daily Camino de Santiago routes.
• Google Translate is helpful to translate any language into Spanish.

➯ Hey… don’t forget your Travel Insurance! I love SafetyWing

7 Awesome Alternative Routes on the Camino Portugues

These Camino Portuguese detours and alternative routes are in sequential order from Porto to Santiago de Compostela Spain. Every detour I mention in this guide includes a map link to my actual route.

Skip to | Monte da Franqueira | Alternative Path to Porriño | Cesantes | Senda Fluvial Rio dos Gafos | Variante Espiritual | Castro Lupario 

1 | Porto to Vila do Conde on the Litoral Way

The first alternative route on the Camino Portugués comes on the first day leaving Porto. The Central and Coastal routes both leave the Porto Cathedral on the same path to start through busy roads through an industrial zone. It can be dangerous and not so enjoyable or scenic.

Many pilgrims, including myself, opt to take the Litoral Way out of Porto. The Litoral Way literally follows the Rio Douro out of Porto and continues along the coast. As this route is along the rugged seafront, be mindful of bad weather conditions and the lack of shade.

While the kilometer market from the Cathedral in Porto leads pilgrims out of town on the “official way,” instead head to the riverside place of Praça da Ribeira. Follow the Rio Douro to the seaside area of Foz do Douro.

Keep the Ocean to your left and continue on the large promenades to Matosinhos. This lovely town has an extremely helpful Tourist Information Center (don’t forget your stamp!) and is a popular surfing destination.

Matosinhos has a bustling local market and plenty of cafes and restaurants to take a welcomed break.

After Matosinhos pass by quiet small fishing villages via wooden boardwalks. The distance from Porto to Vila do Conde can be pretty long and grueling for pilgrims walking on their first day. Many people choose to sleep in Labruge to break up the distance.

In Vila do Conde is a great pilgrim town and the actual Caminho da Costa route leads here. Those pilgrims taking the Litoral Way can join the Coastal route here the next day or continue inland to Rates. There are many options to sleep in Vila do Conde, so there’s still time to change your desired route.

The Litoral Way is the most popular alternative path on the Camino Portugués. Most pilgrims walk this way from Porto or take public transportation to Vilar do Pinheiro to begin the Camino Portuguese.

🥾 This Camino Portuguese alternative path starts in Porto and continues to Vila do Conde | Litoral Way | Total Distance: 20.9 Miles / 33.75 KM | Duration:  +/- 8 hours, but can be broken up over 2 walking days | Difficulty: Easy, but long | Wikiloc Route

2 | Monte da Franqueira

The next Camino Portuguese detour comes directly after the village of Pedra Furada. Monte da Franqueira is a lovely alternative path that includes a church, stunning views, ruins, and sees few pilgrims.

On my visit, there were no other pilgrims here, which is a shame because the views are sensational! This detour is found between Pedra Furada and Carvalhal before the picturesque village of Barcelos.

Restaurante Pedra Furada makes for an excellent place to have coffee and snacks before visiting Monte da Franqueira. The way follows along the road Rua das Portelas (EN306) but look for the signboard and road R. Nossa Sra. da Franqueira. Take a left to begin the uphill climb to Monte da Franqueira.

The path is on a road and is fairly sleep. As you approach the top look for a footpath that leads to the Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Franqueira. This church sits majestically on the hilltop and is surrounded by plenty of green space.

Wander around the area and appreciate the views of the Cávado Valley below and Barcelos off in the backdrop. The church at the top of Monte da Franqueira sits at 958 ft (292 m).

The best way to rejoin the Camino Portuguese is by following the municipal trail of PR 6 BCL. Be mindful that this is part of a larger loop trail, but simply follow the route down to Igreja Carvalhal where you’ll already rejoin the Camino Portugués.

The PR 6 BCL is called No Trilho do Monte da Franqueira and is marked with red and yellow blazes. At points of interest find green signboards with the route.

To join the trail from the Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Franqueira look at the church and head past it. There is a dirt path to the left that leads to the stone staircase of Escadório da Franqueira and Ruínas do Castro e do Castelo de Faria.

I spent quite a bit of time wandering through the castle ruins, although be mindful it’s quite overgrown. I missed the trail to the Convent of the Calvary of Bom Jesus da Franqueira, so I just walked back on the road to join another footpath.

There are lots of trail options, so be extra mindful of the markers. There is also a downloadable trail from the official trail site.

However, even though I missed the Convent I merged on a scenic trail to the Ruínas das capelas do Calvário. After this, cross the busy highway via a footbridge to the village of Monte de Cima. It’s a short walk to rejoin the Camino in Carvalhal. The Church of Carvalhal is on the official Portuguese Way.

🥾 This Camino Portuguese detour starts near the village of Pedra Furada and rejoins the Camino Portuguese at Igreja Paroquial de Carvalhal | Total Distance: Around 4.5 miles (7.25 Km) | Duration: +/- 2 hours depending on how much you explore | Difficulty: Moderate, as this route is steeper and not as well marked as the official way | Wikiloc Trail

3 | The Complimentary Route into Porriño

Another spectacular alternative path on the Camino Portugués is the complimentario path into Porriño.

This optional route is popular as it avoids walking through the industrial area before Porriño.

This is a super popular alternative route so it’s extremely well-marked with official markers and arrows. Be mindful that the complimentary route is longer, but so much more scenic and has dirt footpaths. There is some pavement, but not as much as the original way.

Just after the mural of the Portico de Gloria and before the village of Orbenlle, look for the stone markers. Take the trail to the left to walk the alternative path. The route is signed and crosses over the Louro River. There are lots of lovely paths that follow water canals.

Continue on the way past Capela de San Campio. The way will lead to another route to rejoin the Camino Portuguese, but you can follow the Louro River to the Municipal Albergue in Porriño.

There are points before the Albergue that allow you to cross into Porriño. Otherwise, once you reach the Albergue, head right to near the heart of Porriño. There are tons of sleeping options in Porriño, or continue to the quiet hamlet of Mos.

🥾 This Complimentary route on the Camino Portuguese begins before the village of Orbenelle and rejoins at the Albergue Xunta Porrino | Total Distance: 5.5 miles (8.5 Km) | Duration: +/- 2 hours | Difficulty: Easy, but longer than the original way | Wikloc Trail (I didn’t stay at the Albergue so I walked into Porrino a quarter of a mile earlier)

4 | Redondela to Arcade via Cesantes

The Cesante detour is a little outside of Redondela. This detour offers a chance to enjoy a seaside village on the Ria de Vigo and avoids the climb up to Alto de Lomba. While the stretch between Redondela to Cesantes is marked with signboards, an offline map is essential for the unmarked way between Soutoxuste to Arcade.

Continue on the way past Redondela until a fork near Lavadoiro do Picho fountain. From here, some signboards have been provided by Hotel Antolin.

Follow the street Camino do Picho to turn right on Rua San Pedro near the supermarket. Stay on this road until you take a left of Camino do Asteleiro. This leads to the beach you can follow along the boardwalk along Ria de Vigo.

Cesantes is a lovely stretch of sandy beaches dotted with fishing boats. Shell arrows lead you off the beach and up the stairs to Paseo da Praia.

The path continues to the small village of Soutoxuste. I walked down to the beach area, but returned to the village to continue to the now-closed Albergue O Recuncho do Peregrino. The trail is to the left after the Albergue.

While it is possible to follow the busy N-550 road into Arcade, it’s very busy and dangerous. I didn’t feel safe walking on this stretch of highway so opted for the unclear trail.

The path after Albergue O Recuncho do Peregrino is quite intrepid and requires an offline map. It follows near the railroad tracks and it’s hard to tell the direct route. Many sections of this area were overgrown with brush and it was hard to tell which path was best.

Be mindful that there are no yellow arrows along this stretch. I wouldn’t do this detour if you don’t feel comfortable without signboards and overgrown paths.

The trail leads past a megalithic rock and then ends up on the outskirts of Arcade. Rejoin the route near Albergue A Filla do Mar where the route continues past Fonte da Lavandeira Arcade and into an area with many sleeping accommodations to choose from.

🥾 This alternative route on the Camino Portugués starts just after Redondela and rejoins the way in Arcade | Total Distance: +/- 4.5 miles (7.25 Km) | Duration: 2 hours but can be longer if choose to swim or eat along the seaside | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate, but not well marked after Cesantes | Wikiloc Trail

5 | Senda Fluvial Rio dos Gafos – Tomeza Before Pontevedra

Another fantastic alternative route on the Camino Portuguese is along the Senda Fluvial Rio dos Gafos Tomeza right before Pontevedra.

This trail is marked with the official kilometer markers past the small chapel of Santa Marta. To take the complementary route, follow the arrows to the left.

The river route follows the Tomeza River, which becomes Rio Gafos as it flows into Pontevedra. The trail twists through an enchanting forest on a dirt path with wooden bridges. Along the stream, many fishermen wade through the water. Although fairly short, this detour is a welcomed escape from the road.

Another memorable part of this path is street art before a tunnel. Leave the river trails to rejoin the Camino near all the albergues on the outskirts of Pontevedra. These albergues are a little far from the historic center, so I suggest sleeping in the heart of Pontevedra.

🥾 This Camino Portuguese detour starts just after Santa Marta Chapel and rejoins the Original Camino before the Albergue Virxe Peregrina Pontevedra | Total Distance: 2.5 miles (4 Km) | Duration:  1 hour | Difficulty: Easy | Wikiloc Trail

6 | Variante Espiritual Camino Route

One of the most incredible alternative routes on the Camino Portugués is the multi-day Variante Espiritual Camino.

This variant comes right after the city of Pontevedra and typically takes three days compared to the original way of 2 days.

The Camino Spiritual route adds an extra day but the third day is a boat ride through the Way of the Cross, Via Crucis Maritimo-Fluvial. This boat ride is said to be the same route the disciples of Theodore and Athanasius took to find a place to bury the body of Saint James. Their stone boat entered the Ría de Arousa and sailed up the River Ulla to moor at Iria Flavia (Padrón).

The original Camino Portuguese route would typically follow the stages: Pontevedra ➜ Caldas de Reis ➜ Padrón ➜ Santiago de Compostela

From Pontevedra, the standard Camino Portuguese route along the Central Route to Padron is around 25.7 Miles (41.3 KM).

The Camino Espiritual Variante typically follows the stages: Pontevedra ➜ Armenteira ➜ Vilanova de Arousa ➜ Boat Ride (translatio) to Padrón ➜ Santiago de Compostela

If walking the Camino Espiritual, the route will be around 28.5 miles (46 KM) on foot and 17 miles via boat ride. The official boat ride is said to span 28 KM. The boats drop in Ponteccesures where it’s a quick walk to rejoin the Portuguese Way before Padrón.

The Variante Espiritual is so worth the detour. Highlights include the seaside village of Combarro, the picturesque trail of Ruta da Pedra e da Auga, and the scenic boat ride that passes by 17 stone crosses.

This alternative route can be challenging with its steep ascents and descents, especially the first climb from Combarro to Armenteira. Be rewarded with one of the most spectacular routes of any Camino de Santiago way.

🥾 This alternative route on the Camino Portugués starts after Pontevedra and rejoins the Camino before Padrón | Total Distance: 28.5 miles (46 Km) on foot and 1.5-hour boat ride | Duration: Typically 3 days | Difficulty: Moderate

7 | Castro Lupario

There’s still one more detour option before arriving in Santiago de Compostela. Castro Lupario is said to be the old fortress of the Pagan Queen Lupa.

Castro Lupario is found between Padrón and Santiago de Compostela. If planning to spend the afternoon exploring the fortress ruins, it’s best to spend the night in Teo. There is a simple Xunta Municipal Albergue which makes the final stretch into Santiago de Compostela less than 9 miles.

Don’t expect the ruins of Queen Lupa to be lavish. There are stones and an old wall left of this mythical fortress, but what’s great here is the views and quiet place to contemplate before arriving at Santiago de Compostela. The hiking trails are nice through the forest.

End the hike at the old stone bridge Ponte dos Mouros. The Rio Tinto is an ideal place to soak your feet and catch up on journaling.

🥾 This Camino Portugués detour is done as a roundtrip detour from the Teo Albergue | Total Distance: 2.5 miles (4 Km) | Duration: +/- 2 hours | Difficulty: Easy – Moderate | Castro Lupario Map

Bonus | Add-On the Camino Finisterre Muxia

The Camino Finisterre Muxia is not a detour, but rather a spectacular route to add on to the end of any Camino de Santiago route. Some pilgrims arrive at the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela and feel inspired to continue walking.

The Camino Finisterre is the only route that departs from the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela. Many times this route is referred to as the walk to the “End of the World,” since it finishes at the Atlantic Ocean. The Romans believed Fisterra was the actual End of the World.

The Camino Finisterre Muxia route is typically quiet and sees fewer pilgrims. The trail passes by picturesque villages, twists through the stunning green Galician landscapes, and finishes at either the village of Fisterra or the sleepy fishing village of Muxia.

I prefer to walk to Finisterre first. So many pilgrims skip past the village of Cee, but it makes for a great place to base for a night or two. Take a day trip to the lovely Cascada de Ezaro or climb up the sacred mountain of Monte Pindo, the fabled Mount Olympus of Spain. Monte Pindo is also rumored to be the resting place of Queen Lupa.

The Camino Finisterre Muxia takes at least 3 days, and is around 55.5 miles (89.5 KM), but varies depending on which route you decide to walk. If planning on walking to both Fisterra and Muxia, plan on at least 4-5 days of walking.

Conclusion | Worthwhile Alternative Routes on the Camino Portugues

There are many alternative paths on the Camino Portugués and many possible routes. These were many favorite seven Camino Portuguese detours that I personally took from Porto to Santiago.

These alternative routes and paths include hilltop churches, alluring river paths made for strolling, and mythical ruins. Don’t be afraid to get off the beaten path and enjoy one of these detours along the Camino Portuguese Central Way.

Did you take any of these alternative routes on the Camino Portuguese? Is there another detour that you loved and I’m missing? Let me know in the comments below!

Pack This Post for Later! Pin It!

Disclaimer: There’s a chance this post contains affiliate links, and I receive a small (but grateful) portion of the sale. There’s no extra cost to you, and I only promote things that I use and love.