Things to Do in Tui⎟A Breathtaking Hilltop Village on the Miño River
Tui is a special medieval village with cobblestone streets, sacred sites, and a deep history with the Camino de Santiago. Located along the Miño River, it’s a natural border town between Portugal and Spain.
There’s a lively feel to the Old Town, plenty of green spaces and viewpoints, and it is known for its fortress-like Cathedral. Don’t forget about the delicious food, which is paired best with local wines from the river valley. Tui has lots to offer visitors. Whether walking as a pilgrim on the Camino de Santiago or just exploring the region of Galicia, Tui has it all.
Tui is surrounded by natural beauty with spectacular views of the Miño River to the leafy hillsides of the Natural Park of Aloia.
This guide to Tui includes how to get to Tui, the best things to see in the village, and other places of interest nearby. I’ve also included a few of my favorite places to eat and stay.
Here are some of the best things to do in Tui, an alluring village found along the Miño River Valley in Spain.
Table of Contents
- How to Get to Tui Spain
- 9 of the Best Things to Do in Tui
- Where to Stay in Tui
- Where to Eat in Tui
- Is Tui Worth Visiting?
- Conclusion⎟What to Do in Tui Spain
How to Get to Tui Spain
Tui sits on the border of Portugal and Spain. There is no airport in Tui, but the two closest airports are in Vigo Spain (25 Km) and Porto Portugal (120 KM).
Tui is well connected with Vigo, Galicia’s largest city. Those with a car may wish to include Tui as part of a southern Galician road trip. There are lots of places in Spain to visit close to Tui, especially by car.
➜ There is also this private tour option from Vigo, which stops in Tui and the seaside village of Baiona
There are frequent buses and train options. Those travelers coming from the south via Portugal can also utilize transit options to Valença, Portugal which is right across the border.
‼️ Be mindful that Portugal is one hour BEHIND Spain. The official time-zone is Portugal UTC -1 / Spain UTC+0
🚌 Tui by Bus
Tui is well-connected to larger cities in Galicia, Spain. There are frequent departures from Vigo to Tui. The buses between Vigo main bus station (Vigo E.I) and Tui run at least once an hour. When checking the bus schedule, the most central bus stop in Tui is Tui (rúa Ourense).
➜ This is a super helpful website with all the bus schedules in Galicia
Alsa Bus Company runs buses between Porto and Valença in Portugal. Once in Valença, simply cross the border. FlixBus also offers less frequent buses between Porto and Valença.
🚆Tui by Train
There is no direct train station in Tui, but there are two train stations nearby.
Trains from Spain will arrive at Guillarei Train Station. This train station is around a 50-minute walk to the historic center of Tui. Alternatively, it’s possible to go from the train station to town via bus or taxi. From Vigo to Tui by train is around a 30-minute journey.
Trains from Porto will stop in Valença do Minho. From here, it’s possible to walk across the international bridge to Tui. From Porto to Valença by train is around a 1.5-hour journey.
➜ Verify the train schedules with Renfe
🥾Tui and the Camino de Santiago
One of the most scenic ways to reach Tui is on foot by walking the Camino Portuguese Central Way. Tui is the third most popular place to start the Camino. Tui is 120 KM from Santiago de Compostela, meaning that pilgrims can still receive their Compostela for completing the journey.
Most pilgrims can complete the journey from Tui to Santiago de Compostela in 6 days. However, there are variant routes, like the worthwhile Spiritual Route, which is an option after arriving in Pontevedra.
Walking the Camino de Santiago is a fascinating and oftentimes life-changing journey. No matter which Camino de Santiago route you take, make sure to pack light, follow the arrows, and let the magic unfold.
These are my top tips for first-time pilgrims, having walked over 12 Camino de Santiago routes.
Camino de Santiago Resources
9 Best Things to Do in Tui Spian
Tui is a small city and has fewer than 15,000 people. Most sites are found near each other near the Old Town. Many of the historical sites can be explored casually over a few hours.
Those who want to see nearby Valença, go for a hike, or soak in the hot springs will want to stay at least a day or two in Tui.
1 | Explore the Catedral de Santa María de Tui-
From the exterior, the Tui Cathedral looks more like a fortress than an impressive cathedral. Construction happened during the 12th century, and its main exterior highlight is the West Door. The facade tells the story of the church and was completed around 1225, and it is in the Gothic architectural style.
While the exterior resembles a fortress, the interior features ornate treasures. The wood altarpieces are beautiful, and the church has a lot of rich artworks. The green cloister claims to be the oldest in Galicia.
This is what makes the Tui Cathedral one of the most spectacular Camino de Santiago Cathedrals.
For me, one of the best parts of the Tui Cathedral is its garden with river views and Valença in the backdrop. Climb up to the old tower to get a bird’s eye view of the cloister and the stunning Miño River.
The guided tour comes with an audioguide, and there is a discount for pilgrims.
Cathedral of Santa María | Find it here: Plaza San Fernando, Tui, Pontevedra | Hours: High Season, Mon-Sat, 10:45 – 20:00, Sun, 9:00 – 12:30 / 16:00 – 20:00 | Admission: €5 General / €3 for Pilgrims
2 | Wander The Streets of Old Town
The historical Old Town is a delight to wander. The medieval charm is everywhere, with tunnels, old stairways, and a Jewish quarter. There are many religious sites too, like the Church of San Telmo and the Romanesque Chapel.
Scattered around Old Town are lively tapas bars.
Don’t miss the old cross, Cruceiro da Misericordia or the open space near old city walls.
If looking to experience some lovely plazas, the Plaza de la Inmaculada feels kind of like the living room of the city. There are also quiet plazas and squares tucked around the Cathedral, and a great viewpoint along the old city walls of the river of Miradoiro Praza da Estrela
3 | Appreciate the Miradoiro do Mosteiro de Santo Domingo & Gardens
Another one of my favorite corners in Tui is the garden space behind the Santo Domingo Church and Convent. They also offer rooms at the Albergue Convento Del Camino.
The gardens are nice to wander and there is a fountain, sculptures, and places to relax and enjoy. Don’t miss the Miradoiro do Mosteiro de Santo Domingo, which is one of my absolute favorite views of Tui and Miño River.
4 | Relax Along or Walk the Paseo Fluvial de Tui
Those looking to appreciate the beauty of the village can walk along the riverside promenade or the Paseo Fluvial de Tui. Not only are there fabulous views of the Miño River, but it’s also a nice place to see sections of the old city wall.
The walkways are mostly wooden boardwalks. In the evenings, the area fills with families out for walks and locals and pilgrims sprawling out on the grass.
There are a few bars the farther you walk towards the International Bridge, which is the access point to Portugal.
5 | Splurge on the Cookies from the Convento de las Clarisas
For a sweet treat, head to Convento de las Clarisas. Use the side door and ring the bell to purchase cookies in the shape of fish from the nuns, called “pececitos.” These almond cookies are supposedly still made with eggs that locals donate to the nuns.
I had to wait a few minutes for the nuns to receive me at the window. They are worth the wait!
6 | Hike the Senda dos Muíños do Tripes
One of the best things to do in Tui is to enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds it. For me, one of the best hiking trails is Muíños do Tripes. This lovely hike can be reached via walking from the city center.
The route twists along a river and through a leafy forest. I did a nice 3-mile loop that took me past waterfalls and the typical stone mills found in Galicia. These stone water mills are typical of Galicia, and as a bonus, are found near calming rapids and waterfalls.
This hike sits at the base of the Natural Park of Monte Aloia, which provides points of interest like sprawling viewpoints, old castro ruins, chapels, and even more waterfalls. Frinxo village sits within the borders of the nature park and is an access point to trails deeper into the nature preserve and the Aloia Nature Hotel.
7 | Spend the Day in Valença Portugal
This hilltop village in Spain boasts incredible views of the Miño River (Minho). On the other side of the river is the village of Valença with its hilltop fortress. The fortress of Valença is nice to walk through. Within the walls are plenty of cafes and specialty shops.
It’s easy to spend a few hours casually strolling through the market like shops that spill out into the cobblestone streets. The fortress walls and gates are also well-preserved, so it’s fun to explore the nooks and crannies of the stronghold.
I think the best way to reach Valença is to walk across the International Bridge from Spain. Don’t forget about the time-zone difference (Portugal is one hour behind).
➜ There are also numerous places to stay in Valença if looking to sleep on the Portuguese side.
8 | Soak in the Hot Springs at Salvaterra de Miño
Galicia is famous for its hot springs. Less than 25 minutes away from Tui are the local hot springs in Salvaterra de Miño. Even without a car, it’s possible to catch a bus or taxi to Salvaterra de Miño.
These no-fills hot springs are municipal springs and have 3 different temperatured natural hot springs. There’s also a cool pool for a quick dip.
Don’t forget your flip-flops; they are required upon entry. Once inside the pools, there is a two-hour time limit.
Within the hot springs area are lots of green spaces and lounge chairs. There are also incredible views across the Miño River to Monçao, Portugal.
Espazo Termal Municipal de Salvaterra Teans-Oleiros⎜Find it here: Teáns – Oleiros, 36450 Salvaterra de Miño, Pontevedra⎜Hours: Closed Monday & Tuesdays, Summer, Wed-Sun, 9:00-12:00 / 19:00-23:00 & Winter Wed-Sun, 10:00-13:00 / 17:00-21:00⎜Cost: 4€ ⎜Official Website
9 | Prepare for the Camino de Santiago
Tui is around 120 Km from Santiago de Compostela and is found on the Central Camino Portuguese Route. Again, it is the third most popular place for pilgrims to start their Camino journey.
Tui is an excellent place to start and has lots of infrastructure for pilgrims. It’s possible to pick up a credencial (pilgrim passport) here within the city. There is also a Municipal Albergue. Tui has plenty of gear shops and grocery stores, and laundry facilities. This is my complete guide for pilgrims starting their journey in Tui.
Most pilgrims will walk from Tui to Santiago de Compostela over 6 days. The route is entirely in the beautiful region of Galicia. The typical route stages on the Camino Portuguese Central are as follows:
Tui ➜ Porriño ➜ Rendondela ➜ Pontevedra ➜ Caldas de Reis ➜ Padron ➜ Santiago de Compostela
Another option after Pontevedra is to walk the Camino Espiritual Variante route. This alternative route passes by the cute Combarro village, includes the stunning Stone and Water Route, and passes by vineyards and the stunning Galician countryside.
On the final day, hop on a boat and follow the same route as the Apostle James stone boat, which landed ashore near Padron. This route typically takes three days and is a fabulous alternative route on the Camino Portugues.
Where to Stay in Tui Spain
Tui offers a wide range of accommodation options. As it’s a popular pilgrimage village, there are plenty of budget-friendly albergues for pilgrims to sleep. Find hotels, pensions, private apartments, and even a Parador Hotel.
Tui Albergues
- Albergue Ideas Peregrinas
- Jacob’s Hostel Tui
- Albergue Villa San Clemente
- Albergue Pallanes
- Albergue Convento Del Camino
- A TROITA HOSTEL Only Pilgrims Solo Peregrinos (Outside of Center of Town)
➤ Municipal Xunta Albergue in Tui / 36 Beds / €10 / Does NOT Accept Reservations / Must have a Credencial Pilgrim Passport / Open Year Round
Top-rated Places to Stay in Tui
➜ Raianos
➜ Browse All Accommodation Options in Tui Spain
Where to Eat in Tui
For a smaller town, Tui has a pretty lively food scene. One of my favorite things to do is simply follow the crowds and take a seat in a busy plaza and order a drink that comes with a tapa.
✔ Emma Gastrobar is a delicious and fun place to eat with views of the Cathedral. The idea is to share tapas and pair them with a local wine. The service and chef are excellent.
✔ Parrillada-Taperia A Muralla is an excellent option to eat in Tui for those looking for a delicious culinary experience.
✔ Albergue Ideas Peregrinas has a superb cafe and it’s my go-to place to eat breakfast in Tui
✔ Restaurante La de Manu is known for their delicious food, big portions, and fair prices
✔ Santa Columba. Cafeteria has huge bocadillos to feed hungry hikers and pilgrims
✔ Foodies will want to visit Restaurante Beldade (reservation required). This sleek restaurant has a nod from the Michelin guide and focuses on seasonal menus.
Is Tui Galicia Worth Visiting?
With a historical past, a charming old town, and plenty of attractions, Tui is worth visiting. Tui is nestled picturesquely on the Miño River and is steps away from the Natural Park of Monte Aloia. It is also close to the timeless hilltop village of Valença, Portugal, and within a short drive of local hot springs.
Whether walking as a pilgrim on the Camino de Santiago or just exploring the best of Galicia, Tui is worth a visit.
Conclusion⎟Visiting Tui Guide (What to See & Do)
In short, this is a guide on visiting Tui Spain, a historical hilltop village on the Miño River in Spain. This guide offers ideas on how to best visit, what to do in Tui, and the best places to eat and sleep in this medieval village.
I’ve visited Tui both as a pilgrim and as a tourist and think that there are plenty of things to do and see. Tui Spain is worth visiting.
Have you visited Tui Spain? Did you arrive as a pilgrim or tourist? Is there anything you did in Tui that I’m missing on this list? Let me know in the comments below!
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