Tui Pilgrim Guide for Walking the Camino de Santiago (2025)
Tui is a fantastic historical city found on the Camino Portuguese Central Way. Tui is known for its 12th century Cathedral, it’s enchanting Old Town, and for it’s scenic location along the Miño River. It is also a significant stop for pilgrims walking the Camino Portuguese Central Way.
Tui is a popular starting point for pilgrims who wish to walk the final 100 Km into Santiago de Compostela. Last year, it was third most popular Camino de Santiago starting point.
In this comprehensive Tui pilgrim guide, find out how to get to this border town, tips for pilgrims walking the Camino from Tui, things to do in Tui, where to sleep and eat, and a brief overview of the final stages of the Camino Portugese to Santiago de Compostela.
Here are all my best resources for pilgrims walking the Camino from Tui Spain.
Table of Contents
- Tui & The Camino de Santiago
- How to Get to Tui Spain
- Places of Interest for Pilgrims in Tui Spain
- How Long Should Pilgrims Spend in Tui Before Walking the Camino?
- Last Minute Supplies & Gear in Tui
- Places to Stay in Tui for Pilgrims
- More Things to See in Tui
- The Camino Portuguese Central from Tui
- Overview | Tui Camino de Santiago Pilgrim Guide
Tui and the Camino de Santiago
Tui has always been an important medieval village. The Miño River acts as a natural border with Portugal and across the river it’s hard to miss the impressive Fortress in Valença Portugal.
With the increasing popularity of the Portuguese Way, both Central and Coastal, Tui is the third most popular starting point for the entire Camino de Santiago. Sarria (the last 100 Km on the Camino Frances) is the first most popular, and Porto Portugal, is the second most popular.
From Tui, Santiago de Compostela is around 120 Km (75 miles). Most pilgrims budget at least 6 days to walk from Tui to Santiago de Compostela on the Portuguese Central Way.
As this route is becoming more popular, there are independent walking tours from Tui to Santiago de Compostela.
Where to Get the Credencial in Tui
If you need a Pilgrim Credencial, the Tui Cathedral sells the pilgrim passport. If they are closed, check in at the Municipal Albergue in Tui run by the Xunta of Galicia.
The Credencial is essential if wishing to stay in Public Albergues and can also provide discounts to certain sites with entrance fees along the way.
How to Get to Tui Spain
Tui sits on the border of Portugal and Spain. There is no airport in Tui, but there are two close airport options. Tui also has a bus station and a nearby train station. Same for Valença Portugal, which is easy to walk to.
Closest Airpots
The closest airports to Tui are Vigo in Spain and Porto in Portugal.
✓ Vigo Spain
Vigo Airport (VGO) is the closest airport to Tui. This is a medium-sized airport, so it has limited flights. The airport is less than 25 KM from Tui, and by car it’s only around a 20-minute drive. Taxis are available, but always verify the price before committing.
Vigo is Galicia’s largest city and is the easiest place to access the incredible Cies Islands. It’s possible to spend a night in Vigo before traveling to Tui. Numerous bus and train options are available from the city center.
✓ Porto Portugal
Porto Aeroporto (OPO) is the international airport north of the Porto Historic City Center. This is a much larger airport with more frequent flights. The airport is around 120 KM from Tui, and by car it’s less than an hour and a half drive. Be mindful that once you cross the border into Spain, you will move ahead one hour. Portugal is one time zone behind Spain.
There are daily buses from Porto Airport to Valença, Portugal (FlixBus and Alsa). From there, simply walk across the bridge or take a taxi to arrive in Tui!
Public Transport Options for Tui
Here are few more helpful ways to get to Tui.
🚌 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
🚆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
Places of Interest for Pilgrims in Tui Spain
If you are starting you’re Camino de Santiago from Tui, these are two must-visit places. The Cathedral and Tourist Information Center have the pilgrim credencials and up-to-date route information.
➤ Cathedral of Santa María de la Asunción of Tui
The Tui Cathedral is beautiful and was built during the 12th Century. The Cathedral offers stellar views of the Miño River, which separates Tui from Valença, Portugal.
‼️ If you don’t have a pilgrim credencial, you can pick one up here. Typically credencials are a 2 or 3 Euro donation.
One of the most notable features of the Tui Cathedral is the main door called the West Door. The facade tells the story of the church and was completed around 1225, and it is in Gothic architectural style. While the exterior looks more like a fortress, the interior is full of surprises.
The wood altarpieces are beautiful, and the church has a lot of rich artworks. The Cloister claims to be the oldest in Galicia. This is what makes the Tui Cathedral one of the most spectacular Camino de Santiago Cathedrals.
Don’t miss the viewpoint from the garden with river views and Valença in the backdrop. By far, this is a highlight of visiting the Cathedral. There is a green space to relax and reflect on the journey.
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
➤ Tui Tourism Office
If seeking a little more information about the town, history, or route, visit the official Tui Tourism Office. They have tons of helpful resources and recommendations.. The Tourist Information Center may sometimes have credencials, but be mindful that during busy season they run out fast.
Oficina Municipal de Turismo Tui | Find them here: P.º de Calvo Sotelo, 16 | Hours: Check their updated hours on Instagram
How Long Should Pilgrims Spend in Tui?
Tui is a bustling medieval town and offers attractions like the Tui Cathedral, a lovely riverside promenade, and a lively Old Town with plenty of tapas bars. Tui is a highlight of the Camino Portugués Central Way.
If traveling from abroad, I think it’s nice to spend at least one extra night in Tui to catch up on any jet lag.
The city is quite small, with fewer than 15,000 people. Most sites are found close to each other, so they can easily be explored casually over a few hours. Tui has every service, so it’s possible to do some last-minute errands like stocking up on supplies, doing laundry, or obtaining the Credencial.
Those who have been walking the Camino Portugues from Porto or Lisbon may choose to use Tui as a rest day. Another great option is to head over to the local hot springs in Salvaterra de Miño.
However, if starting the journey from Tui, I highly recommend spending at least an afternoon across the river to see Valença, Portugal. The fortress of Valença is nice to walk through. Within the walls are plenty of cafes and specialty shops.
Again, Tui is often a highlight of the Camino Portuguese, so it’s okay to spend a few days here before departing on the Central Camino Portugese.
Last Minute Supplies & Gear Shops in Tui
Preparing for the Camino means that you won’t be carrying much. The less you carry, the less weight on your back and knees. I’ve walked multiple Camino de Santiago routes, and I typically carry a similar list whether I’m walking 100 Km or 800 Km.
This is my essential Camino packing list. This packing list focuses on summer and fall walking logistics.
Your feet are the most important thing to care for when walking the Camino de Santiago. Have properly broken-in shoes, extra dry socks, and a basic first-aid kit. Here are my top tips for walking the Camino de Santiago.
No worries if you forgot something or changed your mind about a hat or walking sticks. There are a few gear stores in Tui
➯ Hey… don’t forget your Travel Insurance! I love SafetyWing
Tui Gear Stores
✔ DEQUIP TUI has everything outdoor and sports gear, from shoes to brand-name sports clothing.
✔ Inercia is a local shop near the center with tons of last-minute gear supplies including backpacks, shoes, and rain gear.
Tui Grocery Stores
Tui has a few Spanish supermarkets like Froiz and Dia around town. There are also small mom-and-pop shops selling food items, specialty cheeses, meats, fruits, and produce. Sniff out local bakeries for bread items.
Places to Stay in Tui for Pilgrims
As Tui is a popular places to start the Camino, the city has plenty of places to stay geared for pilgrims.
Municipal Albergue of Tui
Albergues are budget-friendly places for pilgrims to sleep found along the Camino de Santiago routes. These accommodations consist of dorm-style beds and shared bathrooms. Think no-frills hostels with a lively spirit.
Municipal Albergues are public and are only open to those pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago. You must have a credencial and they do not accept reservations. In Municipal Albergues, you are only allowed to stay one night. In Galicia, the Municipal Albergues are run by the Xunta (local government).
I stayed at the Xunta Albergue in Tui and it is steps away from the Cathedral. It has lovely views from the outdoor space. Be mindful there is a curfew when the doors lock.
➤ Municipal Xunta Albergue in Tui / 36 Beds / €10 / Does NOT Accept Reservations / Must have a Credencial Pilgrim Passport / Open Year Round
Popular Albergues in Tui
Private albergues can be booked in advance and can be stayed in more than one night.
- 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)
Hotels, Pensions, & A Touch of Luxury in Tui
Some pilgrims opt to sleep in private accommodation the night before departing on the Camino Portuguese. These are some highly rated private rooms in Tui.
➜ Raianos
➜ Browse All Accommodation Options in Tui Spain
More Things to Do in Tui
Tui has so many attractions besides it’s iconic Cathedral and religious sites.
Those looking to appreciate the beauty of the village can walk along the riverside promenade (Paseo Fluvial de Tui) and see sections of the old city wall. Another one of my favorite green spaces in Tui is the garden space behind the Santo Domingo Church and Convent. From here is one of my favorite viewpoints of Tui and the Miño River.
The historical Old Town is a delight to wander. The medieval charm is everywhere with tunnels, old stairways, and a Jewish quarter.
Of course, make sure to stop in at one of the many lively tapas bars. The area around Plaza de la Inmaculada is quite lively. For a special treat, I love the food from Emma’s Gastrobar. It also boasts outdoor seating looking out at the Cathedral.
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!
If spending a few days in Tui and looking for a beautiful hike, I highly recommend the route of Muíños do Tripes. This lovely hike can be reached via walking from the city center, and twists along a river and through a fabulous forest. I did a nice 3-mile loop that took me past waterfalls and the typical stone mills found in Galicia.
With more time and energy, you could enjoy the numerous hiking trails in the Natural Park of Monte Aloia with spectacular views of the river valley. If planning on doing some serious hiking, don’t miss the chance to soak at the local hot springs of Teans-Oleiros in Salvaterra de Miño.
Do walk across the bridge into Portugal and explore the fortress village of Valença. Just be mindful of the one-hour time change that comes with crossing the international bridge! Valença, Portugal, is one hour behind Spain.
Tui is a fabulous place to explore in Galicia.
The Camino Portuguese Central from Tui (Last 120 KM)
Tui is around 120 Km from Santiago de Compostela via the Camino Portuguese Central.
Most pilgrims will take around 6 days to walk from Tui to arrive in Santiago de Compostela.
The final stages of the Camino Portuguese Central typically follows these stages
Tui ➜ Porriño ➜ Rendondela ➜ Pontevedra ➜ Caldas de Reis ➜ Padron ➜ Santiago de Compostela
Pontevedra is another fabulous city in Galicia. If you have an extra day to spare, enjoy the museum, lively tapas scene, and the atmosphere of this well-preserved city.
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.
Psst… If looking for a Camino de Santiago Guidebook, John Brierley A Pilgrim’s Guide to the Camino Portugués is one of the absolute best, with extremely detailed maps and information for the Camino Portuguese starting from Lisbon.
Camino de Santiago Resources for Pilgrims
Overview | Tui Camino de Santiago Pilgrim Guide
In short, this is a general Tui pilgrim guide for those walking the Camino de Santiago. This guide is useful for pilgrims planning to walk the Camino Portuguese Central route from Tui.
Find everything from how to get to Tui, things to see and do before you start walking, and tips for planning a successful pilgrimage. Also, I’ve included important places for pilgrims in Tui and popular places to stay within the town.
I hope this guide to Tui was useful, and I wish you a Buen Camino!
Is there anything missing from this Tui Pilgrim Guide? Any updates or oversights on my part? Let me know in the comments below!
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