Journal

2023 - Portuguese Camino Central Route

In 2023 I was 61 years of age, and with only two weeks available to walk, I chose the Portuguese Camino Central as a solo adventure. My decision was shaped as much by practicality as by intuition. While the Camino Francés is often the first route pilgrims consider, I was drawn to the Portuguese Central because it offered a beautiful balance: enough infrastructure to feel supported, yet quieter and more spacious than the busier paths.

Beginning in Porto, Portugal added a gentle sense of transition, allowing the journey to unfold gradually as landscapes shifted from riverside towns and vineyards to forests, small villages, and finally into Galicia.

The distances between stages felt manageable within my limited time, making it possible to walk without rushing while still reaching Santiago with a sense of completion. It is often described as the second favourite Camino, and I quickly understood why — it combines history, culture, varied scenery, welcoming albergues, and a calmer walking rhythm.

For a pilgrim seeking variety, authenticity, and a meaningful Camino experience within a shorter timeframe, the Portuguese Central offered exactly the right mix.

The Central route follows older pilgrimage corridors with medieval heritage and countryside scenery, including:  

  • vineyards, farmland, forests

  • Roman bridges and historic villages

  • rural Portugal and Galicia

  • shaded paths and woodland walking

  • strong historical Camino feeling.

Personal Reflections

As the days unfolded, I realised that the Portuguese Camino Central suited not only my schedule but also my state of mind at that time in life. The quieter paths allowed space for reflection, while the regular encounters with other pilgrims created an easy sense of companionship without pressure.

Mornings often began in soft light beside the river or through peaceful villages just waking to the day, and there was a comforting rhythm in walking, pausing for coffee, and continuing at an unhurried pace. I never felt rushed or overwhelmed, yet the route still carried the shared spirit that makes the Camino special.

By the time I crossed into Spain, the journey felt gently transformative rather than demanding. Looking back, choosing this route with limited time was not a compromise at all — it was exactly the Camino I needed.

Wherever you are in your Camino journey — planning, dreaming, or already walking — you are exactly where you need to be.

My next Camino

2026 – Portuguese Camino Coastal route with Spiritual Variant

In June 2026, at 64 years of age, I will be walking the Portuguese Camino Coastal route with my brother (62 years). We will follow the coastline from Porto through seaside towns before joining the Central route near to Redondela. North of Pontevedra, we will pick up the Spiritual Variant. These routes will deliver:

  • Atlantic Ocean views

  • beaches and dunes

  • fishing towns and promenades

  • boardwalks and sea air

  • sunsets and wide horizons.

Our planned itinerary is:

Sat 13th – Flight: Stanstead to Porto

Sun 14th – Porto to Vila Cha (16 miles)

Mon 15th – Vila Cha to Agucadoura (11 miles)

Tue 16th – Agucadoura to Marinhas (11 miles)

Wed 17th – Marinhas to Viana do Castelo (13 miles)

Thu 18th – Viana do Castelo to Caminha (17.3 miles)

Fri 19th – Caminha (Portugal) to Oia (Spain) - boat ride across the river (13 miles)

Sat 20th – Oia to A Ramallosa (11.8 miles)

Sun 21st – A Ramallosa to Vigo (13.3 miles)

Mon 22nd – Rest Day in Vigo

Tue 23rd – Vigo to Redondela (on the Central route) (10.2 miles)

Wed 24th – Redondela to Pontevedra (12.8 miles)

Thu 25th – (Spiritual Variant starts) Pontevedra to Armenteira (13 miles)

Fri 26th – Armenteira to Vilanova de Arousa (14.6 miles)

Sat 27th – Vilanova de Arousa to Padron (18.6 miles walking) – OR the boat ride from Vilanova de Arousa to Pontecesures (2.0 miles)

Sun 28th – Padron to Santiago de Compostela (15.8 miles)

Mon 29th – Free day to explore Santiago

Tue 30th – Flight: Santiago to Stanstead