Virtual Camino Portugués Challenge: Walk the Portuguese Way from Home

Walk the second most popular of the Camino de Santiago routes from wherever you already move. The Camino Portugués, or Portuguese Way, runs about 233 km (roughly 145 miles) north from Porto through the Minho and across the border into Galicia to Santiago de Compostela, and Route Rally turns every synced walk, run or daily step into progress along it. A favourite for its gentle terrain and river-and-coast scenery, it is an inviting medium-length pilgrimage.

  • Route: Camino Portugués
  • Distance: 233.3 km
  • Elevation gain: 2500 m
  • Popular medium-length walking pilgrimage
  • Best for: Walkers and step-counters, multi-week goals, and medium private rallies

Why this route

  • The Camino Portugués, or Portuguese Way, is the second most-walked Camino after the French Way.
  • The Route Rally route runs about 233 km (145 miles) from Porto north through the Minho and into Galicia to Santiago de Compostela.
  • It is known for gentler terrain than the mountain Caminos, which makes it an approachable medium-length pilgrimage for walkers and step-counters.
  • As a virtual challenge you cover the distance in your own time, so everyday walks, steps and hikes all count towards Santiago.
  • Its popularity and manageable length make it a strong centre point of the Camino de Santiago series.

Highlights

  • Start in Porto, the riverside city famous for its port wine
  • Walk north through the green Minho countryside of northern Portugal
  • Cross the border into Galicia at the Minho river
  • Finish at the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela

Common questions

How does my activity actually count?

Connect your activity tracker to Route Rally and every kilometre you log adds up automatically. Your marker moves along the Camino Portugués as new activities sync, with nothing to upload and nothing to enter by hand.

Do I have to live near the route?

Not at all. Walk, run or ride wherever you usually move. The route is a virtual target, so your daily steps, local walks and weekend hikes all push you closer to Santiago.

How long is the virtual Camino Portugués?

The Route Rally route covers about 233 km, or roughly 145 miles, from Porto to Santiago de Compostela, following the popular Central route of the Portuguese Way.

How long does it take to walk?

At 30 km a week it takes around nine weeks, while a more committed 50 km a week brings Santiago inside six weeks. You set the end date when you create the rally, so the pace is yours.

How is it different from the Camino Francés?

The Camino Francés is the long classic route of about 780 km from the French Pyrenees. The Camino Portugués is a shorter route of about 233 km from Porto, so it suits a medium-length pilgrimage with gentler terrain.