Camino de Santiago from Lisbon in 17 days | Galiwonders (2024)

If you are thinking of doing the Portuguese Way from Lisbon but don’t have the time to do it in 27 stages, don’t worry! You can complete the route in just 17 stages, walking an average of 22 km per day.

The Camino de Santiago from Lisbon will take you to discover charming Portuguese villages such as Coimbra and Santárem, as well as enjoy the delicious gastronomy, breathtaking landscapes and rich culture that Portugal has to offer. Once you leave Portugal, you’ll take in the natural beauty of Galicia as you continue your journey to Santiago de Compostela.

If you are worried about the stages being too long or if you prefer a more relaxed pace, remember that our itineraries are totally flexible, so we can split them in two or add extra nights for you to rest and go at your own pace.

Towns you will visit on the Camino de Santiago from Lisbon in 17 days

Lisbon

Situated at the mouth of the Tagus River, Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and one of the most fascinating cities in Europe. Its history dates back more than 3,000 years and it has a rich cultural and artistic heritage. Its streets are criss-crossed by the famous trams, symbols of the city and one of its inhabitants’ favourite means of transport.

Azambuja

This small Portuguese village is located in the Lisbon district and stands out for its historical heritage reflected in its monuments and buildings. Among them, the Church of Nossa Senhora da Assunção, from the 16th century and considered a Building of Public Interest; and the parish church of San João Batista, of great architectural value.

Santarém

Santarém, a small medieval town that takes us back to the Portugal of the Middle Ages, considered the capital of Gothic architecture in Portugal. Among its most outstanding heritage is the Convent of São Francisco and Jardim das Portas do Sol, delimited by ancient walls and with one of the most important viewpoints in the region.

Coimbra

Portugal’s former medieval capital for more than a century due to its historical and cultural importance during the Middle Ages.

Porto

Portugal’s third most inhabited municipality, declared a World Heritage Site for preserving one of the most beautiful old towns in Europe. Nowadays, it is one of the most popular starting points for pilgrims on the Portuguese Way.

Tui

A small town whose border location means that it is considered to be the ‘gateway to Galicia’ from the Portuguese Way of St. James. It preserves its medieval historic-artistic ensemble and the Diocesan Museum, formerly a hospital for pilgrims, which can be visited today.

Pontevedra

Also known as ‘Boa Vila’ Pontevedra is a city with a long maritime and mercantile tradition that preserves one of the most important and elegant historical centres of Galicia. With a close relationship with the Camino de Santiago, Pontevedra is considered the capital of the Portuguese Way to Santiago.

Padrón

Located 22 km from Santiago de Compostela, this town is linked to the apostle St. James, as his remains came from Jerusalem to this city. It is also known for being the home of two important writers: the poetess Rosalía de Castro and the Nobel Prize for Literature, Camilo José Cela.

Places of interest on the Camino de Santiago from Lisbon in 17 days

St. Simon’s Island

At the end of the Vigo estuary lies the island of San Simón, with a past shrouded in enigma and mysticism. It was a refuge for Templar knights and Benedictine monks during the Middle Ages and was attacked by pirates in the 16th century and a concentration camp during the Civil War. This island, declared an Asset of Cultural Interest, although not directly on the Portuguese Way, many pilgrims choose to approach and visit this impressive place for its historical importance and cultural beauty on their way to Pontevedra.

Most important monuments on the Camino de Santiago from Lisbon in 17 days

St. George’s Castle in Lisbon

Situated on the highest hill in Lisbon, in the heart of the Alfama district, is St. George’s Castle, built in the mid-11th century during the Muslim occupation of the city.
It preserves 11 towers, courtyards, gardens and terraces with the best views of the Tagus River and the city, which has made it a National Monument.

La Sé de Santarém

This secular building, a former Jesuit College, is the city’s greatest exponent of religious architecture. Its Mannerist-style façade and the Diocesan Museum, which is housed inside and which you can visit on your visit to the city, are particularly noteworthy.

University of Coimbra

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the University of Coimbra is one of the city’s most prominent buildings and one of the oldest academic institutions in Europe. The university complex, known as the Paço das Escolas, includes the impressive Torre da Universidade, St. Michael’s Chapel and other historic buildings that reflect the evolution of the university over time.

Cathedral of Santa Maria de Tui

Built during the 12th century, the Cathedral of Santa Maria is one of the most important buildings on the Portuguese Way.
Although it is predominantly Romanesque in style, it has Gothic influences, most notably its entrance, considered to be the first Gothic sculptural ensemble on the Iberian Peninsula. It also has a medieval cloister, the only one of its kind preserved in Galicia.

Church of the Pilgrim Virgin in Pontevedra

The church of the Pilgrim Virgin is one of the most symbolic and relevant buildings in the city of Pontevedra. Declared a Historic-Artistic Monument and an Asset of Cultural Interest, it combines late Baroque elements with Neoclassical forms, such as its main altarpiece, erected in the 18th century. It is dedicated to the Pilgrim Virgin, patron saint of the province of Pontevedra and of the Portuguese Way, who guided pilgrims from Baiona to Santiago; its peculiar plant in the shape of a scallop shell, the symbol of excellence of the pilgrims on the Way of St. James, on which a cross is inscribed, stands out.

What to do on the Camino de Santiago from Lisbon in 17 days?

Taste the local gastronomy

Taste the delicious Portuguese and Galician gastronomy in the different towns and cities along the Way. You will be able to taste traditional dishes such as codfish, pastel de nada and pulpo á feira.

Explore the culture of the Way

Along the Camino, you can visit a wide range of cultural and historical heritage such as churches, cathedrals and monasteries. You can learn about the history, architecture and culture of each region.

Enjoy wine tastings

Especially in the wine regions of Portugal, such as Alentejo and Douro, you will find wineries and vineyards where you can taste a wide variety of red and white wines. A unique experience that will undoubtedly enrich your journey along the Portuguese Way.