In 1737 the Professor of Mathematics of the University of Salamanca, Diego de Torres Villarroel, began his pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in a new route of which no one had travelled before, and that’s why its designation. It is quite possible that the decision for why he chose this route was based on his extensive knowledge of the Portuguese lands due to the many vicissitudes and various episodes that he experienced while in Portugal.

Now you can also be part of this not so well-known Way to Santiago, equally astonishing and interesting.

We will accompany you during these stages throughout Portugal and Spain and you will be able to see for yourself the beauty of the landscapes and monuments, the uniqueness of its traditions and legends, the kindness and hospitality of its people and certainly the variety of culinary and enogastronomic quality that will allow you to enjoy with all of your senses.

We have no doubt that at the end of this journey and after going through each one of these stages, you will share the same opinion as D. Diego in what refers to his election of making this magnificent route to Santiago.

PACK DEMANDING PILGRIMAGE– LEVEL 3 (high – Difficulty 3); Blind and deaf people; people recovering from injuries, seniors presenting good mobility, etc.

Stage 1
GUIMARÃES – OUTEIRO DE OLEIROS

Distance16km

You will begin your adventure in Guimarães, a city of prominent past since it was born in 1110 the first king of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques.
In the medieval castle of Guimarães, now converted into a museum, you can learn the history of the foundation of this municipality that was able to have a splendid transition from a medieval to a modern city, preserving both identities. At the Tourist Office you will stamp your first credential.

After discovering Guimarães, you will continue your path in direction to Outeiro de Oleiros – the end of this stage – through localities such as Ribeira, Boavista, Caldas das Taipas, Alvite, Gaias, Pontes, Carvalho, Lage, Longos … a path that you can take advantage of, abstracting yourself while walking on by.

At this point, your first stage came to an end and you’re going to see that is quite shorter than the other stages waiting for you, still, this first stage is equally interesting and has encouraged you to open up your walker spirit that will accompany you throughout all the stages. Let’s keep on !!!!




Stage 2
BRAGA – GOÃES

Distance20km

Let’s start this second stage! We hope that you have a nice start!

The Cathedral of Braga is the most important monument of this city and the oldest archbishopric of Portugal, however, the most current side puts it in contrast through the amount of young students who study here. A good and vibrant combination. In this city you will stamp again your credentials.

After admiring the singularity of Braga by seeing interesting things, you will walk towards Goães, passing by Lameira, Quinta, Cardoso, Formoso, Vilar de Prado, Outeiro, Negreiro, Febros, A Grela and many other places that will allow you to see another character of the route – its tranquillity and rural beauty.

Your final destination at this stage is Goães, where you can have your deserved rest in order to keep walking into the new stage of tomorrow. Recovering your strengths is the motto !!!!




Stage 3
PONTE DE LIMA – ESPINHEIROS; FONTOURA – VALENÇA

Distance21km

Today’s going to be your last path in Portugal, since the following stage will take place in Spanish territory. Let’s enjoy it while walking into this third stage of the Torres Way!

You will be walking in two very interesting trajectories during this stage.
The first one will begin in Ponte de Lima where you can assimilate the culture, the historical heritage, the magnificent gardens and why not appreciate its gastronomy as well as its famous green wines? A sensory pleasure on all levels !!!!

You’ll be able to get in touch with the nature and the countryside through villages such as Barreiro, Arcozelo, Barrosas, Lousados, Regatal, Devesa, Salgueiro … until arriving at Espinheiros, final destination of this route.

The following trajectory and also the last one in Portuguese territory will begin in Fontoura and will pass by Paços, Fervença, Tuído, Conguedo and Troias until arriving at Valença.

You’ll be walking quietly through Valença’s streets; discovering its monuments, as well as admiring the well-preserved wall. You’ll be feeling lost inside this walled enclosure and at the same time fascinated.
In addition, from its viewpoints you will have a glimpse for one of the greenest and most fertile lands of this region of the North of Portugal.

Valença offers us a wide variety of delicacies that will leave you completely satisfied, and after this intense journey, there is nothing better than to say goodbye to this day by enjoying the gastronomy of this region.




Stage 4
TUI – O PORRIÑO

Distance19km

This stage will take place in Spanish territory, starting from Tui, a village on the banks of the Miño’s river and crowned by its cathedral fortress. The first circuit is an urban one and will pass through the old hospital – built for pilgrims and for people with low economic status (1756, now converted into a Diocesan Museum); the public shelter; the chapel of S. Telmo; he Parish Council; the Clarisas’s Church-Convent and many other monuments that you will discover in every step you’ll take and that will surprise you.

This stage is smoother than the others and you’ll be roaming along the course of the Louro’s river, until you reach O Porriño.
There, you’ll be able to visit its emblem, its Town Hall, built by the architect from O Porriño, Antonio Palacios, which presents a spectacular portico at the entrance of the building surrounded by a area of supports of incredible beauty. The architect was inspired by the Fortresses-Cathedrals and for this reason, visitors have the first impression that it is a Medieval Castle.

We recommend you that you rest your feet and feed your spirit with these monuments, but also taste an appetizer made of those incredible meats that the fantastic Galician gastronomy offers, in order to recover your strength.




Stage 5
PADRÓN – TEO; MILLADOIRO – SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

Distance20km

Start this last stage and get closer to reach your main goal! Cheer up !!!

You will leave Padrón’s Town Hall, the origins of the Jacobean’s tradition. In this municipality there is an altar prevailing from the Roman times dedicated to Neptune, the god of waters.
The legend says that the boat that brought the mortal remains of the apostle Santiago to Galicia was tied to the altar. It is kept in the presbytery of the parish church of Santiago de Padrón, in the Portuguese Way, in Galicia.

We suggest you that you’ll keep enjoying every kilometer, because when you reach the municipality of Teo you´re going to be almost at the entrance of Santiago de Compostela. You will get closer to your main goal through the O Milladoiro, heading to Ponte Vella where you’ll cross Sar’s river.

In order to get to the Cathedral, you will walk through the Alameda’s Park, where you’ll find one of the most well-known sculptures in the city: “las dos Marias”, by César Lombrera.
You will get to Porta Faxeira, one of the main accesses to the historical centre of Santiago, proceeding from there through Franco’s Street – perhaps one of the liveliest of Santiago, a street full of tapa’s bars and souvenir shops – in direction to Praça do Obradoiro. Enjoy and feel all these sensations because you have now reached your goal.

You can now rest with the sense of duty fulfilled in all your senses!!!

Congratulations for the experience and thank you for sharing it with us!!!!