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Portuguese Way: Everything You Need to Know Before Your Pilgrimage

We love Portugal. We don’t feel like outsiders when we cross the border — in fact, for us, it feels like home, even if we associate being here with holidays and happy moments. What’s totally normal for those of us who live near the border can sometimes be helpful to explain for anyone heading into […]

We love Portugal. We don’t feel like outsiders when we cross the border — in fact, for us, it feels like home, even if we associate being here with holidays and happy moments.

What’s totally normal for those of us who live near the border can sometimes be helpful to explain for anyone heading into Portugal — especially if you’re planning to walk the Portuguese Way (Camino Portugués).

Practical Tips Every Pilgrim Should Know

Local Time

Portugal is one hour behind Spain. Make sure to adjust your watch, especially when crossing the border.

Language

While many Portuguese people speak some Spanish or English, learning a few words in Portuguese — like “obrigado/a” (thank you) or “bom dia” (good morning) — can go a long way in connecting with locals.

Payment

In big cities, paying by card is easy. But in smaller villages or rural hostels, cash is still king. Always carry some euros in cash, just in case.

Starters and Table Customs

It’s common in Portugal to be served small starters like bread, olives, or cheese as soon as you sit down. Even if you didn’t ask for them, you’ll be charged if you eat them. It’s perfectly normal — and totally fine to politely decline them if you don’t want them.

No Tapas

Unlike Spain, there’s no tradition of free tapas with your drink. But don’t worry — portions tend to be generous and prices are usually fair.

Slower Service

Food and drink in Portugal are made with care. It might take a bit longer, so take it as part of the journey — slow down and enjoy the moment.


About the Portuguese Way

Main Routes

  • The Central Route is the most traditional, passing through historic cities like Santarém, Coimbra and Barcelos.

  • The Coastal Route follows the Atlantic Ocean, offering stunning sea views in towns like Vila do Conde and Viana do Castelo.

Signage

  • Yellow arrows guide the way to Santiago.

  • Blue arrows point toward Fátima. The two paths often overlap, so pay close attention to stay on the right track.

Accommodation

Portugal offers a wide range of pilgrim accommodation — from basic albergues to charming rural guesthouses. During peak season, it’s smart to book ahead, especially in the most popular sections.

Climate & Gear

If you’re starting in summer from Lisbon or the Algarve, expect high temperatures. Bring lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and plenty of water. In winter, rain is common — pack a good rain jacket and waterproof footwear.


Extra Tips for Your Pilgrimage

Mobile & Internet

Coverage in Portugal is generally good, though rural areas may have weak signals. If you rely on mobile data, consider getting a local SIM card.

Local Festivals and Traditions

If your Camino overlaps with a local celebration — like a romería or village fiesta — don’t miss it! These events are a beautiful way to experience Portuguese culture through music, dancing, and local customs.

Medical Assistance

Bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you. Portugal’s healthcare system is reliable and accessible in case of emergencies.


A Journey to Enjoy and Discover

Walking the Portuguese Way is not just a physical path — it’s a cultural and spiritual experience. You’ll discover a country full of history, beautiful landscapes, and genuine hospitality. Take your time, connect with fellow pilgrims and locals, and let yourself be surprised by the magic of Portugal.


REMEMBER!

❗Prices are generally lower than in Spain, except for accommodation, which is similar.
❗Portugal is one hour behind Spain.
❗People speak more softly than what you may be used to — speaking loudly is considered rude.
❗The small starters served at the table are not free — if you eat them, you pay.
❗Portuguese food takes time and care, so service might be slow (and that’s okay!).
❗No free tapas or snacks with your drink.
❗The food is delicious — you must try Vinho Verde, franguinho, bacalhau… WAIT, WAIT, WAIT! We’ll leave a link with our favorite dishes here.
❗There’s a solid network of albergues.
❗You’ll see double signage: yellow arrows point to Santiago, blue arrows to Fátima.

Do you think we should add anything else? Write to us — we’d love to hear from you!

Where to Eat in Tui?

Where to Eat in Tui? This is one of the most common questions from visitors and friends alike. Whether you’re passing through on the Camino de Santiago or simply want to enjoy the historical charm of the city, at some point, you’ll surely ask yourself: Where can I eat well here? Tui offers a wide […]

Where to Eat in Tui? This is one of the most common questions from visitors and friends alike. Whether you’re passing through on the Camino de Santiago or simply want to enjoy the historical charm of the city, at some point, you’ll surely ask yourself: Where can I eat well here?

Tui offers a wide and varied gastronomic scene, with options for all tastes—from traditional Galician cuisine to more innovative proposals. You’ll find places where you can enjoy fresh seafood, grilled meats, and typical dishes such as pulpo á feira (Galician-style octopus) or empanada gallega (Galician pie).

At Ideas Peregrinas, we welcome pilgrims and travelers every day, and one of the most frequent questions is about good places to eat nearby. For this reason, we’ve put together some of our favorite recommendations, all just a short walk from our hostel.

Ideas Peregrinas Café & Brunch

📍 Address: Rúa Porta da Pía, 1, Tui
🍽️ Specialty: Healthy breakfasts and brunch, vegetarian and vegan options.
📞 Phone: +34 886 16 37 24
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday: 7:00–22:30
Google rating: 4.6 (1,000+ reviews)


Le Crêpe Da Pía

📍 Address: Porta da Pía, 8, 36700 Tui
🍽️ Specialty: Sweet and savory crêpes.
📞 Phone: +34 672 37 76 70
Opening hours:

  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday-Saturday: 13:30–22:30
  • Sunday: 16:30–22:30
    Google rating: 4.9 (267 reviews)

O Vello Cabalo Furado (150 m)

📍 Address: Rúa Ordóñez, 5, Tui
🍽️ Specialty: Traditional Galician cuisine.
📞 Phone: +34 986 60 42 99
Opening hours:

  • Tuesday-Sunday: 12:30–16:00 / 20:00–23:30
  • Monday: Closed
    Google rating: 4.4 (1,500+ reviews)

El Molino (200 m)

📍 Address: Rúa Martínez Padín, 15, Tui
🍽️ Specialty: Tapas, fish, meats, and homemade food.
📞 Phone: +34 986 60 30 65
Opening hours:

  • Monday-Saturday: 12:30–16:00 / 19:30–23:30
  • Sunday: Closed
    Google rating: 4.5 (600+ reviews)

Tapas e Viño (250 m)

📍 Address: Praza de San Fernando, 6, Tui
🍽️ Specialty: Galician tapas, wines, and sharing plates.
📞 Phone: +34 986 60 30 77
Opening hours:

  • Tuesday-Sunday: 13:00–16:00 / 20:00–00:00
  • Monday: Closed
    Google rating: 4.3 (800+ reviews)

Bocatería Fornos (300 m)

📍 Address: Calle Entrehornos, S/N, Tui
🍽️ Specialty: Sandwiches, burgers, and fast food.
📞 Phone: +34 615 592 375
Opening hours:

  • Monday-Sunday: 19:00–00:00
  • Tuesday: Closed
    Google rating: 3.9 (based on Carta.menu)

O Novo Cabalo Furado

📍 Address: Rúa Ordóñez, 5, 36700 Tui
🍽️ Specialty: Traditional Galician cuisine, seafood, fish, and meats.
📞 Phone: +34 986 60 42 99
Opening hours:

  • Monday: 13:00–15:30
  • Tuesday-Wednesday: 13:00–15:30 / 20:00–22:30
  • Thursday: Closed
  • Friday-Sunday: 13:00–15:30 / 20:00–22:30
    Google rating: 4.5 (1,452 reviews)

Graffiti Ideas Peregrinas

We really wanted to create a mural, in fact we have spent years with a blank wall waiting to be painted for something that we were clear that we wanted to do. We didn’t even let a painting hang because it was like a blank memory that something was coming and with many wishes! A […]

We really wanted to create a mural, in fact we have spent years with a blank wall waiting to be painted for something that we were clear that we wanted to do. We didn’t even let a painting hang because it was like a blank memory that something was coming and with many wishes!

A wall where the pilgrims had their leading role and here two sisters go hand in hand who took their first step when they were 12 and 13 years old and today we are behind this wonderful pilgrim world.

Around the walk of the pilgrims appear phrases that were taken from our books, from the pilgrims who leave their mark by writing their desires, their thoughts and their spirits. We made a selection of hundreds and hundreds, we would say thousands of phrases and around this articulation names emerge.

The names belong to our angels, those who helped us in the pandemic to continue people who are still in our heads and little by little they are turning to the mural as a way of recognition. To all of them and to you who read us, thank you, thank you, thank you for being there giving us energy and encouraging us to continue with our steps!

Fires in Portugal don´t affect the route of the Portuguese Way

At Ideas Peregrinas we are receiving many queries about the state of the fires in Portugal, which is why we have decided to share this information with you. Thanks to the incredible work of thousands of forest firefighters and recent rains, the spate of fires that has affected central and northern Portugal is practically under […]

At Ideas Peregrinas we are receiving many queries about the state of the fires in Portugal, which is why we have decided to share this information with you.

Thanks to the incredible work of thousands of forest firefighters and recent rains, the spate of fires that has affected central and northern Portugal is practically under control. Although there are some active outbreaks, most of the fires are extinguished or under control. According to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), there are currently very few active fires in Portugal.

The smoke was especially noticeable on the Portuguese Way, even reaching Santiago de Compostela.

This series of fires began around September 10 and reached its most critical point between September 15 and 17, with 107 simultaneous fires that mobilized more than 4,000 firefighters. The heat affected the north of the Iberian Peninsula and western France, but the rains helped to disperse it. The Portuguese authorities have declared September 20 as a day of national mourning in honor of the victims and a state of calamity has also been declared in the most affected municipalities.

Now, after these episodes, the Aitor storm arrives, the first of the season, which will leave us with wind, tides and intense rain. As these days approach, the fierce heat changes to lower temperatures and water with the tranquility of letting go of this terrible news that makes us reflect on the importance of taking care of our mountains.

The transport of backpacks on the Portuguese Way

The transport of backpacks on the Portuguese Way works phenomenally, there are several specialized companies along the entire route. On one occasion we made the journey sharing the backpack, yes a strange formula 🤣 but there are many ways to carry the backpack: on wheels, on your back or having it carried for you. If […]

The transport of backpacks on the Portuguese Way works phenomenally, there are several specialized companies along the entire route.

On one occasion we made the journey sharing the backpack, yes a strange formula 🤣 but there are many ways to carry the backpack: on wheels, on your back or having it carried for you.

If you are thinking about this last option, about hiring the transfer of backpacks, this is what you should know!

  1. If you want to hire all the way, plan the stages first and then let the company know your plan. They will take the details of the accommodations you will use so that they can pick up your suitcase on the indicated days. Eye! Check the pick-up schedule to have the backpack on time.
  2. When you arrive at the hostel, check the place and find out where to leave your backpack.
  3. You must leave your backpack prepared in the place indicated by the accommodation.
  4. When you arrive at the accommodation after completing the stage you will find your suitcase.

Our recommendations!

  1. Call the shipping company directly. Do not leave this important management in the hands of third parties.
  2. Identify your suitcase with your name and phone number.
  3. Trust, companies work phenomenally.

Here we leave you a list that will be useful to you:

Companies that offer backpack transportation on the Portuguese Way in Portugal:

Tuitrans

Top Santiago

Pilbeo

Companies that offer the transport of backpacks on the Portuguese Way from Tui:

Tuitrans

Jotimalas

Camino Fácil

If you find this information interesting, share it! and of course come with your backpack to our hostel in Tui, you can book from here!

And if you notice that any important information is missing, write to me at home@ideas-peregrinas.com

_________

Ideas Peregrinas is a few steps from the Cathedral of Tui and the Portuguese Way passes in front of our door.

Nathional Geografic in its special on the Camino de Santiago says “Pilgrim Ideas, an essential coffee for pilgrims.”

How to send the backpack to Santiago de Compostela

How to send the backpack to Santiago de Compostela is a common request from pilgrims at Ideas Peregrinas, so here we leave you all the necessary information. The easiest thing is to deal with backpack transport companies because they process the pick-up at the albergue and also deposit it in Santiago in their own lockers […]

How to send the backpack to Santiago de Compostela is a common request from pilgrims at Ideas Peregrinas, so here we leave you all the necessary information.

The easiest thing is to deal with backpack transport companies because they process the pick-up at the albergue and also deposit it in Santiago in their own lockers until you go to pick up your suitcase.

In this post about transporting suitcases to Santiago you can consult the companies that offer the transport of backpacks on the Portuguese Camino. In the winter season you may find yourself with high prices or even inactivity of companies, some close during the winter months so check their schedules beforehand.

Another option is to go to the Post Office “Correos”. We  have an office in Tui, from where you can send your belongings to the Main Post Office in Santiago and the prices we provide you already include 15 days of storage.

Warning! This office has morning hours only from Monday to Saturday, and in the summer it may only be from Monday to Saturday.

Below we detail the prices to send your belongings:
  • Sending between 0kg and 15kg the price is 20.95 euros. The office provides a box.
  • Sending between 15 kg and 30 kg is 31 euros. The office provides a box.
  • If you prefer to send the suitcase (maximum 25kg) as is, the price is 22.30 euros, if you need to send two suitcases together the price is 44.60kg. In this case it isn´t necessary to pack.
Basic tips for sending your backpack directly to Santiago:
  • Send it with your contact information, be sure to give an email and phone number that you have active during the journey.
  • Check in advance the schedule of the Tui Post Office.
  • Ensure the shipping address to Santiago de Compostela.

If you think this information needs to be updated with any information please write to us.

Register of travelers in Galicia

Registration of travelers in Galicia is a new method to apply and control security, and from Ideas Peregrinas we want to provide the most relevant information so that it does not pose any inconvenience and is as simple as possible. The Xunta de Galicia has implemented a series of sanitary-hygienic measures for the prevention of […]

Registration of travelers in Galicia is a new method to apply and control security, and from Ideas Peregrinas we want to provide the most relevant information so that it does not pose any inconvenience and is as simple as possible. The Xunta de Galicia has implemented a series of sanitary-hygienic measures for the prevention of infection by the Sars-CoV-2 virus that affect pilgrims who decide to come visit us to do the Portuguese Way. For non-residents and those without primary care physicians, they are assigned a service telephone number 881 00 20 21 It is necessary to communicate the contact details through a form. It affects anyone who resides or not in Galicia, and who come or have been in the last 14 days in territories with a high epidemiological incidence due to COVID-19. The territories with a high epidemiological incidence are: From any of the countries of the African continent. From the following territories of the American continent: Argentina, Bahamas, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Montserrat, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, San Vicente and the Grenadines, Saint Martin, Suriname, Tortugas Islands, United States, Virgin Islands, Venezuela, Haiti, Jamaica and Nicaragua. From the following Asian territories: Bahrain, Bangladesh, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, the Maldives, Oman, Palestine, the Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Bhutan , Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Syria, Thailand and Vietnam. From the following European territories: Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Kosovo, Luxembourg, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Sweden and Ukraine. From the Autonomous Communities of Aragon, Catalonia, Navarra, the Basque Country and La Rioja. Registration link

The legend of Galo de Barcelos and the pilgrim

The legend of Galo de Barcelos and the pilgrim is a story that every pilgrim should know. The Galo de Barcelos (Rooster of Barcelos)  is a symbol of Portugal, it represented the country’s tourist destination painted in many colors and today it is a memory that we all cherish in our homes. It is typical […]

The legend of Galo de Barcelos and the pilgrim is a story that every pilgrim should know.

The Galo de Barcelos (Rooster of Barcelos)  is a symbol of Portugal, it represented the country’s tourist destination painted in many colors and today it is a memory that we all cherish in our homes. It is typical to find it in miniature and made of clay, an authentic handmade jewel painted by hand!

The origin of this symbol is closely linked to the Portuguese Way.

Legend has it that the inhabitants of Barcelos were very alarmed because someone committed a crime and the culprit was not discovered. One day a Galician appeared and became a suspect. The authorities detained him, but he defended his innocence. He was a pilgrim who was going to Santiago de Compostela to fulfill a promise and it had nothing to do with what happened.

The Galician was sentenced to hang, but first asked to be taken before the judge. The judge was at a banquet with friends when he defended his innocence and since no one believed him, he pointed to a roasted rooster on the table and said: “It is true that I am innocent, and, as proof, that rooster will crow when they hang me. ”

What seemed impossible happened! When the pilgrim was being hanged, the roast rooster got up from the table and crowed. The judge ran to the gallows and, seeing that the knot in the rope prevented the strangulation, immediately ordered him to be released, letting him go in peace.

When you get to Barcelos you should visit the monument in honor of San Tiago and the Virgin, which the pilgrim asked to do. Another recommended visit is the Archaeological Museum where there is a medieval cross associated with the legend of the Galo de Barcelos.

Buen camino peregrinos!

Predicting of the Portuguese Way in times of Covid-19

Predicting of the Portuguese Way in times of Covid-19. There are many of you who ask us about the situation in Galicia for these next dates, questions about forecasts for this summer 2021 and other questions. That is why we have preferred to create a small one that seeks to provide an answer, although we […]

Predicting of the Portuguese Way in times of Covid-19. There are many of you who ask us about the situation in Galicia for these next dates, questions about forecasts for this summer 2021 and other questions. That is why we have preferred to create a small one that seeks to provide an answer, although we always do so by consulting different sources and avoiding personal considerations.

We hope it helps you!

Galicia for Galicians this Easter.
In Galicia we continue with the perimeter closure so that only internal tourism can be made. Of course, it will be necessary to comply with the curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. and hygiene-sanitary measures.
The idea of ​​this decision is that with a restrictive behavior this access limitation can be opened in the face of the summer season.

Pilgrim if you have the Camino de Santiago nearby

If you have the fortune to live on the Camino de Santiago that passes through your region, value pilgrimage!

Making the way isn´t only walking, it represents much more than that, it means living, thinking, discovering a cultural route, destinations and being in contact with the environment.
In Galicia you can make a pilgrimage along practically all the caminos, since there are only 9 municipalities with levels of restrictions.
In the case of the Portuguese Way, you can consult the shelters along the way here.
Anti-covid insurance
The Xunta will create insurance for tourists and pilgrims, in this way whoever decides to visit Galicia will have assistance and coverage for any mishap, including covid-19. The coverage will be extended to all non-resident visitors in the community who meet a series of requirements, including that the trip is limited to Galician territory, who arrive here for a period of less than thirty days and who prove their stay in regulated accommodation.

Current border closure

Now, in Spain, international travel is limited to work reasons.
Spain imposes a quarantine on travelers from Peru, Colombia and eight African countries. In addition, the Government maintains isolation for up to ten days for people arriving from South Africa and Brazil.
The United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands are under strict confinements although with different levels waiting to be able to improve the situation.
Portugal and France have closed land borders and prohibited the movements of their inhabitants, except for exceptions such as the transport of goods or the passage of cross-border workers.

Here on the border of Tui there are collapses of up to two hours at rush hour, there are many neighbors from Portugal who come to work here and vice versa.
The press talks about the border closure being extended until April 6.

Forecasts for this summer

The European Union has limited travel between member countries and “non-essential” trips as much as possible. The European Tourism Manifesto alliance has made several recommendations to resume mobility with guarantees for this summer, the E-Health certificate is being proposed to verify the vaccination status in a quick and coordinated way, which would allow mobility for those people who have received immunity from Covid-19.

Book!

Once Easter passes we hope to have news about what the guidelines to follow will be. We know that the state of alarm ends on May 9 and we hope that all efforts will have a more positive impact so that this date can be as final as possible.
Therefore, from Ideas Peregrinas you can already reserve a closed date and to generate security in the process we ensure a free cancellation as long as it is done 3 days in advance.
So start planning with enthusiasm, we need it!

We don´t know if we will have helped you with these forecasts of the Portuguese Way in times of Covid-19 but if you have any questions or information to contribute, write to us!

Information to pilgrims in times of COVID

Information to pilgrims in times of COVID is a section that we have decided to write and that we will update so that we can all have all the information possible. Our recommendation is to stay at home, be careful and leave the camino plans for when the situation is better given the current situation […]

Information to pilgrims in times of COVID is a section that we have decided to write and that we will update so that we can all have all the information possible.

Our recommendation is to stay at home, be careful and leave the camino plans for when the situation is better given the current situation and the ORDER of November 4, 2020 of Xunta de Galicia, where COVID prevention measures are established that require, among other things at the closure of the hotel business, mobility limits and convincing social meetings in 60 municipalities in Galicia.

However, we warn that there are pilgrims making the camino, there are many who need information to manage their journey because returning home means arriving at the airport in Santiago, something that we already experienced in March, so we want to make several clear points:

1. Can pilgrims go on their way?

Pilgrims can pass through the perimeter municipalities in transit, as long as it is solely and exclusively to continue their journey. Pilgrims who have already been on their way since October 30 will be able to access Santiago and spend the night in the capital.

Font: caminodesantiago.gal

2. What schedules must be taken into account?

Curfew throughout Galicia from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Curfew in 121 regions with the highest rate of infection in Portugal: 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. and on weekends from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. 


3. What are the municipalities or territorial areas that affect the Camino Portuguese ?

Santiago, Ames, Boqueixón, Oroso, O Pino, Teo, Trazo, Val do Dubra y Vedra (cierre conjunto).

Pontevedra, Vilaboa, Ponte Caldelas, Poio, Marín, Barro, Campo Lameiro, Cerdedo-Cotobade y Soutomaior (cierre conjunto).

Vigo, Mos, Nigrán, Gondomar, O Porriño y Redondela (cierre conjunto).

Tui.

Consult: news La Voz de Galicia

4. Is it recommended to make an alternative route to avoid the affected municipalities?

There are pilgrims who are recommended to go to Monçao to cross to Salvaterra and from there to Poriño because thea people say tat  “it isn´t possible to cross to Tui”. We don´t recommend it, it is dangerous to travel through unrecognized routes, in addition Porriño is within an affected area, and as indicated in Turismo de Galicia, you can cross Tui in transit.

5. Can the albergues host?

According to the regulations of November 4, 2020, the albergues can be open. As it doesn´t appear in the list of non-essential activities, the common regulations for the rest of the councils will be applied, therefore, the maximum capacity will be 50%. In the case of Ideas Peregrinas, we have a minimum reception service for pilgrims who by necessity have to spend the night in Tui and always following the covid prevention protocol rules.

NOTE: Participate and write to us at home@ideas-peregrinas.com if you need to provide new information.

 

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