Portuguese Camino: Luxury Accommodation, Top Restaurants, and Must-Visit Sites in Tui, Spain
Embark on a journey through time and spirituality as we delve into the captivating world of the Camino de Santiago. Rooted in centuries of history, this ancient pilgrimage route, also known as the Way of St. James, beckons travelers from all walks of life.
Originating in the early Middle Ages, the Camino's genesis is intertwined with the legend of St. James and his resting place in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
But beyond its historical significance, the Camino is a path for everyone – a transcendent expedition sought by pilgrims, adventurers, and seekers alike.
Join us as we explore one of the popular routes, the Portuguese Camino from Tui to Santiago de Compostella, focusing on luxury accommodation and experiencing the best of Spain.
Contents
Can I book a transfer between the airport and Tui?
Am I entitled to a Compostella Certificate if I walk from Tui to Santiago de Compostella
1. Explore the Tui to Santiago Camino route
The route from Tui to Santiago covers a total distance of 126km according to official guides. The day stages you can cover are as follows:
Tui - O Porrino | 20km |
O Porrino - Arcade | 22km |
Arcade - Pontevedra | 13km |
Pontevedra - Caldas de Reis | 22km |
Caldas de Reis - Padron | 19km |
Padron - Santiago de Compostella | 25km |
Although the above are official distances in many blogs, my Fitbit tracker noted a longer daily distance in each stage. Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis for example was closer to 28km (and I feel we could have broken it up in two stages). So be mindful of this.
2. How can I get to Tui Spain from the UK ?
The nearest airport to Tui is Vigo International. There are flights to Vigo from the UK from May onwards (airline: Ryanair, from London Stansted and Manchester).
If you fly into Vigo from the UK, you can take a taxi to Tui from the airport (25.9 km - 23 mins). Although you can pre-book your transfer, I used the onsite taxi service and found that the price was very reasonable (somewhere around Eur30, half what the pre-booked taxis charge).
If you fly into Porto from the UK, you can take a train to Valenca which is a short walk/ taxi ride to Tui. The train ride is around 3 hours. From Valenca train station it's around 30-40 min into central tui on foot and you will cross the river bridge which is beautiful (on a day with no rain!).
3. How can I get to Tui Spain from the United States ?
If you are flying in from the United States, know that these cities have direct flights to Porto, where you can start the Portuguese Camino (Coastal route or inner country): New York/Newark (EWR); Chicago (ORD); San Francisco (SFO); Washington, D.C. (IAD); Denver (DEN); Boston (BOS); Houston (IAH); Los Angeles (LAX)
You can also fly into Vigo from these cities in the US: New York, Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, Miami.
Based on rainfall rather than temperature alone, the best time to walk this route is May, June and early September. There is increased rainfall in October and April. July and August are also busy months for this route.
4. How can I get to Tui from Madrid or Barcelona?
Take the train from Madrid Chamartin Train Station to Vigo (4h 18min). You then change for Vigo Guixar (36min). Vigo Guixar is about 4 kilometers from Tui so you need to grab a taxi. You can book train tickets on www.renfe.es (but notice that if you try more than one month in the future, you will probably see no tickets available).
For more routes and directions try this blog post by Ideas Peregrinas.
5. Can I book a transfer between the airport and Tui?
You can grab a taxi outside the arrivals at Vigo International airport. Rates are not officially advertised but I did use this service in June 2024 for my Camino trip and it cost just Eur 30 or 35. Otherwise you can book your transfer in advance. If you Transfer costs from Vigo airport to Tui for two people: Euro 67 through https://www.mytransfers.com
6. Am I entitled to a Compostella Certificate if I walk from Tui to Santiago de Compostella?
Yes. Trails that continue for 100km or more are entitled to the Compostella Certificate. The “Compostela“, is an accreditation of the pilgrimage to the Tomb of St. James.
To get the “Compostela” you must:
Make the pilgrimage for religious or spiritual reasons, or at least an attitude of search.
Do the last 100 km on foot or horseback, or the last 200 km by bicycle. It is understood that the pilgrimage starts at one point and from there you come to visit the Tomb of St. James.
You must collect two stamps daily from the places you visit in your Pilgrim Passport and this will be checked in the Compostella office in Santiago.
7. Where can I pick up a Pilgrim Passport in Tui?
'Credencial' - the Pilgrim Passport where you collect stamps - is available in the Cathedral of Tui. The Cathedral is a must visit and is usually open 10.45am - 2pm and 4 - 8pm.
Sello is the Spanish word for “stamp” or “seal,” and these precious stamps go hand-in-hand with the Credencial.
You must always get your Credencial stamped at the start and end of each stage, including the corresponding date, to show that the pilgrim has resumed the Way in the same place where they last stopped.
8. Luxury Camino Accommodation in Tui
Option 1: Parador de Tui
A classic Parador Hotel in an older building. Great service. Superb reviews. It is further away than the option below although still a walking distance to the town center/castle. It is, however, closer to the Bridge that connects Spain to Portugal so this is an added bonus.
Option 2: Luxury Private Rooms in La SIGRINA Tuy
This 3-star accommodation in Tui features a garden, a shared lounge, and a terrace. Spacious renovated private rooms with free WiFi and a flat-screen TV.
Option 3: Apartment Castro Tui
A beautifully decorated 3-bedroom apartment very close to the historic old town. Superb reviews.
Option 4: Colón Tuy
Partially renovated hotel with views of the Cathedral. I used this hotel and thought the rooms were outdated in the main bed area although bathrooms seemed a little more contemporary. It has a seasonal swimming pool, gardens, and free Wi-Fi. It is by far the easiest to find and has a good location close to the old town and to the start of the Camino trail heading out of Tui.
Where to eat in Tui
Favorite Cafes in Tui
Ideas Peregrinas (coffee, breakfast, lunch and shop for Peregrinos! I absolutely loved the vibes of this place and even found waterproof shoes for my father given that it was raining when we arrived in Tui (in June no less).
Pastelería Taller De Dulces Oscar Romero (best for Churros y Chocolate)
Favorite Restaurants in Tui
If you want to try the 'Pilgrim Menu' you should definitely try the Taperia o Albergue at Rua Obispo Lago 5 (almost opposite Ideas Peregrinas on the alley that leads to the Cathedral).
The menu was Eur10 for 3 courses and a drink.
Restaurante O Novo Cabalo Furado - Exquisite: a true Galician restaurant and you must try their cheesecake. Central location.
Taperia Alboio (opposite the Cathedral of Tui)
A Muralla (balcony with views)
Santi Amen - try their toasties!
Taperia Epoca - with Menu Del Dia from 13 euro
Jaqueyvi - all round good tapas
What to see in Tui
Visit Tui Cathedral
This medieval Cathedral is the centerpiece of the main historical area of Tui. Take your time in this Romanesque building dating back to 1120, go up to the tower, and get a magnificent view of Tui and the Ponte Internacional bridge that separates Valenca, Portugal from Tui, Spain. The interior of the Cathedral has a chapel dedicated to St James the "Moor Slayer".
See aerial views of this Cathedral here.
Crossing the border to Spain - Ponte Internacional Tui-Valença
Tui (in Spain) is just across from the town of Valenca in Portugal. The two towns are separated by the Minho River. The bridge that connects the two has a pedestrian path. It's a good hour's walk from Tui Center to the Valenca fortress.
Chapel of San Telmo
Just a few meters away from the Chapel and the Crucifix of Mercy, lies the Chapel of San Telmo. This chapel holds significant prominence in the Galician town, serving as a rendezvous point for numerous pilgrims traversing the Portuguese Way and tourists who annually flock to Tui.
Distinguished within the Galician community, this religious structure is unique owing to its affiliation with the Munoto Baroque style, influenced by the artistry of André Soares.
Boasting a cross plan, the chapel is notable for its array of Dominican saints depicted both inside and outside.
Attributed to the craftsmanship of the Portuguese master Fray de Mateo, the chapel was constructed between the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries on the site where St. Telmo had passed away. Its construction pays homage to San Pedro González Telmo, who has held the revered status of the town's patron saint for many years.
Next stage: Tui - O Porrino
Buen Camino!
Jenny Kakoudakis likes to blog about travel. She launched award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2014. Jenny plans to travel the Portuguese Camino in 2024 with her dad.
