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 route
The route from Tui to Santiago covers a total distance of 126km.
Tui - O Porrino | 20km |
O Porrino - Arcade | 22km |
Arcade - Pontevedra | 13km |
Pontevedra - Caldas de Reis | 22km |
Caldas de Reis - Padrom | 19km |
Padron - Santiago de Compostella | 25km |
2. How can I get to Tui 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). I recommend you pre-book your transfer to avoid getting caught out by surprises. A fixed fee is better than an unknown.
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.
3. How can I get to Tui 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 advertised. Otherwise you can book your transfer in advance. 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.
7. Where can I pick up a Pilgrim Passport in Tui?
'Credencial' - the Pilgrim Passport is available in the Cathedral of Tui. 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.
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: Colón Tuy
Contemporary hotel with views of the castle. It has a seasonal swimming pool, gardens, and free Wi-Fi. The large, modern rooms in the Colón Tuy have wooden floors, air conditioning.
Option 4: Apartment Castro Tui
A beautifully decorated 3-bedroom apartment very close to the historic old town. Superb reviews.
Where to eat in Tui
Favorite Cafes in Tui
Ideas Peregrinas (coffee, breakfast, lunch and shop for Peregrinos!
Pastelería Taller De Dulces Oscar Romero (best for Churros y Chocolate)
Favorite Restaurants in Tui
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".
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
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.
