Our Accommodations on the Camino: Porto, Portugal to Santiago de Compostela, Spain via the Spiritual Route

Jan 24

Accommodations and Highlights

Walking the Camino from Porto to Santiago de Compostela via the spiritual route was an experience filled with breathtaking scenery, profound moments of reflection, and welcoming accommodations that made our journey memorable. Covering approximately 168 miles (270km), each stop along the way provided a unique glimpse into the culture and hospitality of this historic pilgrimage route. Below is a recount of the places we stayed, offering both comfort and respite as we made our way to Santiago de Compostela and beyond to Finisterre. Instead of staying in Albergue's (public dorm-like facilities), we opted for private rooms with en suite bathrooms. We took an early flight to Porto and decided to walk to Matosinhos, though resting in Porto for a day might have been wiser.

Matosinhos

Matosinhos, our first stop, greeted us with a refreshing sea breeze and a lively maritime culture. We stayed at the MyStay Matosinhos Centro, situated 1.2 miles from Matosinhos beach. Our accommodation featured a fully equipped kitchenette and was clean, serene, and conveniently located within walking distance of the Camino. Additionally, it boasted an outdoor garden and provided coffee in the entryway. There were nearby stores to buy food for eating or cooking at home.

· Breakfast is NOT included in the rate

· Kitchenette

· Coffee Maker in hallway/Electric Kettle

· Fridge

· Close to Camino

· Wi-Fi is weak in the back rooms

· Restaurants close by

Vila do Conde

We stayed at the Venceslau Wine Boutique Hostel, situated in the heart of Vila do Conde. Conveniently located on the Camino trail, the hostel features an on-site restaurant that opens at 7:30 PM. After walking more than 15 miles, we couldn’t wait until 7:30 pm, so we found nearby stores where we could buy ready-made food.

· Breakfast is NOT included in the rate

· Coffee Maker/Electric Kettle

· Fridge

· Bidet

· On Camino Trail

· Restaurants close by

Barcelos

Barcelos, known for its colorful markets and rich cultural heritage, was our next destination. We stayed at Casa da Ana Boutique Guest House. Our unit had a fully equipped kitchen, air conditioning, and a large, comfortable bed. The guest house is right on the Camino trail and near several restaurants. It was one of my favorite stays on the Camino. I highly recommend it. The only downside is that you can hear people on the stairs if your room is nearby.

· Breakfast included in the rate

· Big Bed

· Coffee Maker (pods included)

· Fridge

· On Camino · Restaurants close by

Vitorino dos Piães

Vitorino dos Piães, a peaceful village surrounded by greenery, offered a relaxing stay. Alminhas da Mindua, about ½ mile from the Camino, features a rooftop pool, spa facilities, and exercise equipment. Rooms are beautifully decorated with an outdoor deck. It is pricier than other places. There is a detour route to get back on the trail, and the host can guide you. Few restaurants are nearby, but the host offers transportation, which is very convenient.

· Breakfast included in the rate

· Big Bed

· Kettle/coffee/tea in room

· 400 meters from Camino Trail

Ponte de Lima

Ponte de Lima, with its medieval bridges and scenic landscapes, was a highlight of our journey as we celebrated my 50th birthday and took a day off. We stayed at the tranquil Quinta do Convento de Val Pereiras, about a mile from the Camino and away from the town center, to escape the ongoing festival. The property was spacious, and at that time, it was mostly unoccupied. It featured a pool, a large room with a comfortable bed, and a sizable bathroom. However, there were no coffee or tea facilities in the rooms, and it required a 20-minute walk or taxi ride to reach town, though taxis could be ordered.

· Breakfast included in the rate

· Bidet

· 2km from Camino

· Pool

· Taxi available

· No restaurants close by- need taxi or walk

· No coffee/kettle in room

Rubiaes

In Rubiaes, we stayed at Quinta das Leiras. It’s a hostel with limited private en suite rooms and an outdoor pool, located right on the Camino trail. There are no nearby restaurants, but the host offers a 6 pm shuttle to local dining options and picks you up at 8 pm. It can get noisy if guests gather in the living room outside the bedrooms.

· Breakfast is NOT included in the rate

· Coffee Maker with pods in shared

kitchen, electric kettle

· On Camino Trail

· Shuttle to restaurants

· Hostel sells beer/ wine/water/snacks

· Pool

Tui

Crossing into Spain, Tui welcomed us with its history and stunning cathedral. We stayed at Pension Ponte das Febres, a bit outside Tui but on the Camino. The host was incredibly kind and accommodating. The rooms were comfortable and well-decorated, with a shared balcony overlooking the town. While breakfast is not included, the café downstairs offers tasty food all day. I highly recommend staying here. On my favorite list!

· Breakfast is NOT included in the rate

· On Camino Trail but 6 km from the town of Tui

· Café downstairs serves delicious food all-day

· Amazing hosts

O Porriño

O Porriño is a vibrant town with many restaurants and bars. We selected Alojamientos Central, a small hotel located in the heart of the town. The accommodation provided was a standard room with a compact bathroom. There are ample dining options available nearby.

· Breakfast is NOT included in the rate

· Electric Kettle

· Fridge

· Microwave

· On Camino Trail

· Restaurants/stores close by

· Can be noisy due to train tracks closeby

Redondela

In Redondela, we experienced the allure of a traditional Spanish town. We stayed at As Chivas, a country house located near the Camino with a minor detour. The rooms were charming and well-appointed. The grounds provided a pleasant environment for leisurely walks and included goats that guests could feed. The house featured an on-site restaurant with meals available; breakfast was included, and dinner was offered à la carte. Additionally, there is a nearby restaurant that serves an excellent prix fixe lunch. The hosts were exceptionally friendly. I highly recommend staying here.

· Breakfast included in the rate

· Electric Kettle in shared space

· Fridge

· 300 meters from Camino

· The restaurant is open for dinner and snacks, serving wine and beer, with an optional

lunch restaurant nearby within walking distance

Pontevedra

We stayed at the Hotel Rural Campaniola, located in Pontevedra but beyond the main city and along the route to the Spiritual trail. At the time of booking, I did not realize the additional distance we would need to cover. In hindsight, it might have been more convenient to stay within the town, although this decision did result in a shorter walk the following day. Regardless, both walks were quite challenging. The hotel was typical, offering a large bed, private bathroom, air conditioning, and an inclusive breakfast, which featured one of the best spreads we encountered. Although the hotel's restaurant closed at 3 pm and did not reopen until 8 pm, leaving us with limited dining options nearby, we were able to secure a sandwich upon request (aka begging).

· Breakfast included in rate (best breakfast spread!)

· On the Camino Spiritual route

· Restaurant available but limited hours- advise to get food prior to arriving

Armenteira

Armenteira, situated along the spiritual variant of the Camino, provided a serene retreat. Accommodation options are limited in this area. We opted to stay at the Villa Laredo, located an additional mile from the Camino. However, I was pleased with our choice. The rooms were exceptionally cozy and comfortable, featuring a large bed and a spacious bathroom. The property also included an outdoor private deck with a view of the sunset. Although breakfast was included, the options were limited. As there are no nearby restaurants, it is recommended to grab food prior to arrival. Additionally, there is a convenient detour to rejoin the Camino. Overall, I enjoyed our stay at Villa Laredo.

· Breakfast included in the rate

· Coffee Maker/Electric Kettle available in the cafeteria

· Fridge

· 2km from Armenteria Monastery- buy food prior to arrival

· Detour back to Camino available

Vila de Arousa

In Vila de Arousa, we enjoyed the coastal beauty and fresh sea air. We stayed at Marujita Vilanova, close to the Camino, with each huge apartment offering a kitchen, dining room, and sofa. The hotel is in town, but finding open restaurants for an early dinner was challenging due to a holiday. We had croissants for dinner.

· Breakfast is NOT included in the rate

· Coffee Maker with pods, biscuits, tea

· Fridge/Oven/Microwave

· On the Camino

· Restaurants close by but limited hours

Padron

Padron, noted for its historical significance and culinary offerings, was our second-to-last stop. We stayed at SESAR Padron VUT, an apartment in town. It had two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a washing machine. Several restaurants and supermarkets are nearby. The host was very accommodating and helpful.

· Breakfast is NOT included in the rate

· Coffee Maker/Electric Kettle, coffee/tea/cereal, milk provided

· Fridge/Stove/Microwave

· On the Camino

· Restaurants close by

Santiago de Compostela

Reaching Santiago de Compostela was a moment of great joy and satisfaction. We stayed at Hotel Gelmirez in the city center, close to numerous restaurants and attractions. It was a typical standard hotel, which made me forget to take a photo of the room, especially since I was so exhausted by then!

· Breakfast is NOT included in the rate

· Fridge

· Restaurants close by

· 15-minute walk from the Cathedral

Finisterre

After completing our pilgrimage, we took a bus to Finisterre to recuperate. This coastal town, known as the "end of the world," was the perfect way to conclude our journey. If you are prone to motion sickness, I recommend taking a taxi instead, as the bus ride is long and winding, but the cost is much more.

We stayed at A Casina de Dina, right in the heart of the town, within walking distance of the bus stop. The property was a triplex, with the bedroom on the top floor featuring a small balcony that overlooked the water. The living room was located on the second floor, and the ground floor contained a fully equipped kitchen and a washing machine.

The location was convenient, with many restaurants and shops nearby. If you enjoy tasting menus, we recommend Terra Restaurant, which is within walking distance of the apartment. Call for reservations in advance. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here after walking the Camino and highly recommend this apartment. Bon Camino/Buen Camino.