Advertorial
I know that everyone talks about the Camino de Santiago as a spiritual experience that is transformative and life-changing, and that’s true but what most people forget to tells you about is that there are also real challenges: the amount of blisters you get, how hard is to sleep on albergues with strangers, or that moment when you swear your backpack weighs more than your will to live.
Yes, the Camino is not easy peasy lemon squeezy, not even the “easier” routes like the Camino Portuguese, but something true that most pilgrims do share is how rewarding it is. Because in the end, what pilgrims remember most isn’t the struggle, but the incredible strength they didn’t know they had, the friendships forged along the way, and the overwhelming sense of accomplishment.
So, if you're thinking about hiking the Camino Portugués, let me tell you: it's one of the most bearable routes, but that doesn't mean it's a picnic. Thankfully, Santiago Ways takes care of the logistics for you, and this makes things a lot easier, so you can focus on enjoying the journey, but keep an eye open, there are things you still need to know before embarking on the adventure.
1. The Camino Portugués
It’s often labeled as one of the most beautiful and easiest route, but that comes with a catch… to some extent, that’s true, the Camino Portugués doesn’t have any brutal climb like the Camino Frances or the desolate areas of the Camino del Norte, but that doesn't make it a walk in the park, in fact, I would rather say that this route is hard but in its own way.
A good example is the stage where all you see is endless stretches of roads, with the only scenery being asphalt and the smell of gasoline. However, this issue is easily avoidable; all you need to do is add more off-the-beaten-path routes. Santiago Ways helps you do that and avoid some of these horrible stretches with its alternative routes.
2. Santiago Ways
Let's be clear: Santiago Ways is helpful. You see, one of the main concerns about doing the Camino, any route, even the Camino Portuguese from Tui is:
- The accommodations (this plays a HUGE role when you are walking for more than 6 hours a day), and
- Support. I don’t know how many times I have heard people saying they can’t do the Camino due to a lack of support you can feel while doing long-distance trails, but that’s something this Santiago Ways solves.
The company will take care of everything for you; their value lies in the convenience, expertise, and peace of mind they provide. Is it worth it? Yes, it’s, but it depends. If you don't have the patience to find accommodation, deal with reservations, or carry your luggage, then yes. It’s all about what kind of Camino you want to have.
Their packages include carefully selected hotels (all rooms feature private bathrooms and essential amenities for a comfortable stay), luggage transfers (meaning you only carry a small backpack with the essentials), and 24/7 assistance for any support you may need along the way. The team personally makes sure that the quality of each accommodation is top-notch to guarantee a pleasant experience.
Keep in mind that during peak season, prices tend to rise, and accommodations on the stage route can become fully booked. Still, even if that’s the case, and the accommodations aren’t available right on the main path, Santiago Ways will arrange transfers to bring you from/to the accommodation, so you won’t have to walk extra. Their reviews are excellent, and the truth is that when you're at kilometer 15 with your feet in tatters, you're grateful you paid for a little comfort.
3. Physical Preparation
Here's an inconvenient truth: if you don't prepare, the Camino will destroy you. It doesn't matter if the Portuguese Way is "easy." Walking 20-25 km a day for a week (or more) isn't something your body can handle without warning or warming up. I made the mistake of thinking that my stamina would be enough.
Spoiler alert: it wasn't. On the first day, I ended up with blisters that looked like balloons and a knee that made suspicious noises. If you don't want to end up like me, start walking at least a month beforehand, increase the distance gradually, and, for the love of God, don't break in new shoes on the first day. Try the shoes you will use before starting the Camino.
And remember: Santiago Ways not only can carry your suitcase, but the company's assistance service will be ready to arrange support, in case you struggle or need help during the hike. Contact support and discuss options such as pickup or drop-off.
Conclusion: Is Santiago's Way Worth It?
If you prefer convenience and a stress-free experience, Santiago Ways is a great choice. They handle all the logistics, offering comfort without unnecessary luxuries. The Camino is a personal experience, whether you meet people along the way or not. The company understands this and lets you focus on the trail without worries. In the end, the Camino Portugués is an incredible experience, though it’s wise to be prepared. So if you decide to do it, remember: no new shoes, no overstuffed backpacks, and, above all, no romantic illusions about solitude. This is Spain after all, you’ll likely bond with fellow pilgrims (or at least share a few stories!).
This article was authored by Leolytics
