5 peaceful routes on the Portuguese Way to avoid crowds

If you’re looking for a more personal, introspective experience away from the crowds of the Camino de Santiago, this article is for you. The Portuguese Way offers several options that allow you to enjoy the beauty of Galicia and northern Portugal with more calm, authenticity, and contact with nature. Below, we present five peaceful routes of the Portuguese Way to walk your pilgrimage at your own pace.

1. Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Way

This route is a gem for those seeking a deeper and different experience, especially pilgrims who value spirituality, solitude, and a less touristic approach to the pilgrimage. The Spiritual Variant begins in Pontevedra and detours from the traditional path to offer three stages full of history, monasteries, and nature, ending with the mythical boat journey along the Traslatio Route, the only maritime section of the Camino de Santiago.

  • ⛵ Less crowded stages.
  • ✨ Spiritual and scenic connection.
  • 🌊 Boat journey through the Ría de Arousa and the Ulla River.

Ideal for those seeking a quieter, more meaningful experience. You can check schedules and book the journey at Barco Variante Espiritual.

2. Portuguese Coastal Way (alternative sections)

Although the Portuguese Coastal Way has gained popularity in recent years, there are still less traveled sections, especially between Esposende and Viana do Castelo, or between A Guarda and Oia, where the Atlantic coast offers stunning scenery and moments of deep serenity.

  • 🌊 Paths along the sea and quiet beaches.
  • 🛎 Backpacking with ocean breeze.
  • 🚌 Less infrastructure, more authenticity.

Perfect for those who love the sea and want to walk accompanied by the sound of the waves. It is best to do this route in spring or autumn, when temperatures are milder and rainfall is less frequent.

3. Father Sarmiento Route

This lesser-known route is full of history, retracing the journey made by Friar Martín Sarmiento in 1745 along the coast of the Rías Baixas. It starts in Pontevedra and passes through towns like Combarro, Sanxenxo, O Grove, and Illa de Arousa, ending in Santiago de Compostela.

  • 📍 Coastal and cultural route.
  • 🌟 Ideal for curious walkers and history lovers.
  • 🌍 Less known and therefore very peaceful.

You can link this route with the Spiritual Variant or the Portuguese Coastal Way to create a customized pilgrimage. For example, start in Pontevedra, follow Father Sarmiento’s route to O Grove, take a detour to Illa de Arousa, and from there connect with the Spiritual Variant to complete your journey to Santiago.

4. Inland Portuguese Way (via the Miño)

A less explored option that begins in Ourense, with an approximate distance of 120 km divided into 6 stages, passing through rural and mountainous areas before connecting with the Central Portuguese Way. It offers natural landscapes, rural hospitality, and very few people.

  • 🌳 Trails through forests and charming villages.
  • 🧳 Guaranteed tranquility.
  • 🍷 Possibility of combining with wine routes.

Ideal for those seeking a more untouched route full of local flavor.

5. Portuguese Way from Tui with alternative stages

While the section from Tui to Santiago is very popular, you can avoid most of the crowds by choosing secondary paths, such as detouring through Ribadelouro or San Telmo. These variants have basic signage, so it’s advisable to carry a Camino tracking app or updated maps to avoid getting lost. These options let you avoid the masses without leaving the official path.

  • 🔍 Walk marked secondary paths.
  • 🌿 More greenery and less asphalt.
  • 🚩 Still eligible for the Compostela.

Perfect for those starting in Tui but seeking a more peaceful experience.

Enjoy the Camino at your own pace

The Camino de Santiago is not a race. Every pilgrim has their own reason and their own pace. If you’re looking for a quieter route, with less noise and more connection with nature and yourself, these five Portuguese Way options are perfect for you.

Plan ahead, explore the possibilities, and choose the path that best suits your travel style. Check out our blog for more details on each route and start designing your ideal Camino experience.