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The Official Starting Point of the Camino Portugués in Lisbon

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Where is the official starting point of the Camino Portugués? Many believe the official starting point of the Camino Portugués in Lisbon is the Cathedral of Lisbon. It is not. The true starting point is at the obscure Church of Santiago, or the Igreja de Santiago as it is known in Portuguese. 

I am not sure why the Church of Santiago is not well known. Clearly, you can start at the Sé de Lisboa. The choice is yours. 

For us, it was imperative to start at the official starting point and begin what we felt was a more authentic pilgrimage.

“Don't believe what your eyes are telling you. All they show is limitation. Look with your understanding, find out what you already know, and you'll see the way to fly.” ~ Richard Bach, author of Jonathan Livingston Seagull

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We've trekked Pilgrimage Routes Across Europe since 2014!

💬 We’ve:

  • Gotten lost so you don’t have to. 😉
  • Followed waymarks in the glowing sunlight, the pouring rain and by moonlight. ☀️🌧️🌙
  • Slept in albergues, hostels & casa rurals. Ate and drank in cafés along the way.   🛌 😴
  • Created comprehensive and downloadable GPS maps and eBook Guides, full of must-have information based on real pilgrimage travels.  🧭 🗺️  
  • Shared our complete journeys, step by step to help YOU plan your ultimate pilgrimage and walk with your own Heart and Soul. 💙✨

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The Official Start of the Portuguese Way: The Igreja de Santiago in Lisbon

To find the official starting point of the Camino Portugués, one must first find the Church of Santiago, just up the hill, four tenths of a kilometer from the Cathedral of Lisbon. Here is a photograph of the small and unassuming church.

Igreja de Santiago, Lisbon, the Official Start of the Camino PortuguésIgreja de Santiago, Lisbon

It is a sweet little church, on the Rúa de Santiago, heading up the hill towards the famous São Jorge Castle, a must see on the tourist trail in Lisbon. Unfortunately, the church was never open any time when we arrived. 

I wish the church had been open, because when I looked at the Igreja de Santiago Facebook page, the photos of the inside of the church are fabulous. Click on the link to see them. Click the link to see current open times, and for the mass schedule.

According to Wikipedia, the church was originally built in the 1100's, but rebuilt several more times after numerous earthquakes. According to legend, Christopher Columbus and his wife were married here in 1479!

You can see the location of the church on my map below, from my GPS route. You can also see where it is located in relation to the Cathedral of Lisbon, the Sé de Lisboa.

Why Find the Camino Portugués Official Starting Point?

For me, I found it important to find the Santiago church, because here, as you can see in the photo farther below, is the official sign announcing the beginning of The Portuguese Way, in Portuguese. I took a close-up of the sign, so you can read it.

As you can also see in the photos farther below, the views over the Alfama district as you walk down the hill to the cathedral are amazing. This is another reason to begin at the official starting point, or at least see it the day before.

As tourists do, we first visited the Castelo de São Jorge, farther up the hill, then found the Igreja de Santiago as we walked back down the hill towards the Cathedral. It was a bit tricky to find the Rúa de Santiago, with all the narrow streets but we were persistent! 

Here we are, at the front of the church, at our first visit here, where you will find the first yellow arrow, in the lower right hand corner of the photo. We found the church the day before we started our Camino, to ensure that we were in the right place and to enjoy the surroundings in the daylight.

Elle and Rich at the Official Start of the Camino PortuguésElle and Rich at the Official Start of the Camino Portugués

The official placard for the official start in the Portuguese language, below, is small and on the lower right side by the church doors. The sign also indicates the route is 610 kilometers. This would be on the Central Route from Porto. Supposedly, the Coastal Route is 640 kilometers, if you stick to the official route and not the Senda Litoral. (My GPS said that via the Coastal Route, the entire Portuguese Camino was closer to 700 kilometers.)

"Here Begins The Way" in Portuguese, at the Igreja de Santiago in Lisbon, Portugal, Camino Portugués"Here Begins The Way" in Portuguese

Here we are taking a selfie at the first yellow arrow. Our Camino was officially beginning! We were filled with anticipation and joy!

Rich and Elle at First Yellow Arrow on the Camino PortuguésRich and Elle at First Yellow Arrow

The Walk Down the Hill to the Cathedral, the Sé de Lisboa

From the Igreja de Santiago, you walk down the Rúa de Santiago. At the T-Intersection, shown below, there is a nice lookout terrace over the Rio Tejo, called the Miradouro de Santa Luzia. This is a fabulous place to stop for a moment or more to center yourself and reflect on your upcoming journey.

The Walk Down the Rúa de Santiago on the Camino PortuguésThe Walk Down the Rúa de Santiago

The close-ups of the lookout terrace, and its views, show why it is an amazing place to contemplate life and your Camino, by choosing this official starting point! 

Lookout Terrace at the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, along the Camino PortuguésLookout Terrace at the Miradouro de Santa Luzia

The Alfama district as seen from the miradouro is in the next photo. The Camino is down there as it follows the river, just a stone's throw away! I do love Lisbon!

Alfama District, as Seen from the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, along the Camino PortuguésAlfama District, as Seen From the Miradouro de Santa Luzia

Turn right at the Santa Luzia lookout, and walk farther down the hill, along the Rúa Augusto Rosa. You can see in the photo, the towers of the Cathedral ahead. Continue on to the Cathedral.

Along the Rua Augusto Rosa on the Camino PortuguésAlong the Rúa Augusto Rosa

Jump to Camino Portugués Stages

Sé de Lisboa, Portugal, along the Camino PortuguésSé de Lisboa

Even though we were unable to find any yellow arrows or signs from the Igreja de Santiago to the Sé de Lisboa, you can see by my map that the route is very straightforward.

Not only did we walk this official start route on the Camino Portugués the day before we started our Camino, but we also visited the Cathedral, and got our first official Camino stamp. The Sé is the perfect place to do this, and the stamp will grace your credential. 

Just to be sure, once we arrived at the cathedral, we found the first two yellow arrows onward, so when we started early the next morning, we would have no trouble finding the way. 

The first yellow arrow at the cathedral is to the right of the main door. You can see it where I am standing and pointing. It indicates that you should turn left.

Immediately, around to the right of this first arrow, you will see a street. Turn left and look for the street sign for the next directional arrow. Rich is pointing to the sign with the very small arrow on a blue background. Walk down this street, called Cruzes de Sé.

Elle Pointing to Yellow Arrow on the Corner of the Sé de Lisboa on the Camino PortuguésElle Pointing to Arrow on the Corner of the Sé de Lisboa
Rich Pointing to Arrow on Street Sign Around the Right of the Sé de Lisboa on the Camino PortuguésRich Pointing to Arrow on Street Sign Around the Right of the Sé de Lisboa

Now that we had found the official start of the Camino Portugués, and found the way immediately after the Cathedral, we felt confident for our first official day on the Camino. 

With eager excitement, bordering on a touch of anxiety, we opened our hearts for what was ahead. Now that we were ready to fly, we invoked the sight of the heart, so that we could indeed, find understanding beyond mere physical sight, for our journey onward. The pilgrimage travelers were ready. 


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Camino Portugués, Central Route, eBook Cover
Variante Espiritual, Camino Portugués, EBook Cover

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Looking for a Place to Stay in Lisbon?

For an exhaustive list of hotels and hostels in Lisbon, and to see the current deals on Booking.com, click here for instant booking. Unfortunately there is no albergue in the center of town or near the albergue. Also check my interactive map of day one, to see many inexpensive hostels throughout the city. 

Camino Portugués Overview

Camino Portugués: Introduction and OverviewIntroduction and Overview
~ Entire Camino Portugués
Camino Portugués Maps and Downloadable GPS TracksMaps/GPS Tracks for All Days on the Portuguese Way in One Location
Camino Portugués Routes Compared: Central, Coastal & Senda LitoralCamino Portugués Routes After Porto Compared: Central vs Coastal vs Senda Litoral
Camino Portugués Central Route: Highlights and History - Capela de Virxe Peregrina de PontevedraCamino Portugués Central Route: Highlights & History

Camino Portugués Stages

Central Route: Lisbon to Porto Stages

The Official Start of the Camino Portugués in Lisbon: Igreja de SantiagoThe Official Starting Point of the Camino Portugués in Lisbon
Central Route – Camino Portugués Day 1: Lisbon to Alverca do Ribatejo (Verdelha), 25.6 Kms (16 Miles)Day One
~ Lisbon to Alverca do Ribatejo (Verdelha), 25.6 Km (16 Miles)
Central Route – Camino Portugués Day 2: Alverca do Ribatejo to Azambuja, 28.4 Kms (17.64 Miles)Day Two
~ Alverca do Ribatejo to Azambuja, 28.4 Km (17.64 Miles)
Central Route – Camino Portugués Day 3: Azambuja to Santarém, 33.3 Kms (20.07 Miles)Day Three
~ Azambuja to Santarém, 33.3 Km (20.07 Miles)
The Fascinating Gothic Town of SantarémThe Fascinating Gothic Town of Santarém
Central Route – Camino Portugués Day 4: Santarém to Golegã, 30.9 Kms (19.2 Miles)Day Four
~ Santarém to Golegã, 30.9 Km (19.2 Miles)
Central Route – Camino Portugués Day 5: Golegã to Tomar, 30.0 Kilometers (18.64 Miles)Day Five
~ Golegã to Tomar, 30.0 Kilometers (18.64 Miles)
Tomar, the Knights Templar Castle and the Convento de CristoTomar, the Knights Templar Castle and the Convento de Cristo
Central Route – Camino Portugués Day 6: Tomar to Alvaiãzere, 31.2 Km (19.4 Miles) OR 32.4 (20.1 Miles)Day Six
~ Tomar to Alvaiãzere, 31.2 Km (19.4 Miles) OR 32.4 (20.1 Miles)
Central Route – Camino Portugués Day 7: Alvaiãzere to Alvorge, 23 Km (14.3 Miles)Day Seven
~ Alvaiãzere to Alvorge, 23 Km (14.3 Miles)
Central Route – Camino Portugués Day 8: Alvorge to Condeixa-a-Velha, 20.6 Kms (12.8 Miles)Day Eight ~ Alvorge to Condeixa-a-Velha 20.6 Km (12.8 Miles)
Central Route – Camino Portugués Day 9: Condeixa-a-Velha to Coimbra, 16.6 Kms (10.32 Miles)Day Nine ~ Condeixa-a-Velha to Coimbra, 16.6 Km (10.32 Miles)
Coimbra, Portugal: The Medieval City on the HillCoimbra, Portugal
~ The Medieval City on the Hill
Central Route – Camino Portugués Day 10: Coimbra to Mealhada (Sernadelo), 24.8 Kms (15.41 Miles)Day Ten
~ Coimbra to Mealhada (Sernadelo), 24.8 Km (15.41 Miles)
Central Route – Camino Portugués Day 11: Mealhada (Sernadelo) to Águeda, 23.4 Km (14.54 Miles)Day Eleven
~ Mealhada (Sernadelo) to Águeda, 23.4 Km (14.54 Miles)
Central Route – Camino Portugués Day 12: Águeda to Albergaria-a-Nova, 22.3 Km (13.86 Miles)Day Twelve ~
Águeda to Albergaria-a-Nova, 22.3 Km (13.86 Miles)
Central Route – Camino Portugués Day 13: Albergaria-a-Nova to São João da Madeira, 22.9 Kms (14.22 Miles)Day Thirteen ~ Albergaria-a-Nova to São João da Madeira, 22.9 Km (14.22 Miles)
Central Route – Camino Portugués Day 14: São João da Madeira to Porto, 33.6 Kms (20.9 Miles)Day Fourteen ~ São João da Madeira to Porto, 33.6 Km (20.9 Miles)
Porto: A Vibrant City to Begin Your Camino Portugués, or Find a Rest Day after Walking From LisbonPorto ~ The City with a Vibe

Central Route: Porto to Santiago Stages

Central Route – Camino Portugués Day 15: Sé do Porto to Vairão (Vilarinho), 25.2 Kms (15.66 Miles)Day Fifteen ~ Sé do Porto to Vairão (Vilarinho), 25.2 Km (15.66 Miles) via the Central Route
Central Route – Camino Portugués Day 16: Vairão (Vilarinho) to Barcelinhos (Barcelos), 28.8 Kms (17.9 Mi)Day Sixteen ~ Vairão (Vilarinho) to Barcelinhos (Barcelos), 28.8 Km (17.9 Mi) via the Central Route
Central Route – Camino Portugués Day 17: Barcelinhos (Barcelos) to Ponte de Lima, 33.9 Kms (21.1 Miles)Day Seventeen ~ Barcelinhos (Barcelos) to Ponte de Lima, 33.9 Km (21.1 Miles) via the Central Route
Central Route – Camino Portugués Day 18: Ponte de Lima to Rubiães, 17.7 Kms (11 Miles)Day Eighteen ~ Ponte de Lima to Rubiães, 17.7 Km (11 Miles) via the Central Route
Central Route – Camino Portugués Day 19: Rubiães to Tui, 19 Kms (11.8 Miles)Day Nineteen ~ Rubiães to Tui, 19 Km (11.8 Miles) via the Central Route
Central Route – Camino Portugués Day 20: Tui to O Porriño, 17.1 Kms (10.63 Miles)Day Twenty ~ Tui to O Porriño, 17.1 Km (10.63 Miles) via the Central Route
Rich Walking Through MosDay Twenty-One ~
O Porriño to Redondela, 15.3 Km (9.51 Miles) via the Central Route
Central Route – Camino Portugués Day 22(B): Redondela to Pontevedra, 20 Kms (12.43 Miles)Day Twenty-Two (B) ~ Redondela to Pontevedra, 20 Km (12.43 Miles) via the Central Route
Central Route – Camino Portugués Day 23: Pontevedra to Valga, 30.5 Km (19 Miles)Day Twenty-Three ~ Pontevedra to Valga, 30.5 Km (19 Miles) via the Central Route
Central Route – Camino Portugués Day 24: Valga to Milladoiro, 26.3 Kms (16.34 Miles)Day Twenty-Four ~ Valga to Milladoiro, 26.3 Km (16.34 Miles) via the Central Route
Central Route – Camino Portugués Day 25: Milladoiro to Santiago, 7.8 Kms (4.85 Miles)Day Twenty-Five ~ Milladoiro to Santiago, 7.8 Km (4.85 Miles) via the Central Route

Senda Litoral or the Coastal Routes: Porto to Santiago Stages

Senda Litoral Route – Camino Portugués Day 15: Porto to Vila do Conde, 32.67 kms (20.3 miles)Day Fifteen ~ Porto to Vila do Conde, 32.67 Km (20.3 Miles) via the Senda Litoral
Coastal Route – Camino Portugués Day 15: Porto to Vila do Conde, 27.4 Km (17.03 Miles)Day Fifteen ~ Porto to Vila do Conde, 27.4 Km (17.03 Miles) via the Coastal Route
Coastal Route – Camino Portugués Day 16: Vila do Conde to Esposende, 23.7 Km (14.73 Miles)Day Sixteen ~ Vila do Conde to Esposende, 23.7 Km (14.73 Miles), via the Coastal Route
Coastal Route – Camino Portugués Day 17: Esposende to Viana do Castelo, 25 Km (15.5 Miles)Day Seventeen ~ Esposende to Viana do Castelo, 25 Km (15.5 Miles) via the Coastal Route
Senda Litoral Route – Camino Portugués Day 18: Viana do Castelo to Caminha, 29.4 Kms (18.27 Miles)Day Eighteen ~ Viana do Castelo to Caminha, 29.4 Km (18.27 Miles), via the Senda Litoral
Coastal Route – Camino Portugués Day 18: Viana do Castelo to Caminha, 27.8 Km (17.3 Miles)Day Eighteen ~ Viana do Castelo to Caminha, 27.8 Km (17.3 Miles), via the Coastal Route
Senda Litoral Route – Camino Portugués Day 19: Caminha to Praia de Area Grande, A Guarda, 8 Kms (5 Miles)Day Nineteen ~ Caminha to Praia de Area Grande, A Guarda, 8 Kms (5 Miles), via the Senda Litoral
Coastal Route – Camino Portugués Day 19: Caminha to Viladesuso, 25.55 Kilometers (15.9 Miles)Day Nineteen ~ Caminha to Viladesuso, 25.55 Kilometers (15.9 Miles), via the Coastal Route
Senda Litoral Route – Camino Portugués Day 20: Viladesuso to A Ramallosa 18.55 Kms (11.53 Miles)Day Twenty ~ Viladesuso to A Ramallosa 18.55 Km (11.53 Miles) via the Senda Litoral
Coastal Route – Camino Portugués Day 20: Viladesuso to A Ramallosa 18.37 Km (11.43 Miles)Day Twenty ~ Viladesuso to A Ramallosa 18.37 Km (11.43 Miles) via the Coastal Route
Senda Litoral Route – Camino Portugués Day 21: A Ramallosa to Vigo, 21.2 Kms (13.2 Miles)Day Twenty-One ~ A Ramallosa to Vigo, 21.2 Km (13.2 Miles) via the Senda Litoral
Coastal Route – Camino Portugués Day 21: A Ramallosa to Vigo, 24.9 Km (15.5 Miles)Day Twenty-One ~ A Ramallosa to Vigo, 24.9 Km (15.5 Miles) via the Coastal Route
Coastal Route – Camino Portugués Day 22: Vigo to Redondela, 14.5 Km (9 Miles)Day Twenty-Two (A) ~ Vigo to Redondela, 14.5 Km (9 Miles), via the Coastal Route

Skip to Central Route Above, for Final Days 22-25 to Santiago

Variante Espiritual Stages

Variante Espiritual Camino Portugués OverviewIntroduction to the Variante Espiritual on the Camino Portugués
Variante Espiritual Camino Portugués Day 1: Pontevedra to Combarro, 11.3 Kms (7 Miles)Day One, Pontevedra to Combarro, 11.3 Km (7 Miles) via the Variante Espiritual
Variante Espiritual Camino Portugués: The Medieval Marvel of Combarro, SpainThe Town of Combarro, Spain ~ A Walk Back in Time along the Variante Espiritual
Variante Espiritual Camino Portugués Day 2: Combarro to Barrantes, 16.3 Kms (10.3 Miles)Day Two, Combarro to Barrantes, 16.3 Km (10.3 Miles) via the Variante Espiritual
Variante Espiritual Camino Portugués Day 3: Barrantes to Vilanova de Arousa, 17.5 Kms (10.9 Miles)Day Three, Barrantes to Vilanova de Arousa, 17.5 Km (10.9 Miles) via the Variante Espiritual
Variante Espiritual Camino Portugués Day 4: 26.5 Km Boat Ride from Vilanova de Arousa to PontecesuresDay Four, 26.5 Km Boat Ride from Vilanova de Arousa to Pontecesures via the Variante Espiritual

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🙋‍♀️ Why Trust Us at the Pilgrimage Traveler? 

Rich and Elle on Traslatio Boat Ride, Variante Espiritual

We’re not a travel agency ~ we’re fellow pilgrims! (See About Us)

We've trekked Pilgrimage Routes Across Europe since 2014!

💬 We’ve:

  • Gotten lost so you don’t have to. 😉
  • Followed waymarks in the glowing sunlight, the pouring rain and by moonlight. ☀️🌧️🌙
  • Slept in albergues, hostels & casa rurals. Ate and drank in cafés along the way.   🛌 😴
  • Created comprehensive and downloadable GPS maps and eBook Guides, full of must-have information based on real pilgrimage travels.  🧭 🗺️  
  • Shared our complete journeys, step by step to help YOU plan your ultimate pilgrimage and walk with your own Heart and Soul. 💙✨

Every detail is from our own experiences. Just fellow pilgrims sharing the Way. We have added a touch of spirituality, heartfelt insights and practical guidance from the road ~ offering a genuine connection to the spirit of pilgrimage. Tap into the wisdom of seasoned pilgrims!

Ultreia and Safe Pilgrimage Travels, Caminante! 💫 💚 🤍  



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