7 Destinations Near the Camino de Santiago Worth Visiting

The Camino de Santiago concludes in a magnificent city well worth exploring, but there are many other destinations that deserve a visit. Because the journey doesn’t have to end with the Camino, you can explore numerous other destinations in Northern Portugal and Galicia.

After days (or even weeks) of walking through stunning landscapes, meeting people from around the world, and experiencing an unforgettable adventure, a common question arises: what now?

This moment may not signify the end, but rather the beginning of an unforgettable journey through areas filled with surprising nooks, warm-hearted people, and delicious food. All at a slower pace, allowing you to savour everything the region has to offer.

Therefore, we present some suggestions for destinations near the Camino de Santiago:

 

1. Ponte de Lima: Tradition and Charm in the Lima Valley

Ponte de Lima is the oldest town in Portugal, having received its charter in March 1125, and is a true treasure in the heart of the Minho region.

With stone-paved streets, splendid medieval architecture, and the famous Roman bridge crossing the Lima River, it offers a unique atmosphere of tranquillity and history. It’s also a starting point for walks that explore the region’s rich culture and landscapes.

Did you know that in Roman times, the Lima River was known as the River Lethe, or “river of forgetfulness”? It was believed that anyone who crossed it would lose their memory.

According to legend, the Roman commander Decius Junius Brutus crossed the river on horseback to prove the legend false, and upon reaching the other side, he called his soldiers by name to show he still remembered them all.

That’s why, when you pass through the town centre, you’ll encounter statues of Roman soldiers on one side of the riverbank and their commander on the other! There’s also a tile panel in the Municipal Market depicting this legend.

In this must-visit destination, here’s a suggestion to whet your appetite: try the Arroz de Sarrabulho. You won’t regret it.

 

2. Viana do Castelo: Between the Sea and the Mountains

Located at the mouth of the Lima River, Viana do Castelo combines stunning beaches with verdant hills. The city, part of the Camino de Santiago, is known for the Sanctuary of Santa Luzia, which offers panoramic views over the city, and its vibrant historic centre.

Its role in the Portuguese Discoveries and, later, cod fishing, reveals a long tradition and connection to the sea, which the city’s fishermen still proudly showcase, especially during the grand festival of Nossa Senhora da Agonia.

Viana do Castelo is rich in manor houses, churches, monasteries, and monumental fountains that constitute a heritage worth visiting. All the streets in the historic centre lead to its ex-libris: the Praça da República, right in the heart of the city.

Since the Middle Ages, Viana do Castelo has welcomed pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago and still preserves the “Old Hospital” built in the 15th century to assist and receive pilgrims heading to Santiago.

This is the ideal destination for those seeking culture, nature, and typical northern Portuguese gastronomy.

 

3. Peneda-Gerês National Park: Wild Nature and Ancestral Culture

Portugal’s only national park is Peneda-Gerês, a true sanctuary of biodiversity and ancient traditions. In addition to a high botanical diversity, it’s inhabited by rare species.

With trails that pass through stone villages, crystal-clear waterfalls, and dense forests, it’s the perfect destination for nature and adventure lovers. The region is also rich in legends and historical heritage dating back to Roman times.

Although a bit further from the Camino de Santiago, this is a region worth visiting, not only for its stunning landscapes but also for its gastronomy and friendly community.

The inhabitants of Peneda-Gerês National Park are known for their hospitality and openness. It’s common to share their way of life with visitors through long conversations, old stories, and legends.

Daily life is always taken calmly and peacefully, far from the frenetic pace of city life. Therefore, you’ll have the opportunity to establish a deep connection with nature and yourself.

 

4. Douro Valley: Terraced Vineyards and Meandering Rivers

The Douro Valley is famous for its beautiful terraced vineyards, which produce not only the renowned Port wine but also many other wines you should bring to your table.

In addition to tastings at traditional estates, the region offers boat trips on the Douro River and trails that reveal breathtaking landscapes. It’s an experience that combines wine tourism, culture, and nature.

Whether you choose to visit this destination on foot or by bicycle, we guarantee a visit that will allow you to experience unique flavours, discover new places that seem straight out of fairy tales, and live a sensory experience with all five senses.

It will be an immersive journey where you can hear the sounds of nature, walk along breathtaking paths, taste unique food, and have a unique experience at every corner.

 

5. Ribeira Sacra: Wines, Nature, and Spirituality

A bit further inland from the Camino de Santiago, you’ll find the Ribeira Sacra region, a true hidden gem. Situated between the valleys of the Sil and Minho rivers, it’s known for its terraced vineyards and ancient monasteries nestled among green hills.

This region is recognised as a Biosphere Reserve and offers excellent options for rural and cultural tourism, not to mention its delicious gastronomy.

With forests that seem enchanted, green hills, and beautiful waterfalls, this is one of Spain’s oldest regions, with vineyards planted on steep slopes, making the harvests known as “heroic viticulture” due to their location.

Ribeira Sacra also boasts medieval monasteries, Romanesque churches, and other historical remnants, such as tombs and prehistoric forts. It’s undoubtedly a place worth visiting, being close to the Camino de Santiago.
Take a boat trip through the gorges, taste award-winning wines (like Mencía), and immerse yourself in an authentic rural environment full of peace.

 

6. Finisterre: Where Land Meets the Sea

Many pilgrims choose to continue their journey to Finisterre (or Fisterra, as it’s known in Galician), once considered the “end of the world.” Until the end of the Middle Ages, this was the last known land. It was here that many pre-Roman peoples believed souls ascended to Heaven, making it a mythical place that left everyone in awe when witnessing the sun setting behind the ocean.

Since the 12th century, the Codex Calixtinus has linked this route with the Jacobean tradition. Additionally, two of Galicia’s most popular religious devotions originate in Finisterre and Muxía (Santo Cristo de Fisterra and the Sanctuary of Virxe da Barca de Muxía).

There is a fork in the Camino at Olveiroa, where you can reach Finisterre or Muxía first (you can learn more about this village in the next section). But regardless of your decision, it’s essential to walk between the two, as you’ll be captivated by the light and nature in their purest form.

Upon arriving in Finisterre, don’t forget to honour the tradition: leave something symbolic of your journey. A stone, a shell, or even your worn-out walking boots. This gesture signifies closure and renewal.

 

7. Muxía: Serenity and Sacred Legends

A few kilometres north of Finisterre lies Muxía, a coastal village where tranquillity reigns. Here, you can visit the Sanctuary of Virxe da Barca, a Catholic temple that seems to withstand the power of the sea, despite its proximity to the ocean.

Tradition holds that when the Apostle James passed through Finisterre, the Virgin Mary appeared to him in a stone boat, guided by angels. This sanctuary is surrounded by stones that are said to have witnessed the apparition and are believed to be miraculous.

Here are some of the most notable ones, which, according to tradition, cure certain ailments:

• Pedra de Abalar: moves slightly and cures rheumatism and other rheumatic pains;
• Pedra de Cadrís: cures back pain, kidney problems, and headaches.

Between the fierce sea and rocks shaped by time, this is the ideal destination for reflection and contemplation. Take a deep breath and open your five senses to the wonders of nature this place has to offer!

 

Feeling inspired to visit these destinations? Portugal Green Walks offers you the opportunity to explore these incredible places with comfort and authenticity.

 

SEE ALL THE OPTIONS TO EXTEND YOUR JOURNEY OR TO RETURN AGAIN, IN A PEACEFUL, AUTHENTIC, AND UNFORGETTABLE WAY. AND GET READY TO EXPERIENCE THE BEAUTY THAT LIES BEYOND THE CAMINO!

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