HORSEBACK ROUTE – 22 STAGES
Horseback Route Lisbon → Santiago
Horseback Route from Lisbon – 22 Stages
The Camino de Santiago evokes the spirituality of the pilgrim who, driven by the desire to reach Santiago de Compostela, spends days walking in direct contact with nature, savouring the unhurried rhythm of the Way.
Our Horseback Route from Lisbon to Santiago de Compostela covers 600 kilometres over 22 stages.
The Portuguese Way begins in Lisbon and follows one of the most authentic Jacobean routes, passing through towns such as Coimbra, Porto and Ponte de Lima until reaching the Galician capital. Ancient records confirm the importance of this historic pilgrimage and trade route that has always connected Galicia and Portugal.
Riding into Santiago Cathedral and completing the Portuguese Way on horseback is now a reality with The Pilgrim Horse.
Below you will find all the detailed information about the stages, towns we visit, and duration. Use the link below to check availability or request more information.
22 Stages on Horseback from Lisbon
Camino de Santiago on Horseback from Lisbon
Arrival day for participants and transfer to our accommodation in Lisbon. Once settled, we will hold an informative meeting to answer every question about our horseback pilgrimage to Santiago along the Portuguese Way.
We recommend checking your luggage before the trip. Here’s a useful article with tips and advice for pilgrims.
Camino de Santiago on Horseback from Lisbon
We begin our Camino de Santiago from Lisbon, a historic and monumental city with a vast cultural heritage. During our stay we can visit São Jorge Castle, the Lisbon Cathedral, the Alfama district (which survived the 1755 earthquake), or the Carmo Convent.
The Baixa is the heart of Lisbon, built over the ruins of the old city and home to most of its landmarks.
During our horseback journey across Portugal we will visit towns such as Alhandra, Azambuja, Santarém, Golegã, Tomar, Alvaiazere, Rabaçal, Coimbra, Mealhada, Águeda, Branca, Santa María da Feira, Oporto, Santo Tirso, Barcelos, Ponte da Lima, Rubiães, Valença do Minho, Redondela, Pontevedra, Caldas de Reis, Padrón and finally Santiago de Compostela.
Lisbon – Alhandra
The adventure begins! We start our pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela through the lands that connect Portugal and Galicia.
The Portuguese Way runs south to north. This first stage takes us through Sacavém, Alpriate, Póvoa de Santa Iria, Alverca and Alhandra.
Among the Jacobean routes, the Portuguese Way is the least demanding, with almost no altitude changes – perfect for doing on horseback.
We leave Lisbon early, riding through vineyards and cornfields of the Tagus Valley. In the distance await the Douro, Minho and the Galician Rías Baixas.
Alhandra – Azambuja
Second stage. We leave Alhandra early after visiting the Basilica of S. João Baptista (1558) and ride along the old royal road.
We pass through Vila Franca de Xira, Povos and Vala do Carregado, finishing in Azambuja, famous for its 16th-century church and bullring.
Azambuja – Santarém
Third stage heading to Santarém, passing through Valada and Porto de Muge.
We ride on sections of the old Roman road. Santarém is one of Portugal’s most historic cities, bathed by the Tagus.
Santarém – Golegã
We ride along the Tagus valley toward Golegã, the “horse capital” of Portugal, birthplace of the famous National Horse Fair.
Golegã – Tomar
We leave the Tagus plains and enter the wooded hills around Tomar, home of the UNESCO-listed Convent of Christ.
Tomar – Alvaiázere
We ride through oak forests and small villages, leaving the Ribatejo plain behind.
Alvaiázere – Rabaçal
We pass Ansião and ride toward Rabaçal along ancient Roman roads.
Rabaçal – Coimbra
A pleasant ride through vineyards and olive groves toward the historic university city of Coimbra.
Coimbra – Mealhada
We leave the former capital of Portugal behind and head north.
Mealhada – Águeda
We continue north, riding through rural landscapes.
Águeda – Branca
Another calm day riding through northern Portugal.
Branca – Santa María da Feira
Easy stage ending at the famous castle town.
Santa María da Feira – Oporto
Longer stage that brings us to the magnificent city of Oporto.
Oporto – Santo Tirso
We leave Oporto and ride north. Only 240 km remain to Santiago!
Santo Tirso – Barcelos
We pass through the beautiful sculpture park of Santo Tirso and end in Barcelos.
Barcelos – Ponte de Lima
We ride to Ponte de Lima, the oldest village in Portugal.
Ponte de Lima – Fontoura
We leave Ponte de Lima and ride toward the Galician border.
Fontoura – O Porriño
We cross the international bridge over the river Miño and enter Galicia!
O Porriño – Pontevedra
Long stage that takes us to the beautiful city of Pontevedra.
Pontevedra – As Cernadas</h4]
Only 66 km left to Santiago! We ride through forests and thermal towns like Caldas de Reis.
As Cernadas – O Milladoiro
Short and peaceful stage. We spend the night just outside Santiago.
O Milladoiro – Santiago de Compostela
The grand finale! We ride the last 5 km and arrive at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
We enter through Porta Faxeira, ride down Rúa do Franco and finally reach Praza do Obradoiro. We visit the Pórtico de la Gloria and receive the Compostela – mission accomplished!
Book Now: Horseback Route from Lisbon – 22 Stages
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