Caminho Interior

In short: Caminho Interior: from Viseu to Chaves, on to Santiago. Length: around 205 km to Chaves, duration: about 9 days. Best time: Spring and autumn.

Overview

The Caminho Interior de Santiago begins inland in Viseu and heads north via Lamego into the Douro wine region, then on to Vila Real and Chaves. After the border it meets the route to Santiago near Verín.

The section through the Douro valley is among the most beautiful landscapes in Portugal, but it is steep because of the terraces. This is one of the most strenuous routes in the country.

You share the way with only a few others. The infrastructure is still being built up, so plan ahead and take water.

Planning your stages

How long you need depends on your daily distance. The table works this out for 205 kilometres, with one rest day a week.

Who is this route for?

This route is a poor choice for a first attempt. You should be sure-footed and have stamina, and several weeks of training will pay off here.

What does the route cost?

With an albergue or simple guesthouse and one hot meal, 40 to 50 euros a day is usually enough. Over about 12 days that comes to roughly 500 to 600 euros, plus travel and gear. This is a guide figure.

You can find more routes under Pilgrimage routes in Europe, Pilgrimage in Portugal, sorted by religion under Christian pilgrimage routes.