Tui

Camino Portugues

To end of camino
115.9
Altitude
50

Valença

2.60

Tui

4.20

Virxe do Camiño

Services
ATM
Yes
Bar
Yes
Bus
Yes
Bus Terminal
Yes
Correos
Yes
Grocery
Yes
Medical Center
Yes
Pharmacy
Yes
Public Pool
Yes
Train
Yes

Tui is a town that deserves at least an afternoon worth of exploration and relaxation, and if you are starting your pilgrimage here try to budget in the time. If you are worried about having too much time in Tui on the day of your arrival (when starting here) remember that you can always walk across the bridge to Portugal for a wander through the citadel.

The town is centered around the Cathedral (11-13th centuries ) which is perched on top of the hill overlooking Portugal. 

The route through town takes you past the most significant monuments, namely the Catedral de Santa María, the old Pilgrims Hospital, the Convento de Las Clarisas and the Monasterio de Santo Domingo. The Convento de San Francisco and the Iglesia de San Telmo are not directly on the route but are close enough.

Notice

You are advised to get your credential stamped at least twice a day between here and Santiago. 

The stretch of camino ahead of you is undergoing changes for the better and keep the camino on a more tranquil and safe path, but there are sections that have become slightly longer, and the directions are not fully set in stone. 

This area is one of Galicia’s largest industrial centers, most of the industry centered around O Porriño. In years past this meant a grueling romp through town, just the way that the businesses (read bars) like it. Competing arrows and confusion may ensue; despite the best efforts of local activists. 

As usual, a healthy dose of common sense and the use of your best judgment is in order.

In periods of high rain the stretch of road between here and O Porriño is often flooded. In these cases, the camino is temporarily re-routed. When it is, the signs are clear but not frequent and at times it will feel like you just keep walking on the road forever. Stick to the road; the signs will appear when they are needed most.

Fiesta

San Telmo is celebrated on the first Sunday of Easter.

History

On a hilltop and adjacent to one of Galicia’s most important rivers, the Río Miño, it is no wonder that Tui has been a strategic location since prehistoric times. For the Romans, it was an important post along their gold road that connected Braga (once the capital of Galicia) with Lugo. When the young Visigoth King Wittiza left the family stronghold in Toledo in 700, it was to Tui that he relocated.

The Road

The camino leaves town just as quickly as it entered it, crosses the N551, and turns right onto the Camino Virgen del Camino at kilometer marker 111.499; a numbers whose significant digits inspires false confidence.

The Louro Valley lies ahead, and the massive granite mining industry situated along it lends a distinctly different feel to the way homes are built compared to only a few kilometers away in Portugal. It is not uncommon to find large slabs of rough granite used to build fences around even the most modest of family plots.

City Map

Comments

All Caminos App User (not verified)

Very nice restaurant in the city center - 13 euro for a lunch menu

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

Really nice hostel - clean and had very friendly staff! Not too far from the city center, but you do have to walk up a hill to get back into the centro. I’d recommend NOT getting the breakfast for €2.50. It wasn’t very good and there are lots of better options nearby.

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

I cannot say how amazing this 700 year old convent is, Jorge and his family have done the most amazing job restoring it, the rooms,cloisters, so cleverly preserved and updated. An absolute gem, spotlessly clean, great comfy bunks with own light/ shelf/ charge point, laundry, great courtyard and a sitting room. Well equipped kitchen too.

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

Stop here and finish your Camino Portuguese in Valença.
After Tui the Pilgrims multiply. Busses with “turigrinos” leave hundreds of people in the city and this fake pilgrims occupy all the places in the albergues. Your only option since this moment are the public albergue as you cannot reserve in advance, it means you have to wake up at 6 and start walking soon after. You are competing with every other pilgrim who is also trying to find a place to sleep. The pleasure of walking the Camino disappear. Pilgrims became unfriendly (probably because there are too many), the albergue are big (over 50 places) and are always full. The pleasure is simply not there anymore. Not worth

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

Taperia “O albergue” was lovley food and good service. Menu of the day only 10€ for 3 servings. Absolutely recommendable.

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

Booked via Booking.com private room 31€/night. Worth it. Wonderful people who run this place. Beautiful garden. Washing/drying possible. No breakfast but kitchen can be used.
I’ve enjoyed my day’s rest!!
Earns a 4* quotation.

Camino de Sant…

Go to the river to swim - water is great!