August delivered a clear picture on the Portuguese Way in August 2025. Tui stood out as the main gateway for the route this month, logging 8,405 starts and roughly 57 percent of all Portuguese Way departures. The Portuguese Way coastal route also surged with 11,172 pilgrims in August. Despite summer wildfires in the Iberian Peninsula, all routes remain open and fully passable according to the regional authority. Here is the quick intel you need to plan smarter, book better, and walk with confidence.
Portuguese Way in August 2025, in 60 seconds
Tui in the spotlight, your prime gateway. The city consolidated its position with 8,405 August departures, representing 57 percent of all Portuguese Way starts that month. For many, Tui’s location on the Spain-Portugal border, transport links, and well‑oiled pilgrim services make it the easiest Day 1.
Coast with strong momentum. The Portuguese Way coastal route clocked 11,172 pilgrims in August, gaining over last year’s August totals and cementing its rise as a top choice for summer walkers who want sea air, boardwalks, and Atlantic views.
Routes open after the fires. The regional government confirms all Caminos are open and completely passable, and signage remains clear where minor damage occurred. Always double‑check advisories before you set out.
Why this matters to you. Beds fill earlier, queues are longer at convenience pinch points, and the coastal variant’s popularity changes how you should reserve, start, and break your stages. Keep reading for the specific moves that will save you time and stress.
The August numbers
Departures by location, and why Tui leads
- Tui recorded 8,405 August starts and accounted for about 57 percent of all Portuguese Way departures in the month.
- Total Portuguese Way in August: 14,691 pilgrims.
- Tui’s dominance reflects practical advantages for first‑timers, including easy access from Vigo and Porto, a compact historic center, well‑marked exits, and abundant services that open early.
What this means on the ground. Expect early foot traffic leaving Tui toward O Porriño and higher occupancy in public and private albergues within 15 to 20 kilometers of the start. If you are sensitive to crowds, consider a later‑morning start out of Tui with a shorter first day, or base yourself slightly outside the core to avoid the peak flow window.
Portuguese Way coastal route 2025, volume and trend at a glance
- August 2025: 11,172 pilgrims on the Portuguese Way coastal route, an increase over August 2024.
- Share of total pilgrims this August on the coastal variant reached about 14.5 percent.
- Year to date, the coastal variant continues to expand its footprint and broaden origin points such as Vigo and Baiona.
Reading the trend. The coastal route is not just a scenic alternative anymore, it is a mainstream summer choice. Expect more competition for seafront beds between Vila Praia de Âncora, Caminha, A Guarda, Oia, Baiona and onward. Book strategically and consider townlets one step inland for better availability.
What this means for you, right now
- Accommodation. Reserve earlier in August along both Tui-O Porriño and the coastal corridor between Caminha and Baiona. Private rooms and boutique stays go first from Friday to Sunday.
- Queues. Anticipate short waits at popular cafés, boardwalk bottlenecks, and ferry or taxi‑boat crossings across the Minho.
- Timing. Beat heat and crowds by starting before 7:30 and aiming your longest segments for weekdays. Consider splitting classic stages into two shorter days to sidestep the biggest check‑in waves.
2025 trend so far, at a glance
- Portuguese Way year to date: more than 67,000 pilgrims by August 25, with around 5 percent growth versus 2024. The route remains the second most traveled after the French Way.
- Coastal momentum: the coastal variant continues to lift its share of total pilgrims versus last year, especially across late spring and summer.
- Tui’s rise: Tui is consolidating as the second‑overall start point across all Caminos and the leading departure point for the Portuguese Way in August.
Context and safety
Wildfires and route status. Authorities confirm all Caminos are open and fully passable, and that core stone waymarkers kept navigation clear even where some surface signage was affected. Keep an eye on official channels and local alerts, especially if strong winds or heat return.
Best practices for August conditions.
- Hydration first. Carry and refill at every reliable source, then top up again before long boardwalk sections on the coast.
- Heat planning. Front‑load distance in the morning, add a longer late‑lunch break, and keep a lightweight sun cover handy.
- Local checks. Confirm any temporary detours at tourism offices or albergues, and verify river‑crossing options and timetables the afternoon before you need them.
How to choose, Central vs Coast
Who should pick which route
Central route, best if you value:
- Flexible logistics with many towns at 15 to 20 kilometer spacing.
- Classic pilgrim vibe, lots of albergues and evening services.
- Faster progress with fewer micro‑detours off the main line.
Coastal route, best if you value:
- Ocean scenery with promenades, beaches, and steady sea breezes.
- Cooler feel on many days thanks to wind exposure.
- Cultural mix through fishing towns, maritime heritage sites, and boardwalk ecosystems.
Time and experience. Newer pilgrims with limited days often prefer starting in Tui on the Central route for simplicity. Walkers with a bit more time, or repeat pilgrims seeking a different flavor, tend to choose the Portuguese Way coastal route for variety and the Atlantic setting.
Logistics, stages, and August pinch points
Access.
- Tui, Central route: fly to Vigo or Santiago de Compostela, bus or train to Tui via O Porriño or Valença.
- Coastal route hubs: Porto, Viana do Castelo, Caminha, A Guarda, Baiona and Vigo offer multiple entry points.
Typical stages.
- Central from Tui: Tui to O Porriño to Redondela to Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis to Padrón to Santiago.
- Coast: Porto or Caminha north through A Guarda, Oia, Baiona, Vigo, then up to Redondela and onward to Santiago, with detours to scenic boardwalks where signed.
August pinch points to plan around.
- Minho crossing, Caminha to A Guarda. With the public ferry not consistently operating, most pilgrims use licensed boats and transfers. Study the options, carry cash as a backup, and be ready for weather‑related pauses. For step‑by‑step practicalities, see our ferry and river‑crossing guide between Caminha and A Guarda, including timings, how to book, and backup plans: Portuguese Coastal Camino Ferry Guide.
- Boardwalks and seaside promenades. Popular segments can bunch up at mid‑morning. Split stages or start earlier to enjoy them with less congestion.
- Urban entries. Expect foot‑traffic waves into Vigo, Pontevedra and Padrón during late afternoon. Time your arrivals for early afternoon check‑ins.
Quick starter guide for beginning in Tui
Getting in and out.
- Arrive: fly to Vigo or Porto, then train or bus to Valença do Minho and walk across to Tui, or bus to O Porriño and transfer.
- Depart after finishing: from Santiago, trains and buses run to Vigo or Porto for onward flights.
Credential and first stamps.
- Pick up or stamp your pilgrim credential at Tui’s tourist office, Cathedral area, or cooperating albergues. Stamp again in O Porriño and Redondela to maintain a clean record for your Compostela.
The most common first day.
- Tui to O Porriño is the standard start. There is a signed alternative that avoids busier road sections into O Porriño, so ask locally which access is currently preferred.
Where to sleep.
- You will find a mix of municipal albergues, private hostels, and guesthouses in Tui, O Porriño, and Redondela. August means high demand, so reserve if you have a specific price range or room type in mind. For curated coastal stays before or after your Tui start, use our overview of where to stay on the Portuguese Coastal Camino: Accommodation and areas to target on the Coast.
Eating smart.
- Avoid the 7 to 9 p.m. dinner crunch by considering an earlier pilgrim menu or a lighter early meal with a snack later. For menu vocabulary, meal rhythms, and smart ordering, lean on our Portuguese and Spanish Camino food guide: What to eat and how to order on the Camino.
Context, etiquette, and small wins that add up
Respect boardwalk habitats. Keep off sensitive dunes and stick to signed walkways, especially in Moledo, A Guarda, Oia, Mougás and Saiáns.
Beach town etiquette. In peak weeks, locals rely on these services too. Share tables, avoid blocking entries with backpacks, and keep check‑in lines tidy at popular hostels.
Saving your feet. Alternate socks at lunch, re‑lube hotspots, and give your feet two minutes of air time at every stop. In August heat, that simple routine prevents blisters better than any taping strategy.
Crowd‑smart navigation. If you prefer the path to yourself, adjust daily targets by plus or minus 3 to 5 kilometers from the standard guidebook stops. You will often land in a quieter lodging micro‑cluster.
Sources and useful links
- Municipality of Tui, press note confirming 8,405 August starts from Tui and 14,691 total Portuguese Way pilgrims in August 2025, with Tui consolidating as the second overall start point. URL: https://tui.gal/gl/novas/tui-consolidase-en-agosto-como-segundo-lugar-de-inicio-de-todos-os-caminos-de-santiago
- Cadena SER report on the Portuguese Way coastal route reaching 11,172 pilgrims in August 2025. URL: https://cadenaser.com/galicia/2025/09/04/el-camino-portugues-pola-costa-hace-su-agosto-radio-vigo/
- Xunta de Galicia press room note confirming more than 67,000 pilgrims YTD on the Portuguese Way by August 25, 2025, with about 5 percent growth versus 2024. URL: https://www.caminodesantiago.gal/es/sala-de-prensa/detalle?content=%2F60-Espazo-institucional%2F.content%2Fnoticias%2Fnoticia_1792.xml
- Xunta de Galicia advisory stating all Caminos open and fully passable after the wildfire wave, dated September 5, 2025. URL: https://www.caminodesantiago.gal/es/sala-de-prensa/detalle?content=%2F60-Espazo-institucional%2F.content%2Fnoticias%2Fnoticia_1791.xml
We verify and refresh dates regularly. This article reflects data and advisories available as of September 6, 2025.
Conclusion
Bottom line. August amplified what we have been seeing all year on the Portuguese Way in August 2025. Tui is a straightforward launchpad for the Central route in midsummer, the coastal variant is experiencing sustained growth, and official guidance confirms routes are open and safe. If you plan with bed availability in mind, adjust your start times for heat and crowd patterns, and secure your river crossing, you will have the calm, scenic Camino you came for.
Your next step.
- If you are heading for the coast, bookmark our practical Caminha to A Guarda crossing guide and lock in your plan.
- If you are starting from Tui, sketch your first two days now and reserve beds where needed.
- Share your questions or a short trip plan, and we will help you fine‑tune it for your dates and pace.
