Porto is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon, the capital. Its history dates back to Roman times, when Portus Cale was a Roman outpost at the Douro estuary. During the reconquista, the region between the Douro and Minho rivers became the County of Portucale, giving its name later to the entire country. The historic centre of Porto was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996.

If you are starting your Camino in Porto, you can obtain your credencial from the cathedral (see map below), and start walking from there. Alternatively, you can pick up a credencial at the Albergue de peregrinos.

Make sure to follow the right waymarks. Some pilgrims start walking towards the Douro to follow the coastline, but the official direction for both the Caminho Português Central and Caminho Português da Costa is northwards from the Sé.

What to see in Porto

Sé

Built in the 12th century, the Cathedral of Porto is still one of Portugal's most important Romanesque landmarks. It underwent alterations in the 18th century, which included the addition of a loggia on the lateral façade. The Gothic cloister is decorated with azulejos.

Igreja do Carmo

Igreja do Carmo

This rococo church is connected to, or separated from, the Igreja dos Carmelitas by the narrow Casa Escondida ('hidden house'). The purpose of the house is said to have been to prevent any contact between the monks from the Igreja do Carmo and the nuns from the Igreja dos Carmelitas.

Torre dos Clérigos

Torre dos Clérigos

This 18th century baroque tower is attached to the elliptical Igreja dos Clérigos (Church of the Clerics), both designed by Nicolau (Niccolò) Nasoni. Those who choose to climb the 225 steps are rewarded with great views of the old town, the Sé and the river Douro.

Ponte Dom Luís I

Ponte Dom Luís I

A double-deck arch bridge over the river Douro, inaugurated in 1886. Its upper deck connects the old town with Vila Nova de Gaia, and the lower links the Ribeira, the area of many bars, cafés, restaurants and colourful houses on the Douro riverfront, with the famous wine cellars on the opposite bank.

Estação de São Bento

Estação de São Bento

Located only a hundred metres north of the Sé, this railway station was built in the beginning of the 20th century on the site of a former convent, from which it took its name (St. Benedict). Its vestibule is covered in some 20,000 azulejo tiles depicting various historical moments.

Where to stay in Porto

Sort by:Highest rated firstCheapest first
The Passenger Hostel

The Passenger Hostel

€ 32–34
62
Open
4.7

The Passenger Hostel

€ 32–34
62
Open
4.7
Bookable via Booking.com

The Passenger Hostel

Private
€ 32–34
62
All year
4.7
Bookable via Booking.com
Lost Inn Porto Hostel

Lost Inn Porto Hostel

€ 29–39
42
Open
4.7

Lost Inn Porto Hostel

€ 29–39
42
Open
4.7
Bookable via Booking.com

Lost Inn Porto Hostel

Private
€ 29–39
42
All year
4.7
Bookable via Booking.com
Porto Lounge Hostel

Porto Lounge Hostel

€ 32–46
26
Open
4.6

Porto Lounge Hostel

€ 32–46
26
Open
4.6
Bookable via Booking.com

Porto Lounge Hostel

Private
€ 32–46
26
All year
4.6
Bookable via Booking.com
Wine Hostel

Wine Hostel

€ 31–38
40
Open
4.6

Wine Hostel

€ 31–38
40
Open
4.6
Bookable via Booking.com

Wine Hostel

Private
€ 31–38
40
All year
4.6
Bookable via Booking.com
Albergue de peregrinos

Albergue de peregrinos

€ 18
50
Open
4.5

Albergue de peregrinos

€ 18
50
Open
4.5

Albergue de peregrinos

Private
€ 18
50
All year
4.5
Best Guest Porto Hostel

Best Guest Porto Hostel

€ 28–36
14
Open
4.5

Best Guest Porto Hostel

€ 28–36
14
Open
4.5
Bookable via Booking.com

Best Guest Porto Hostel

Private
€ 28–36
14
All year
4.5
Bookable via Booking.com
Ratings via Google Places
+ more than 100 more accommodations in Porto on Booking.com