The Valença–Tui overland detour
When weather or siltation stops every boat at Caminha, this is the crossing that always works: a short train to Valença, then over the international bridge to Tui on foot. It switches you from the Coastal to the Interior route, but both reach Santiago.
When to use it
Use the detour whenever no water taxi is running — in bad weather, in winter, or during heavy siltation. The Tui–Valença bridge is open to pedestrians 24 hours a day, so unlike the boat it is never cancelled.
What it changes
Crossing at Tui puts you on the Camino Portugués Interior rather than the Coastal Route. Most pilgrims caught by a closure simply continue on the Interior Way north toward O Porriño and Santiago.
Step by step
- 1
Walk to Caminha station
From the town centre, walk about 5 minutes (roughly 400 m south of the main square) to Caminha railway station.
- 2
Take the train to Valença
Board a CP Linha do Minho train to Valença. The journey takes about 35 minutes; buy tickets at the station window or machine and check departure times at cp.pt.
- 3
Walk through Valença to the bridge
From Valença station, walk north through the walled fortress town to the international bridge — roughly 20 minutes.
- 4
Cross the Tui–Valença bridge on foot
Cross the Ponte Internacional on its pedestrian path (about 1.5 km) into Tui, Spain. The currency stays euros; Spain is one hour ahead.
- 5
Pick up the Interior route in Tui
From the bridge, the Camino Portugués Interior yellow arrows begin immediately. Get your credential stamped at Tui Cathedral before continuing north.
Related
Frequently asked questions
Is the Valença–Tui bridge always open?
How long does the overland detour take?
Does the detour change my route?
Sources: https://pilgrimsofthecoast.com/en/portuguese-coastal-camino-ferry-guide/ · https://wisepilgrim.com/en/places/portugal/camino-portugues/water-taxi-from-caminha-to-a-guarda · https://www.cp.pt/