Walking the Camino de Santiago Through Amarante
For many pilgrims, the Camino de Santiago is about more than reaching Santiago de Compostela. It is about the places along the way. And Amarante, in Northern Portugal, is one of them.
The town lies on the Camino de Torres, one of the routes leading to Santiago de Compostela. The route enters the municipality of Amarante and continues through the historic centre before heading towards Guimarães and the Alto Minho. Around 28 kilometres of the route pass through the municipality of Amarante.
For pilgrims, this makes Amarante more than a beautiful place to stop for the night. It is an important part of the Camino itself.
Which Camino de Santiago passes through Amarante?
The route through Amarante is known as the Camino de Torres or Caminho de Torres.
It begins in Salamanca, Spain, enters Portugal and crosses the regions of Beira Alta and the Douro before reaching Amarante. From here, it continues through Guimarães and the Alto Minho, eventually entering Galicia and reaching Santiago de Compostela.
The route takes its name from Diego de Torres Villarroel, a professor at the University of Salamanca who travelled this itinerary on his pilgrimage to Santiago in 1737.
Today, the Camino is signposted through Amarante, including the historic centre, where directional markers in the form of scallop shells are set into the pavement.
The Camino through the historic centre of Amarante
The Camino takes pilgrims through some of the most important landmarks in Amarante.
Along the route, you can discover:
- Ponte de São Gonçalo
- Convento de São Gonçalo
- Igreja de São Pedro
- Igreja da Misericórdia
- Solar dos Magalhães
- The historic streets of Amarante
- Mosteiro de Telões
The Ponte de São Gonçalo is one of the most recognisable landmarks on the route. The bridge, the conve
The route also passes through places such as Ovelhinha and Carneiro, connecting the historic centre with the wider landscape around Amarante.
Getting your Camino de Santiago stamp in Amarante
One of the small rituals of walking the Camino is collecting stamps in your Pilgrim’s Credential.
Amarante has its own official municipal Camino stamp, available at the Loja Interativa de Turismo and the reception of the Museu Municipal Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso.
But the municipal stamp is not the only one you can collect in town. Several local establishments also offer Camino-related stamps to pilgrims.
Get a Casa das Lérias stamp
If you are walking through the centre of Amarante, stop at Casa das Lérias and collect our own Camino de Santiago stamp.
Located on Rua Cândido dos Reis, right in the historic centre and close to the Tâmega River, Casa das Lérias combines a hotel, café and the traditional Lérias of Amarante.
It is a natural place to take a break during your Camino.
Stop for a freshly roasted coffee.
Try one of our traditional Lérias.
Take a few minutes to rest.
And add the Casa das Lérias stamp to your Pilgrim’s Credential before continuing your journey.
Why stop in Amarante?
Amarante has a particularly strong connection with the history of the Camino.
The municipality’s research into the route identified historical references to pilgrims, medieval accommodation and the devotion to Saint James. The city is also closely associated with São Gonçalo de Amarante, whose history and cult became an important part of the identity of the town and its pilgrimage traditions.
But there is another reason to stop.
Amarante is simply a good place to slow down for a day.
Walk across the Ponte de São Gonçalo. Follow the Tâmega. Explore the historic streets. Have lunch in town. And take your time over a coffee.
What to eat in Amarante during the Camino?
If you are walking long distances, food becomes an important part of the day. And Amarante has a few things you should try.
The most obvious one is Lérias, the traditional sweet that gave Casa das Lérias its name.
The recipe is associated with the confectionery tradition of Amarante and was recovered from recipes connected with the former Convent of Santa Clara. Today, Lérias remain one of the characteristic sweets of the city.
At Casa das Lérias, you can try the traditional Léria or discover different versions, including Cocoa, Apple & Cinnamon, Spices, Port Wine and Citrus.
Pair one with our freshly roasted coffee before heading back onto the Camino.
Where to stay in Amarante during the Camino de Santiago
For pilgrims who want to spend a night in Amarante, staying in the historic centre means you can explore the city without adding unnecessary travel to your itinerary.
Casa das Lérias has 22 rooms and suites in the centre of Amarante, next to the Tâmega River. The hotel combines the atmosphere of a historic confectionery with contemporary accommodation.
After a day of walking, you can check in, leave your backpack behind and explore Amarante on foot. The next morning, breakfast is waiting. And then the Camino continues.
Is Amarante worth stopping at on the Camino de Santiago?
Yes – and not only for the stamp.
Amarante gives you the chance to combine the Camino with a small historic town, the Tâmega River, Portuguese food and local traditions.
The Camino may be the reason you arrive in Amarante. But it doesn’t have to be the only reason you stay.
