The Ways of Saint James were born as ways of faith in the medieval period and have marked the identity of the territories. The legends and history of the places give us echoes of the passing pilgrims devoted to Saint James. Churches, convents, hospitals and hostels were built around them to welcome and assist pilgrims.

In Portugal there are several identified itineraries which, due to the existing historical and heritage references, reveal their use over time, for pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela. They are itineraries that cross the country, from south to north, both by the inland territory and by the coast.

There are many testimonies of devotion and worship to Saint James, visible in the chapels dedicated to the Saint, in the paintings and sculptures of the churches, in the place names and in the festivals and pilgrimages.

The growing demand for these Ways has led to their valorisation through the improvement of information and signposting, support equipment and redoubled attention to the safety conditions of pilgrims.

The recently implemented process of certification of the itineraries of the Portuguese Way of St. James guarantees the recognition of its historical and heritage value, as well as the existence of conditions for a full and safe spiritual enjoyment.

Discover here the certified itineraries of the Portuguese Way of St. James.

Some stages coincide with the Fátima Ways, which is another relevant reason to come back to visit us.

The commitment on the journey is motivated by moments of spiritual recollection in the Sanctuaries, of mutual support, by contemplating the natural landscape and the historical villages and towns. Allow yourself an involving and culturally rich human and spiritual experience.

Come and walk the certified routes of the Portuguese Way of St. James.

Have a good pilgrimage!

With regard to acts of faith or personal fulfilment, in Portugal, many Ways lead towards Fátima.

The Fátima Ways date back to the apparitions of Fátima (1917) and are routes which, in Portugal, are travelled on foot or by bicycle, by pilgrims heading to the Shrine of Fátima, located in Cova da Iria, in Fátima, Centro de Portugal.

These routes were mapped and developed by the National Cultural Centre, a cultural association whose main objectives are the promotion, preservation and dissemination of Portugal's cultural heritage.

Fátima, the site of the apparitions of Our Lady to the three little shepherds, is today one of the most important places of Catholic worship in the world, attracting millions of pilgrims annually. The largest celebrations take place on May 13^th (Procession of the Candles, on the 12^th at night) and on October 13^th.

Several Ways can be followed: the Tagus Way, which starts in the capital, Lisbon; the Northern Way, starting in Valença, in the north of Portugal; the Nazaré Way, starting in the village of Nazaré in the centre of the country, or the Carmelite Route, starting in the city of Coimbra, also in the centre of Portugal. These are routes that intertwine with other national and international Ways, such as the Ways of St. James and the Marian Routes. It is not surprising, therefore, that on some stages of the Fátima Ways travellers might meet pilgrims from the Ways of St. James, because the two are the same.

All of the Fátima Ways contribute towards true spirituality; connecting with nature and local religious and cultural experiences.

Along the way, visit churches and sanctuaries that are true museums of art, and admire the gilded, carved altars, tiling and sacred art that are true symbols of a people's culture. 

Also along the way you will also come across other forms of worship, celebrated in festivals and processions. Join in these festivities and take part in this spiritual journey of peace and finding yourself.