Camino Portugués: Lisbon to Santarem
About this trip.
Comparing firms? Every Camino holiday on Mooch, route by route.
Before you book: Walking holidays vs cycling holidays — when each one is the right answer · Which Camino route is right for you — an honest opinion on each of the seven
Lisbon to Santarem on the Camino Portugues
The first section of the Camino Portugues leaves Portugal's capital, Lisbon, and heads north to Santarem, known for its scenic views over the surrounding area. Once you're past the urban stretch at the start, the route enters a rich farming area often called "the garden of Portugal". On this leg the Camino shares its path with the Caminho de Fatima and mostly follows the Tejo River valley. The land is flat, so anyone of average fitness can manage it.
Lisbon is a colourful coastal capital and a good place to relax for the evening before you set off. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, older than London, Rome and Paris.
Towns along the way
One town on the route was founded by the Romans and occupied by the Moors, then taken back by the Portuguese in the 12th century. Today it is growing thanks to its railway link and the nearby motorway. Its main church, the Igreja Matriz da Azambuja, is plain outside, but inside you'll find traditional Portuguese tiles and gilded altars. Just west of the town is a wine region in the Ribatejo hills, home to the award-winning Quinta da Lapa winery. Fish dishes are a speciality of the region and go well with the local wine.
Further on, a hilltop town looks out over the Tagus River. It also has Roman origins, was captured by the Moors and later returned to the Portuguese. The early monarchs of Portugal liked to visit, and you can still see many monuments and buildings from that time. Festivals are an important part of the town's heritage, notably the National Agricultural Fair in June and the National Gastronomy Festival in October.
Practicalities on the trail
Facilities along this section are adequate, but there are some noticeable gaps. Bring at least two or three snacks, or a light lunch or sandwich, for the longer stretches, and keep well hydrated between places with services. Waymarking is present but not consistent along the whole route, so carry the notes and map provided and use the operator's mobile app and its navigation feature.
The holiday includes bed and breakfast in hand-picked accommodation, a holiday or pilgrim pack, 24/7 on-call support and a virtual face-to-face briefing before departure. Luggage transfers between hotels are an optional extra and not included in the starting price.
The shape of the trip.
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1How hard is it really?
The grading is set by the operator and usually reflects daily distance and total ascent. As a rule of thumb: if you can comfortably manage a 5-6 hour hillwalk at home on a weekend, a moderate-graded route will be fine. Read the day-by-day notes carefully, and train with a loaded pack in the months before.
Q2Can I do this solo?
Yes — self-guided walking holidays are well suited to solo travellers, and some operators waive the single-room supplement on certain departures. The route notes are written for confident independent walkers, and most operators run a 24/7 support line.
Q3Do I need to speak the language?
No. Hotels and restaurants on the route are used to English-speaking walkers. A phrasebook for menus and a few polite basics (hello, thank you, please) is all you really need. The operator's support line speaks English.
Q4Can I bring my dog?
Some routes are dog-friendly, others aren't — it depends on whether all the accommodation on the itinerary accepts dogs. Check with the operator before booking. If you do bring a dog, you'll need a pet passport, up-to-date rabies vaccination, and a lead for villages.
Q5What if it rains?
The route is walkable in rain — your luggage travels ahead regardless, so you'll always arrive somewhere dry. Some trails get slippery in wet weather and the operator's support line can arrange a taxi for any stage if conditions are properly bad.
Q6How do I get there from the UK?
Most routes are reachable by a short flight to a nearby airport, followed by train or transfer. The operator will usually point you at the nearest airport and can advise on rail connections. Some will book train tickets on your behalf for a small fee.
Q7Can I shorten or extend it?
Usually yes. Many operators offer shorter versions of a route as a standalone, and most will add extra nights at the start or end at their own rates. Ask when you enquire — they'll tailor it before booking.
Q8What about cancellation?
Typically a deposit (usually 20-25%) is taken at booking, with the balance due 8-10 weeks before departure. The operator's own terms apply — Mooch doesn't handle the booking or refunds. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Three walking holidays, side-by-side.
The two closest walking holidays on Mooch, both on the Camino. Prices are the operators' own, per person.
