Santiago Plan

Stage 1 of 10 · Caminho da Geira e dos Arrieiros

Braga → Santiago de Caldelas

Braga (Portugal)

Updated on August 16, 2026

Distance
16 km
Time
4 h 7 min
Ascent
+180 m
Descent
−288 m
Difficulty
Easy
Where to sleep in Santiago de Caldelas
2

Elevation profile

Ascent

+180 m

Descent

−288 m

Altitude

31–185 m

81082080 km4 km8 km12 km16 km

Stage map

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Where to get your credential stamped

Places on this stage that usually stamp the pilgrim's credential. Remember: over the last 100 km you need two stamps a day.

Points based on the hostels and parish churches along this stretch (OpenStreetMap data). We can't guarantee that each one stamps at all times: opening hours and availability change. Many bars, cafés and town halls also stamp.

Don't have the credential yet? See where to get one →

Leaving historic Braga behind, the trail winds through the vineyards of the Minho valley to the thermal spa town of Caldelas.

🧭 How to get there

Find out how to travel from your city to Braga by train, bus, car or plane.

See routes and prices
Open in Google Maps →Links to external planners; schedules and prices on their website.

Hostels on this stage

Hostel data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). It does not include beds or price, which are not always in the source; check with the hostel. Is one missing or wrong? Write to us.

Frequently asked questions about this stage

How many kilometres is stage 1?
The stage from Braga to Santiago de Caldelas is about 16 km according to our track.
How long does this stage take?
About 4 h 7 min at a moderate pace (16 km and +180 m). This estimate excludes breaks; with rests, photos and meals, add 1-2 hours.
How much elevation does this stage have?
It gains about +180 m of ascent and −288 m of descent, calculated on the real profile of the stage.
Is this stage difficult?
We rate it as easy difficulty, with about 11 m of ascent per kilometre. It is an estimate based on elevation; heat, rain or the surface can make it harder.
Where to sleep at the end of the stage, in Santiago de Caldelas?
We list 6 pilgrim hostels in the corridor of this stage (with phone and website when available). You can also book a hotel or guesthouse in Santiago de Caldelas.

Xacobeo 2027

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Keep planning

All stages of the Caminho da Geira e dos ArrieirosCompare the routesHow to start the CaminoThe credential and the Compostela
All stages2. Campo do Gerês →