Walk the Historic Caminhos de Santiago Through Portugal's Southern Landscape

So many people today seek out the Camino de Santiago (Caminhos de Santiago in Portuguese), or the Way of St. James. The Camino is a network of ancient and modern pilgrimage routes that converge at the shrine of St. James the Apostle in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain. Pilgrims have followed these routes for centuries, seeking spiritual renewal and personal growth and enlightenment. Over the last decade the number of pilgrims increased by 107%, and Americans now are the 2nd biggest group of hikers. The people who hike the Camino for religious reasons are now in the minority. 

The Alentejo region of Portugal has a special tie to the Order of Santiago, with historic routes tied to tradition and nature. Now, with the launch of three newly signed Caminhos de Santiago pilgrimage routes, Alentejo visitors have the opportunity to discover the region’s fascinating past, including its deep ties to the Order of Santiago—a medieval military and religious order that shaped the history of Portugal.

With a total of 1,400 kilometers of trails, including 850 kilometers of physically marked paths and 550 kilometers digitally mapped, the Caminhos de Santiago in the Alentejo offer links to historic towns and cork forests. Along the way, visitors can collect stamps for their Credencial do Peregrino, marking their progress and creating a memorable keepsake.

The routes are dotted with support points, offering rest and food while showcasing local specialties like Alentejo wines and olive oils. From medieval castles to serene countryside vistas, every step reveals another layer of the region’s story.

These routes, designed for modern pilgrims and travelers alike, guide visitors through some of the most iconic and picturesque locations in the Alentejo, including Alcácer do Sal, Santiago de Cacém, and Mértola.

Founded in the 12th century, the Order of Santiago was established to protect pilgrims traveling to Santiago de Compostela in Spain and to defend territories reclaimed from the Arabs during the Reconquista. The order played a significant role in settling and developing the Alentejo region in the 13-14th centuries. In fact, kings such as D. Afonso I of Portugal granted the order substantial landholdings. These lands became strategic bases for defense, agriculture, and settlement. The order not only contributed to the military success of the Reconquista but also facilitated the economic and social organization of newly reclaimed territories. It built castles, fortified towns, and established administrative structures that helped integrate these regions into Christian kingdoms. 

In the Alentejo, the Order’s influence is still visible in the many of their castles, churches, and the towns they fortified and governed. Alcácer do Sal became one of their key strongholds, serving as a hub of military, economic, and religious activity. Similarly, Santiago de Cacém and Mértola were pivotal bases in consolidating the region’s importance during the Middle Ages.

The Alentejo is a land of quiet wonder, where gliding plains meet sudden mountains and the world’s largest cork forests stretch as far as the eye can see. This lightly populated region of open horizons follows a pace set by its ancient traditions and regional songs. In the summer, the green cork oaks cast dappled shadows over the rolling plains, transforming the landscape into a romantic mosaic of sunlit groves and gentle breezes.

Wine estates, olive groves, and whitewashed farmhouses occasionally punctuate these ancient forests, which have been producing cork for millennia. 

Often referred to as "a nation within a nation," the Alentejo is a place where time-honored traditions endure. Its distinct dialect, Moorish influences, whitewashed towns, and soulful songs reflect a culture deeply rooted in history. Hilltop towns, crowned by medieval castles, seem to float above the plains, their Gothic towers and terracotta roofs rising from centuries-old walls. Visitors are greeted not just by these striking views but by the unmistakable spirit of the Alentejo—where the air carries the flavors of coriander and garlic, and every moment feels steeped in history and warmth.

Set along the Sado River, Alcácer do Sal was a strategic stronghold for the Order of Santiago. Its unique castle, built atop Roman and Arab foundations, once was the military headquarters of the Order. This historic  Church of Santa Maria do Castelo, a Gothic masterpiece that reflects the religious and cultural significance of the Order’s presence.

Named after the patron saint of the Order, Santiago de Cacém is steeped in history. The town’s medieval castle, originally a Moorish fortress, stands as a reminder of its strategic importance. Nearby, the Igreja Matriz de Santiago houses architectural details and artifacts that speak to its past.

Mértola is a living museum that was once a bustling Roman outpost and later the capital of an Arab caliphet, the town eventually became a key site for the Order of Santiago. Highlights include the Igreja Matriz, a former mosque turned church, and the hilltop castle, which offers sweeping views of the Guadiana River. These landmarks showcase the blending of Roman, Islamic, and Christian influences that define Mértola’s unique identity.

The new routes invite travelers to step back in time while enjoying the modern comforts of the Alentejo:

•Caminho Central (570 km): Beginning in Santa Cruz, this route passes through Alcácer do Sal and Santiago de Cacém, offering pilgrims a chance to explore the western Alentejo’s rolling hills, ancient ruins, and charming villages.

•Caminho Nascente (400 km): Starting in Mesquita, this route takes travelers through Mértola, Beja, and Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Roman Temple and well-preserved medieval architecture.

•Caminho da Raia (310 km): Launching this December, this digitally guided route follows the Spanish border, weaving through picturesque towns like Reguengos de Monsaraz, famed for its wineries, and Vila Viçosa, home to Portugal’s royal palaces.

The Caminhos de Santiago in the Alentejo offer a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re exploring the ancient streets of Mértola, admiring the views from Alcácer do Sal, or enjoying a glass of wine in Santiago de Cacém, these routes promise an unforgettable journey.