Tui is a border city on the river Miño, facing Valença. The two towns are linked by the International Bridge, inaugurated in 1886.
There has been a settlement here since pre-Roman times, which was taken over by the Romans under the name of Tude. Until 1833, Tui was the capital of the Tui Province, one of the seven provinces of the Kingdom of Galicia.
Starting the Camino Portugues in Tui
As it is just over the 100 km mark from Santiago de Compostela, and still on the Spanish side of the river Miño, Tui is the starting place for nearly half of the pilgrims walking the Camino Portugés.
A credential can be picked up in the Cathedral.
Note: pilgrims starting the Camino in Galicia are required to get two stamps a day in their credentials in order to get a Compostela in Santiago. Probably the best way is to get one from the Albergue you stay in, and another during the day at another Albergue, a church, or any bar that has a stamp.
Accommodation in Tui
| Hotel name | Type | Price range | Room type | Other |
| Albergue Pallanes | Albergue | Budget | Shared rooms | Garden, Shared lounge, Terrace, Facilities for disabled guests, WiFi, Non-smoking rooms |
| Albergue Buen Camino Tui | Albergue | Budget | Shared rooms | Breakfast included, Facilities for disabled guests, WiFi |
| Pensión Ponte das Febres | Guest house | Mid-range | Private rooms | Terrace, Bar, WiFi, Balcony, Non-smoking rooms |
| Hotel A Torre do Xudeu | Hotel | Mid-range | Private rooms | Breakfast included, WiFi, Shared lounge, Garden, Facilities for disabled guests, Non-smoking rooms |
| Parador de Tui | Hotel | Splurge | Private rooms | Breakfast included, Swimming pool, Restaurant, WiFi, Facilities for disabled guests, Non-smoking rooms |
What to See in Tui
Catedral de Santa María
The construction of the fortified cathedral, occupying the highest point in Tui, began in 1120 and lasted until 1225. The tympanum shows the birth of Jesus and the Adoration of the Magi.
The cathedral bears both Romanesque and Gothic characteristics. Inside, across the central nave, there are buttresses that were erected later, exactly due to this contrast of building styles, to prevent the building from collapsing.
In the Chapel of Santiago, there is a representation of Santiago Matamoros, dating from 1696.
The cathedral has a beautiful cloister, built in the 13th century, and if you climb the small Torre de Soutomaior, you will get a splendid view of Valença.