Portela do Homem
Caminho da Geira e dos Arrieiros
Portela do Homem is the border crossing between Portugal and Spain, set high in the mountains of the Peneda-Gerês National Park. The old border post still stands, though the border itself is now open. This is one of the most atmospheric border crossings on any Camino — no towns, no fences, just mountains, forest, and the ancient Roman road beneath your feet.
There are no services at the border. The nearest food and accommodation are in Os Baños, about 8.5 km north on the Spanish side.
The Portela do Homem pass has been a crossing point between what is now Portugal and Spain since Roman times. The Via XVIII (the Geira) crossed here, and you'll find some of the best-preserved sections of Roman road and milestones on the approach. The border was once heavily guarded, and smuggling was a way of life in these mountain communities well into the 20th century.
Go straight through the border post, turn right on the main road, but after 100 meters or so turn left off the road (there's a small arrow), then right shortly after. Geira signposts and arrows guide the way north toward the Roman baths (Mansio Romana de Aquis Originis), 8.5 km from the border.