Walk or bus to Matosinhos

[Salpal]

Hi all,

If timing is an issue - do you highly recommend walking to Matosinhos or is catching a bus an option?

I just feel like I'll be cheating if I don't walk it?

 

[Phoenix]

I hear of many people starting from Matosinhos (bus or metro from Porto).

Last fall, I didn't want a very long day to begin the Camino from the cathedral to Vila do Conde, so the day I arrived I walked the 6-7 miles to Matosinhos, then took the metro back into town for the evening in Porto (appx 30 minutes). The next morning, I took metro back out to Matosinhos and began walking from the spot I left the day before. It worked out well.

Is this a possibility for you?

 

[amancio]

I would NEVER miss the walk down river Douro and then up the coast to Matosinhos, it is BEAUTIFUL, I would most definitely walk those few miles, particularly in the early evening it is just so nice!

 

[Salpal]

I would NEVER miss the walk down river Douro and then up the coast to Matosinhos, it is BEAUTIFUL, I would most definitely walk those few miles, particularly in the early evening it is just so nice!

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Perfect, thank you! Exactly what I needed.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I would NEVER miss the walk down river Douro and then up the coast to Matosinhos, it is BEAUTIFUL, I would most definitely walk those few miles, particularly in the early evening it is just so nice!

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I agree with @amancio...it is sooo nice and then as a bonus you will really be starting your camino in Porto!

 

[Roland49]

On my way back home I flew from Porto. I had a spare day and a half so I walked from the cathedral to the Parque da cidade with a stop at the beach. I walked 1,5h only and took a small detour across the Crystal Palace Gardens, which I recommend to visit.

If you are not in a hurry and you are open to the end of your walk I would like you to recommend to walk by the shore of the Dourro and the lovely beachside.

 

[Theatregal]

I would say absolutely walk from Porto down to the river and along the coast to Matosinhos. A beautiful and interesting first day!

 

[FLEUR]

Last year our flight arrived at Porto at midday. We took the metro to Porto. At the cathedral we had our credencials stamped and then walked 12km following the river and sea front to Matosinhos to our first night stop. Fabulous fish restaurants there. Next day we walked on to Parvoa.

 

[John Sikora]

If you can spare a night, why not walk and stay the night at Matosinhos? If not, take the bus. There is plenty of coastline between Matosinhos and Porto But, another night in the Porto area is always a good thing.

 

[Martin&Yvonne]

Last year our flight arrived at Porto at midday. We took the metro to Porto. At the cathedral we had our credencials stamped and then walked 12km following the river and sea front to Matosinhos to our first night stop. Fabulous fish restaurants there. Next day we walked on to Parvoa.

Exactly what we did. Started walking around 1-2 pm after having flown in from Canada and taking the metro to Cathedral. Walked to Matosinhos, 28 degrees in the blazing sun, backpacks on, and severely jet lagged, but thoroughly enjoying the sights and sounds of the city, it’s people, the river Douro and it’s beaches. Needless to say we slept like babies that night. Wouldnt have want to miss it.

 

[amancio]

Last year our flight arrived at Porto at midday. We took the metro to Porto. At the cathedral we had our credencials stamped and then walked 12km following the river and sea front to Matosinhos to our first night stop. Fabulous fish restaurants there. Next day we walked on to Parvoa.

Indeed, forgot to mention BBQ fish restaurants in Leixoes/Matosinhos, fresh fish on hot coals. Can you beat that? Even a modest sardine! Beautiful

 

[Saint Mike II]

Hola, some interesting suggestions on how to start this Camino. My brother and I have booked accommodation at Lavra/Angeiras so its about 15km or so. But we are still considering the metro out to Foz do Douro. But we do have a spare day before the walk so we might end up walking the whole way. Our second day will be either Vila de Conde or Povoa de Varzim. Taking our time to get our Camino legs. Cheers

 

[Delphinoula]

See how you feel. It’s a lovely walk along the river. For me it was right not to overdue it in the start. But I like rivers.

 

[Tony Walsh]

We are doing the coastal route starting in early June. We plan to walk the Matosinhos and then get the metro back to Porto. The following morning we will get the metro back out to Matosinhos and then walk to Villa de Conde

 

[David Tallan]

It is, of course, up to you. You won't be cheating by the rules of the people who give out the Compostelas. Their rules don't really concern anything beyond the last 100 km for those who walk. If you really feel like you would be cheating, then I would advise against it. My personal preference is to walk from where I get my first stamp. But my personal preference is also not to be tight for time. And it is not like I've never done things that would be considered "cheating" on the Camino. I remember one bit between Tosantos and Villafranca Montes de Oca on the Frances that I still don't regret.

But if you can make the time, I enjoyed the walk along the river and coast from Porto to Matosinhos.