• For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here.
    (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation)
  • ⚠️ Emergency contact in Spain - Dial 112 and AlertCops app. More on this here.

Search 69,459 Camino Questions

CP Rest Day?

Time of past OR future Camino
First one in 1977 by train. Many since then by foot. Next one ASAP.
If you were to take a 'rest day' on the Camino Portugues Central between Porto and SdeC, where would it be? Some town of particularly appealing atmosphere, or historical significance?
 
Last edited:
A selection of Camino Jewellery
If you were to take a 'rest day' on the Camino Portugues Central between Porto and Sde C, where would it be? Some town of particularly appealing atmosphere, or historical significance?

Ponte de Lima has a very nice atmosphere, a wonderful market-town with some nice welcoming restaurants and bars.



I did like Tui, just across the border. I preferred it to Valenca but I passed that town on a Saturday, packed with day tourists. Might be quieter in the week.

And of course Pontevedra.
I really wish I stayed another day there.
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
Viana do Castelo

Fao

Pontevedra, Padron

If course it depends which routes you choose
 
I plan to walk the Portugues central route from Porto in early May. I too am looking at potential spots for a rest day (in addition to an extra night in Porto) and am interested in making some time to see some of the sights in and around Braga. My understanding is that one needs to find transportation to get to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, but I've heard that it is an amazing place and a pilgrimage site in its own right. I'm still investigating the best place to stop in order to make the visit.
 
New Original Camino Gear Designed Especially with The Modern Peregrino In Mind!
Porto surely deserves more than one day.
I highly agree with people suggesting Valença, that fotress is impressive! and if you decide to advance a bit in the end of the day, Tui is just across the bridge.
 
If you were to take a 'rest day' on the Camino Portugues Central between Porto and SdeC, where would it be? Some town of particularly appealing atmosphere, or historical significance?
Ponte de Lima would get my vote too.
Enough to see to spend a leisurely day wandering around but not too much so you do actually feel rested at the end of your 'rest' day.
Historic old town centre, beautiful parks & gardens (incl the tree-lined boulevard the CP follows as you enter the town), sculptures, the river, piped classical music in the main praça (piazza) & on the bridge itself...it's just lovely.
Bom caminho.
👣 🌏
 
Last edited:
Pont de Lima would get my vote too.
Enough to see to spend a leisurely day wandering around but not too much so you do actually feel rested at the end of your 'rest' day.

I've gotten several private messages saying the same thing.... Gonna have to take a close look at Ponte de Lima!
 
The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.
Ponte de Lima
I journaled this while doing the Portuguese route in February 2018.
The approach to the beautiful town of Ponte de Lima meanders through the tiny hamlet towns of Anta, Bouca, Paco, Periera and Barros which seem to merge all into one as I drifted through them. This five kilometer portion of the Camino parallels the Rio Lima and it transitions from fields with sheep and goats, to woodland pathways, to apple orchards and vineyards where grape vines are supported by rows of ancient tall slabs of granite, buried in the ground and sticking up like three-meter stone fingers. Finally, I found myself on the cobblestone promenade of the narrow park that runs along the Lima River skirting the entire northern side of Ponte de Lima. Giant plane trees, a type of sycamore, were planted on both sides of the promenade creating both a corridor and a natural shade canopy overhead. These trees had grown to 150 feet high as the riparian location was perfect for this species of deciduous trees which thrive in wetland locations. I stopped and sat on one of the park benches and decided that this has to be flat-out one of the loveliest riverside locations anywhere. Right here, along the sandy banks of the Lima River, a “farmers market” pops up every two weeks and is said to be the oldest outdoor market in Portugal. In addition to fresh produce, vendors also sell textiles, cheep clothing and household goods in a relaxed atmosphere created by the languidly flowing river and the old medieval character of the town.
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
My vote is Ponte de LIma. I did the CP in March/April 2019 form Lisbon to SDC and had a rest day at Ponte de Lima. Thoroughly enjoyed the rest day, a beautiful and relaxing town. Your choice 😃 but you have my vote.
Cheers
 
Our group of 5 did the Porto to SdC in September 2019. Ponte de Lima was my favourite town. If I were to do it again I would take a rest day there.
 
Down bag (90/10 duvet) of 700 fills with 180 g (6.34 ounces) of filling. Mummy-shaped structure, ideal when you are looking for lightness with great heating performance.

€149,-
I walked CP to SDC in Sept this year - the Coastal route. So my vote is for Viana. Great place to visit. If you head this way try to stay at Donna Emilia - Fabulous bnb Hotel. I had my best meal the whole trip in Viana as well. Great Cathedral to visit on the hill, accessable by Furnicular. Cheers Carmel
 
If it were me, I probably wouldn't pick Ponte de Lima, much as I loved the place. I would stay at Casa da Fernanda and the walk to Ponte de Lima from there is a short one, giving you plenty of time to see the town without taking an extra day there. Instead, I would probably take the day in Valença/ Tui. I would spend my last night in Portugal in Valença and cross the bridge the next day and spend my first night in Spain in Tui.

Other options are Pontevedra and Padrón. Pontevedra has lots to see including a very nice museum/art gallery. Padrón also has lots to see and is especially closely related to the history/legends associated with St. James.
 
Ponte de Lima has a very nice atmosphere, a wonderful market-town with some nice welcoming restaurants and bars.



I did like Tui, just across the border. I preferred it to Valenca but I passed that town on a Saturday, packed with day tourists. Might be quieter in the week.

And of course Pontevedra.
I really wish I stayed another day there.
You listed my favorites, as well.
 
Down bag (90/10 duvet) of 700 fills with 180 g (6.34 ounces) of filling. Mummy-shaped structure, ideal when you are looking for lightness with great heating performance.

€149,-
I plan to walk the Portugues central route from Porto in early May. I too am looking at potential spots for a rest day (in addition to an extra night in Porto) and am interested in making some time to see some of the sights in and around Braga. My understanding is that one needs to find transportation to get to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, but I've heard that it is an amazing place and a pilgrimage site in its own right. I'm still investigating the best place to stop in order to make the visit.
The Bom Jesus site is very impressive and definately worth a visit. Good for a few hours or more and they have a cafe with outdoor seating, too. I'd post some photos, but I'm sure there are many google images.
 
The Bom Jesus site is very impressive and definately worth a visit. Good for a few hours or more and they have a cafe with outdoor seating, too. I'd post some photos, but I'm sure there are many google images.
I plan to walk the Portugues central route from Porto in early May. I too am looking at potential spots for a rest day (in addition to an extra night in Porto) and am interested in making some time to see some of the sights in and around Braga. My understanding is that one needs to find transportation to get to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, but I've heard that it is an amazing place and a pilgrimage site in its own right. I'm still investigating the best place to stop in order to make the visit.
The shortest way to Braga is to walk to Barcelos and stay overnight an extra night.
From Barcelos it is 20 kms to Braga You can go by train or bus.
In the center of Braga is the tourist info. They point you out where the busstop is to the Bom Jesus do Monte , about 5 minutes walk from there.
The bus takes ten minutes to the sanctuary. Very nice and beautiful views over Braga.
If you like music. Braga is the center of the world for traditional Portuguese musical instruments like the cavaquinho, a ukulele like instrument with steel strings ,used in Portuguese folkmusic (not in Fado btw) and Brazilean choro music. There are about 6 manufacturers in Braga, most related to each other.
Braga is my favorite Portuguese town
 
We are doing the Coastal Route next June and our rest day is Baiona
 
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
Ponte de Lima
I journaled this while doing the Portuguese route in February 2018.
The approach to the beautiful town of Ponte de Lima meanders through the tiny hamlet towns of Anta, Bouca, Paco, Periera and Barros which seem to merge all into one as I drifted through them. This five kilometer portion of the Camino parallels the Rio Lima and it transitions from fields with sheep and goats, to woodland pathways, to apple orchards and vineyards where grape vines are supported by rows of ancient tall slabs of granite, buried in the ground and sticking up like three-meter stone fingers. Finally, I found myself on the cobblestone promenade of the narrow park that runs along the Lima River skirting the entire northern side of Ponte de Lima. Giant plane trees, a type of sycamore, were planted on both sides of the promenade creating both a corridor and a natural shade canopy overhead. These trees had grown to 150 feet high as the riparian location was perfect for this species of deciduous trees which thrive in wetland locations. I stopped and sat on one of the park benches and decided that this has to be flat-out one of the loveliest riverside locations anywhere. Right here, along the sandy banks of the Lima River, a “farmers market” pops up every two weeks and is said to be the oldest outdoor market in Portugal. In addition to fresh produce, vendors also sell textiles, cheep clothing and household goods in a relaxed atmosphere created by the languidly flowing river and the old medieval character of the town.
Agreed, unless you were unlucky enough to spend the day walking in torrential rain !
 
Just to upset your apple cart, have you had a look at Elle Bieling's resources on the Portuguese? She might have something appealing that confirms some of the other suggestions above... I am afraid I am no use re resting days. We took a day in Porto before starting, and a day in Santiago to people watch before heading home. We did visit the City of Culture because the transport was free that day...but why did they do that? Santiago is its own city of culture. Anyway, I wish you luck as you make your mind up, and buen camino.
 
Down bag (90/10 duvet) of 700 fills with 180 g (6.34 ounces) of filling. Mummy-shaped structure, ideal when you are looking for lightness with great heating performance.

€149,-
I walked CP to SDC in Sept this year - the Coastal route. So my vote is for Viana. Great place to visit. If you head this way try to stay at Donna Emilia - Fabulous bnb Hotel. I had my best meal the whole trip in Viana as well. Great Cathedral to visit on the hill, accessable by Furnicular. Cheers Carmel
Hi Carmel, I am walking the CP in late September this year. Do you remember the name of the restaurant in Viana?
 
Join our full-service guided tour and let us convert you into a Pampered Pilgrim!
We stopped at Braga on our way to Tui and really enjoyed visiting the Bom Jesus. There are many churches in the area but Bom Jesus was definitely the highlight. Tui is nice and charming, after staying in smaller towns, it was nice to walk into a city environment like Pontevedra.
 
Tomar's Templar monastery is worth a day off (we did a guided tour which took about two hours). Coimbra's 800 year old university and surrounds again is worth the time to wonder around. We are staying an extra night at the Parador in Baiona in June 2020 (we may got out to the islands). An extra day in Santiago de Compostela is also worth it.
 

Most read last week in this forum

I would like to walk the river route in Tui next month. I can see on google maps exactly where it starts, but it seems a bit overgrown. Has anybody used this route this year or last year...
Hello, my friend of 50+ years and I are on our first Camino walk. We are looking for: 1) safe, comfortable hostels in Lisbon; 2) stages from Lisbon to Porto (via Tomar) in about 16 days...
Hi I have searched everywhere to see if there is a luggage service from Lisbon to Porto. I know there is from Porto to Santiago, but Lisbon ???. Thanks for any info.

❓How to ask a question

How to post a new question on the Camino Forum.

Forum Rules

Forum Rules

Camino Updates on YouTube

Camino Conversations

Most downloaded Resources

This site is run by Ivar at

in Santiago de Compostela.
This site participates in the Amazon Affiliate program, designed to provide a means for Ivar to earn fees by linking to Amazon
Official Camino Passport (Credential) | 2024 Camino Guides
Back
Top