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)
I took the river walk last October and didn’t regret it at all. It’s some 30km without albergues, so it’s a longer stretch than usually. October was very hot and the river side provided a relief with cooler breezes.
It’s a flat route in contrast...
I walked the river ecopista and split it in two days staying in Vila Nova de Cerveira (got a stamp at the library 😍 ). It was a lovely walk. A lot of shade and nice totally flat path. But boring, and nothing open along the route. I was even...
Here's a blog post my wife and I did on the ecopista. It's scenic, but as MilenaS says, no place to stop along the way: https://twoclinestraveling.wordpress.com/2019/06/18/along-the-rio-minho/
Before and under my Caminos, I rather cut my nails and hair, and shave my arms and legs (at least) to reduce weight. And cut off at least half of my toothbrush shaft. For free. :cool:
I took the coastal alternative as (IIRC) it was recommended in Gronze. I haven’t walked the inland route so I can’t compare the two, and Freixo doesn’t ring a bell for me. But here’s my entry for that day anyway, if it helps.
Given your time constraints, just walking the coastal north from Porto might be the simplest approach. However far you get, it's easy to take the train, bus or metro back to Porto.* Also, you say you love the idea of walking along the Atlantic...
Padrón does have some associations with the St. James story that are worth a look: the Iria Flavia church, the pedron stone housed in the main church, and shrine on the hill. Here's our blog with photos...
Padron is very nice. The albergue on the hill will give a “Pedronia” certificate which is quite nice. The climb to the top of the hill is also beautiful and has a great view of the city. Some great restaurants. If you are there on a Saturday...
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