Hi, on my recent trip I used a Revolut virtual card (kept on my phone). Worked brilliantly and everywhere in Portugal and Spain that I presented it, accepted it. Rates of exchange excellent too.
Hi Peter et al,
I arrived in Santiago de C yesterday and am back in the UK today. Santiago was a wonderful place and I enjoyed it/the energy tremendously - and arriving after walking 300k (possibly the longest Camino Portuguese ever!
I’m currently sitting in the garden enjoying dinner (end of...
Hi Sue,
Have really enjoyed the Variante (although pretty tough, physically). Found the pilgrims on this route a friendly bunch and - for the first time since Esposende - I was seeing the same faces on consecutive days 😃
I’ve had dinner with a Portuguese couple and an Austrian mother and...
You don’t say what type of accommodation you’re looking for, but I’d just like to recommend a couple of places (for your consideration) from my very recent experience: Quinta de Quinhas (Vila Praia de Âncora) £56; Monumento Convento de Santo Benito (A Guarda) £56; Hostel Charino (Pontevedra)...
Hi Wippe,
Sad to hear of your experience - but good to hear you’re back on the road with your daughter soon.
In the end I’ve had a ‘Camino doughnut’ as far as company is concerned: company at the beginning and end and a bit empty in the middle! I have met some truly wonderful people though...
Hi Peter, thanks for asking! Vigo was a bit of a low for me. However today (Vigo - Arcade) has been much better! I walked a few hours this morning with a fascinating and charming local guy (not a pilgrim): a great experience as we walked through beautiful countryside. This afternoon I was alone...
I didn’t explicitly say this in my original post - but yes, walking extended stretches in remote areas of woodland etc does cause some concern. This is why I referred to safety and security.
Thanks David, that’s so encouraging for me to hear (although I’m sorry about your first 3 days). I’m on my own (again) in Vigo now (no pilgrims in any bars or cafes that I’ve seen), but I’m booked into rooms in places in Arcade and Pontevedra that also have bunks so let’s hope things change...
Thanks, I like your suggestions re bars and restaurants - I’ll give it a go! I might be so successful with this strategy that I’ll long for the solitude again 😜
I’ll be joining with the Central after my next stop (Vigo) but then detour on the Variante Spiritual - which I think may be the path less trodden, again.
I was told by friends who’d done the (French) Camino that there are plenty of pilgrims on the way and it’s easy to hook up with others. Not my experience on the Portuguese! My first couple of days I walked with some wonderful people and had such interesting conversations, but this has largely...
I think the best way to connect with others is to show an interest in them and truly listen to what they say. By asking questions you may uncover some shared interests and then conversation becomes easy and enjoyable for both. Having said that, you may not always (or want to) connect.
Hi Susan,
These were the ones recommended to me:
Siglas & Runas II / Povoa de Varzim
Sun & Sand Guesthouse / Esposende
Pensao O Laranjeira / Viana do Castelo
Casa Puertas at Oia
A filla do Mar / Arcade (hostel with small swimming pool)
Albergue Hostel Nuestra Senora del Camino / Combarro...
Hi Luisa,
I’m walking a mix of the Coastal/Littoral/Central (and including the Variante Espirituel which includes a boat journey from Vilanova de Arousa to Padron - bookable in advance) from Porto to Santiago de C from 26/8 to 9/9. I’ve included 1 days rest in this itinerary.
I have to say...
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