Take the train. quicker. When you leave Vila do Conde stop and spend the night in Rates the go on to Barcelos. When you leave Mama Fernandas house spend the night in Ponte de Lima. Be sure to visit the border fort in Valenca. Buen Camino
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Like other forum members have said Cobblend stone is the surface of choice in Portugal. The stones will get to you. You will also walk many miles on the Via Romana. The same roads walked by Roman Legions. I'm 66 and wouldn't dream of wearing running shoes on the caminos. Old feet require...
It too bad you can't walk from Porto to Santiago:(. I have taken the bus from Santiago to Lisbon;). Bus or train, your pick. If you're not pressed for time take the bus. You'll have time to see what you missed.
Go on line to check both and see which one will be best for you. Portugal has a...
Old people don't walk the Camino. They ride the bus to the highlight cities and go on city tours.
The older but young at heart people walk the caminos. At 66 I hope I can remain young at heart when I'm your age.
I walked from Porto to Santiago in 2014. Costal route the first day then inland...
Start walking on a regular basis to get yourself ready. Be sure to bring a adequate supply of your medications and double bag them to keep them dry. If you can, bring a medical printout of your medications, the strength, and dosage.
If you are going to spend the night in Tui and you have the...
Pepes bar slipped my mind. It's a hole in the wall place but Pepe more than makes up for it. Somewhere in his phone is my picture. Thanks for the memory.
They carry a much bigger pack than pilgrims that know better. They carry everything we carry plus food, water, and shelter. We have fountains, cafes/bars, and albergues. They live in the wild and far from civilization. We spend the night indoors in a bed in a village or town. They live...
When exploring Porto, take the metro to Matosinhos and then follow the ocean and river back to Porto. Its a great walk with plenty to see and you can have dinner at one of the restaurants along the river. If you are going to take the coastal route you need to start early. Porto to Vila de...
Take the coastal route. It makes for a long day, 24 kilometers I think, but the walk is well worth it. Cross the bridge and turn left, walk to the Atlantic, turn right and follow the the beach and arrows. The walk from Vila do Conde to Rates and the main route is great too. Buen Camino...
I walked ftom Porto to Santiago in 2014. Loved it, no Pyrenees to cross. I'll let you know how they compare in a couple of months. Buen Camino
Happy Trails
Coastal route is well marked including going inland to main route. Do spend a day or 2 in Porto. See and walk across Eiffels Bridge, its free, take a tour and sample some Port on the river, it's not free, and walk around old Porto. Start your camino by take the tram to Matosinhos then walk...
In 2014 I passed a lot of people walking to Fatima. It's a more strenuous walk going that way, steeper climbs. Just follow the green arrows -->, they are usually with the yellow arrows <--. Buen Camino
Happy Trails
I only walked the short Portuguese route, Porto to Santiago. Didn't have time to walk from Lisbon to Porto. Wished I had walked to whole thing. I'm not familiar with the VDLP but I can highly recommend the last half of the Portuguese route. If you liked Spain you will love Portugal. Buen...
Mama Frenada, I'm the pilgrim that gave you the bottle of Mexican Green sauce last year. I will always remember my stay at Casa Fernanda. Feliz Natal e feliz ano novo. Bom Caminho
Feliz Viagem
Walked it last year. It was great. We took the trolley to the bridge the first day and walked back to Porto. Next morning we took trolley back to the bridge and continued our camino. Take the costal route, not to be missed. Buen Camino
Happy Trails
Take the beach route. The Porto Metro runs a commuter line to Matosinhos. Get off at the bridge and follow the arrows, or cross the river , turn left, walk to the ocean, turn right, and follow the ocean and the arrows. We took the metro to Matosinhos our first day and walked back to Porto...
I walked from Porto to Santiago last September /October. We averaged 20 kilometers a day. The first several days as little as 15 kilometers and then up to almost 30 kilometers the last few days. I truly believe that the Portuguese camino is the easiest camino to walk. Walk the whole thing...
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