Camino Portuges

[Wazza]

My wife and I (late 60's) are planning on walking the Camino Portuges next May (2019). Last year we did the Camino Frances to Santiago then through to Finnisterre via Muxia.
Questions on the Portuges;
1. from Lisbon how good are the way markings?
2. is there a bag/pack carrying service like there is on Frances?
3. which is the best Portuges route to take - interior or coastal?

Thankyou
Wazza

 

[miffy]

Hi Wazza,

\I haven't walked it yet but have done loads of research and the waymarkings sound pretty good. In fact, there are so many roads on it, I've alresdy followed a lot of it on google maps and followed it by looking for the yellow arrows (which my mate says are way easier to see in real situ). We're taking the Brierley guide too with us. On your third question, I guess you mean the Central route. That's the one we're doing and we based our decision on avaialability of bars and short stages.

Anyway, Boo Wazza, Enjoy yr wine and port and you'll have plenty of opportunities for your namesake

Miffy

 

[Dennis Ferguson]

My wife and I (late 60's) are planning on walking the Camino Portuges next May (2019). Last year we did the Camino Frances to Santiago then through to Finnisterre via Muxia.
Questions on the Portuges;
1. from Lisbon how good are the way markings?
2. is there a bag/pack carrying service like there is on Frances?
3. which is the best Portuges route to take - interior or coastal?

Thankyou
Wazza

Hi Wazza, like you I've done the Camino France's and I pushed myself pretty hard ( im 69 and I have Addison's disease) but you've wetted my appetite for the Portugese Camino. I met an Italian girl on the Camino Frances who'd walked the Portugeese Camino and she said it was beautiful and a lot easier than the French way. Why not get a Briarly guide ? I'm sure it'll help you a lot. God bless. Denny.

 

[lt56ny]

Hi I did the Portugues laser year from Lisbon. The markings are excellent. Of course I still got lost a few times as you always miss markings. Lots of road walking which can really be a drag. I did the interior route. I heard that the coast can be more expensive in summer. In October people I met told me they didn’t think it was more money than the interior. Great good, great Pilgrims and locals are amazingly warm and friendly.
Either way after Porto you will find beauty.
Buen Camino

 

[Pierre Julian]

Good way markings from Lisbon to Tomar, and very pleasant, quite flat. Think about the first day from Lisbon Cathedral, it could be very long unless you plan ahead. Brierly is quite good especially his maps (although in my opinion his "spiritual" comments are a little OTT). That's what I followed. I don't know about a back pack carrying service. His guide has both sections. It was very, very quiet when I did the section.

 

[Dennis Ferguson]

Good way markings from Lisbon to Tomar, and very pleasant, quite flat. Think about the first day from Lisbon Cathedral, it could be very long unless you plan ahead. Brierly is quite good especially his maps (although in my opinion his "spiritual" comments are a little OTT). That's what I followed. I don't know about a back pack carrying service. His guide has both sections. It was very, very quiet when I did the section.

Hi, did you have any problems finding alburges or a place to stay for the night? Cheers Denny.

 

[jungleboy]

Think about the first day from Lisbon Cathedral, it could be very long unless you plan ahead.

The new (from 2016) pilgrim albergue at Alpriate would help in this regard, although it only has 10 beds. It's 21.7km from the Lisbon cathedral, per Gronze.

 

[Jeep500]

Hi I did the Portugues laser year from Lisbon. The markings are excellent. Of course I still got lost a few times as you always miss markings. Lots of road walking which can really be a drag. I did the interior route. I heard that the coast can be more expensive in summer. In October people I met told me they didn’t think it was more money than the interior. Great good, great Pilgrims and locals are amazingly warm and friendly.
Either way after Porto you will find beauty.
Buen Camino

 

[Jeep500]

I agree with It56ny, we did it from Lisbon to Finisterre September 17. I would like to add to this;
From Lisbon to Vila Franca the path is mainly in the city on paved roads behind industries and trucking companies.
You need to follow the yellow arrows for directions.
Their are few villages between Lisbon & Porto who have not many Albergues or hotels.
You may need to add few kilometers to your plan to find lodging. We saw few Pilgrims using buses to reach the next village that could be an option.
Between Lisbon and Porto not much places to refill water and food. Make sure prior leaving in the morning to take enoug food and water.
Yes they have taxi companies that could carry your back but not well organized like the Frances.
After Porto everything goes better and even better after you cross the bridge to Spain.
If you need a phone card for your cell go into the metro station in Lisbon for 10euros you will get a card for one month internet and phone packages but for Portugal only.
Buen Camino