Camino Portugues - September 2021

[GailGwyn]

Hi everyone. We're planning to walk the Camino Portuguese, starting from Porto on 16th September. Should have walked it last March, but ......!

Thinking of the first day out along the Senda Litoral, then divert inland onto the Central Route. Also hope to incorporate the Spiritual Variant along with the boat ride.

Really hope it goes ahead this time.

 

[gollygolly]

Hope for you that your plans proceed without challenges...

For the Variant Espiritual, you might be interested in my various posts in connection with this route that can be read here :
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...-coastal-portuguese-routes.70544/#post-944595

 

[GailGwyn]

Hope for you that your plans proceed without challenges...

For the Variant Espiritual, you might be interested in my various posts in connection with this route that can be read here :
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...-coastal-portuguese-routes.70544/#post-944595

Thanks gollygolly. I'll peruse them now.

 

[gollygolly]

The river section, sometime also known as the Via Crucis, starts in Vilanova de Arousa and goes to Pontecesures on the Río Ulla, to be followed by the short walk from Pontecesures to Padron.

There are 3 operators on this route, each departing at slightly different times, with departure times influenced by the prevalent tides.

In no order of preference, as the prices from each operator are the same, currently 20.00€ per person one way only, these are the operators

La Translatio / La Barca del Pergrino / Naviera Bahia Sub
tel : 00 34 607 911 523
naviera@bahiasub.com
https://www.labarcadelperegrino.com/

==

Translatio Xacobea / Tours Rías Baixas
(they operate the fast rib boat/launch)

tel : 00 34 680 733 990
info@toursriasbaixas.com
https://www.toursriasbaixas.com

==

Amare Turismo Náutico
tel : 00 34 650 410 322 + 650 410 323
info@amareturismonautico.com
https://www.amareturismonautico.com


Hope that this might assist

 

[Boardgamer]

The river section, sometime also known as the Via Crucis, starts in Vilanova de Arousa and goes to Pontecesures on the Río Ulla, to be followed by the short walk from Pontecesures to Padron.

There are 3 predators on this route, that depart at slightly different times, with departure times influenced by the prevalent tides.

In no order of preference, as the prices from each operator are the same, currently 20.00€ per person one way only, these are the operators

La Translatio / La Barca del Pergrino / Naviera Bahia Sub
tel : 00 34 607 911 523
naviera@bahiasub.com
https://www.labarcadelperegrino.com/

==

Translatio Xacobea / Tours Rías Baixas
(they operate the fast rib boat/launch)

tel : 00 34 680 733 990
info@toursriasbaixas.com
https://www.toursriasbaixas.com

==

Amare Turismo Náutico
tel : 00 34 650 410 322 + 650 410 323
info@amareturismonautico.com
https://www.amareturismonautico.com


Hope that this might assist

Thank you so so much I was jusf thinking about that boat trip this morning. I assume I will need to book it, or maybe I could just see what happens when I arrive?

 

[gollygolly]

Thank you so so much I was jusf thinking about that boat trip this morning. I assume I will need to book it, or maybe I could just see what happens when I arrive?

Not sure if there is a need if your there in September, when times are slightly quieter. This August I made a reservation by telephone, and the next day paid on boarding the boat.

Having taken the fast rib boat / launch a couple of years go and taken the slower boat this year, my personal preference would be the fast rib boat / launch, though this is a personal preference.

You may want to know that there is also a 'sello' / stamp for the Credencial if you take the river trip.

 

[Boardgamer]

Not sure if there is a need if your there in September, when times are slightly quieter. This August I made a reservation by telephone, and the next day paid on boarding the boat.

Having taken the fast rib boat / launch a couple of years go and taken the slower boat this year, my personal preference would be the fast rib boat / launch, though this is a personal preference.

You may want to know that there is also a 'sello' / stamp for the Credencial if you take the river trip.

Thank you again for your super helpful help

 

[GailGwyn]

The river section, sometime also known as the Via Crucis, starts in Vilanova de Arousa and goes to Pontecesures on the Río Ulla, to be followed by the short walk from Pontecesures to Padron.

There are 3 operators on this route, each departing at slightly different times, with departure times influenced by the prevalent tides.

In no order of preference, as the prices from each operator are the same, currently 20.00€ per person one way only, these are the operators

La Translatio / La Barca del Pergrino / Naviera Bahia Sub
tel : 00 34 607 911 523
naviera@bahiasub.com
https://www.labarcadelperegrino.com/

==

Translatio Xacobea / Tours Rías Baixas
(they operate the fast rib boat/launch)

tel : 00 34 680 733 990
info@toursriasbaixas.com
https://www.toursriasbaixas.com

==

Amare Turismo Náutico
tel : 00 34 650 410 322 + 650 410 323
info@amareturismonautico.com
https://www.amareturismonautico.com


Hope that this might assist

Brilliant! Thank you

 

[roamingpaddy]

Hi everyone. We're planning to walk the Camino Portuguese, starting from Porto on 16th September. Should have walked it last March, but ......!

Thinking of the first day out along the Senda Litoral, then divert inland onto the Central Route. Also hope to incorporate the Spiritual Variant along with the boat ride.

Really hope it goes ahead this time.

Hi wishing you a great Camino, I hope to follow in your footsteps in late September, I would be greatful for your updates along the way.

 

[GailGwyn]

Hi wishing you a great Camino, I hope to follow in your footsteps in late September, I would be greatful for your updates along the way.

I'll post updates along the way.

 

[Helena Litherland]

Hi everyone. We're planning to walk the Camino Portuguese, starting from Porto on 16th September. Should have walked it last March, but ......!

Thinking of the first day out along the Senda Litoral, then divert inland onto the Central Route. Also hope to incorporate the Spiritual Variant along with the boat ride.

Really hope it goes ahead this time.

Sounds great, we are hoping to follow the same route,including the boat, starting Sept 5 from Porto. Will post along the way.

 

[BobY333]

What great info! My wife and I will be leaving Porto on 24 September. We're going to ease into things by walking to Matasinhos the first day, then Vila do Conde, and then head in to join the Central Route. The Variente Espiritual is part of our Way as well, so thank you GollyGolly for the boat info! And roamingpaddy, perhaps our paths will cross? Buen Camino!

 

[roamingpaddy]

What great info! My wife and I will be leaving Porto on 24 September. We're going to ease into things by walking to Matasinhos the first day, then Vila do Conde, and then head in to join the Central Route. The Variente Espiritual is part of our Way as well, so thank you GollyGolly for the boat info! And roamingpaddy, perhaps our paths will cross? Buen Camino!

Thanks Boby, yes our paths could well meet as I hope to start from Porto around sep 25th

 

[world walker]

Hi everyone. We're planning to walk the Camino Portuguese, starting from Porto on 16th September. Should have walked it last March, but ......!

Thinking of the first day out along the Senda Litoral, then divert inland onto the Central Route. Also hope to incorporate the Spiritual Variant along with the boat ride.

Really hope it goes ahead this time.

Spiritual variant is great. But pay attention to signs when in the forest. I got a bit loss there ( 2018)

 

[GailGwyn]

Sounds great, we are hoping to follow the same route,including the boat, starting Sept 5 from Porto. Will post along the way.

That would be great! Give me some idea of what I can look forward to.

 

[GailGwyn]

Spiritual variant is great. But pay attention to signs when in the forest. I got a bit loss there ( 2018)

Thanks for the heads up

 

[GailGwyn]

The river section, sometime also known as the Via Crucis, starts in Vilanova de Arousa and goes to Pontecesures on the Río Ulla, to be followed by the short walk from Pontecesures to Padron.

There are 3 operators on this route, each departing at slightly different times, with departure times influenced by the prevalent tides.

In no order of preference, as the prices from each operator are the same, currently 20.00€ per person one way only, these are the operators

La Translatio / La Barca del Pergrino / Naviera Bahia Sub
tel : 00 34 607 911 523
naviera@bahiasub.com
https://www.labarcadelperegrino.com/

==

Translatio Xacobea / Tours Rías Baixas
(they operate the fast rib boat/launch)

tel : 00 34 680 733 990
info@toursriasbaixas.com
https://www.toursriasbaixas.com

==

Amare Turismo Náutico
tel : 00 34 650 410 322 + 650 410 323
info@amareturismonautico.com
https://www.amareturismonautico.com


Hope that this might assist

Thank you

 

[Airfix]

Nice to hear there will be a few Peregrinos on the Portuguese Camino this September. Wife and I are leaving Porto on Friday 10th after a quick trip up Douro Valley. Buen Camino everyone, this one has been a long time coming.

 

[Helena Litherland]

Nice to hear there will be a few Peregrinos on the Portuguese Camino this September. Wife and I are leaving Porto on Friday 10th after a quick trip up Douro Valley. Buen Camino everyone, this one has been a long time coming.

Husband and I are in Porto now, will start the walk tomorow morning Sept 5. Today we will explore the city and check out some of the Port houses, what a beautiful city.

 

[GailGwyn]

Husband and I are in Porto now, will start the walk tomorow morning Sept 5. Today we will explore the city and check out some of the Port houses, what a beautiful city.

Looking forward to your reports. Bon Caminho

 

[Airfix]

Husband and I are in Porto now, will start the walk tomorow morning Sept 5. Today we will explore the city and check out some of the Port houses, what a beautiful city.

Hi, How has your first few days been? We arrive in Porto tomorrow night and start walking Friday. Excited doesn't come near

 

[woody66]

Hi!
Good luck and Buen Camino to everyone who is walking!
I arrive Porto 17th start coastal on the 20th and then onto the Espiritual!
Wow it's nearly hear at last;been so long waiting to go!
It will be great for us all;being back enjoying the World at last!
Woody

 

[Helena Litherland]

Hi, How has your first few days been? We arrive in Porto tomorrow night and start walking Friday. Excited doesn't come near

Hi there. We are now in Barcelos have been walking 3 days. We are arrived in Porto on the 3rd which was a Friday and stayed until Sunday when we started walking. The city is beautiful but crazy busy so if you are starting out on the Friday it is probably good, you will avoid the crowds. When we checked in at the hotel in Porto they hesitated at accepting our Ontario vacination certificate but they were happy with the Canadian PCR test result so make sure you have it handy. 1st day walking along the coast was good but again very busy with beach goers. We stayed at a campground just before Labruge called Orbitur Angeiras-Lavra in a small cabin. They do not take reservations but they had lots of cabins at 11.50 euros each. They accepted our vacination certificates I pointed out the pivotal points in the cert. Are you planning on staying in albergues or private rooms? We are booking private 2 or 3 days ahead

 

[GailGwyn]

Hi there. We are now in Barcelos have been walking 3 days. We are arrived in Porto on the 3rd which was a Friday and stayed until Sunday when we started walking. The city is beautiful but crazy busy so if you are starting out on the Friday it is probably good, you will avoid the crowds. When we checked in at the hotel in Porto they hesitated at accepting our Ontario vacination certificate but they were happy with the Canadian PCR test result so make sure you have it handy. 1st day walking along the coast was good but again very busy with beach goers. We stayed at a campground just before Labruge called Orbitur Angeiras-Lavra in a small cabin. They do not take reservations but they had lots of cabins at 11.50 euros each. They accepted our vacination certificates I pointed out the pivotal points in the cert. Are you planning on staying in albergues or private rooms? We are booking private 2 or 3 days ahead

Thanks for this great info. We're (hopefully) flying next Wednesday. We were considering staying at the campsite, at Labruge, so it's good to know it's open and the cost for pilgrims is reasonable. Feeling stressed about organising our pre- flight PCR (coming from the UK) and seeing reports of packed airports with long queues! Can't wait to go and so looking forward to being back in Porto. Did you take the train from the airport into Porto, or a taxi. Bin Caminho

 

[Helena Litherland]

Thanks for this great info. We're (hopefully) flying next Wednesday. We were considering staying at the campsite, at Labruge, so it's good to know it's open and the cost for pilgrims is reasonable. Feeling stressed about organising our pre- flight PCR (coming from the UK) and seeing reports of packed airports with long queues! Can't wait to go and so looking forward to being back in Porto. Did you take the train from the airport into Porto, or a taxi. Bin Caminho

We flew into Lisbon, the airport was pretty busy, social distancing was impossible but everyone was masked. We stayed in Lisbon one night then took the train to Porto. The campground in Labruge was good but keep in mind that they do not provide sheets on the rubber mattresses but do have pillows, there are shared bathrooms and no cooking facilities. The cabin was pretty hot but cooled off at night. There is a restaurant attached to the campground with pretty good food. Our second night we stayed at Casa Annabela in Rate, 40euros for a very nice room and private bath, they did notvask for our vacination cert. Picked up a couple of Covid antigen test at the local pharmacy 2.90 euros each well worth having just in case.

 

[GailGwyn]

We flew into Lisbon, the airport was pretty busy, social distancing was impossible but everyone was masked. We stayed in Lisbon one night then took the train to Porto. The campground in Labruge was good but keep in mind that they do not provide sheets on the rubber mattresses but do have pillows, there are shared bathrooms and no cooking facilities. The cabin was pretty hot but cooled off at night. There is a restaurant attached to the campground with pretty good food. Our second night we stayed at Casa Annabela in Rate, 40euros for a very nice room and private bath, they did notvask for our vacination cert. Picked up a couple of Covid antigen test at the local pharmacy 2.90 euros each well worth having just in case.

Thank you. It's great to have news from someone with 'boots on the ground'

 

[Airfix]

Hi there. We are now in Barcelos have been walking 3 days. We are arrived in Porto on the 3rd which was a Friday and stayed until Sunday when we started walking. The city is beautiful but crazy busy so if you are starting out on the Friday it is probably good, you will avoid the crowds. When we checked in at the hotel in Porto they hesitated at accepting our Ontario vacination certificate but they were happy with the Canadian PCR test result so make sure you have it handy. 1st day walking along the coast was good but again very busy with beach goers. We stayed at a campground just before Labruge called Orbitur Angeiras-Lavra in a small cabin. They do not take reservations but they had lots of cabins at 11.50 euros each. They accepted our vacination certificates I pointed out the pivotal points in the cert. Are you planning on staying in albergues or private rooms? We are booking private 2 or 3 days ahead

Thanks for the info, nice to have details from someone on the ground. And the Antigen test info for 2.9 Euros. We are going mainly private this time, some out of town Casa's, and some breaks in hotels - we have 2 days in Tui at about the half way mark.
Are you mask wearing whilst walking, or just in towns and villages?

 

[Airfix]

Thanks for this great info. We're (hopefully) flying next Wednesday. We were considering staying at the campsite, at Labruge, so it's good to know it's open and the cost for pilgrims is reasonable. Feeling stressed about organising our pre- flight PCR (coming from the UK) and seeing reports of packed airports with long queues! Can't wait to go and so looking forward to being back in Porto. Did you take the train from the airport into Porto, or a taxi. Bin Caminho

Hi,
Don't forget Portugal accepts the cheaper Antigen test. Had ours at Boots today, certificate sent through in an hour. Also, it is available at £35 in Gatwick, but that was a bit close to the wire for us. Good backstop though.

 

[Helena Litherland]

Thanks for the info, nice to have details from someone on the ground. And the Antigen test info for 2.9 Euros. We are going mainly private this time, some out of town Casa's, and some breaks in hotels - we have 2 days in Tui at about the half way mark.
Are you mask wearing whilst walking, or just in towns and villages?

We wear our masks anywhere indoors but not while walking although there were a few times in Porto that we felt the crowd was too large so we put our masks on. Right now we are staying at the BWay Guest House in Barcelos, very nice set up a little pricey but I think worth it.

 

[Helena Litherland]

We wear our masks anywhere indoors but not while walking although there were a few times in Porto that we felt the crowd was too large so we put our masks on. Right now we are staying at the BWay Guest House in Barcelos, very nice set up a little pricey but I think worth it.

One thing I forgot to mention, bring some gum or mints especially when when flying. Between waiting at the airport, flying and then getting out of the airport at the end, wearing a mask for that long got really rank

 

[GailGwyn]

Hi,
Don't forget Portugal accepts the cheaper Antigen test. Had ours at Boots today, certificate sent through in an hour. Also, it is available at £35 in Gatwick, but that was a bit close to the wire for us. Good backstop though.

That's useful to know. I'll look into the antigen test. We're flying from Manchester and I see they do a walk through test. They may do an antigen test too. We're considering staying at the airport hotel the night before, so could get a rapid test early the next morning, with a 3 hour turnaround?

 

[Airfix]

That's useful to know. I'll look into the antigen test. We're flying from Manchester and I see they do a walk through test. They may do an antigen test too. We're considering staying at the airport hotel the night before, so could get a rapid test early the next morning, with a 3 hour turnaround?

HM GOV would like you to have PCR test, but Portugal accepts Antigen test, provided they reach a certain standard. Boots and airport providers all exceed that standard . Check out Manchester airport website and look for Covid testing. Good luck.

 

[GailGwyn]

HM GOV would like you to have PCR test, but Portugal accepts Antigen test, provided they reach a certain standard. Boots and airport providers all exceed that standard . Check out Manchester airport website and look for Covid testing. Good luck.

Brilliant! Thanks so much.

 

[woody66]

Hi!
Booked a boots instore PCR for the 14th!
But after booking it thought to many reviews saying test results were late or never arrived!
So i decided to have a contingency plan and booked a rapid antigen test walk through at Manchester Airport for late afternoon on the 16th results in an hour(£32) i fly early on 17th!
OK so it may be all fine with Boots;but if it didn't arrive in time no test no fly!
Nearly two years planning up the creek.
So goodbye to the cost of my flight, cost of new flight on Sunday, wasted airport hotel cost and the price of my three nights in Porto around £400 all in so £32 didn't seem to much to risk!
Woody

 

[Airfix]

Hi!
Booked a boots instore PCR for the 14th!
But after booking it thought to many reviews saying test results were late or never arrived!
So i decided to have a contingency plan and booked a rapid antigen test walk through at Manchester Airport for late afternoon on the 16th results in an hour(£32) i fly early on 17th!
OK so it may be all fine with Boots;but if it didn't arrive in time no test no fly!
Nearly two years planning up the creek.
So goodbye to the cost of my flight, cost of new flight on Sunday, wasted airport hotel cost and the price of my three nights in Porto around £400 all in so £32 didn't seem to much to risk!
Woody

That was my back up at Gatwick if Boots didn't deliver. £32 or £35 (Gatwick) is not much compared to losing a substantial amount of time and money.

 

[GailGwyn]

Hi!
Booked a boots instore PCR for the 14th!
But after booking it thought to many reviews saying test results were late or never arrived!
So i decided to have a contingency plan and booked a rapid antigen test walk through at Manchester Airport for late afternoon on the 16th results in an hour(£32) i fly early on 17th!
OK so it may be all fine with Boots;but if it didn't arrive in time no test no fly!
Nearly two years planning up the creek.
So goodbye to the cost of my flight, cost of new flight on Sunday, wasted airport hotel cost and the price of my three nights in Porto around £400 all in so £32 didn't seem to much to risk!
Woody

Great idea! Certainly given me food for thought! Thanks.

 

[Airfix]

Brilliant! Thanks so much.

Well, made it through to Porto today with the Boots Antigen test and our NHS Vaccine passports. Interesting who wanted to see what.....
Easyjet...Antigen test only
Portuguese border control....Antigen test only
Porto hotel check in..... Covid Vaccine passport only.

Had a nice meal and a few red wines on waterfront in Porto to celebrate arrival.

Going on a tour of Duro Valley tomorrow and starting walking Friday.

 

[GailGwyn]

Well, made it through to Porto today with the Boots Antigen test and our NHS Vaccine passports. Interesting who wanted to see what.....
Easyjet...Antigen test only
Portuguese border control....Antigen test only
Porto hotel check in..... Covid Vaccine passport only.

Had a nice meal and a few red wines on waterfront in Porto to celebrate arrival.

Going on a tour of Duro Valley tomorrow and starting walking Friday.

Fantastic! Thanks for the info. Well, my passport finally arrived. I've stressed over the pre flight tests, so have booked walk in Antigen testing at Manchester Airport. Have a fantastic Camino! Post pics.

 

[Airfix]

Fantastic! Thanks for the info. Well, my passport finally arrived. I've stressed over the pre flight tests, so have booked walk in Antigen testing at Manchester Airport. Have a fantastic Camino! Post pics.

One upside I forgot to mention, the airport was quiet, no queuing at security, bag drop off or passport check

 

[jalluisi]

What great info! My wife and I will be leaving Porto on 24 September. We're going to ease into things by walking to Matasinhos the first day, then Vila do Conde, and then head in to join the Central Route. The Variente Espiritual is part of our Way as well, so thank you GollyGolly for the boat info! And roamingpaddy, perhaps our paths will cross? Buen Camino!

Do you have any recommendations on accommodations? We are in the planning stages for next October and are it appears we will be doing a similar itinerary to yours. Tks.