Camino Portugués vs Via Podiensis

[rgutena]

Hello All - I am a complete newbie to this forum and a relative newbie to the Camino. Having done a small section on my own in France (Aumont-Aubrac to Conques, on the Via Podiensis / Le Puy route) last year, I am planning to do the Camino Portugués from Santarem either to Coimbra or all the way to SdC. However, I am a bit alarmed by John Brierley's advice that the section between Lisbon and Porto is open for 'seasoned pilgrims with a basic grasp of the Portuguese language'. Does anyone know whether the section from Santarem to Coimbra in Portugal is more difficult than the section from Aumont-Aubrac to Conques in terms of navigation and communication, noting that I don't speak any Portuguese (whereas my French is at the intermediate level) and will only have a phrase book?

Thanks heaps!

 

[mspath]

If you learn a few basic phrases in Portuguese to communicate politely you will have no problem. Most locals speak excellent English and often French. Everyone is very eager to be helpful to visitors.

 

[LTfit]

I certainly wouldn't worry about the language issue. I am always amazed at the level of English proficiency in Portugal, even cashiers in the supermarket - way different from Spain! And in my experience they would much rather speak in English than your speaking in Spanish. I tried using my little knowledge of Brazilian Portuguese mixed with Spanish but more often than not they preferred English

 

[rgutena]

Thanks! Great to hear that language is unlikely to be a problem. As for navigation, I am hoping that my GPS will save the day if necessary...