Guide books in Santiago?

[Sedona2012]

Hi all, after a fabulous three week trip to Santiago I had the pleasure yesterday of receiving my Compostela and attending mass at the Cathedral.
I have another three weeks to go and after walking to Fisterra and Muxia I would like to do a 10 day trip on the Portuguese route back to Santiago starting in Porto.

Any advice on whether I can purchase a John Brearley guidebook in Santiago for the Portuguese route?

Buen Camino!

 

[JohnnieWalker]

Yes you should be able to in the St Paul bookshop in the Rua do Vilar in the same street as the Pilgrims' Office. Also at number 28 (?) is the office of tourism for Portugal who should also have information.

Buen camino

John

 

[Sedona2012]

Thank you John! Would you recommend the interior or coastal route? I will start I believe in Porto and would need to have a albergue or some inexpensive lodging and would really like to keep my walk to about 25 km a day.

 

[JohnnieWalker]

Hola - if you wish to use albergues then really it has to be the interior route. It should be really nice at this time of year with still some pilgrims around but no crowding in the albergues.

Buen camino!

John

 

[renegadepilgrim]

I'm on the coastal route right now. I only recommend it if you are good at figuring out the route. There is no guidebook for it and the info I'm using is difficult to understand some times. The Brierley book doesn't cover the coastal route, just to Vila do Conde. I stayed at the Garden House Hostel in Porto. Ten minute walk to Cathedral and Camino. Bunk beds were 13€ and very nice. My feet have asked for a rest day so I'm heading inland on the train to Valenca then Tui for the night. I haven't seen a pilgrim yet on this route.

 

[Sedona2012]

Thnk you the tip on the Hostal in Porto. This is a last minute decision to walk the Portuguese route and I have never studied the route the way I did the Francis route. Any and all advice welcome and needed. I have a min of 10 days and max of 12 days thinking Poeto to Santiago.

Any suggestions on bus or train from Santiago to Porto?

Many thanks!
Grateful Peligrino

 

[renegadepilgrim]

I would suggest taking the inland route for sure. If you have time, though, the walk to Vila do Conde is worth it! A lot of wooden boardwalks, which I find easier on the feet!

I took the metro to Matosinhos and walked from there. Saved a bit of the slog through Porto. Enjoy the seafood in Portugal. I had grilled salmon in Ancora last night that rivals any I've had back home in Oregon!

My feet asked for a rest day today so I took the train to Valença then walked to Tui. I'm at a lovely albergue called San Clemente. It's awesome and 10€ for the night. Planning to do some sightseeing later and maybe get a foot massage too.

If I can be of any help, I will do my best but it sounds like you'll be doing a different route at the beginning. I can definitely help with the route from Tui to SDC. Starting that up tomorrow.

 

[Sedona2012]

I was surprised that the book stores were closed today. Do you think the guidebook would be available in Porto? Was thinking I might change things up and take the bus to Porto tomorrow and do the Portuguese route first and then leave Finisterre till the very end.

For sure the inland route and I do want to start on the board walk, will it be difficult to do this first then move inland?

One last question, if I cut down to 9 days would it work?

Thanks again!!!

Bobbie

 

[renegadepilgrim]

I would do Finisterre now. Porto after. The bookstores will be closed today too. I can't speak to the going inland bit from Vila do Conde. Search this thread though. Might be info there. 9 days might be pushing it but you're in "Camino" shape so that changes things. Also, there aren't as many albergues closely spaced on this route so you need to plan more.

 

[JohnnieWalker]

Ah...it has been a holiday weekend in Santiago. The book store won't open until tomorrow. If you go to the Pilgrims' Office they can give you a list of distances and albergues from Oporto to Santiago. In Oporto make your way to the river and follow it and you will pick up the boardwalk. There are other threads on this topic on the forum. From Vila do Conde you can either walk to Rates or go over by foot./bus/taxi to Vilharino to pick up the interior route.

I think 9 days would be challenging for this route particularly with the rain predicted later this week.

Buen camino

John