Walking the Camino Portugues from Santiago to Lisbon: Tips and Advice

[Fr. Tom Lilly]

Hello! I will be walking the Camino Norte to Santiago in the summer of 2023 and would like to continue south to Lisbon, esentially walking the Camino Portugues "backwards." I have several good apps and maps, etc. I am seeking wisdom from the group on whether I am "missing" something, as long as I don't expect to see much (if any) signage going from north to south. It seems straightforward; however, I might be biting off more than I can chew. Thanks for sharing your thoughts., and happy new year! Peace, Fr. Tom

 

[trecile]

I think that it's certainly doable with GPS apps, but you will miss out on quite a bit of the camaraderie when you are going in the opposite direction of most other pilgrims. You could take the train down to Lisbon and start there and head back up to Santiago, though I do see the appeal of a continuous walk without taking any transport.

 

[dougfitz]

There was a recent discussion on a similar proposal here.

 

[ParrisPair]

If you don’t mind every pilgrim you pass telling you are going the wrong way.

 

[dougfitz]

If you don’t mind every pilgrim you pass telling you are going the wrong way.

I smiled at this. Unlike those going east on the CF, those travelling south on the CP are following a well established pilgrimage route, to Fatima, for much of the early part of the journey. After a while, they might confuse the pilgrims coming north, but at least not initially.

 

[jsalt]

Hi Fr. Tom, I’ve walked “backwards” several times, on the CF and the CP. It IS doable, although you will get to many intersections where you are unsure which path to take. If a pilgrim is coming towards you, then no problem. If not, it may take a while to get onto the right path. Be prepared to frequently get lost – or not where you are supposed to be. Once you cross into Portugal the way is waymarked with blue arrows to Fatima.

Not only pilgrims, but many locals will tell you that you are going the wrong way, so learn how to say that you are walking to Fatima, or Rome, or wherever, so that they can stop worrying about you.

After a while I did get kind of lonely. Every night there are different people, who are already in their little camino groups, so it can be a bit difficult to meet others to spend the evenings with.

It IS a challenge, in more ways than one, but, yes, doable.

 

[Fulton0s]

Hello! I will be walking the Camino Norte to Santiago in the summer of 2023 and would like to continue south to Lisbon, esentially walking the Camino Portugues "backwards." I have several good apps and maps, etc. I am seeking wisdom from the group on whether I am "missing" something, as long as I don't expect to see much (if any) signage going from north to south. It seems straightforward; however, I might be biting off more than I can chew. Thanks for sharing your thoughts., and happy new year! Peace, Fr. Tom

My wife and I did it last November.
It was great. Just follow the blue arrows to Fatima.
Then just look behind you every so often.
Not difficult at all.

 

[mgshanks]

Walking from Santiago to Lisbon is one thing, but I think walking backwards the whole way is risky...

 

[Fr. Tom Lilly]

I smiled at this. Unlike those going east on the CF, those travelling south on the CP as following a well established pilgrimage route, to Fatima, for much of the early part of the journey. After a while, they might confuse the pilgrims coming north, but at least not initially.

Thank you, Doug,

I had not even thought of that! I chuckled, as well. Not the first time I've gone the "wrong way." Blessngs in this New Year! - Tom

 

[Fr. Tom Lilly]

My wife and I did it last November.
It was great. Just follow the blue arrows to Fatima.
Then just look behind you every so often.
Not difficult at all.

Thank you, "Fulton." Good to know I won't be a "trail blazer!" Peace, Tom

 

[Fr. Tom Lilly]

Hi Fr. Tom, I’ve walked “backwards” several times, on the CF and the CP. It IS doable, although you will get to many intersections where you are unsure which path to take. If a pilgrim is coming towards you, then no problem. If not, it may take a while to get onto the right path. Be prepared to frequently get lost – or not where you are supposed to be. Once you cross into Portugal the way is waymarked with blue arrows to Fatima.

Not only pilgrims, but many locals will tell you that you are going the wrong way, so learn how to say that you are walking to Fatima, or Rome, or wherever, so that they can stop worrying about you.

After a while I did get kind of lonely. Every night there are different people, who are already in their little camino groups, so it can be a bit difficult to meet others to spend the evenings with.

It IS a challenge, in more ways than one, but, yes, doabl

Thank you, Jill, for your thoughtful reply. I appreciate the time you devoted in responding. This forum is excellent. I have not yet decided what I'm going to do and probably won't until a week out. Happy New Year! -- Tom