How to change from central to coast before Porto

[Joland]

Hi, I will be walking from Coimbra ( or maybe from Agueda in case of a heat wave) and studying the map I saw that before Porto there are also wooden paths along the ocean like first few stages after Porto. I wonder if anybody of you did succesfully a change from central camino the coast like in Ovar or Esmoritz? Is it possible? It is obviously not marked but easy to navigate.

 

[Corned Beef]

Earlier this year I switch at Aveiro, with its canals and then took the ferry across to Sao Jacinto. The section from there to Esmoriz is fairly nondescript. Crossing at Esmoriz is probably the better choice.

From Esposende you are mainly in the Greater Porto area with some very pleasant beachside towns with cafes and parks. Some boardwalks but not many. Esposende on a Sunday when I passed through was thronged though by Monday morning it was back to being quiet.

If you were to stay on the main CP, you're likely to be going through populated areas without the benefit of sea views. I chose the sea views.

 

[Flog]

You could detour somewhere between Madeira and Grijo out to the coast at Espinho to walk the last 20km by the boardwalks and beaches up to the Foz at Lavadores, through the lovely fishing village of Afurada and then along the south bank of the Douro, into Porto. I've walked that section of coast a few times both ways. It's beautiful, the only downside is you'll then miss the spectacular entrance into Porto as the camino takes you straight over the high level Luis bridge into Porto from Gaia.

 

[jungleboy]

the only downside is you'll then miss the spectacular entrance into Porto as the camino takes you straight over the high level Luis bridge into Porto from Gaia.

I agree completely on the spectacular entrance to Porto. The only comparable one I’ve had on any camino is walking into Matera on the Via Ellenica a few weeks ago.

Another option for the OP is to detour off the central towards the coast to the recommended Albergue Moinho Garcia, after Albergaria-a-Velha. The albergue owner can give you details of how to reach the coast from there.

 

[Joland]

Thank you all. I forgot to mention that I have already walked from Porto five times (camino da costa, litoral and central ) so I am searching for something new ( like visiting Aveiro or beaches before Porto) or taking a one day visit in Braga from Barcelinhos.
I will be walking with my kid in the bike trailer yes, I am thinkng about staying in the albergue in the watermill, thanks Jungleboy for recomendation.

You think google maps are sufficient no to get lost?

 

[Corned Beef]

You think google maps are sufficient no to get lost?

Yes. Just make sure you don’t turn left when walking north on the boardwalk