Lisbon to Porto -October 2020

[Deleted member 56069]

I see we have had a couple of threads on this that have been shut down with the discussion moving off track, so let's stay on topic with this one!
My wife and I are examining the possibility of walking from Lisbon to Porto in late September, early October this year.
We have already done Porto to Santiago previously, so would skip Spain and Santiago entirely.
Much too early to book anything with no one really knowing what the rules may be in a few months.
If it is possible to do without quarantines on both ends we will likely go.
We aren't particular worried about the risk, only the possibility of being able to do this without major restrictions.

 

[Deleted member 67185]

Jill and I are scheduled to do the same, only from Porto to SdC. Tickets were purchased prior to the Pandemic restrictions, and they are fully changeable or refundable (my discretion), which is how I purchase all my airline tickets. . direct from the airline with flex-fares. If plans do not work out, I can cancel even if I wait until the day before departure.

In reality, because I might want to do something else if Camino de Santiagos are closed, I will probably cancel the first week of September if things are not open to tourism. The shift from using alburgues to other lodgings with private rooms and attached bathrooms for this Camino is already part of the new plan, as it is more likely that such lodging choices will be the first to re-open.

If push comes to shove, and the Caminos are open to international travelers but lodging is not (which is not a likely thing if tourism is opened), I will look at including a tent and air mattresses if I can figure out the campground or potential cold-camping situation. . . right now it seems doable at first glance. It would add an additional 2 pounds / 0.91 kg of weight to my backpack, and 12 ounces / 0.34 kg to Jill's.

 

[GraemeHall]

Jill and I are scheduled to do the same, only from Porto to SdC. Tickets were purchased prior to the Pandemic restrictions, and they are fully changeable or refundable (my discretion), which is how I purchase all my airline tickets. . direct from the airline with flex-fares. If plans do not work out, I can cancel even if I wait until the day before departure.

In reality, because I might want to do something else if Camino de Santiagos are closed, I will probably cancel the first week of September if things are not open to tourism. The shift from using alburgues to other lodgings with private rooms and attached bathrooms for this Camino is already part of the new plan, as it is more likely that such lodging choices will be the first to re-open.

If push comes to shove, and the Caminos are open to international travelers but lodging is not (which is not a likely thing if tourism is opened), I will look at including a tent and air mattresses if I can figure out the campground or potential cold-camping situation. . . right now it seems doable at first glance. It would add an additional 2 pounds / 0.91 kg of weight to my backpack, and 12 ounces / 0.34 kg to Jill's.

What is that super-light tent, Dave?

 

[Deleted member 67185]

What is that super-light tent, Dave?

The tent would be my zPacks Duplex. It is large enough for two people to be comfortable enough, although I use it as a single tent while backpacking because I love the extra roominess to spread out my gear with abandon and glee. With my Nemo air mattress, it adds the two extra pounds of carry weight. Jill can carry her own danged mattress .

 

[Paintboy2]

You might get lucky. Our trip, scheduled for July will likely not happen due to travel restriction from external EU locations into the EU. It looks like nothing is official but unofficially countries will ease restrictions for current residents, then other EU citizens and lastly, non-EU travelers. I hope you get to go.

 

[jungleboy]

Reiterating the current situation in Portugal (I live in Lisbon).

This Monday (18 May), phase two of the opening up process begins, with restaurants (at 50% capacity), museums and schools opening, as well as larger shops (up to 400 square metres with a street-facing entrance). Here is an article (in Portuguese) summarising the changes taking place on Monday.

If that goes well, phase three (the final announced phase) will begin two weeks later (1 June), with all shops including those in shopping centres opening. Beaches will also open that week, with some limitations.

Currently there doesn't appear to be an enforced 14-day isolation period upon arrival in mainland Portugal (as opposed to Madeira or the Azores, where there is). Some other European countries have introduced this measure recently so it's possible Portugal will too, but I haven't seen anything about it in my daily news reading. There are even two British tourists who arrived last week and are staying in an Airbnb apartment in my building.

 

[anthikes]

I live in Portugal and things are returning back to normal fast. Definitely viable to walk here as travel restrictions have been lifted. Hotels, hostels are all opening up.

Portugal, like Spain, relies heavily on tourists so I hope no one cancels their plans. I suspect the border with Spain will be open by the end of summer at the latest.

 

[jungleboy]

I suspect the border with Spain will be open by the end of summer at the latest.

The current closure was recently extended until June 15. I think they will seriously consider opening it then.

 

[anthikes]

I think so too. There is quite a lot of pressure from Brussels for states to open their internal borders. I hope they do because I am planning on cycling across Europe soon!