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The folk dancing club's albergue on the other side of the river overlooking Barcelos was lovely - communal meal, courtyard, great view.When we walked the CF in 2010 we stayed at a couple of Albergues recommended by the good folks on this forum and these places have provided some of our fondest memories. We will be walking from Porto to Santiago in May of this year and would appreciate recommendations for albergues along the Portugues with a spiritual element, a communal meal, unforgettable hospitaleros, etc. Thanks in advance.
Ditto on Casa Fernanda. Don't miss it, but be sure to make a reservation at least a few days in advance.You can't beat Casa Fernanda for the hospitality and vive.
I am happy this will help you! we'll be starting on May 8 from Porto along the coastal.Thanks for this thread!!! We start walking the Camino Portuguese on May 8 out of Coimbra! Our first Camino and we are soo excited to start!! Any and all tips are welcome!
Very helpful! Thank you!Here's a list of where we stayed with a few words on each and a rating...
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...yXHEn9WywRmxEHPe9sY4GIwBTOE/edit?usp=drivesdk
Also you might find this post on our Facebook page helpful...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/311970852538865/permalink/463908804011735/
Fantastic! What a wonderful memory and thanks for sharing.I certainly ditto everything about Casa Fernanda. Call 1-2-3 days ahead for a reservation, otherwise you may be out of luck. Number 2 on my parade of hit albergues is O Ninho in Rubiaes. Walk past the public albergue a few hundred meters. It’s on the right side of the highway. I made a reservation, but didn’t really need one that day. I looked back in my 2015 Camino journal for the following.
“The albergue ("The Nest") is run by a 35 year old, single woman, Marlene. "Mama" cooks dinner and we all eat family style. This albergue is almost on par with Fernanda's in terms of hospitality and experience. A definite #2.
This is a funny story. I don't remember how the subject of music came up, but Marlene (or Mama?) went next door and got the neighbor to come in and play his accordion. It was very entertaining while we ate and Mama even started dancing a little jig. I don't know if this was a traditional Portuguese dance step or not. It was entertaining regardless. You couldn't tell if the man enjoyed his performance or if he was being forced. Maybe he was just shy playing in front of strangers.
So he played and we listened. It was a simple song, maybe one verse and one chorus repeated in different combinations. Over and over. And finally the song ended. We applauded with enthusiasm. After a moment he started playing again. It was the same song. The same verse and chorus repeated. Over and over. The second time we applauded again - slightly less than before. Then he played the same song again. Over and over. He must only know that one song! (but he knows it well) He played it 5-6 times. Each time our applause was less and less. He never changed his expression - I still don't know if he enjoyed himself. But it's a wonderful memory for those of us who were there. I don't watch the video anymore because when I do, that stupid little song stays in my head for several days.”
Another good albergue is in Agueda. It wasn’t exactly ON the Camino, but in town. I was walking with two others.
“I doubt if I would have been able to find the albergue today on my own. From where the road comes into town, you have to go up a really long (1-2 km) hill to get there. But it's real nice and next to a large super market. The hosts even held a little reception with pastries, wine, and port.”
Definitely Herbon - it's a magical place. I also love Portela the day before - basic but great feel and wonderful Hospitalero
Where did you stay in Portela? Does Portela have some interesting place to visit?
O Ninho was lovely, but in 2016, no mama - a young man was covering the shift.I certainly ditto everything about Casa Fernanda. Call 1-2-3 days ahead for a reservation, otherwise you may be out of luck. Number 2 on my parade of hit albergues is O Ninho in Rubiaes. Walk past the public albergue a few hundred meters. It’s on the right side of the highway. I made a reservation, but didn’t really need one that day. I looked back in my 2015 Camino journal for the following.
“The albergue ("The Nest") is run by a 35 year old, single woman, Marlene. "Mama" cooks dinner and we all eat family style. This albergue is almost on par with Fernanda's in terms of hospitality and experience. A definite #2.
This is a funny story. I don't remember how the subject of music came up, but Marlene (or Mama?) went next door and got the neighbor to come in and play his accordion. It was very entertaining while we ate and Mama even started dancing a little jig. I don't know if this was a traditional Portuguese dance step or not. It was entertaining regardless. You couldn't tell if the man enjoyed his performance or if he was being forced. Maybe he was just shy playing in front of strangers.
So he played and we listened. It was a simple song, maybe one verse and one chorus repeated in different combinations. Over and over. And finally the song ended. We applauded with enthusiasm. After a moment he started playing again. It was the same song. The same verse and chorus repeated. Over and over. The second time we applauded again - slightly less than before. Then he played the same song again. Over and over. He must only know that one song! (but he knows it well) He played it 5-6 times. Each time our applause was less and less. He never changed his expression - I still don't know if he enjoyed himself. But it's a wonderful memory for those of us who were there. I don't watch the video anymore because when I do, that stupid little song stays in my head for several days.”
Another good albergue is in Agueda. It wasn’t exactly ON the Camino, but in town. I was walking with two others.
“I doubt if I would have been able to find the albergue today on my own. From where the road comes into town, you have to go up a really long (1-2 km) hill to get there. But it's real nice and next to a large super market. The hosts even held a little reception with pastries, wine, and port.”
So agree with this - Miguel is absolutely wonderful - so helpful and kind - and the dip in the sea at the end of the day was the cherry on top.O Recuncho do Peregrino in Redondela. Miguel, the owner, is the nicest, most helpful person ever with the cleanest establishment. You can sleep albergue style or email ahead and request a room with twin beds. Tell him Renee from the USA who lost his keys sent you!
I agree with Casa Fernanda! Fantastic way to get into the real spirit of the Camino. Please do not miss the Monastery in Herbon! I stayed twice and both times were awesome. Think about taking the detour to the Variante Espiritual, a beautiful trail up the mountains and down through a magical river valley, and the boat ride and explanation is worth it, although the stay the night before in the top floor of a busy gym may not be...
I found the Portuguese people themselves very friendly, helpful, and warm.
I arrived about 4pm after a boat ride from the Variante Espiritual. Encountered a huge line up but was still able to get a bed - there are 30 available, I’d say there were about 25 pilgrims.How early you arrive to stay at Herbon? I have heard it can be quite popular and some pilgrims arrive very early for beds. Do you know if this is true?
You can't beat Casa Fernanda for the hospitality and vive.
There is NOwhere Better than Casa Fernanda it is second to noneDitto on Casa Fernanda. Don't miss it, but be sure to make a reservation at least a few days in advance.
I arrived at three and there was about 23 bags queued up that was the end of SeptHow early you arrive to stay at Herbon? I have heard it can be quite popular and some pilgrims arrive very early for beds. Do you know if this is true?
Yes, loved the municipal in Ponte de Lima - and the delicious restaurant with exceedingly kind ownerd opposite it.I thought the municipal in ponte de Lima was nice for a municipal... Gorgeous view over the bridge also liked il nidho in rubiaies. Wouldn't recommend roots n boots in Santiago not very clean
O Ninho was lovely, but in 2016, no mama - a young man was covering the shift.
I couldn't sleep due to a horrendous snoring plague, so took my sleeping bag outside to sleep on a lounge and had a lovely cat snuggle up to purr me to sleep.
I certainly ditto everything about Casa Fernanda. Call 1-2-3 days ahead for a reservation, otherwise you may be out of luck. Number 2 on my parade of hit albergues is O Ninho in Rubiaes. Walk past the public albergue a few hundred meters. It’s on the right side of the highway. I made a reservation, but didn’t really need one that day. I looked back in my 2015 Camino journal for the following.
“The albergue ("The Nest") is run by a 35 year old, single woman, Marlene. "Mama" cooks dinner and we all eat family style. This albergue is almost on par with Fernanda's in terms of hospitality and experience. A definite #2.
The municipal in Ponte de Lima was nice, but be aware that it doesn't open until 4 pm. If you are arriving as days get shorter, drying your clothes after washing could be a challenge.Yes, loved the municipal in Ponte de Lima - and the delicious restaurant with exceedingly kind ownerd opposite it.
Thanks this is veryyyy helpfulHere's a list of where we stayed with a few words on each and a rating...
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...yXHEn9WywRmxEHPe9sY4GIwBTOE/edit?usp=drivesdk
Also you might find this post on our Facebook page helpful...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/311970852538865/permalink/463908804011735/
The name missing in Mealhada. That must be hotel/ albergue HilárioThanks this is veryyyy helpful
Google says this is temporarily closed unfortunatelyO Recuncho do Peregrino in Redondela. Miguel, the owner, is the nicest, most helpful person ever with the cleanest establishment. You can sleep albergue style or email ahead and request a room with twin beds. Tell him Renee from the USA who lost his keys sent you!
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