Jay_Walker
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Portuguese July 2022
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Are you intending to stay at Casa da Fernanda between Barcelos and Ponte de Lima ?Hello,
We start our Camino June 10th. We're currently sitting in the Vancouver airport having cleared customs in about 10 minutes. Despite all the horror stories of long lineups we had no problems. Possibly because we're leaving midweek in the morning, and had a Nexus card.
We're staying in Porto for a few days and then heading up the coastal route then turning left to Rates on the Central route, then up to Valenca taking a train to Caminha and then continuing up the coastal route and the Espiritual route.
After months of planning and training I can't believe we're actually starting.
Unfortunately no. I had booked all our accomodations in advance before learning of this albergue, and due to Covid we are staying in private rooms.Are you intending to stay at Casa da Fernanda between Barcelos and Ponte de Lima ?
the best albergue on the caminho Português
Hola Albertinho: Do you know if Casa da Fernanda has private rooms for a couple? you make me want to stay there, you always say its the best place to stay. I was planning on doing the Coastal but since I keep seeing your recommendations, I think we will deviate to the central route to stay there, if we can find a room for us. We start walking in September.Are you intending to stay at Casa da Fernanda between Barcelos and Ponte de Lima ?
the best albergue on the caminho Português
This sounds awesome. We are leaving end of August and you just opened my eyes to changing my route. We were going to do the coastal to the variante espiritual, but wanted to experience the Casa Da Fernanda, so I am changing my route to go to the Central and now that I see your post, I am changing my route to follow your steps to Valenca and taking transportation to Caminha. I am also booking private rms. Thx for the info.Hello,
We start our Camino June 10th. We're currently sitting in the Vancouver airport having cleared customs in about 10 minutes. Despite all the horror stories of long lineups we had no problems. Possibly because we're leaving midweek in the morning, and had a Nexus card.
We're staying in Porto for a few days and then heading up the coastal route then turning left to Rates on the Central route, then up to Valenca taking a train to Caminha and then continuing up the coastal route and the Espiritual route.
After months of planning and training I can't believe we're actually starting.
Hi Jay,
Thank you so much; we're eagerly reading your information as we also come from Vancouver to do the coastal!
Thank you thank you thank you for every tip!
Ul
You are welcome. We flew Air Canada from Vancouver to Lisbon via Toronto. We were delayed 1.5 hrs leaving Toronto and when we arrived in Lisbon spent 1 hour on the tarmac waiting for a gate. Once we disembarked there was a 2.5 hr line up to clear customs. I'm not sure why, once we reached a customs officer we were quickly waived through without seeing our Covid certificate or negative test result. Anyway, we had a pleasant evening in Lisbon and head to Porto tomorrow where we will spend a few days before starting our Camino. Weather looks to be hot and sunny. You can check Flight Aware's website to see historical information on departure times for your prospective flights and plan your connections accordingly. We had a 2.5 hr stop over in TO which was more than adequate as we did not need to clear security again in TO and we had no checked bags. Best, J.Hi Jay,
Thank you so much; we're eagerly reading your information as we also come from Vancouver to do the coastal!
Thank you thank you thank you for every tip!
Ultreia!
Hi Jay, I am planning the same route for early September, would love to hear your experiences and planning on your return, as we are from your neck of the woods............MichaelYou are welcome. We flew Air Canada from Vancouver to Lisbon via Toronto. We were delayed 1.5 hrs leaving Toronto and when we arrived in Lisbon spent 1 hour on the tarmac waiting for a gate. Once we disembarked there was a 2.5 hr line up to clear customs. I'm not sure why, once we reached a customs officer we were quickly waived through without seeing our Covid certificate or negative test result. Anyway, we had a pleasant evening in Lisbon and head to Porto tomorrow where we will spend a few days before starting our Camino. Weather looks to be hot and sunny. You can check Flight Aware's website to see historical information on departure times for your prospective flights and plan your connections accordingly. We had a 2.5 hr stop over in TO which was more than adequate as we did not need to clear security again in TO and we had no checked bags. Best, J.
Yes they have 2 privat rooms with shared bathroom for both rooms .Hola Albertinho: Do you know if Casa da Fernanda has private rooms for a couple? you make me want to stay there, you always say its the best place to stay. I was planning on doing the Coastal but since I keep seeing your recommendations, I think we will deviate to the central route to stay there, if we can find a room for us. We start walking in September.
Happy to answer any questions.Hi Jay, I am planning the same route for early September, would love to hear your experiences and planning on your return, as we are from your neck of the woods............Michael
Sooooo useful, thank you! Please don't forget to enjoy the camino too!!! You're finally doing it!!!!We bought walking poles today at Decathlon, as we did not want any checked bags on our flight. 10 euros for a pair seemed very reasonable. We also bought Vodaphone sim cards for 10 euros each with 5 GB data good for 30 days. We were told they will work in Spain as well. Using Camino Ninja app and Maps .me. Did a walking tour of Porto today and sampled some Port.
I purchased ours from Ivar in advance but I read on this forum, there's plenty vendors once you get on the path: https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...-w-o-a-scallop-shell-oops.75306/#post-1037953Anyone know where we can get a Camino shell in Porto or along the way? We have not found any so far.
Awesome, can't wait to follow your Camino! Bom Camino!!!!We bought walking poles today at Decathlon, as we did not want any checked bags on our flight. 10 euros for a pair seemed very reasonable. We also bought Vodaphone sim cards for 10 euros each with 5 GB data good for 30 days. We were told they will work in Spain as well. Using Camino Ninja app and Maps .me. Did a walking tour of Porto today and sampled some Port.
I have never have seen Caminho shells in Portugal others than on fishmarketsAnyone know where we can get a Camino shell in Porto or along the way? We have not found any so far.
Thanks, we will forego the shells. We saw two people today but it was not obvious they were pilgrims until we saw a guidebook in hand. Shells are lighter but not essential I suppose. Perhaps a pair of socks drying on the backpack will be just as effective.I have never have seen Caminho shells in Portugal others than on fishmarkets
The caminho Português among most of the Portuguese is not very popular for some reasons.
The first shells I saw for sale was nearby the albergue of Moss on the way to o Porriño from Tui. Maybe in Tui in the tourist info or some shops
Anyone know where we can get a Camino shell in Porto or along the way? We have not found any so far.
Oh my goodness what a great tip!!! My mom -who is religious- asked me for a Santiago image to carry with me in my journey and bring it back to her. Now I have one less thing to search for in O Porto! Thank you so much!I found some very nice hand crafted shells in this store in Porto. Very close to the Cathedral:
Casa Coração de Jesus
R. de Mouzinho da Silveira 304, 4000-069 Porto, Portugal
https://goo.gl/maps/mrWUfZBekGSV4w2z6
Best
Andy
Thanks so much for letting us know about the wonderful detour and laundry situation! This is so useful for us because we're staying in private rooms as well.Day 4 already. Arcos to Barcelos 21km. It is 27C and overcast. I wonder what it will be if the sun comes out? Some roads, some streets, some dirt through farmland and small villages. We took an alternate route from Pedra Furada to Calvalha that was not in our apps. It was explained on a large sign and took us off the busy road to another where we saw only a few cars and some cyclists. It climbed 200m to a church with rest stop and beautiful views where we ate our takeout breakfast supplied at the last guest house. So far we have always been offered a takeaway snack in Portugal if we are leaving early and miss breakfast. We saw 7 other pilgrims today (8 if you count the baby that one was carrying). One disadvantage of staying in private rooms is laundry. The sinks are tiny and sometimes there is no plug. There may be nowhere to dry clothes. I have a small clothesline with me that I will use tonight. Feet are sore but spirits are high. Bom Camino.
It looks like a good alternative to walk to Carvalhas from São Pedro de RatesDay 4 already. Arcos to Barcelos 21km. It is 27C and overcast. I wonder what it will be if the sun comes out? Some roads, some streets, some dirt through farmland and small villages. We took an alternate route from Pedra Furada to Calvalha that was not in our apps. It was explained on a large sign and took us off the busy road to another where we saw only a few cars and some cyclists. It climbed 200m to a church with rest stop and beautiful views where we ate our takeout breakfast supplied at the last guest house. So far we have always been offered a takeaway snack in Portugal if we are leaving early and miss breakfast. We saw 7 other pilgrims today (8 if you count the baby that one was carrying). One disadvantage of staying in private rooms is laundry. The sinks are tiny and sometimes there is no plug. There may be nowhere to dry clothes. I have a small clothesline with me that I will use tonight. Feet are sore but spirits are high. Bom Camino.
Thanks for the post, I see that you are enjoying your camino. Seems like time is flying for you guys, you already have been there for 8 days walking. Did you stay at the Hotel Monumento Convento de San Benito in A Guarda? this is where we reserved, we are following your itinerary. Buen Camino!Day 5 Barcelos to Ponte de Lima, this stage is the most beautiful so far with barely any road walking. Ponte de Lima is not to be missed and our hotel was beautiful and very reasonable at 40 euros. It was very busy for Corpus Christi and the town was very lively.
Day 6 Ponte de Lima to Rubiaes, another nice stage of walking with a good climb of 400 or so meters. Water at the top but limited services along the way, bring some groceries for a picnic at the top. Our hotel, Residecial Ropousode Peregrino was a bit tired and being a short day we could have gone further for something nicer. There is not much to do in the area, the hotel provided a ride to a local restaurant as did others.
Day 7, Rubiaes to Tui, we made the right choice by staying in Tui. The old city is lovely and the Way brings you through the nicest part of Valenca on the Portuguese side.
Day 8, Tui to A Guarda. We returned to the coast today to pick up the coastal route. We walked back to the Valenca train station, hopped on a train and arrived in Caminha 30 minutes later. The train leaves every 1-2 hours and you buy your ticket on board for 6 euros pp. We didn't spend much time in Caminha, A Guarda is the nicer town. The regular ferry does not run this year but you go to the bar at the same place and buy a ticket (6 euros pp) for a small boat that takes 7 people every hour or so. It is a single engine open boat but perfectly safe for the 5 minute journey. A Guarda is another beautiful town, get there early to walk around and eat. Highly recommend Hotel Monumental, which is a former convent in the old city
Thanks for the post, I see that you are enjoying your camino. Seems like time is flying for you guys, you already have been there for 8 days walking. Did you stay at the Hotel Monumento Convento de San Benito in A Guarda? this is where we reserved, we are following your itinerary. Buen Camino!Yes, Hotel Monumental is awesome
Yes, that is where we are tonight. You will love it.Thanks for the post, I see that you are enjoying your camino. Seems like time is flying for you guys, you already have been there for 8 days walking. Did you stay at the Hotel Monumento Convento de San Benito in A Guarda? this is where we reserved, we are following your itinerary. Buen Camino!
Did you stay at the Parador in Tui? We have stayed in Paradors in past caminos, and loved them. No vacancy for us this time. I was planning to stay at Valenca, now that I see your post, it makes more sense to stay in Tui. Thanks for sharing your experiences.Thanks for the post, I see that you are enjoying your camino. Seems like time is flying for you guys, you already have been there for 8 days walking. Did you stay at the Hotel Monumento Convento de San Benito in A Guarda? this is where we reserved, we are following your itinerary. Buen Camino!
No, we stayed at Ideas Peregrinos Albergue. Nice place except for disco nearby til 3pm and no air con. We really liked their seating area outside where we had wine, olives, bread and sardines bought at local supermarket for less than 8 euros. Tui is nice though.Did you stay at the Parador in Tui? We have stayed in Paradors in past caminos, and loved them. No vacancy for us this time. I was planning to stay at Valenca, now that I see your post, it makes more sense to stay in Tui. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
I purchased ours from Ivar in advance but I read on this forum, there's plenty vendors once you get on the path: https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...-w-o-a-scallop-shell-oops.75306/#post-1037953
Are you guys ok? Have not seen you in a couple of days, hope you are having a lot of fun and not able to post. Buen CaminoSo we are in Vigo leaving tomorrow for Redondela. We are in the old town near the port. Gronze shows a route inland up Rua Urzaiz while the other (Camino Ninja) shows a route which stays closer to the coast. I think they merge about 5km outside of Vigo near Parada . Anyone have an idea which would be better?
Yes, all good but rumour has it that a fellow pilgrim has tested positive for Covid. Seems to be a mild case, so hopefully all good.Are you guys ok? Have not seen you in a couple of days, hope you are having a lot of fun and not able to post. Buen Camino
WOW you are almost there! So exciting for you, enjoyed reading the report. Hope you guys are doing well and no interaction with the COVID. Looking forward to more from your journey!!!Yes, all good but rumour has it that a fellow pilgrim has tested positive for Covid. Seems to be a mild case, so hopefully all good.
Day 11 Vigo to Pontevedra. A lot of pilgrims start in Vigo for the last 100km, so lots of activity. We look the litoral route out of Vigo. Not particularly interesting but not terrible either. We spent two nights in Pontevedra at the Casa Maruja which we likened to a prison with no windows. Pontevedra is a nice town with lots of bars, restaurants and interesting old town.
Day 12 - Pontevedra to Armenteira. 21km. 1st day of the espiritual route and was a very nice walk with a steep climb of 700m. Could be difficult in the heat. Limited facilities along the way. Stayed at the Pousada Armenteira, which was lovely. Nice Monestery - attended vespers which was interesting.
Day 13 - Armenteira to Vila de Arousa. 25km, 1st part gorgeous along the river, second part some road walking. Road into VdA goes down to beach and then into town. You could cut off a few km's by going diagonally into town. Surprisingly quiet for a big town. We had prebooked our boat at www.bahiasub.com. Went into the office today to confirm and all is in order. You can check departure times on their website for your particular days to plan accordingly. Ours leaves at 7am arriving at 8:20 for the 29km walk into SdC. There is apparently a Monestery just before Padron where some people are staying. Last day tomorrow. Hope our feet hold out. Hotel Bradonin is nice. Let me know if any questions.
So we are in Vigo leaving tomorrow for Redondela. We are in the old town near the port. Gronze shows a route inland up Rua Urzaiz while the other (Camino Ninja) shows a route which stays closer to the coast. I think they merge about 5km outside of Vigo near Parada . Anyone have an idea which would be better?
Congratulations! Thanks for sharing your camino.Day 14 - We arrived in SdC after 29 km of walking. Fortunately it was not too hot, although we saw a girl who looked exhausted or dehydrated a few km from the end. We took our time making several stops including dinner around 2pm. The last 10km are uphill but the appearance of the cathedral carries you through. We plunked down in the square in front of the cathedral exhausted and elated with all the other pilgrims wondering at what we had just done. Never in my life did I imagine walking 20 km per day for 2 weeks, through rain and sun, beside highways and through forests with the company of like minded travellers. It will take time to process. We attended the pilgrims mass and witnessed the botafumeiro. Go to the cathedral a few hours early to see if pews are reserved - this is a good indicator that the bf will swing. Walk in 45-60 minutes early to get a good seat in the side pews and wait. Also recommend the pilgrims museum and one of the free (by donation) walking tours to get additional perspective. Let me know if you have any questions. Bueno Camino.
Try the tourist office. They sell them in Ponte de Lima.I have never have seen Caminho shells in Portugal others than on fishmarkets
The caminho Português among most of the Portuguese is not very popular for some reasons.
The first shells I saw for sale was nearby the albergue of Moss on the way to o Porriño from Tui. Maybe in Tui in the tourist info or some shops
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