Stage After Casa da Fernanda

[koilife]

I'll have a moderate day from Barcelos to Casa da Fernanda (20 km). But, the day after Fernanda seems rather awkward.

I have either a very short day to Ponte de Lima (14 km) or a very long day to Rubiaes (32 km). If I stop at Ponte de Lima, my next day would be somewhere around Fontoura or Pacos (25-27 km). If I push to Rubiaes, then I have a moderate day to Tui (19 km).

Any thoughts/preferences for Ponte de Lima v Rubiaes from folks who have been through them?

 

[andycohn]

The steepest and most rugged climb on the Camino Portuguese is between Ponte de Lima and Rubiaes, so you're probably best off breaking up Casa de Fernanda to Rubiaes into two stages, with a stop at Ponte de Lima. Plus it would be nice to have a few extra hours to spend in Ponte de Lima, after a short day, because it's a lovely place.

 

[auburnfive]

I second the recommendation for Ponte de Lima, it’s lovely along the river.

 

[koilife]

The steepest and most rugged climb on the Camino Portuguese is between Ponte de Lima and Rubiaes, so you're probably best off breaking up Casa de Fernanda to Rubiaes into two stages, with a stop at Ponte de Lima.

While it might be enough to get my attention, I wasn't particularly concerned about the 300m climb there by comparison to, say, the Route Napoleon or the climb to O'Cebreiro or going over the Salvador or Primitivo.

Unless there is a compelling reason to stop, I'd go past Rubiaes if having stayed in Ponte de Lima. In fairness for the non-mind-readers, "compelling" for me is nature, ancient architecture, notable history, gastronomy, art, or music. My tendency is to go shorter stages to have more time to explore these than on caminos past, or to go longer to make a place I might otherwise miss.

 

[koilife]

I second the recommendation for Ponte de Lima, it’s lovely along the river.

Like Najera or Estella or SJPdP?

 

[trecile]

I walked from Casa da Fernanda to Rubiaes, and it was a bit of a slog, particularly with the hill at the end on a hot day.
There is an alternative though. There is an albergue called O Conforto 9 km after Ponte de Lima and 8 km before Rubiaes. We stopped there briefly, and it's nice and new. It will save you from walking the hill at the end of the day. Their website says that they serve breakfast, but you may have to stop in Ponte de Lima and buy something for dinner. They have a microwave available.

Peregrinos | Distrito de Viana do Castelo | O Conforto Albergue

O conforto albergue peregrinos alojamento labruja santiago

oconforto.wixsite.com

 

[LesBrass]

Pointe de Lima is lovely and I really regret not having more time to explore. Rubiaes is very small so of the two I would def. say Ponte de Lima.

You could always visit the Vinho Verde winery there

 

[Kiwi-family]

You’ll find some Roman statues and a lovely tree-lined boulevard in Ponte de Lima, as well, of course, as the bridge. Pleasant to wander around and we had a fabulous meal there too.

 

[koilife]

You’ll find some Roman statues and a lovely tree-lined boulevard in Ponte de Lima, as well, of course, as the bridge. Pleasant to wander around and we had a fabulous meal there too.

You could always visit the Vinho Verde winery there

You two do know the way to this man's heart . . . ❤

 

[koilife]

I walked from Casa da Fernanda to Rubiaes, and it was a bit of a slog, particularly with the hill at the end on a hot day.
There is an alternative though. There is an albergue called O Conforto 9 km after Ponte de Lima and 8 km before Rubiaes. We stopped there briefly, and it's nice and new. It will save you from walking the hill at the end of the day. Their website says that they serve breakfast, but you may have to stop in Ponte de Lima and buy something for dinner. They have a microwave available.

Peregrinos | Distrito de Viana do Castelo | O Conforto Albergue

O conforto albergue peregrinos alojamento labruja santiago

oconforto.wixsite.com

Thank you! If I choose not to stay in Ponte de Lima, this is a perfect distance. Also, I found a grocery store about 1km away from it, and a restaurant-bar about 1.3km away.

Where did you find this, BTW? I don't see in on the vialusitana site, Wise Pilgrim, or Village to Village.

 

[trecile]

Thank you! If I choose not to stay in Ponte de Lima, this is a perfect distance. Also, I found a grocery store about 1km away from it, and a restaurant-bar about 1.3km away.

I found it listed on Wise Pilgrim. It's not on Gronze.

Albergue O Conforto | Wise Pilgrim Camino Guides & Apps

Private accommodation in Labruja.

www.wisepilgrim.com

 

[lt56ny]

I'll have a moderate day from Barcelos to Casa da Fernanda (20 km). But, the day after Fernanda seems rather awkward.

I have either a very short day to Ponte de Lima (14 km) or a very long day to Rubiaes (32 km). If I stop at Ponte de Lima, my next day would be somewhere around Fontoura or Pacos (25-27 km). If I push to Rubiaes, then I have a moderate day to Tui (19 km).

Any thoughts/preferences for Ponte de Lima v Rubiaes from folks who have been through them?

I love Ponte de Lima. It is a really lovely town and has a great vibe. It is tourist destination but doesn't feel touristy. The park along the river is really peaceful. If you have the time a short day that gives you plenty of time in Ponte de Lima is a great option.

 

[Elle Bieling]

Where did you find this, BTW? I don't see in on the vialusitana site, Wise Pilgrim, or Village to Village.

I also noted this albergue on my blog! I thought with the valley views, that this would be an amazing place to stay!

 

[trecile]

Where did you find this, BTW? I don't see in on the vialusitana site, Wise Pilgrim, or Village to Village.

I only knew about it because I had walked by it. Did some sleuthing to find its name/website.

 

[Otmoor22]

I'll have a moderate day from Barcelos to Casa da Fernanda (20 km). But, the day after Fernanda seems rather awkward.

I have either a very short day to Ponte de Lima (14 km) or a very long day to Rubiaes (32 km). If I stop at Ponte de Lima, my next day would be somewhere around Fontoura or Pacos (25-27 km). If I push to Rubiaes, then I have a moderate day to Tui (19 km).

Any thoughts/preferences for Ponte de Lima v Rubiaes from folks who have been through them?

In 2018 I stayed at Casa da Fernanda and carried on to O Conforto, then just opened. There were only four other pilgrims staying and I had a room to myself. Dinner was ordered from a menu and brought in by the lady whose family owned the albergue. Simple breakfast left out overnight. Quite a hard day, as it was hot, but next morning I was through Rubiases as pilgrims were leaving their albergues. Next stop was Valenca, possibly over-ambious for a 75 year old man!

 

[David Tallan]

I'll have a moderate day from Barcelos to Casa da Fernanda (20 km). But, the day after Fernanda seems rather awkward.

I have either a very short day to Ponte de Lima (14 km) or a very long day to Rubiaes (32 km). If I stop at Ponte de Lima, my next day would be somewhere around Fontoura or Pacos (25-27 km). If I push to Rubiaes, then I have a moderate day to Tui (19 km).

Any thoughts/preferences for Ponte de Lima v Rubiaes from folks who have been through them?

I walked from Casa da Fernanda to Ponte de Lima and then to Rubiaes and on to Tui and was happy with my choice. If I had extra time to spend, I definitely think Ponte de Lima has more to offer than Rubiaes. One thing to note, however, is that the albergue in Ponte de Lima opens a bit later in the afternoon than most albergues. We got to Ponte de Lima early and stashed our backpacks in a bar close by the albergue (with permission from the bar staff, of course). Then we went to explore the town for a while before returning and adding our backpacks to the line at the albergue entrance.

 

[koilife]

I also noted this albergue on my bog! I thought with the valley views, that this would be an amazing place to stay!

I found it on your blog, which is a nice guide. Thank you.

 

[koilife]

Next stop was Valenca, possibly over-ambious for a 75 year old man!

My Dad, on his 75th birthday, said, "Lots of people who turn 75 are dying. I'm just getting warmed up!"

 

[jimmyc]

1 stayed in Ponte de Lima which is a lovely city which you would not want to miss. An occasional short day is good if you have the time.

 

[DoughnutANZ]

I also noted this albergue on my bog! I thought with the valley views, that this would be an amazing place to stay!

l
Loo with a view: The world's toilets with the best vistas https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...vistas.html?ito=native_share_article-masthead

In NZ, bog is vernacular for toilet. I realise that this was probably a slip of the finger but it made me chuckle and so I shared the thought.

 

[Elle Bieling]

l
Loo with a view: The world's toilets with the best vistas https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...vistas.html?ito=native_share_article-masthead

In NZ, bog is vernacular for toilet. I realise that this was probably a slip of the finger but it made me chuckle and so I shared the thought.

Ha ha. Silly typo! I just changed my post to say "blog."

 

[Caligal]

My vote also goes to Ponte de lima, lovely town. Great breakfast to send us up the hill. This is Joan, who was always ahead of me, notice the yellow arrow like there was a choice! Lol!

 

[koilife]

My vote also goes to Ponte de lima, lovely town. Great breakfast to send us up the hill. This is Joan, who was always ahead of me, notice the yellow arrow like there was a choice! Lol!

What a delightful looking hill! Long and steep enough to get your attention, but not so much as to kill you. Likely more than a bit treacherous in a good rain, however.

My son and I will end our training regime in the Rocky Mountain foothills. Lots of hills just like that, except with a mile less of atmosphere to breath and almost certainly no rain.

 

[Lisa HS]

Kind of depends on how hung-over you are after your night with the inimitable Fernanda.